Rosa Bonilla is the owner of Los Isleños, a business that started with her husband Mario Rodríguez as a cafeteria in 2003, behind the Arrecife Bus Station. First it offered sandwiches and some tapas", later it incorporated a menu, and over time it became a catering service for all types of events and capacity, based in Playa Honda.
In a tribute interview to Mario Rodríguez, who passed away last year, the radio program Más de Uno Gourmet from Radio Lanzarote-Onda Cero, reviews with Bonilla the evolution of a business founded by islanders and starring island food.
- How did the idea of setting up Los Isleños come about?
Mario had always liked the hospitality industry, so he wanted to set up the cafeteria. We started little by little, two or three little tables, for people to come for breakfast, with a couple of sandwiches, a couple of little sandwiches and some tapas.
- And what happened next?
Then it became a menu bar and people started ordering food for family gatherings of five, ten or fifteen people. They picked up the food and took it away. Then they didn't ask for 15, but for 50. We started making food for communions, weddings and all kinds of celebrations.
- Why did you choose the name Los Isleños?
We brainstormed and chose that name because those of us who work there were all from here and because we made food from here.
- When did the transformation from bar to catering take place?
In 2016. Mario really liked to learn. Since he was little, you would give him a car and he needed to know how the car worked, he would dismember it.
So he went to Barcelona for a month to take a series of cooking courses on vacuum, low temperature, etc.
- Mario was in the kitchen, now his brother Iván is, but the management is up to you, how are you handling it?
They tell me now that I have more patience, I am more of a psychologist. With each event, although in a way it is the same, each client is different and you must open your mind for each one of them.
- Has the type of food changed over time?
Actually the type of food we make is the same, but better presented. The form changes, but it is always Canarian cuisine. For example, when we prepare a fideuá we decorate them, we give the presentation a twist so that you are already eating it with your eyes.
- Los Isleños is no longer behind the Station, where is it now?
We have a place going up from Playa Honda towards Güime, past the industrial buildings where the El Buey Bueno grill used to be, we have several rooms for celebrations.
- Looking ahead to Christmas, do you organize company dinners?
Also. We have several menus, but we work to the consumer's taste. And with all types of companies, large and small, we do not have a minimum of diners.
- What is the most complicated thing you have been asked for with the catering service, serving in the middle of the Volcán del Cuervo?
Well, that has happened (laughs). Not inside, but in front. Outdoors, you have to set up tents and keep the products hot, but with engines and machinery everything can be done.
- How can potential customers contact you?
We are on Facebook, on Instagram and our phone number is 633010657.