He’s like a one-man band with a huge following.
Oscar Lacson is the manager and chef for K-B’s Bistro ’33. With his do-it-all personality, he designs the menus, cooks the food, serves the residents, and is the dishwasher. “There is no ego here. I am happy to do whatever it takes to ensure the residents are very happy,” he said. The Bistro is open from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. for breakfast, lunch, and dinner-to-go.
Oscar, who is a veritable ray of sunshine, admits that his friendly chatter is a big part of the ambiance of the popular dining venue. “I like to talk to the residents a lot and joke with them,” he said, adding that he tricks them into entering the bistro. “I have a lot of specials, but I don’t post what they are, so they have to come in and ask. I want them to come in and visit. It’s like my bait. They’ll say, ‘Well, since I’m here now, I’ll stay and have breakfast.’ It’s perfect.”
Almost as beloved by the residents as Oscar is his one-of-a-kind creation, the tree. Created with discarded wiring from the building, the one-of-a-kind sculpture stands outside the bistro doors and is festively decorated with a rotating variety of bright, colorful, amusing items–sometimes holiday-related items such as hearts and Teddy bears; other times with more random décor such as ceramic fruit. Always festive, always brightly hued, it, like its creator, always elicits a smile.
Oscar admits that his job at K-B House was originally a stepping stone to working as a chef at a large dining venue, but he fell in love with the residents and never moved on. “It’s not about bringing them food. We’re caring for them, so they are able to move forward with this part of their life. I love the residents and their stories. I love joking and being authentic with them,” he said.
