Credit: Lala’s Argentine
Secret LA: I’m curious about your journey in opening [Lala’s Argentine]. How did you get started with your partners and how did you meet them?
Horacio Weschler Ferrari: I came here in ’88, and so did Mario [Balul], my partner. We met as friends first, then worked together at a different restaurant. One day, we decided to start our own journey and became partners. That was 30 years ago and we’ve built our friendship, our relationship, and our business world together ever since.
Lala’s impact on the LA and Hispanic community
Secret LA: Lala’s is such a popular Argentinian restaurant in LA. What are you most proud of here?
Ferrari: Mainly, I’m proud of what we do for our customers and community. We’re family-owned, and the fact that we’ve been open for 30 years and get to see families grow and come and go is a big accomplishment.
Secret LA: How does this restaurant give back to the LA community?
Ferrari: We’ve been here for so long, survived so many things as a community and with the help of our neighbors. There’s a bond and we’re here for them and they’re here for us – I’m very proud of that, too.
Secret LA: As a Hispanic and Latin American restaurant owner, what impact do you think Lala’s has on the Hispanic community in LA?
Ferrari: It’s easier [to run a restaurant] when you’re Hispanic because most of the kitchen staff speak the same language. We also get many customers, Hispanic and non-Hispanic, who are interested in our culture and food. They ask questions, they want to learn, and I think it’s important to communicate that to our customers.
Diving into Lala Argentine’s menu
Secret LA: if your food had a personality, what would it be?
Ferrari: I would call it very young and fresh … It’s a wonderful time. Great quality, good vibes, and fair prices.
Secret LA: And if you ordered from Postmates, what would you get?
Ferrari: I order [Lala’s] from Postmates often for quality control. I usually get an empanada and a steak, sometimes from our other locations to see how it travels. Our food keeps its flavor and quality even after 30–40 minutes, an hour, or even the next day, just reheat it in the oven or toaster oven, never the microwave.
Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month with Lala’s Argentine and more of LA’s best Hispanic-owned restaurants, delivered to you by Postmates.