San Diegos stunningly beautiful Victorian Hotel del Coronado numbers among American historic landmarks. Presidents and royalty have stayed at the Del: and, during the summer and Christmas holidays, families book rooms and meal reservations for years in advance. Eduardo Ramirez, Senior worked at the Hotel del Coronado for more than sixty years, grudgingly retiring from his position as a chef only after his third heart attack made more work physically impossible. Eduardo, Senior worked every Christmas for more than sixty years, preparing sumptuous holiday feats for hundreds of American families while la senora Ramirez made exquisite holiday foods for the family at home.
This year, the tradition persists, but it has evolved. This year, Eduardito, Little Eddie, a full-time student at Harvard, will fly home to take his fathers place in Hotel del Coronados sprawling kitchens. This year, the Ramirez family will dine with the Dels guests, sharing holiday cheer and tidings of great joy. Next year, Little Eddie will attend medical school.
All those years, Eddie says, I resented my father being away from home on Christmas Day. The other kids had their fathers home, and mine had to work. The way I saw it, my father was killing himself to wait on all the rich people. Now, though, I see what has happened because of all mi padres hard work. I feel humbled and very grateful.