Rest in Peace, Jose Baserva- Without You Eating Cuban Food Will Never Be The Same

June 19, 2015 | Sande Caplin | SRQ Scoop

I will never forget the big smile on his face and the big welcome that you received when you walked into his restaurant, “Welcome to Jose’s”. We lost Jose early this morning. He passed peacefully with his wife Darlene at his bedside.

Jose was not only a dear friend but also a business associate…part of our team. Jose’s Real Cuban Food was unique to say the least. The restaurant had no real atmosphere, no ambience; sometimes the A/C didn’t work but always a wait to get in. Why? The Cuban food was absolutely awesome. And, when you walked out of “Jose’s” you always had a story to tell. Something was always happening at his restaurant.

Jose always had a nice business but got a huge break on June 6, 2011 when his restaurant was featured on the TV show Diner’s, Drive In’s and Dives. After the show aired, the restaurant was busy all the time.

I loved to hang out at Jose’s. I would talk baseball with his Cuban born dad and always had something to laugh about with Jose. My most fond memory was on a Saturday night a couple of years ago. It was just about closing time. I pulled up to the restaurant and walked in. Jose said “sorry Sande we are closing.” I said, “too bad because I have a beautiful lady and my pal with me.” His answer….”bring them in!” Kara Nally and Mark Kracker walked in with me and we spent time with Jose having some laughs.

We’re going to miss Jose; not only his great Cuban food but the absolutely awesome and funny times we had hanging out with him at the restaurant. Our prayers go out to his wife Darlene, his mom and dad, brother and sister and the rest of the family.