Julio’s Steakhouse, La Penita: Simply Excellent
Tara A. Spears
Hero: “somebody who is admired for outstanding qualities or achievements.” It’s often the humble, simple guy behind the scenes that has the biggest impact. Such is the case with local restaurateur, Julio Cesar Parra Cortez. When the government ordered all businesses to close and all people to stay home to limit the spread of the covid virus, Julio complied without complaining even though that meant immediate stop to income, too. This devoted father of three thought, “Eh, I’m a chef, at least I can feed my kids.” But he worried about his neighbors.
Within days of the shut-down order, Julio was contacted by the women setting up the La Penita soup kitchen and he immediately said, “Yes, I’ll cook! I have no money with my business closed but I have knowledge and strong hands.” No stranger to hard times, Julio knew what it was like to go hungry. Through every rough spot in his life, Julio draws on inner strength and hard work to improve the situation. It is because of his own rocky history that Julio developed a strong sense of altruism and commitment to his community.
When he was in middle school (secondario) his parents immigrated to California, United States. “I never felt like it was home or that I fit in,” said Julio. He worked in kitchens and learned about food preparation for three years. “I wanted to return to Mexico, to make my home in my birthplace.” The enterprising young man settled in Jaltemba Bay and applied for kitchen jobs. He learned and saved. After getting married, Julio switched to working as a waiter because it provided more income but his heart was always in the kitchen.
Julio worked his way up to manager of a local restaurant and learned the budget/ordering side of operating a restaurant. He designed menus, selected promotions and made a lot of tourist friends. After five successful years in management, Julio felt ready to take the plunge and become his own boss by opening his own restaurant.
It was from listening to customer comments and paying attention to which dishes were in high demand that Julio selected his menu items as he searched for a location. “I loved the challenge of setting up the business- choosing furniture, entertainment, all of it” said Julio with a chuckle. “But my dream of being an owner and the reality of owning a restaurant were different.”
Julio’s Steakhouse opened in 2010 in south Guayabitos and immediately became popular because of the exceptional steaks and other beef dishes. Ever willing to work to make things happen, Julio offered breakfast, lunch and dinner. His idea to feature a different entre every night of the week was so well received by the public that Julio still operates with a daily special.
“I enjoy the process of cooking. It feels so good when customers like a dish and return to order it again!” Just as the restaurant was becoming established, a dispute with the landlord required him to shut the doors and immediately relocate. “It was a terrible situation and more stress than I thought I could manage. Thank god I was able to move my kitchen equipment and furniture to the La Penita location and start up again. It has been a rough two years trying to reconnect with my customers to let them know where to find me.”
Obviously it was a big financial hit but the tenacious Julio keeps looking forward. The original location had beautiful décor; Julio’s 2 is simpler but with the same big hearted chef creating wonderful meals.
Julio has worked at the soup kitchen for months and then offered carryout meals from 5 pm until 9pm, seven days a week. When he wants to unwind from his long days, Julio enjoys reading –with his feet up! Julio is proud of his children and that he has kept his dream alive.
In addition to fantastic daily specials, you can enjoy a cocktail with your meal. Contact Julio for catering prices or to reserve the restaurant for private parties. 322 271 2065 or go to FB. There follows a listing of the daily Julio’s special: Monday- New York steak; Tuesday- shrimp; Wednesday -B.B.W. ribs; Thursday- Rib eye steak; Friday -pasta; Saturday- Fillet Mignon; and Sunday- Chicken Cordon Blue. Lunch menu includes Shrimp tacos, Chicken wings, Supreme Burger. All of his menu is excellent-try it once and you’ll return.
Julio Parra is the kind of man one knows is a true friend because he offers a helping hand when he sees the need. He can still smile as he prepares 500 meals a day and then goes to work in order to feed his family. One can only admire Julio’s determination and perseverance in this difficult time. It’s impressive that Julio works hard to help others and he’s smiling no matter how tired. Yep, the good guys wear masks. Thanks, neighbor!
Julio’s Steakhouse is Open daily noon-9:00 pm November thru March; call for summer hours.