I am crying. My favorite caterer, friend, cheerleader, community recruiter for stories, Lem Balagot of Larosecafe Hollywood died. His cafe was my go place to introduce visitors and folks, new to the community.
In his restaurant, we found a warm, safe, welcoming place. It is where I conducted some of my interviews.
When I wrote a story for Lem for Balikbayan Magazine, it took interview snippets, 9 occasions that could be squeezed in, as he was busy saying hello to patrons of a very busy restaurant. Lem’s heart was so wide open that he helped many many community folks.
LA Rose Cafe’s post: “A culinary pioneer who fostered the heart and soul of Philippine cuisine.” October 21, 2024
He opened to the church choir an hour before opening the restaurant, as a special Simbang Gabi breakfast treat from me to the Immaculate Heart of Mary Church – Los Angeles Adult Choir, headed by Pete Avendano. He catered several events at the Philippine Consulate with his signature egg salad with caviar on top. He even catered several special events of priests celebrating their important 25th sacerdotal anniversary. He also catered merienda at my book launch, Even The Rainbow Has A Body at the garden room of Japanese American Cultural & Community Center – JACCC. He catered many community celebrations and corporate events. He had a flair for making all coherence to spell luxurious in tastes, flavors, presentation and his personality shared so warmly and welcoming to all.
May the saints and angels and the Lord in heaven welcome him as warmly as he did, daily in over 42 years in his restaurant.!
My deepest condolences to Rai, his caring spouse and his diligent, conscientious caregiver during his convalescent period.
This is our community’s shared loss of a person with a beautiful heart, kept open to embrace us all!
