Hugh Duffy, 89, Set to Dominate Restaurant Scene on Caribbean Island of Vieques

VIEQUES, Puerto Rico - With just two frying pans and a toaster in his first restaurant some 40 years ago, Hugh Duffy, who will be 90 next year, is poised to run four restaurants on this Caribbean island.

Earlier this year, we sat down with Duffy for this interview about his work in creating several restaurants over his many years here and his plans to open two more in the weeks ahead.

The chef, restaurateur, designer, merchant mariner, naval officer, fashion photographer and antique dealer was born on November 6, 1921 in New York.

The Tin Box, a bar with light food will in open December and an adjacent restaurant, on the same property, for more dining.

With Duffy's Esperanza and Chez Shack, this will mean that Duffy and his son Michael will run four restaurants on this island.

In the video interview, he talks about his formula for success, making an environment which is welcoming to locals and inviting to tourists who want to be with locals. He cites his many nights in a Havana called "Two Brothers" as his inspiration.

When I spoke with him earlier this week, he said that business at Duffy's is ahead of last year, indicating a strong tourist season ahead.

Duffy told me that the opening of the W Hotel has provided a much needed jolt to the local community. In November, the Associated Press reported on the W and the evolving tourist scene here.

Andy Plesser