Today we’d like to introduce you to René & Stephanie Coreas
Hi René & Stephanie, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Our story starts right before the pandemic pop-up era, just as our restaurant, Bon Temps, was forced to close due to COVID leaving us jobless. We started selling pupusas out of my old apartment for some extra cash via instagram. Once business started growing we put some mobile equipment together and headed for the streets of El Sereno. After years of juggling WS and our new full-time jobs working for Chef Ludo Lefebvre, we decided to take a small break until we found a more stable location. Fast forward to the present, currently working under Chef Jason Fullilove, who has helped us immensely, we have established our new home as the resident restaurant at Las Perlas in West Hollywood.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Has it been a smooth road? No, it has definitely not. Nothing worthy ever comes easy, and we have had our share of obstacles cross our paths. From financial hardship to struggles with health, even from trouble with the law to backlash from our own community over authenticity of our food. It has definitely not been easy. But one thing we are not fond of is giving up.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
We are classically trained, professional chefs with over 10 years of experience and practice. I, myself, specialize in French cuisine while my wife specializes in Mediterranean cuisine. We have worked for some of the best chefs in Los Angeles, including chefs Ludo Lefebvre, Michael Cimarusti, Ori Menashe, Lincoln Carson and most recently Jason Fullilove.
What sets us apart is our drive to shed light on and uplift our culture and cuisine to the mainstream palette. Tradition and family keep us going.
Are there any apps, books, podcasts, blogs or other resources you think our readers should check out?
We are not big on podcasts. However, the few we do listen do include The Dave Chang Show, KROQ’s Klein/Ally Show, and several culinary audiobooks. Other than that, we just listen to music while we work.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://walkingspanishla.square.site
- Instagram: @walkingspanish.la
Image Credits
Any photos not taken by Walking Spanish, LLC. Were taken by Eric Valle & Raymundo Archila.
