Los Cuiles staff

Deciderio (or Don Deci) is the "encargado"or manager of Café Los Cuiles. He works tirelessly to keep the operation going smoothly, arriving early in the morning and often leaving late at night. Deciderio studied law at the University of Benito Juarez. He is married and has three children. In his time off, which isn't much, he likes to play with his children. Desiderio's email

Allejandra Villegas, who started working in Los Cuiles in May of 2008, was born in Oaxaca one of four sisters. She likes to take care of her plants at home while she listens to music . . . any kind of music except for "heavy" music. She likes to bake also, and hopes some day to open a bakery here in Oaxaca.

Laura Altamirano, born in Oaxaca, is the morning waitress; her good spirit and affability energizes the cafe. She is finishing highschool, and wants to study languages in college so she can travel. She is the youngest of four, and in her free time enjoys art, especially stencil drawings. If she has a second, give her a few words to learn in Italian, French, or English while she dashes off to bring your ensalada de fruta. Laura's email

Toña Maria (Toñis), the Los Cuiles evening chef, was born in the small town of San Juan Mazatlan, and came to Oaxaca three years ago. She is currently studying Education at the U. de Golfo de Mexico. In her time off, she likes to read, listen to music, “and catch up on my sleep!” And take care of that beautiful waist long hair!

Keyla first came to the Café Los Cuiles as a customer, getting her coffee everyday before class. Her sparkle earned her a position on the staff, and now she is a veteran. She is from Veracruz and is nearing the completion of an accounting at the U. of Benito Juarez. Her smile brightens the cafe. . . unless she has an exam in a few hours.

Shy at first but quick with a pretty smile, Tere (Teresa) was born in San Juan Quiahije, and at the age of 12 her parents sent her to Oaxaca to work. She managed to put herself through high school, and is now studying to be a nurse at the U. of Benito Juarez, working mornings at Los Cuiles to help finance her studies.

Doña Hilda, with plenty of experience is the café’s morning chef. She can make a torta for the students faster than you can say “ya?” She is from San Juan Guelavaria and is the mom of two. She loves a joke: you will probably hear her wisecracks if you get close to the kitchen. In her spare time she likes to study alternative medicine.

Owner Emiliana started Los Cuiles with Paul in November of 2001 before being recruited by an early customer (a visiting professor) to attend the U. of Texas at Austin where she is completing her doctorate degree in linguistics. She, along with her husband Daniel, spends time in between Cieneguilla, Oaxaca, Austin, and Albania (where Daniel is doing research.)

Desicerio's email