Name: La Perla Café Joe R. Pompa (son), Joe P. Pompa and Eva Pompa (original owners)

When and where can we find you in Glendale? 5912 W. Glendale Ave., NW corner on Glendale, Grand and 59th avenues. E-mail P.5912@aol.com
7 days a week from 7 a.m.-11 p.m.
Fri.-Sat. 7 a.m.- 2 a.m.

What brought you to Glendale? Mom and dad came from Jerome, Ariz. to work at Goodyear Aerospace.

What drew you to the kitchen? Mom’s natural cooking skills.

Culinary training and experience: Joe R. Pompa (son) studied and graduated from California Culinary and apprentices in Palm at Breakers Beach.

Tools of the trade: Mexican vegetables, meats and spices.

Favorite food, favorite chef and why? Green Chile Corn Carne, Chile Relleno’s, tacos, etc. favorite chef is mom.

When the chef’s hat is off (hobbies): Home improvement, creative cooking at home, Dees special parties!

Unique dishes you prepare: Menudo, cocido tripitas de leche, lengua (tongue)—just about everything on the menu because it is hand prepared! 

Old standbys: Red Chili con carne, enchiladas and carne Manchaca

Advice for new chefs or restaurant owners: Don’t cut corners. Stay true to your recipes.

How many cooks in your kitchen? Head Chef Gabriel Pompa (son) and four apprentices

Breakfast, lunch or dinner? All

How do you take your coffee? With cream, no sugar.

The 10-word tour of your restaurant: You’ll find a lot of old flavor and atmosphere with over 60 years of history.