pursuit of the perfect picadillo

I dunno if should keep trusting my memory.  Lately it's been running me around in circles, because no matter how hard I try, recollection tells me that Picadillo was better when I was a kid.

(above: boat-made Picadillo, version 22 Feb 09)

The best picadillo I remember was in Ybor City at Cafe Mercedes in Tampa ... but that was so long ago, I can't even find a hint of Cafe Mercedes anywhere on google.

The serving line at the Mercedes included fresh Cuban bread and a delicious ropa vieja, too.

I keep trying and failing, without ever coming close to the flavor of Cafe Mercedes picadillo.

Try your own ropa vieja: recipe here.