Flordeliza Obregon’s home-cooked Filipino food makes waves in Mesa, Arizona

Tucked in a tiny strip mall near Dobson and Guadalupe Roads in the city of Mesa, Arizona is one of the most authentic Filipino restaurants in the Valley.

“I’ve got customers from Tucson, from Goodyear, Avondale, Queen Creek, Gilbert—from all over,” said Flordeliza Obregon, owner of My Place Café.

Obregon opened My Place Café in 2016 with a plan to provide home-cooked Filipino food she learned from her mother and grandmother.

“So, since I was a child, and I’m the oldest among the siblings, I’m the first one who learned to cook. All the dishes that I learned from them is now, I still have it until now,” said Obregon.

Obregon made the move to America after her husband was transferred for work. Her move was far from seamless as she had to wait for her immigration petition to be processed for seven years. It even took the help of a sitting U.S. Senator to get her petition approved.

“My petition got approved after seven years with the help of Senator McCain. My husband wrote him a letter saying he needs my papers to be expedited,” said Obregon

With dishes like Longsilog, Lechon Kawali, and Tapsilog, her success and reputation grew so quickly that she’s opened a bigger location.

My Place Café will soon relocate across from the Chandler Fashion Center, a location she hopes will bring in both loyal customers and new folks to try her cuisine.

The new location is expected to open in September. You can check out My Place Café’s Facebook page for the latest updates.

SOURCE: 12 News