The Tampa Bay Lightning are gearing up for yet another Stanley Cup Final! We have no doubt our boys are going for the three-peat, and Mayor Jane Castor has arranged a little bet with Mayor Michael B. Hancock of Denver to prove it.
Mayor Castor on Wednesday crisscrossed Ybor City to some of our most iconic Tampa items as part of our wager! When the Mile High City loses to the Big Guava, at least Mayor Hancock can enjoy some Tampa treats.
Her first stop? The Columbia Restaurant to see owner – and University of Denver alum -- Richard Gonzmart.
“I am prepared to personally fly to Denver to prepare a hand-cooked meal of paella, flan and our famous 1905 salad for four people of Mayor Hancock’s choosing,” Gonzmart told Mayor Castor. “However, I don’t think I’m going to need to make that flight! I have total faith in our Bolts!”
Ybor City was originally known as the cigar capital of the world, so Mayor Castor made a second stop at JC Newman Cigars, where owner Eric Newman told her he’s also happy to take part in this wager with Denver.
“Tampa is an all-American City, so we’ve got all-American cigars,” Newman said. ‘The American’ is the ONLY all-American cigar in the world—rolled right here in our factory. Everything from tobacco to the box is made in the USA. We are prepared to offer some of our cigars up as terms of the bet!”
Mayor Castor’s last stop was one of her favorite places to get freshly baked Cuban bread and pastries – La Segunda Bakery in Ybor City.
“If you’re looking for something sweet that’s a Tampa classic, you’ve got to go with our guava pastries,” said Tony More, who is the third-generation owner of La Segunda Bakery.
Mayor Hancock is offering up Colorado Steaks, a case of Denver’s local craft beer – and the provision that the losing team’s mayor must wear the winning team’s jersey at the conclusion of the series.
“Alright Mayor Hancock, the bet is ON and our Tampa Bay Lightning are playing to WIN!” Mayor Castor said. “Lord Stanley wants to keep his tan and stay right here in Champa Bay! GO BOLTS!”
Original source can be found here.
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