Join me on this extended episode as Chuck Kramer and I enjoy the incredible food of Eden Café in Magnolia, Texas. I hope you enjoy hearing the story of the owner, Ulises Larramendi from his migration path from Cuba to Spain to Texas; to what he and his wife, Maria have created today at Eden Café. He started in the restaurant business back in 1979, while in high school, as a dishwasher at a Marriott cafeteria inside a Texas Instruments building. After that, he got a job as a waiter at the first Pappasito’s in Houston at the corner of Richmond and Hillcroft. From the Pappa’s family, he got the bug for the business and never looked back. He was fortunate to also learn from some of the best restauranteurs in Houston, working for Mama’s Café, Carrabba’s, and The Palm. In 2006 he decided to create and open his restaurant concept called Eden Café. The menu at Eden Café is like a journey of all the places that touched his life; Tex-Mex, Italian, seafood, steaks, Southwest, and American comfort food. Ulises says he can't remember a family event that didn't involve food or start with prayer. It always amazed him how his mother was buried in the kitchen the entire time they had guests over. That’s where he picked up on that knack for cooking and entertaining family and friends, and these days loves sitting around the table eating, sharing, and laughing. We quote. “I enjoy after dinner the most, where conversations over dessert and coffee can take you in very unexpected directions.”
As you will also hear on today’s show, Ulises has another passion, telling stories and the art of performance. Early during his college years, he participated in several live stage productions, some with lead roles, and found out how much he enjoyed it. After a break of a few years focusing on his restaurant career, he went back to pursue more acting work and ended up switching to film. He realized what he wanted to do was use his God-given talent to help people heal from trauma and pain, as well as point them in God’s direction. Besides being a successful restaurateur, he has also worked in faith-based films and TV series. He sees both careers as forms of serving, whether he is cooking or acting or whatever is next. “I also know God is not finished with me yet.” If you can, come to meet Ulises in person, eat his food, and see what’s next for him – you will love it and you will never forget it. Eden Café in Magnolia, Texas.
