My Favorite Florida: Amaris Castillo loves the Latin flavor of her childhood

As a teen, Amaris Castillo moved from New York to Clearwater with her parents, who sought tranquility outside the city. The family opened Orlando Latin Market in St. Petersburg, the setting for Castillo's new nonfiction book. 'Bodega Stories' offers a glimpse into a local hub 'bridging generations, languages, and traditions' and into the lives of employees and customers navigating 'matters of immigration, love, history, food and identity.' The official launch for 'Bodega Stories' takes place at Tombolo Books in St. Petersburg on Sept. 8, with events at Tampa's Itimpi Bookstore (Sept. 13) and Oxford Exchange (Oct. 10) to follow. Castillo, a research and writing assistant for the NPR public editor and a staff writer covering the media for the Poynter Institute for Media Studies (which owns the Tampa Bay Times), shared three favorite slices of Florida culture. Her answers have been edited for length and clarity. Los señores, just chillin': Years back, my father had tables and chairs outside Orlando Latin Market where a group of seniors — mostly all Cuban — would hang out. They'd arrive early, pay for their cafecito with an occasional pan tostada, then sit at the table and talk. And talk. And talk. I would catch snippets of a political debate or a laugh fest. These men had each other. I found that beautiful. The tables are gone now, replaced by tall potted plants. A few of these men have passed on, others moved away. But I'm reminded of them whenever I see clusters of folks seated outside a business. My respect to those who take it upon themselves to build community, even if it's just over a cortadito. A flea market bookstore: I love Oldsmar Flea Market. On recent visits, I watched with alarm as part of it hollowed out to be prepared for redevelopment. Thankfully, though, the market is staying open. My favorite vendor: Sam's Books. It has aisles and aisles of used, or 'pre-loved' books — a term I find endearing. You'll find literary fiction, thrillers, picture books, middle grade books and every genre. You'll find books older than you — a portal to the past. The owner even maintains a small play area with puzzles and toys for your kids while you browse, but what I most enjoy is visiting Sam's Books by myself, wandering through its maze-like floor plan, searching for my next great read. Tampa's Latin treats: I am lucky to live in Tampa where there are plenty of Latino businesses like my parents' St. Pete bodega. If I'm craving mofongo — a dish of green plantains mashed together with garlic and crispy pork skin — I can go to El Loco Supermarket on Hanley Road. A trip to my kids' barber is incomplete without a detour to Santa Ana's Colombian Bakery & Sandwich Shop for some almojábanas — delicious, small, cheesy breads I love with coffee. Don't get me started on tacos. One of my favorites is Chucherías Hernandez, a food truck business owned by a Mexican family at Oldsmar Flea Market. They have one truck dedicated to savory tacos and meals, and a smaller cart for churros and sweet drinks. I'm salivating now just thinking about all this. Want to recommend someone for My Favorite Florida? Email Christopher Spata at cspata@tampabay.com.