The fusion food consists of jumbo crab simmered for over ten hours in spicy tomato sauce and served over pasta or rice. According to Faedo, the origins of the dish are culturally and historically influenced.
“When they started making it, there was a meat shortage,” said Faedo. “So, they had to go to our waters and bays because crab was so plentiful. Italians began adding crab to pasta sauce instead of meat.”
The Crab Enchilado tradition has been perpetuated by younger generations of Tampa residents who wanted to maintain the customs with which they were raised.
“It was wonderful being able to grow up to see my grandmother cook it, and see how many people she made happy and what a party it was,” Faedo said. “It was all about having fun catching crab and taking time to appreciate what you have.”
Ideally located directly on the waters of the Tampa Cruis-A-Cade Club, the Crab Enchilado Feast will be accompanied by fresh Cuban bread and salad. The event will also feature a soundtrack of live music provided by Judy Tampa & Bunko Squad, Linda Pottberg and Crabgrass Cowboys.
Because the feast is a family-friendly event, Faedo will accommodate children who are not sea food fans by providing chicken tender and chicken wings, courtesy of her Faedo’s On-The-Go food truck. Attendees will also be able to purchase deviled crab, sauces and take-home plates from the food truck.
A portion of the proceeds of the event will benefit the Trinity Café, which serves 200 three-course, restaurant-quality meals to the hungry and homeless each day.
Faedo has won the “Best Cuban Sandwich in Florida” award for two consecutive years, and will compete at the National World Food Championship at Caesar’s Palace in Las Vegas this November.
“I’m very proud of my city,” Faedo said. “It’s all I know, and I think it’s the best city in the world.”
