When Nancy and Jorge Andrade heard about the waves that threatened to destroy parts of the Peninsula earlier this week, they immediately wanted to help.
As the owners of Andrade’s Cafe by the Bay, a Mexican-American spot serving classics like chilaquiles, enchiladas and chile relleno burgers, the couple naturally set out to feed first responders in the Peninsula area. Their restaurant, which has been open for about a year, is just a block from where waves damaged the Peninsula boardwalk and forced evacuations. Between Sunday and Monday night, the Andrades made about 20 pizzas for the firefighters who were filling sandbags and reinforcing a protective sand berm.
“The best thing I can do is just to help a little bit,” Jorge said. “I think pizza is the best way right now to help.” The couple said that the crews were very grateful.
This wasn’t the first time the Andrades have used their food to give back to their community.
Last month, they catered for an event at the Coast Guard Los Angeles/Long Beach base on Terminal Island, providing food for 200 soldiers. Being able to “serve those who served us” meant a lot to them, Nancy said.
“We’re all about the community here,” Nancy said.
For the past year, the Andrades have loved connecting with neighbors in the Peninsula and helping out wherever they can.
“I love what I do,” Jorge said. “I feel like this [restaurant] is home, and I try to make people feel the same way.”
The couple makes a point to remember regulars’ names and orders. A couple of their regulars, Lou and Henry, always like to sit at the same corner table, so Jorge and Nancy put up a sign denoting the spot as “Lou and Henry’s corner.” The former mayor of Downey, Rick Rodriguez, also has his own special corner.
“We have met a lot of people, really nice people. That’s what I love,” Jorge said.
Andrade’s Cafe by the Bay, at 76 ½ 62nd Place, is open every day except Tuesday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.