“10 Questions with…” is a Courier-News feature in which reporter Rafael Guerrero interviews someone in the Elgin area we think you should know and finds out a little more about what makes them who they are.
Age: 22
Job: Full-time server/ hostess at Al’s Cafe in Elgin; part-time art instructor at Oak Park Public Library
Hometown: Elgin
Where you live now: Elgin
Education: St. Edward Central Catholic High School graduate; bachelor’s degree in fine arts from Dominican University in River Forest
Family: Parents, one sister
What food do you love the most at Al’s Cafe?
My favorite thing to order is the Mediterranean salmon with mashed potatoes and a chocolate Oreo malt.
What do you recommend a first-time customer to order at Al’s?
We’re known for making the iconic “Burn’s malt” from the recipe that originated at Burn’s Pharmacy. After more than 20 years, the legacy continues at Al’s Cafe and provides a walk down memory lane for some of our customers and creates new memories for others.
Everything on the menu is a delicious combination of European- and American-style food created by owner/chef Tony Jamin, who was trained in Holland, Germany and France. For first-time customers, I always recommend the salmon or any entrée from our monthly specials.
What do you want people to know about Al’s Cafe?
Al’s Cafe is the heart of downtown Elgin. I started coming to Al’s with my family when I was 6 years old. I became extremely close with owners Patricia and Tony Jamin and I was guaranteed a job when I turned 18. I am now 22 years old, have worked there for five years and have loved every minute of it.
When a customer walks in they are greeted as if they were family. It is an experience that you can’t find anywhere else and that’s what makes Al’s Cafe special. It is easily the most rewarding job I’ve ever had because I feel so close with members of my community.
What is one thing that someone would find surprising about you?
One thing that people do not know about me is that I am an artist. I love to paint.
My favorite thing to paint are portraits. There are an unbelievable amount of colors in the human face and each one is unique, and I enjoy capturing them on canvas.
You’re stuck on a deserted island — what five albums do you take?
The five music albums I would have to take with me would be Queen’s “The Works”; Cat Stevens’ “Tea of the Tillerman”; the Bee Gees’ “Bee Gees Greatest”; Rex Orange County’s “Pony”; and Bazzi’s album “Cosmic.”
What do you hope to do now that it’s spring?
My hope is that everyone stays healthy and that I’m able to paint more, spend more time outdoors with (my dog) Wilbur and that I can return to work soon serving people outside on the patio at Al’s Cafe.
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Finish this sentence: I am the best at…
Making people smile!
Besides friends and family, what is something you cannot live without?
I spend 90% of my time singing and dancing so the thing I couldn’t live without is music.
Who are your favorite pop culture icons?
Michelle Obama and Bob Ross.
What TV shows are you watching?
I am currently re-watching my all-time favorite show, “The Office.”