Community Highlights: Meet Walter Rodriguez of Buenazo Fine Peruvian Cousine

Today we’d like to introduce you to Walter Rodriguez

Hi Walter, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I was born in Peru, in a small but warming city called Ica, located to the south of the Peruvian coastline. I’m coming from a hardworking family. My father always taught me the value of work, taking me and my three brothers forward. My brothers came to the USA before me. For my part, I spend most of my childhood and youth in Lima, the capital of Peru working as a business accountant. NEVER COOKED IN MY LIFE. I didn’t knew how and I thought I didn’t like to cook.

Years passed, I got married, have two kids. Sadly the economic situation in Peru changed drastically, basically forcing me and so many others to immigrate, looking for better opportunities. That’s how I ended up coming here to LA in 2002. At first, it was really hard. I started working in many jobs until one day, someone offered me a job in a Peruvian restaurant. Starting as a dishwasher. My mind set up was “I don’t know how to cook, I don’t like it”. All that changed when it was the last week of the head chef working with us and by that time owners couldn’t find a replacement. All of a sudden the owner asked me if it was possible for me to take the lead in the kitchen. I have to say, I took the risk but it was worth it at the end, because I found out that cooking was my hidden passion! I haven’t stopped cooking since then. Working for many Peruvian restaurants as a head chef. 17 years passed working for others, when my wife and I decided that it was time to open our own restaurant, something fresh, with quality, just to do what I LOVE to do. And I honestly think that’s the key of success, do what you love to do.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
When my wife and I decided to open a restaurant, we knew it wasn’t going to be easy. It took us almost two years to finally open. Dealing with the city permissions and unprofessional workers. But we did it! We were not going to stop. Not even Covid-19 is stopping us. We know everything happens for a reason and our faith is what makes us strong.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
We are coming to offer to our customers a full experience of what it is eating in Peruvians homes. We are bringing quality on our products. We do everything from “zero”. Every flavor you will find in our dishes are natural, made with passion. That homemade taste is what sets us apart from others. Through my 17 years of experience, I have had the opportunity to work with greats chefs, that were willing to teach me more. I have read books after books, I have cooked at home creating flavors, combinations. I’ve written three books at home full of my own recipes. That’s what makes us special, our passion for the food.

Any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general?
Just follow your dreams and what makes you happy. You will learn at least something from everyone that comes in your way. Doesn’t matter from who. Every person leaves you something to learn.

Contact Info:

• Email: piscoeverywhere@live.com
• Website: www.buenazoinla.com
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/buenazola?igshid=eo3m851tbgjd
• Yelp: https://yelp.to/zGYkmwVf9db