Today we’d like to introduce you to Rafael Alamo and Chad England.
Rafael and Chad, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I was born on September 19, 1985, in Bayamon, Puerto Rico. My career started around the year 2004. I worked for various big chain restaurants until about 2007. That year I started working in my first casual dining restaurant named “Restaurante El Botin” in old San Juan (Puerto Rico Capital city). I was there for two years and during that time I learned the principles of the Spanish cuisine and how much influence it had on Puertorrican food. In 2009, I was hired by “Hotel La Concha Resort” in San Juan, Puerto Rico, outside the old city. I started as a lead cook and in a few months, they promoted me to Chef d’ Partie and restaurant Sous Chef. I was in charge of the hotel breakfast and room service, during that time I was also part of the opening team of an Italian restaurant in the same hotel named “Voga Italian Grille”. I worked there for about three years. In 2014, I left to be the restaurant Chef of a small place, “L’ Ami du Bistro” in Dorado Puerto Rico.
That was the first time I was running the show as the main chef of the restaurant and I was able to showcase my menus with about 90% of locally grown ingredients. In 2015, I was hired by “Hotel El Convento” Old San Juan to be the Executive Sous Chef, there we would change the menu monthly based on fresh seasonal ingredients. My career took a big step in 2017 I moved across the country to Santa Catalina Island to be restaurant chef of the “Avalon Grille” in Avalon, CA. From one island paradise to another. This was my first culinary management experience outside of Puerto Rico. Avalon Grille is owned by the Catalina Island Company and they operate most of restaurants and hotels on the island. I was there for 1.5 years in charge of the restaurant as well as giving support to the other outlets. In 2018, I decided to move out of Catalina and venture into Los Angeles. I was hired at “The Shelby LA” a new American restaurant near Beverly Hill where I am still currently. It has been quite a journey for me and I would not change anything about because they have made me who I am as a Chef as well as a person. I love being in the kitchen creating culinary art.
2016, I was part of the Puerto Rico National culinary team where I won multiple medals (gold and silver) in individual and team competitions. 2015 and 2016 multiple internships in New York including Michelin star rest. Gramercy tavern. 2016 multiple internships in Puerto Rico including 1919 restaurant in the “Hotel Vanderbilt” with the Michelin star Chef Juan Jose Cuevas.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Is not being an easy road, everything since the beginning was hard, stepping up in a very competitive society of great cooks, and being a father of three, sacrificing many important occasions cause of my compromise and dedication to the kitchen, many economic and personal situations during the process.
Please tell us about The Shelby LA.
The restaurant is a really nice spot, good ambiance, I’m the restaurant chef, I care about the restaurant like is part of my family, I’m known for my personality, hard work, and the passion to create focusing on utilizing fresh ingredients and highlighting the flavor of the Caribbean.
The Shelby is lucky to have Chef Rafael. We are opened to be a part of the community/neighborhood. Our menu reflects that with it’s Americana roots and approachable take on the classics. Rafael brings his passion and experience to every dish.
We are known for being the newcomers on the block that everyone was waiting for and wanting – something NOT “LA”.
If you had to go back in time and start over, would you have done anything differently?
It has been quite a journey for me and I would not change anything about because they have made me who I am as a Chef as well as a person. I love being in the kitchen creating culinary art.
Pricing:
- $8 cocktails / wine during happy hour
- Most menu items priced $7-$20
Contact Info:
- Address: 8445 W. 3rd St.
Los Angeles, CA 90048 - Website: www.theshelbyla.com
- Phone: 323.424.3230
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: @theshelbyla
- Facebook: theshelbyla
- Twitter: theshelbyla
- Yelp: theshelbyla
Suggest a story: VoyageLA is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
