Mi Tierra and the Firemen

February 22nd, 2008

Authentic Columbian and Cuban Cuisine seemed the appropriate choice from Mi Terra, which is in a building reminding us of a Jersey style 50’s diner – come on you people, you know what we’re talking about - that is - if you’ve ever been through Jersey. The exterior is deceiving, blending in with the surrounding mechanic shops, but the interior is clean, and welcoming with a comfortable family restaurant feel. We especially loved the little terra cotta roof barrel tiles above the Spanish tile counter. Luis, who has owned Mi Terra for the past 7 years, and the manager Patrice were delightful! However, the heat was getting to us and we were on a Diva Mission ….we decided on take-out for 20 and headed for the nearest fire house. With trays of hot food in tow and donning firemen hats (Divas do love props!) we were ready for our diva dining adventure. Hot men, hot divas, and hot food – whew (can you feel the heat?!!)…led by a full man, oops – did we say that!?……..What we meant was a full moon we arrived at our destination !!!!

At the Firehouse we were enthusiastically greeted by hungry firemen who were more than happy to help carry the food into the mess hall. Ahhhh….. Firemen, uniforms, equipment, a mess hall…a Diva mind does drift…These hard workers were happy to get a free meal, as they usually cook for themselves. Andy, it was agreed, was the best cook among them and they look forward to his turn in the kitchen. (He needs to share his enchilada recipe with us as the others said they are ‘amazing!”) The spread was laid out and we all dug in. We had the Biscet de Lechon (pork steak with onions), Sobrebarriga a la Criolla (flank steak creole style with potatoes and cassava), and the Pollo—-oh, how embarrassing the Spanish version of this one slipped passed us!——(yummy breaded chicken). The black beans on top of the plain white rice was absolutely delicious, as a side to these great main dishes, and the sweet green fried plantains received raves from everyone.

Although there was no alcohol allowed in the firehouse, it wasn’t missed (I know….we were surprised too). The camaraderie and storytelling made up for it. We found it amazing to witness their immediate response without hesitation, in the middle of dinner, to the numerous emergency calls that evening…like the stabbing on Bikini Rd. (seriously we didn’t make that up). However, a real highlight of the evening was
allowing us to play dress up.
Wow! Is that equipment heavy! These guys work hard and carry the load so easily. There were a couple of other surprises too, but Divas don’t dine and tell - everything…..at least not here…..you will have to wait until the Diva Diaries…..Divas after Dark.

We all agreed the food and the company was deliciously divine and very HOT!

For information on these fabulous Firemen and the Sarasota Fire Department go to:

http://www.co.sarasota.fl.us/EmergencyServices/FireDepartment/fireoperations.asp

Mi Tierra Restaurant 1068 N. Washington Blvd. Sarasota, Florida 34236 941-330-0196
Just next door to Zippy Lube – where a diva can get a Transmission flush for only $ 79.99