Feliz Navidad Chicago!
Week one of the family dream. In case you didn't hear, I launched www.OldHavanaFoods.com and me and the Mrs. have been shipping out authentic, Cuban-style gourmet specialties to people across Chicago. It's been gratifying to see and hear people's reactions. Thanks for all your kind notes and words of encouragement.
As I work to streamline my supply chain, I'm also giving thought to how we'll celebrate Christmas at the Crews household. Given everything that's been going on, I think it's appropriate that we enjoy an Old Havana holiday season.
Traditionally, Cuban families serve seasoned pork loin and "frijoles negros" (black beans) for the feast of the "Noche Buena." Noche Buena (Good Night) is Christmas Eve. Being the night owls that we are, many Cubans stay up until midnight Christmas Eve ... to officially usher in Christmas Day. Growing up as a kid in Miami, Florida, we'd open presents the instant the clock struck 12. We'd stay up until 2 or 3 in the morning before going to bed.
Because I'm an early riser (with my WGN Morning News shift begining at 3:30 every morning) .... don't know if I can stay up that late. But given the significance of what's happened this year - with the launch of Old Havana foods - I feel compelled to have a Cuban-style "Noche Buena." Feliz Navidad!