“A good meal is one that satisfies all the senses. …More than just looking good, it has to taste good…match the setting… More important for me, it should be enjoyed with someone.”
—Larry J. Cruz
In 1979, Larry J. Cruz, a journalist and information man, made a career change and opened his first restaurant, a small café in a modest corner of the Remedios Circle in Malate. Inspired by Parisian cafés, Larry wanted a place where he and his friends could meet, enjoy good coffee, tasty food and drink while chatting about the day’s news. He named the restaurant, Café Adriatico, after the street it was on. And since it opened its doors, Café Adriatico became the most talked about restaurant in town.
From that initial venture, he pressed on, opening one restaurant after another that offered his vision of the good life. He redefined casual dining with many theme restaurants.
Today, The LJC Restaurant Group includes: Abe, Bistro Remedios, Cafe Adriatico, Cafe Adriatico Express, Cafe Havana, Fely J’s Kitchen, Larry’s Cafe & Bar, Lorenzo’s Way, Polka Dot Bakeshop, Abe’s Farm and the LJC Group Catering Service.