It was simply after midday on a Sunday in Los Angeles, and inside Oaxacan restaurant Guelaguetza a crowd of practically 50 individuals had been dancing to El Alfa’s “4K,” coffees in hand, below an out of doors cover draped with colourful papel picado. They crouched right down to perrear of their pal teams and swayed their arms to the Caribbean rhythms. As individuals continued to trickle in, the DJ continued to spin important reggaetón and dembow songs comparable to “Pa’ Que Retozen,” “Rompe,” “De Carolina,” “NuevaYol,” “Tu Sicaria” and extra.
On the entrance of the area was Allie Ramirez, a.ok.a. Allierockk: DJ and host of a day celebration known as “Café con Allie,” which takes place two Sundays per 30 days. There, dozens of individuals collect to start out their day by sipping espresso whereas dancing to reggaeton and hip-hop.
“There’s a lot happening on the planet that I need to create a protected area the place we are able to have enjoyable and clearly not neglect about every part, however simply be right here, be current and have a very good time,” Ramirez mentioned. “I simply need everybody to depart feeling good.”
John Loza has a toast with pals.
(Jill Connelly / For De Los)
Café con Allie is one in every of many espresso store day events which have emerged this summer season to assist native espresso outlets, give individuals a enjoyable solution to begin their day and supply a sober expertise for individuals. Comparable occasions have additionally taken place throughout California, New York, Arizona, Florida and extra. These occasions sometimes occur within the morning or afternoon, contain a DJ, dancing and many espresso.
Ramirez mentioned that Café con Allie initially began final April at La Chula Cafe in Pasadena, however as common attendance swelled past the area’s capability, she needed to transfer the occasion to Guelaguetza, a family-owned restaurant in Koreatown. She mentioned that the occasion has fostered neighborhood amongst many individuals who recurrently attend — though some individuals could come alone, they’re sure to seek out pals inside the crowd.
Along with giving individuals a enjoyable solution to begin their day, Ramirez mentioned that she was motivated to start out Café con Allie as a result of she wished individuals to really feel snug dancing whereas being sober, as she herself doesn’t drink a lot. Whereas alcohol was an choice on the occasion, most individuals opted for a curated menu of espresso with do-it-yourself horchata, churro or matcha flavors by La Chula Café.
“Lots of people are craving for neighborhood, and I need to present a neighborhood the place it’s like, ‘Hey, you don’t really want alcohol,’” Ramirez mentioned. “We wished to create a sober expertise and allow them to know you could possibly nonetheless have enjoyable and you’ll nonetheless make pals.”
Left to proper: Monica Robertson, David Chavez and Crystal Nunez dance and drink espresso at Café con Allie.
(Jill Connelly / For De Los)
Cindy Alvarado, who owns La Chula Cafe together with her household, mentioned that the events have helped her espresso enterprise develop. She additionally mentioned the occasions encourage and uplift the Latino neighborhood by bringing individuals collectively by way of frequent experiences, like having fun with a cafecito with their elders and dancing to vibrant music.
“It’s on a Sunday so that you begin off your week somewhat bit extra motivated, having somewhat bit extra enjoyable, particularly as a result of individuals get caffeinated, it’s like a burst of power with out having any alcohol,” Alvarado mentioned.
Sarah Bustillo and Rebecca Ballesteros, who attended the newest Café con Allie collectively, discovered the occasion when looking for reggaetón dance events — extra particularly, to have fun the final day of summer season. They each mentioned they felt able to tackle the Monday after.
“I’d be hella awake if I went to work after this,” Ballesteros mentioned. “I’d be like, ‘I already danced my coronary heart out and had some espresso. Let’s begin the day!’”
Evelyn Navarro discovered about Café con Allie as a result of she and her sister are espresso connoisseurs. Ramirez additionally occurs to be one in every of her sister’s favourite DJs, so she felt like there was no higher solution to merge their two pursuits. The most recent Café con Allie was her third time attending; Navarro mentioned she retains coming again as a result of she likes Allie’s pleasant and welcoming vibe, in addition to the scrumptious espresso.
Navarro additionally mentioned she feels this occasion is uplifting Latino tradition — particularly throughout a time when, particularly right here in Los Angeles, masked ICE brokers are threatening our communities with arrests.
Daisy Nunez is served a latte courtesy of La Chula Café.
(Jill Connelly / For De Los)
“We’ve lots of stuff occurring within the courts,” Navarro mentioned. “This creates a protected area for everybody to come back collectively, and never neglect about what’s occurring, however get away from it and simply take pleasure in one another’s firm with espresso. Dancing, music and meals [are] common languages.”
As “La Botella” performed, Ramirez inspired everybody to lift their coffees. By the top, members of the viewers shaped a circle and danced round Ramirez because the Café con Allie concluded. Some individuals left realizing they might be again on the subsequent one.
“Some individuals go to church on Sundays, different individuals come to bounce and have espresso right here with us,” Ramirez added. “I believe the way it uplifts Latino tradition generally is that if individuals have a look at us, they see us, and they’re impressed.”
