run to cephas
garI was out on my training run at lunchtime Friday when I got stopped on 4th Ave by a guy named Cephas. I have been stopped a few times during my run. Typically someone is lost and looking for the Aquarium or some other local attraction. These holdups break what little rhythm I have going, but my good side takes over and I try to be a good neighbor.
But Friday I was struggling and needed the breather, so I listened to hear what Cephas had to say. He told me that runners like me need an aloe shake. He went on to talk at great lengths about the benefits of aloe.
I explained that I did not have money on me, but he didn’t want any. He said I would be back after I start feeling the positive effects of aloe. He told me everyone comes to Cephas Hot Shop all the time to drink his shakes.
Right after he fixed mine a state prosecutor walked up and ordered one. He said the shakes have really helped him health wise. Not knowing to expect I began to sip the shake and Cephas told me I needed to hold the cup from behind and drink it real quick. I think his words were “slam it.” The taste was not as bad as I expected. Then Cephas gave me two more refills.
He’s right - I’ll be back.
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March 5th, 2007 at 12:18 pm
Cephas’ aloe shake sales pitch is an Ybor City treasure. Is the dining room still closed from the fire? You should see him sprint across the room and climb the wall to demonstrate the power of aloe. And then there’s this benefit: “You’ll wake up and climb out of bed on three legs, if you know what I mean, Mon!”
March 5th, 2007 at 2:44 pm
From a C25K graduate (class of 2003): good for you! Post back and let us know if the aloe shake helped your running.
March 5th, 2007 at 4:29 pm
Cephas is an Ybor institution. Glad to know he is still doing well.
March 7th, 2007 at 10:14 am
Had the same experience a few weeks ago when I first stopped by his place. He really praises the aloe shakes. For me the taste was worse than expected. Wow! It was difficult to get that stuff to stay put. He seems to be doing quite well despite the recent misfortune. Many of his regular shake customers came by while I was there. They all praise the aloe for weight loss, added energy, better digestion, etc.
March 9th, 2007 at 11:05 am
Maybe I should figure out his recipe. I have alow taking over my back yard. I don’t get enough burns to use that much aloe …
April 27th, 2007 at 12:27 pm
im an “yborian” so i will attest to the aloe shakes. i go to cephus every day and “slam a shake” It amazing i wake up every day at 7, my skin and hair are beautiful. . the best part is every day i wake up at 7 ready to take on the world. Cephas has been there since 1982- so he obviously knows what hes doing!!
Yes his shop did burn down thanks to a coffee pot, it was my friends and i that saw it and called, for those interested cephus is doing charity events every saturday to try and raise money to the kitchen up and going again- you think the shakes are great his cooking is even better!
and as yborian and on behalf of the rest of us thanks for supporting local buisnesses! spread the word!
February 27th, 2008 at 3:10 pm
Hello,
I was visiting Tampa for a conference and I was asking around for Good Jamaican food and someone from the church recommended Cephas. I was a little weary about the Aloe shake but I ended up buying a case before returning to California. Cephas is such a knowledgeable man and he was so hospitable to my fiance and I. I loved his food and I love his shakes! It does has positive effects….more energy and I don’t feel as bloated!
thank you Mr. Cephas!