A New Flavor Comes To Downtown Walnut Creek

There's a new taste in Walnut Creek's restaurant community.

Cafecitos Cafe opened its doors a week and a half ago, bringing traditional South American cuisine to the downtown area.

Elizabeth Avelar, the restaurant's owner, gave up her job as an events producer in corporate America to pursue her dream of opening a restaurant with authentic flavors.

"The concept was to have a restaurant in a quaint downtown area," she said.

Avelar quickly honed in on Walnut Creek and then saw a space for lease in the old Harvest Market facility at 1633 Bonanza St.

She grabbed the vacant storefront and started planning.

"It all happened so fast," she said.

Avelar brought in Jaime Laos, a chef who was raised in Lima, Peru, and cooks in a "Classico" style.

Avelar said the Peruvian and other cuisine at Cafecitos isn't "Americanized." It strictly follows the recipes of the various cultures.

Avelar says Laos is the star. He cooks right by the front door, greeting customers as they come and go.

The restaurant is open for lunch and dinner Tuesday through Sunday.

Avelar also hopes to organize special events at Cafecitos to tie the restaurant closer to the community.

Avelar grew up in the Southwest, living in Los Angeles, Arizona, New Mexico and Texas before settling in the East Bay.