by Lisa Bills
Happy New Year everyone!!
I finally have a story!!! My husband and I just got back from South Beach and had the most amazing time. The highlight of the trip was going to Casa Salsa for New Year's Eve. Unfortunately reservations (at $150.00 per person) were sold out, but you could still go and drink at the bar or on the patio. It's located further down Ocean Drive (Ocean and 5th?) so it took me a while to find it. Well, we got there and we had a few drinks at the bar. We moved to the patio at about 9:30, when at about 10:00 p.m. RICKY SHOWS UP with 4-5 guys. I spotted him immediately (even though his hair was very short and he had a beard) and he proceeded to go into the bar area of the restaurant. He began to sing with the "parranda" they had and danced around the dining area. I was in awe so my husband forced me to go inside and check out what was happening. It was so great seeing him in such an intimate setting and having such a good time. He escaped into the kitchen at one point and then all of a sudden came back out and danced around the restaurant. He grabbed utensils from one of the tables and a noisemaker and started to make some serious noise which the crowd (of all ages) loved!!! He was very sweet with regard to signing autographs (I got mine on his business card as he was leaving) and taking photos. Thank God my husband forced me to go inside-----I am not known for my shyness, but I was speechless. Maybe it was because of the 3 martinis I had. LOL
He only stayed until 11:00 but it was definitely the highlight of the trip. I highly recommend the restaurant; if not for the food, for the atmosphere. I usually spend my holidays in PR with my family, but Casa Salsa definitely filled the gap. Drinks are a bit overpriced ($9.00 for a martini-- go for a bottle of wine which we did later) but sooooo worth it. At midnight I felt like I was on the island with my family. The staff there is amazingly nice so you will not be disappointed. Ricky then drove off (he actually drove) in his black Mercedes. The greatest thing about all of this is how "REAL" everything was (from the authenticity of the restaurant to Ricky)--- if you can understand what I mean.
Now comes the begging!!!! My husband didn't feel like packing his camera that night so I don't have pictures of the actual event. An autograph is great, but if anyone has pictures of it please e-mail me at "spainlb@aol.com" and I will give you my first-born if necessary : ) LOL. I'm kicking myself for not thinking about reminding my husband, but hopefully someone has pictures. If not, oh well, I have some great memories, a cool Casa Salsa babydoll T-shirt ,and his autograph.
Now I have to go back to being depressed as I sit here in NJ in 17 degree weather. If anyone lives in Miami could you e-mail me personally because I have a few questions to ask the area. My husband and I want to move there , but we still need to do some research on areas outside of SOBE.
Hope you all had a safe and happy New Year. I would appreciate any help I can get with this one. THANKS!!!