We are gonna miss you LA ABEJA!!!

Roy Fonseca at the gates of La Abeja.

First, I want to talk about my good friend Rogelio Fonseca and his RETIREMENT from over 40 years of one of the BEST Mom and Pop Mexican restaurants in all of Los Angeles... "LA ABEJA".

I first started going to Abeja about 1993, located in Mt. Washington I was introduced to the place by my crazy friend Lucia Rivera and her friend Ivy Orta.  It was there we would to religiously almost every Saturday and Sunday.  I would pick everyone up in my 1979 pickle green VW van and on our way we go.  There is no formal seating at Abeja but everyone knows where to seat, favorite seat, favorite spot.  We liked to sit in the middle of the restaurant as if it was our own private island.

A cold beer was almost always needed as the nite before our delicious breakfast we usually went to some changlasa or friends house and whooped it up the night before, so we would walk down the street to grab some brew at the corner convenient store the walk back and down it!

Johnny Carrillo, Tia Gloria and Ronn Savala

Now we were ready to order!  Tia Gloria would make her way from other orders and with a beautiful smile and soft voice asked us what we wanted to order.  A cup of Menudo for Lucia and I always as well as a plate of beans and tortillas!!! BTW the beans are EXCELLENT~  I don't know how old Tia Gloria is but it's nice to know there are still places that appreciate the good help elders can provide and although slow and careful, Tia Gloria ALWAYS delivered the goods.

Friends having a GREAT time.

After a few weeks of our weekly routine we started to attract groupies!  One day as we are strolling out of the VW Rogelio comes out to greet us and informs us that we have a group of gay gentleman that have waited for us to arrive!  The week before (after we left) they asked him if we come frequent and when.  I guess the loudness of two crazy Mexican Americans / Chicanos and one loud Puerto Rican was great entertainment to them.  We didn't let our new found fame distract us from being ourselves cause if any of you know us you know we are always a bit on the crazy side!

Over the last 17 years we have watched the Fonseca family grow.  Vee, Monica, Roy, Jr. three GREAT kids now three great adults.  Julia and Roy certainly did a great job at raising their children.  Respectful and were ALWAYS fun to joke around with.  They certainly understood their community and appreciated it's diversity.

The cooks at Abeja also were part of the dynasty.  Charlie, Poncho and Hector.  I could make Charlie screw up everyone's order just by looking at him!  I would make him nervous and blush.  I never understood why but it was fun to watch him turn red!  Poncho always conservative and kept his cool.  Hector... a character himself!  One time I went with my friend Adam Valdez for lunch.  Usually Ronn is with me but this time he was working so my friend Adam went with me.  After about 15 minutes Hector comes over and looks me in the eyes then stares down Adam and tells me "WHERE'S RONN"... I replied "Ronn?", Hector "Yes Ronn!"  I am going to tell him you are cheating on him!  I looked at Adam and insured him that Hector was just looking out for me and Ronn and well it was funny.  I told Hector "You think I would be so stupid as to have an affair then bring them to a place where everyone knows me?"

Ex Councilman Mike Hernandez and Rogelio Fonseca

A visit to Abjea is always interesting, you NEVER know who you will see there, from Political leaders to Community Activists, to the crazies in the town... it was always an adventure.

Rogelio Fonseca and Rogelio Fonseca, Jr.

Lastly, there are sooooo many stories I can't possibly tell them all here but we are going to miss you Roy... and we love you and wish you much success as the political melting pot that you created will be surely missed.  You have brought together so many friends and it was nice to know that you could always go to Abeja and be with friends.  From the local politicals, policemen, city workers, community members... La Abeja is special.  We love you and wish you much success in your retirement.

Mark


















OK now for some fun stuff:


BUENA VISTA FURNITURE is having their annual End of Summer super dooper, grande, big, huge Sale from October 7th through 10th.  You should drop on by on October 7th from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. as our friend Irene Diaz and friends will be performing.  Irene is an very talented young woman who is sure to be a star!  There will be food and spirits not to mention their prices on sales items are going to be FANTASTIC!!! Buena Vista has the most amazing selection or unique and original furniture and accessories for you home.  Drop on by and see for yourself and enjoy the evening with good food and music.

Please check out TheNonProfitNetwork's "I've Got Something To Say" with host Gabriel Buelna with Arizona Congressman Raul Grijalva as they discuss the economic boycott of Arizona, immigration law and Mexico's role in fighting illegal immigration.
http://www.youtube.com/user/NonprofitNews#p/a/u/1/Oz1Sk05owCA