05/06/2026
Yesterday I had the pleasure of meeting Maria Antonia Cay, better known as “Toñita” 🇵🇷✨
At an event where she was receiving a Cultural Impact Award, I got the opportunity to speak with her, and what a sweet and humble lady. I asked her what part of Puerto Rico she was from, and when she said Juncos, I immediately looked at my boyfriend and said, “Look huney, she’s from your hometown… you guys might be family” 😂🇵🇷
If you’re Puerto Rican, you already know our families are huge, so honestly… you never know 😅 She smiled and said, “Maybe.” ❤️
Talking to her felt like having a conversation with your grandma… warm, genuine, and full of love.
As we were talking, I couldn’t help but tell her that I keep hearing about her rice and beans because I love a good home-cooked meal. I said, “If you make it yourself, then I will need to stop by.”
She smiled and said, “Yes! It’s going to be the best rice and beans you’ve ever had in your life. Come by on Sunday.”
So now I guess I’m going to have to troop it to Brooklyn one of these Sundays 😅🇵🇷
Moments like this are so special. You can truly feel the love, culture, and community she has built over the years through Toñita’s Caribbean Social Club in Williamsburg. So happy I got to meet such a Puerto Rican icon! ❤️