Saturday, July 9th, 7:30 PM

You are invited to our 10th annual Cuban Party where we will try, once again, to instill the best qualities of Cuban culture - food, music, drinks & dance - into an event. It's also a wonderful excuse for a party and a handy thematic.

Dress: Here's the scene: Fidel Castros mixing with Carmen Mirandas, 1950's Havana casino types in white dinner jackets, beach and pier bums, plantation owners, Poppa Hemingways, island girls, sports fishermen and one Elian (assuming my friend Andy P. does that whole “little boy” shorts & T-shirt thing again.) Me? I'll be resplendent in a new white dinner jacket (the old one got so pitted-out from the previous years' parties that I had to finally part with it - look for it on eBay - "lightly used...white dinner jacket...No Reserve.."). So, I'll have that whole Fredo Corleone/Cesar Romero thing going on. As for Laura, eye balls will be clicking at the sight of her Carmen Miranda inspired hat that is so jammed with fruit and feather and theme that the weight of it would break the neck of a Vegas show girl, but Laura somehow pulls it off. That, plus a smart outfit that screams color and fun. (God knows what the shoes will be like).

Food: Featuring Columbia salad, Cubanitas, black beans along with the usual.

Drinks: Mojitos by the gallon, Red Stripe by the barrel and Sangria by the pitcher.

Music: Usually, by the time the invitation for the party goes out, the manhunt for our bandleader, The Spice Man , is in full pursuit. Not so this year as I have already tracked him down and now it's just a matter of terms and song selection. Nonetheless, for ten years The Spice Man has provided the percussion tapestry of the evening and we welcome him back with open arms with just one request - fewer breaks ! His songs may sound familiar - but they're not because it's all original music. And if you heard something you like and want him to repeat it - forget it- because he's forgotten it already. As you can imagine, dancing is a part of this scene and when you throw-in real Cuban girls (we had a small shipment brought in) and Jim Golden (principal dancer last season in our local Bolshoi) it's a rum-soaked mosh pit !

Cigars: Cigar smoking is not only a part of this evening, it's actually a competitive sport here. Held in the outdoor dining area, this smoking crew seems to find itself every year, easily exchanging matches and bon homie.

The Alternative Hour: At some point in the evening we’ll all be sick of the Cuban music (Cuban music, just like Irish music - a little bit goes a long way) and then we'll shift into the South Beach mode with ultra-lounge house music and "Club Kid" attitude. As “The Alternative” deeply sets-in the band usually finds itself in the pool along with others - some with swim suits, some without, and some borrowing my personal swim suits for a dip (you can find these possessions the following week on eBay - No Reserve.)

RSVP: We need to know by July 7th if you're coming. Use the e-mail link here or call 407-679-9755.

We look forward to seeing you on the 9th !

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