Remembering Casa Ambrosio: A Tasty Snapshot of La Laguna’s Past
Casa Ambrosio, once a cherished eatery on La Cordera street, embodies the spirit of La Laguna from the 1960s and early 1970s. Despite changing times and new establishments, memories of this beloved spot linger on.
The restaurant welcomed workers, locals, and friends, offering simple, home-cooked Canarian dishes. Among its most famous offerings were stuffed potatoes and meat with potatoes, beloved by regulars who enjoyed good food and conversation.
Over the years, Casa Ambrosio became a hub for truck drivers, who turned the eatery into a casual meeting place. Here, they would catch up, discuss their journeys, and share meals, all while feeling a sense of community.
Just across from the restaurant was the Ron Cocal distillery, known for its distinctive French-tiled hall. It was here that the famed honey rum originated, thanks to Antonio Guerra, a regular at Ambrosio who appreciated its hearty meals.
The close-knit atmosphere included sites like the San José alley and the prominent tower of La Concepción, creating a sense of familiarity and belonging.
A poignant memory from April 4, 1972, solidified Casa Ambrosio’s place in one journalist’s heart. After returning a borrowed battery to a truck driver, he entered the restaurant and encountered his friend Juan José García, known as “Calzones”, who was celebrating the birth of his daughter, Catia. They raised a glass to her arrival, an event that years later would connect to the rising star of local artist Ibrahim Hernández García, Catia’s son.
Now, decades later, as the journalist reflects on that day, the memories resurface: the bar, the friend, and the shared glass of wine. While much has changed in the area, including the eventual closure of Casa Ambrosio and the demolition of the distillery, remnants of its legacy remain.
Tradition continued in new forms, with a fan favourite eatery reopening in the nearby San José alley, maintaining the essence of Ambrosio’s food and spirit. Many still remember the hearty dishes that defined the old dining experience.
This tale serves as a testament to the connections formed in places like Casa Ambrosio. It wasn’t just about the food served within its walls but the lives intertwined through shared moments and conversations. The past lives on, bringing a sense of nostalgia and joy each time it is remembered, showing that while restaurants may close, the memories endure.
And so, when recalling that April day, the old Laguna seems to momentarily open its doors, revealing the warmth of friends and the joy of celebrating life’s milestones.
