We had the good fortune of connecting with René Alesandro Coreas and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi René Alesandro, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
My main thought process was mainly trying to get something started while most of the people in our industry took the time off, I felt there was better use for my time than a vacation. The second reason for my motivation was getting the food and culture of my family and ancestors out for everyone to try on a mainstream level.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
The main goal and overall focus of my business is to highlight the cuisine and culture of Central America. Growing up in Los Angeles, being born to immigrant parents from El Salvador, I feel that our food has its own story to tell and it is time that that story is heard. My business all started in my old apartment in East Los Angeles while trying to sell pupusas, our national staple, with non-traditional fillings. To highlight my culinary background and training of course. As one can imagine, I got both a positive and negative response. Moving forward was difficult without receiving the support that I was so sure I would, but I figured, “Hey, someone will like it”. As I quickly learned, you cannot please everyone, I persevered to push limits and break rules. Which led me to what I do today. Breaking the mold that pigeonholed our cuisine to the idea of simply serving pupusas and only that.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
The first stop would be a very hungry visit to Petit Trois in Los Angeles for a hefty lunch. This restaurant not only changed my perspective in food as a cook but as a diner. The overall experience you get while visiting is simply mind blowing. The next stop would be hanging out(pre-covid) at The Rooftop at The Standard in Downtown LA. Working there, I would go up to the rooftop every chance I could to enjoy the view and feel free in the city. Another great food destination is Connie and Ted’s, to relax with a few drinks and indulge in the freshest oysters in the west. In my opinion, you end the perfect day with a couple more drinks at either of my favorites, Tony’s Saloon or The Golden Gopher. Great dive bars with a great rock ‘n’ roll vibe. If the night must go on, the definite way to go is late night conversations under the stars at Venice Beach. What a life!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I definitely wouldn’t limit it to a single person, rather a group of people that deserve an immense amount of credit. That group consisting of, family of course(girlfriend included), but also the amazing mentors I have had the pleasure and privilege of working with throughout the development of my career. For without them, I would not have molded into the dedicated and passionate person that I am today.

Website: www.walkingspanishla.com

Instagram: @walkingspanish.la

Yelp: Walking Spanish LA

Image Credits:
John La Torre
René Alesandro Coreas

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutLA is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.