[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 32 (Thursday, March 13, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E461]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   TRIBUTE TO MR. JOSE ``JOE'' TORRES

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. JOSE E. SERRANO

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, March 13, 1997

  Mr. SERRANO. Mr. Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to Mr. Jose ``Joe'' 
Torres, an artist in the culinary field who for many years has 
satisfied the most demanding palates at Jimmy's Bronx Cafe, in the 
Bronx, NY.
  Mr. Torres was recognized for his culinary ability in an article 
written by Josue R. Rivas which was published in El Diario, on December 
18, 1996.
  A chef of Puerto Rican cuisine ``por excelencia,'' Joe was born in 
Guaynabo, PR. He credits his success to his mother, from whom he first 
learned the art of cooking, and later on, to the chefs with whom he 
worked in New York City.
  At Jimmy's, Joe cooks everything and for all occasions. One of his 
most overwhelming and, at the same time, joyous times, is the Christmas 
holiday season. He prepares the best Puerto Rican roast pork, rice with 
black-eyed peas, and ``pasteles,'' plantain dough filled with roast 
pork and vegetables. The food is so delicious that one almost forgets 
to leave room to try his ``coquito,'' his glorious coconut egg nog, for 
dessert.
  Almost a synonym for the restaurant where he works, Joe Torres 
welcomes the clientele at Jimmy's Bronx Cafe with the same warmth with 
which he would receive friends and relatives at home. At age 50, he is 
one of the best chefs of Puerto Rican cooking in New York City.
  Even though I share Joe's name and Puerto Rican origins, I must admit 
I do not share his ability for cooking. Hence, I feel most privileged 
to try his dishes when I visit Jimmy's Bronx Cafe.
   Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Jose 
``Joe'' Torres, for his extraordinary culinary ability and for giving 
to all of us visitors to Jimmy's Bronx Cafe the joy of tasting 
delicious Puerto Rican cuisine.

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