This story originally appeared on the Gents Cafe Newsletter. You can subscribe here.
Meet Steven Cesare (@stevencesare), a retired Navy sailor currently living in El Puerto de Santa María, a town in Andalucia along the Bay of Cádiz.
What are your main passions and how do you cultivate them?
I’m passionate about photography and food, and I pursue both as often as I can, aiming to bring a smile to the faces of my loved ones and friends. With a three-year-old son, I don’t travel as much as I used to, so most of my shots these days feature him and our Spanish Water Dog, Rigatoni.
How did you first develop an appreciation for style?
During my adolescence, I quickly realized that having style attracted more attention from girls. But even before that, it had always given me a boost in self-esteem.
What does “being well-dressed” mean to you?
To me, being well-dressed means keeping it simple and classic—never too flashy or trendy. Timeless, well-fitting pieces always work. Equally important is dressing appropriately for the occasion.
Is there a particular item in your wardrobe or accessory that holds special meaning for you?
My Navy peacoat holds a special place in my heart. It was issued to me on my first day of boot camp, and it still fits perfectly and remains in excellent condition. It’s one of those timeless pieces that will never go out of style.
What’s a brand (not necessarily menswear-related) that embodies your idea of quality?
For me, Leica represents the epitome of quality. Their cameras and lenses combine exceptional design, craftsmanship, luxury, and simplicity with remarkable complexity. The joy of using them and the strikingly beautiful images they produce are unmatched.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
A fit body, a calm mind, a house full of love. These things can not be bought – they must be earned.
What advice would you give your younger self?
Invest in a quality camera and capture every moment of your life. Document it all!
What’s a challenge you’ve overcome that shaped who you are today?
I overcame heroin addiction at 21 and have been sober for 26 years.
If you have made a significant career change, can you describe it? What motivated that decision?
In 2023 I decided to retire from the navy and live off of my pension and expatriate to Spain. My decision was motivated by the fact that my wife (who is French) and I had just purchased a nice home and had an 18 month old son. I want to dedicate my time to being fully present for both of them and creating a warm home that includes a bio-diverse backyard garden.
If you could have dinner with any historical figure, who would it be and why?
The historical figure I’d love to have dinner with is Paul Newman. Beyond his fame, iconic status, and undeniable coolness, he was a passionate philanthropist who donated the profits from his business to charity. I’ve always admired him more for that than his celebrity. He also enlisted in the Navy and served in WWII. And did I mention how incredibly cool he was?
What does your ideal Sunday look like?
My ideal Sunday begins with reveille at 6 AM, coffee in hand by 6:15. I start by writing in my gratitude journal, planning my day, and reading a few pages. Then, I fit in a quick workout or run, possibly followed by a swim in the ocean. When I return home, I’m greeted by my beautiful wife and son. I cook a big lunch for the family, then enjoy a short “siesta”. In the evening, we take the dog for a walk as a family, maybe stopping for a quick café and “merienda” with friends. Dinner is light, followed by family time by the fire—usually reading a book or playing dominoes. My son falls asleep quickly, and the day wraps up with a Real Madrid match and a victory.
What’s the next destination on your bucket list?
My bucket list destination is to walk the El Camino de Santiago from Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port to Santiago de Compostela, carrying my film camera and a notebook for each of my two sons. The plan is to document the journey while writing my autobiography to pass down to them.
What podcast are you currently listening to, and what do you enjoy about it?
I am currently listening to “Son of a Hitman”, which tells the tale of actor Woody Harrelson’s hitman father. I’ve been a fan of Woody since “Cheers” and recently discovered this – mindblowing!
I would never sell my… Leica Summilux M 50mm f/1.4 lens. It’s too perfect.
What’s an object you’d love to pass down to the next generation?
I’ve already passed an heirloom down to my oldest son. While I was at sea for a few months, I had the chance to scrimshaw a knife for him. I carved the battle between a sperm whale and a giant squid into the knife, which is made from whale tooth. I chose this image because, to me, it represents the courage to stand firm against a much larger opponent, something I wanted to convey to him.
What are your three favorite books?
The Battle for Spain (Antony Beevor),
The Subterraneans (Kerouac),
The House on Garibaldi Street (Isser Harel).
What are your three favorite movies?
Inside Llewyn Davis (Coen Brothers),
Stand By Me (Rob Reiner) – I was about their age when the movie came out,
Requiem for a Dream (Darren Aronofsky).
