Abuelita, I Am Your Grandson

by Julio Lucero

A wholesome, yet whimsical collection of autobiographical stories of a son learning the ropes of his family’s business, a Mexican restaurant.

Julio’s Café opened more like an emergency parachute than it did like an eatery. Lucero’s father, also Julio, could not endure cubicle life and thought roasting chickens was his best way out. With the help of his suegra and sister-n-law, Lucero’s endeavor not only bore fruit, but also laid down a foundation for the following generation.

Nearly four decades, and several twists and turns later, Lucero’s ex-wife and eldest son shouldered the torch of the restaurant. Until one day, an impossible decision stood before the family, one that questioned the sustainability and longevity of the business. With memories still intact, Lucero’s son began to collect and document his own experience working in the family business.

Abuelita, I Am Your Grandson is a tune that hits every note on the scale, ranging from Mexican gastronomy, to business, to lessons in language and culture. Told through snapshots and not one throughline, Lucero’s collection is impactful, yet economical, perfect for readers who crave bite-sized snacks over a laborious meal. Buen Provecho.

Genres: Memoir

192 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 30, 2024

About the author

Julio Lucero is a former restaurateur, turned author.
His debut book, Abuelita I Am Your Grandson, is a collection of stories and essays that draw from his experience working in his family's business, Julio's Café in Hyde Park. He is a third generation Austinite, and when he isn't pondering his next project, he enjoys social dancing and spending time with the people he loves.

Reviews

[Sofia Cigarroa Kennedy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful book about friends, family, food and restaurant work. I grew up going to this restaurant and seeing Julio and his mom all the time. Julio’s will always hold such a special place in my heart. “For a few, their welcome back to town was a visit to ours, sometimes with their luggage still in the trunk, even before they went home… it might be a couple returning from a vacation in Colorado or a grown child who ventured out of the nest front school or a first job. When they returned for Christmas or the summer, they always stopped in. Kids are still kids, at least to their parents, and in an odd way, to me. Now grown, they ordered the same things they had when they were years younger.” The way food can hold so many childhood memories- this will always be their green enchiladas for me.

[Gracie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Julio’s is an austin staple — how could i not love this book?!

[Emily Blazer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wise, heartwarming, and funny. I thoroughly enjoyed this book.

[Beatrice]

Review to come.

[Annie Tate Cockrum · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a delight! Julio Lucero’s collected stories about growing up working with his family at Julio’s Cafe in Austin, TX. Julio’s is my favorite restaurant and I’ve been going there for as long as I can remember. Learning more about Julio and the behind the scenes of running the restaurant was incredible. Big recommend if you grew up in Austin, a particularly special read if you love Julio’s.

[Danni · Rating 4 out of 5]

this was such a fun read, it felt like a warm hug from your abuela.

this novel is a love letter to family, food, and the chaos of running a restaurant. it was told through quick, punchy snapshots, this memoir isn’t just about cooking—it’s about legacy, language, and the hard choices that come with keeping a dream alive.

premise: in the heart of the story is Julio’s Café, a Mexican restaurant that started as a desperate escape from the 9-to-5 grind and turned into a family institution. through humor, honesty, and plenty of mouthwatering moments, Julio Jr. takes us behind the scenes where the kitchen heat is real, business is unpredictable, and tradition meets survival.

my thoughts about this:
what makes this book stand out for me is its storytelling style. no long-winded chapters, no filler—just sharp, engaging moments that pack a punch, perfect for readers who prefer their stories like their 🌮: satisfying but never overwhelming. whether you’re a foodie, a business dreamer, or just someone who loves a good family saga, Abuelita, I Am Your Grandson is a must-read.

a little spicy, a little sweet, and full of heart—this one was a feast for the eyes!

4 ⭐️✨

[Alexia Lopez · Rating 5 out of 5]

As an Austinite myself, this took me back to my childhood. Weekends with my grandmother who sold her homemade salsa and briefly had her own family-run Mexican restaurant. Julio’s story resonated with me in so many ways. The format was captivating and kept me engaged the whole way through. Ironically the cover even reminds me of my grandma’s salsa label and the way her home was always accented with rooster decor the way many homes in Del Valle area were. I connected with the Austin places he mentioned and intrigued by the many people that crossed his path. What a way to explore the depths of a family run business in a city like Austin that has changed so drastically over the last few decades. A wonderful display of familia and heritage.

[Amy Salinas · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved Julio Lucero’s book, Abuelita – I am Your Grandson. His real and honest stories mixed with a good sense of humor convey in a special way the lives of everyday people in the work of a family-owned restaurant. Reading each chapter, made me want to be there and experience the daily visitors and behind the scenes happenings. It truly must have been a special place where people from very different backgrounds found themselves sharing the gift of great food and company. We all could use a book like this one that demonstrates how, despite differences, food always brings people together.

[Caitlin Palmer · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is funny, poignant, and vividly wrought, pulling the reader into Lucero's life at his family's restaurant. Full disclosure--I have eaten there many times, but even if you've never been to this legendary Austin establishment, you'll feel as if you're a regular by the end of the book.

Lucero draws complex and beautiful characters from his life and tells stories you don't want to put down (which is probably why I finished the book in one day!). I found myself laughing often, underlining key nuggets of wisdom, salivating over all the delicious meals (too many to count), and ultimately, looking forward to his next book!

[Mikee · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars!

Overall, I enjoyed the book and found myself comparing it to what Tony’s experience must be like having a family restaurant. Some short stories were interesting, others not so much. I especially liked hearing his perspective about the authenticity of his restaurant’s food and their experience with changing technology and the pandemic. That said, there weren’t really many stories that I loved— maybe because i’ve never been to the restaurant so there’s not really a nostalgia factor at play

[Abby Strite · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book of personal essays hit me in my funny bone and my cry bone (is that a thing?)! Especially being an ATX local, Julio Lucero's stories of growing up in a local cafe resonated with me - it's so fun to place the action in times and places I've been and frequently visit. Plus, as a local business owner, his stories of well meaning suggestions (shoulds!) from customers were particularly resonant. I'm so happy he sat down and wrote these stories! Treat yourself with this one!

[Kristen · Rating 5 out of 5]

A delightful collection of stories that highlight how every day moments shape our lives. Readers get a sneak peek of not only what it is like to run a restaurant, but to do so with your family and the complexities and lessons that come along with it. The short story format made this a fantastic book to dip into both when I had only a few minutes to spare (and helped give me something to reach for other than my phone) as well as when I just wanted a quick escape.

[Eva Gachus · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to the author with Netgalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review. Abuelita, I Am Your Grandson is a delightful and heartfelt exploration of family, culture, and the enduring legacy of a Mexican restaurant. Julio Jr.’s autobiographical collection offers readers a charming mosaic of snapshots rather than a linear narrative, making it accessible and engaging for those who prefer bite-sized stories.

[Reader]

This book is full of stories about family, friends and what it takes to run a restaurant. The author perfectly captures Austin and Julio’s Cafe, where it feels like you are pulling up a chair ready to enjoy a delicious meal with loved ones. It’s warmly written and authentic, with punches of humor thrown in. It truly reminds you that food can bring anyone together.

[Laura Gonzalez · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was soooo good! I really enjoyed that it did not have long chapters. I loved the setting of Julio’s Cafe a Mexican restaurant. I enjoyed the storytelling. This story is not just about a restaurant but also family, humor, legacy. This was a book I had a hard time putting down.

[Heather · Rating 3 out of 5]

A quick, entertaining read. Mostly interested me because I’m from Austin.

[James Kinsley · Rating 3 out of 5]

Charming, engaging patchwork account of life at a restaurant in Austin, Texas. Enjoyable.