Since Kobe Bryant and daughter Gianna Bryant’s death last month, fans and customers have been paying tribute to the fallen NBA star by dining at his favorite Mexican restaurant, El Camino Real. According to ABC-7, Bryant was a regular at the Fullerton restaurant for over 20 years.
Bryant’s connection to Latino fans and culture is a true Southern Californian experience. Los Angeles Times writer Gustavo Arellano noted how many local Latinos “saw themselves and their culture in him: The work ethic. The marriage to a Mexican-American woman. The devotion to his daughters. His better-than-not, if Italian-inflected, Spanish.”
Bryant’s wife Vanessa reportedly introduced him to her childhood favorite restaurant, El Camino Real, when the pair were first dating. Bryant’s favorite dishes were said to be the carne asada tostada, carnitas, and flan, complete with a cantaloupe agua fresca.
According to ABC-7, manager Rodolfo Garcia says Bryant “was the best customer. Bryant also insisted that staff “Treat me like a normal person, don’t treat me like a star.” That even meant standing in line with everyone else, and chatting up customers while there.
Bryant learned Spanish so he could communicate with the Southern California Latino fanbase (including the staff at El Camino Real) and out of respect for his wife and her family. Fox 11 reported that if El Camino Real lacked seating, staff would make a private table in the back of the restaurant.
The Bryant’s were also regulars at Javier’s in Newport Beach. According to Vice, Javier’s owners shared how Bryant was considered as a family member, and was a “true gentleman.”
If El Camino Real looks familiar to Eater LA readers, this publication wrote about “cilantro papi” a few years back. El Camino Real employee Rogelio Rivera chops cilantro in an efficient and hypnotic manner.
So many people messaged me on Snapchat on how satisfying this video was. Twitter, I’m gifting you the video of Rogelio chopping cilantro. pic.twitter.com/tvY5m5ffU7
— Rebecca Castañeda (@atomic_era) January 4, 2018
303 N Euclid St, Fullerton, CA 92832
FAQs
Since Kobe Bryant and daughter Gianna Bryant's death last month, fans and customers have been paying tribute to the fallen NBA star by dining at his favorite Mexican restaurant, El Camino Real. According to ABC-7, Bryant was a regular at the Fullerton restaurant for over 20 years.
What is Kobe Bryant's favorite Mexican restaurant? ›
The restaurant was one of Bryant's favorites, and he was its most famous customer.
What was Kobe Bryant's favorite food? ›
His favorite foods from the spot were apparently a carne asada tostada, carnitas, and flan, which he ordered in Spanish.
What did Kobe Bryant do for Los Angeles? ›
Bryant has served as the honorary chair of United Way of Greater Los Angeles's annual HomeWalk for three consecutive years. Bryant volunteers his time to Make-A-Wish Foundation, NBA Cares and The Boys & Girls Clubs of America, and serves as an ambassador for After-School All-Stars.
When did Kobe come to LA? ›
The Charlotte Hornets chose him with the 13th pick of the 1996 draft. He was traded to the Lakers shortly thereafter and became the second youngest NBA player in history when the 1996–97 season opened.
What was Kobe Bryant's favorite color? ›
Despite his history with Boston, the Black Mamba also revealed that his favorite color is not the purple and gold he's rocked for the entirety of his career, but has always been green.
Why does Kobe know Italian? ›
When he was six, his father retired from the NBA and moved his family to Rieti in Italy to continue playing professional basketball. After two years, they moved first to Reggio Calabria, then to Pistoia and Reggio Emilia. Kobe became accustomed to his new lifestyle and learned to speak fluent Italian.
What is Kobe Bryant favorite hobbies? ›
He was drafted to the Charlotte Hornets in 1996 at age 18, but right after the draft, he was traded to the Lakers, where he would spend the rest of his 20-year career. Some of Kobe's hobbies growing up were football and basketball, but he was also interested in soccer and swimming.
What city did Kobe Bryant live in California? ›
And slept with his family at their house in Newport Coast. A makeshift memorial created by mourners to honor Kobe Bryant sits outside the gated Pelican Crest community in Newport Coast, where he lived with his family.
Where did Kobe Bryant spent most of his life? ›
Italy as a whole, where Kobe lived into his teens, is a far cry from Southern California, where the basketball legend not only made a career and a life, but where he also died Sunday in a helicopter crash along with his daughter Gianna and seven other people.
Kobe Bryant left everything to Vanessa Bryant and his.
Where is Kobe Bryant buried? ›
The burial occurred at Pacific View Memorial Park, which is near the family's home in Orange County. Burial originally was planned for Westwood Village Memorial Park but was changed. Bryant and his daughter, 13, were killed along with seven other people in a helicopter crash Jan. 26 near Calabasas, California.
Where does Kobe Bryant live? ›
How tall was Kobe Bryant at 16? ›
Kobe was 6'3" at 16. Bron was 6'7". The idea is they're almost full grown during their HS or Freshman year. We could have an average height for all the NBA players but doesn't make sense because they all play different positions and size could end up as either advantage/disadvantage.
How many locations does Kobe Steakhouse have? ›
With 13 locations spanning from Orlando to Tampa, the Kobé team strives to continue to deliver the best Japanese Steakhouse dining experience to all local guests and those from all around the world.
When was Kobe's restaurant founded? ›
Kobe Japanese Steak House was founded in 1978 by Canadian restaurateurs Hy Aisenstat and Rod Gardiner.
What does Kobe Bryant like? ›
Kobe thrived in the spotlight and loved being able to connect with people. He dedicated a lot of his free time to mentoring young people through sports, whether they were upcoming NBA stars or just skilled high schoolers who had a passion for basketball.
