I had the opportunity today to interview a man that has left a deep impression on me…let me tell you why. I’m fairly active on different online sites. This doesn’t surprise anyone that knows me. I was on my Facebook page a few weeks back and got an update that Chaparosa Grill was having a Fundraising event to help Haiti. This touched my heart!
I’ve always been passionate about giving back to the community and I support as many charities as I can. This is one of the reasons I joined Seven Gables Real Estate. I knew that they had deep Community Roots…
like leads to like….
So I called Tony and set the appointment. I was nervous and excited and couldn’t wait for Thursday to come…so much so that it was difficult for me to sleep Wednesday night!
This is Tony :
Q. Who is Tony?
A. The owner of Chaparosa Grill
Q. How long have you been in this line of work?
A. Been in this type of business all my life. I also have a second Chaparosa Grill in Laguna. It’s the third Restaurant I’ve owned.
Q. Where did the name come from?
A. In the original location in Laguna, our location was next to Chaparosa Park-We wanted a local name.
Q. Who chose the menu?
A. I did. Its California cuisine with a Caribbean twist…
And when I asked about that…here’s what I found out…
Tony: My wife and I have traveled the world a bit and go down to the Caribbean. That’s why we were inspired to help. It was just a Natural thing to want to help…
Q. How many People attended your fundraiser?
A. We had 2 events, one at each location so between the two locations, we got close to 200 people with about 64 people who actually dined. Others relaxed and enjoyed some drinks.
Q: How much money were you able to raise at the events?
A: We were able to raise $1,767.00.
Q: Have you had people come back to your restaurant because of your charity work.
A: Most were regular customers, we have a really good support system and a core of people who visit us.
Q: What did you get of helping?
A: I got satisfaction in trying to make a difference. I’m very active in Community events and Charities.
Q: Charities such as what?
A: Well the weekend before the Haiti event, we had an event for Leukemia/Lymphoma, as well as for Cystic fibrosis, March of Dimes and local schools…any major disasters: Katrina or Tsunami’s we find ourselves helping out wherever we can.
Needless to say, I was impressed with his attitude. He went on:
“It doesn’t matter what it is you do, it’s really just about doing something…It’s the way I was raised. I’m from England and when we were young we would have yard sales to raise money to repair the church roof for example…we weren’t rich, so we would ask others if they would like to contribute and we’d sell what they gave us”.
Something that struck me was his humility…that he would do this anyway, without looking for any recognition.
He also holds Culinary Demonstrations! Monday February 22nd at 7 p.m. he’ll be demonstrating how to cook:
Spinach & Ricotta Crepe
Indian Spiced Lamb Shank
Butterscotch Pudding
Cost includes 2 glasses of wine, coffee, tax and gratuity!
So, I am now a bigger fan of Tony and his restaurant Chaparosa Grill:
Find Chaparosa Grill on Facebook and become a fan!
Locations:
Marina Hills Laguna Niguel
30271 Golden Lantern Ste D
Laguna Niguel, CA 92677-5983
Golden Lantern and Marina Hills
Telephone: 949-363-9888
Fax: 949-363-0536
The District
2449 Park Avenue (in front AMC Movie Theater)
Tustin, CA 92782
Telephone: 714-259-9888
Favorite Music:
Caribbean, Reggae, Calypso
If you want to schedule a “Tweet-Up” or other event, contact Toni at his business number or email…
Email:chaparosagrill@cox.net
Website:http://www.chaparosagrill.com
