17 Comments

Oh, José, I’m sorry for your loss (and for so many others’ loss). We had the pleasure of eating at Bar Pinotxo just a couple of weeks ago, but Juanito wasn’t there. It did feel like there might be some people stepping up to fill his incredibly large shoes.

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Bravo Blessings to the Family

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Mine is Bridget of Bridget’s Basket in tiny Hunt, Tx. She has a farm to table restaurant, a garden (pick your own produce), a vineyard and a coffee shop. She also is the first to step up when the community needs something. She is s winner!

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I really liked your crispy creamy pastry and Brazilian coffee when I saw it in an old newspaper in Turkey.

Rest in peace.

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I’m so sorry to hear about your friend, Juanito. My husband Joe (who’s Spanish side of the family calls José) and I were fortunate enough to meet Juanito a couple of years ago when we visited Spain from Chicago where we live. He definitely made us feel like locals :) Our neighborhood Juanito is a man named Benjamín, who was born in Durango, Mexico and now lives and works in Chicago. He’s the head waiter at the Mexican restaurant a few houses from where we live, a position he has held for many of the 40+ years he has been with the restaurant. We look forward to seeing him most Saturdays. He is the kindest person who genuinely cares for us and everyone he meets, and we love him dearly. He always, always puts smiles on our faces (and often a shot of tequila in our bellies:))

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I’m deeply sorry for your loss. My wife and I stopped by Bar Pinotxo on April 15 during a food tour with Chef John Stephano. I had seen your message about your friend Juanito the night before and hoped to experience bit of the cuisine. We were shocked and thrilled to find you there and appreciate you allowing us to get a “selfie” with you, even though you must have been very sad. We apologize for any awkwardness. Once again, thank you for all that you do with WCK. We are happy to be donors in support of their important work.

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Michael and I are sorry for your loss. We recall going to Bar Pinotxo's in 2012. What a beloved treasure. Indeed the heavens have welcomed an angel. God bless Juanito.

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He was a special person on many levels, culinary and athletic especially. RIP Juanito.

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José sorry for your loss. I was in Barcelona in 2005. My daughter Aileen then 5 years has eaten pulpo together with her dad at pinotxos. She was still young but had to taste everything food wise. She liked it a lot. And Juan was so proud that a little child liked his food. I remember him as a very friendly and helpful man. We had a good chat together! Lucas Bastiaens Amberes Belgium 🇧🇪

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My good freind Edward Ramos was from galicia and he was born here but had to go to live in spain at 10 years old because his mother died! He was larger than life, he said every year after 80 was a gift he just passed at 92. He had restuarant called Carmen’s in Staten Island NewYork. He was a friend to all proud veteran of USA and he loved 🇪🇸 Spain. He also was an alter boy for Franco’s wedding in Meiras Galicia where he was from. Justto tell you a little about my good freind Eddie Ramos he was my Jaunito.

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My special "Juanito" is a professional and pretty lady whose work place is always full of a good atmosphere and her name is Fatia. Not only is she welcoming and friendly, but she's also the efficient and hardworking woman who runs successfully her own business. Having her breakfast (delicious toasts of cereal bread with oil and tomatoe + sweet pastry) means you will be provided with the special energy you need to start your day, while being illuminated by her beautiful smile as the perfect complement 💯👍 She's that kind of person you're looking forward to meeting every day ❤ Cafe de Fati, located in Murcia (Spain).

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I wish we had people like Juanito in my city. I live in California and people are mostly indifferent here. But it is what it is. During my travels in Spain I felt the closeness of the people and even though they were strangers I felt welcomed. I won’t bash my country but I will just say that “no son así”. Marcos Cadíz

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Bar Pinotxo is legendary, as was Juanito. He was not, however, the author of the excellent book "Bar Pinotxo: God is in the Garbanzos." That was Robin Willis, whose 20+ years of living in and falling in love with Catalunya inspired the three-year labor of love required to complete the book.

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What a legend! I have many fond memories from there years ago. I'm so sorry for your loss, Chef. His spirit will certainly live on.

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Thanks for remembering Juanito, we had the oportunity to met him, and eat there, it was unforgettable. Thank you very much for doing all things yo do.

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Oh my gosh, I was fortunate enough to eat there once, was my first experience with Spanish food. I remember having three of those coffees, they were so good, and the place was such a good time

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