Refried beans, corn tortillas, carnitas and grandma's sweet raisin & pineapple tamales. Yes, that's where it all started. We were the classic “American Dream” story. Mom and pop had a taqueria in Mexico City but also had bigger plans for the growing family. So began the northern migration.

We landed at my Tia Nena's house where we were welcomed with open arms and an eclectic array of culinary delights from several regions in Mexico. The quarters were tight, but cozy, a full house indeed. Not the sitcom style full house where a crowded room was shared by two – we're talking three plus generations in one room at time. It didn't seem strange to me because that was just the way things were. Anyway, I love the memories I took from our time there. There was plenty of love in the house, and if you've ever read “Like Water for Chocolate” you know that in the Mexican Culture we express it through our food.

After my parents found jobs, I was placed under Grandma Carmelita's care while mom and pop started digging into their share of the American Pie. They both worked two jobs for years until they slowly saved up enough to move out of Tia Nena's and then later buy their first place in the San Francisco Bay area, “Aguililla Market.” I was nine when Mom and Pop bought the market that specialized in the best corn tortillas in the area and irresistible pan dulces. Immediately I became fascinated with the business. I thought that being able to shadow Mom and Pop when they went to work was the coolest thing in the world!

Well, I guess they got sick of me eating all the pan dulce and fresh corn tortillas with salt all the time so they put me to work. Buying ‘Aguililla' pretty much tapped my folks' resources, so as you can imagine at first there weren't too many luxuries in our life. The closest thing I had to a “Playstation” was the old register at the shop. I loved it though! Those old registers made the best sound when they rang folks up. I think the “Ka – ching” sound has actually come to be a bit of an icon. It turns out that my toy worked out well for my folks as well. I imagine it was a novelty having a nine year old kid who couldn't even see over the counter without a stool ringing you up with one hand and bagging your groceries with the other. I was happy to help.

My days as ‘head cashier,' a title I invented for myself, led to my first humble business venture. Dad and I were at a wholesale market picking up some product for the shop when I spotted a box of Snickers on the shelf. I asked if I could buy the box out of my allowance and try to sell it at the shop for a profit. Let's just say that I learned quite early in life about profit and loss and that eating your inventory clearly doesn't pay. Dad also taught me that it's really hard for a small businessperson (no pun intended) to make it when in the shadows of those with more capitol. Apparently Alvaro Sr. decided he liked the candy idea and the next thing I knew there was a whole new Dulce Mexicano rack in our store. Yes, you guessed it. . . my sales plummeted and my first business was a failure. Lesson learned!!

Anyway, I decided that I should focus on education – primarily because I didn't have a choice. So, I did the school thing until my early twenties. I worked at the shop and other restaurant jobs in my spare time. The whole time I dreamt of having my own place. Dad and I used to daydream about my place quite often. So, on a visit from dad while I was in college we started talking about viable locations in Santa Barbara. The next thing I know I get a call from him saying he had signed a lease. I was in my senior year at UCSB. Mom and Pop decided to take a second on their house and gamble it on their ex ‘head cashier.'

Chilango's was born in 1991. Since Dad was the chef in the family he gave me a quick three week comprehensive training course when we opened the doors. He then went back to tend to Aguililla. Slowly over the years you have helped me fine tune the menu that you enjoy today.

I can't thank my parents, my staff and of course all the wonderful customers that we've come to know over the years for supporting us these past 13 years. We hope to continue serving you for many years to come.