Eros' Spell

John Barry: YBOR CITY – Long ago at the Columbia Restaurant, a waiter made his way through the tables, flaming cocktail teetering aboard his tray.

The drink was called "Spanish Flag on Fire." It had been invented by Columbia's flamboyant violinist/owner, Cesar Gonzmart. It was a mix of green Spanish Licor 43, red grenadine and Bacardi 151 rum – green, red and white, like the flag of Basque.

Waiters darkened the room and set the thing ablaze before they served it.

On this fateful night, the waiter tripped over a purse in the dark and dumped his "Spanish Flag on Fire" down a woman's blouse. She ripped off her top. She wasn't wearing anything under it.

Cesar, grasping violin and bow, rushed to her aid. He kissed her hand.

"You should not be embarrassed," he said. "You have beautiful bosoms."