We become friends with someone because of similarities. Yet we also respect the differences. Our time with George and Gabriel is running out, but there's still time for some more comparing and contrasting.
Our dynamic duo kick things off in yesterday's blog.
Start there for the complete story. Then keep on reading below.
What's your favorite childhood memory?
Gabriel Ruiz: Camping and fishing with my family.
George Mendoza: Skateboarding with my best friends.
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Tell us something most people don't know about you.
GM: I was a crazy 'raver' in the 90s during the EDC explosion in DTLA, a lot of which was spent with my business partner and friend, Gabriel.
GR: I'm probably much nicer and more approachable than most people think.
You have a whole day to yourself; what do you do?
GR: Relax. Go for a long drive.
GM: Crossfit. Drive my Viper to LA.
Where did you grow up, and where's home these days?
GM: Hollywood, Santa Ana, Corona. Home is now Santa Ana.
GR: Grew up with my business partner, George, in Corona. I now live in Mission Viejo with my family.
Hardest lesson you've learned:
GR: Make sure you choose partners carefully, in any venture.
GM: Owning a business, especially a restaurant, can take a lot of your time and mind. Don't forget that the people that you most love and admire can leave you any day. Don't forget to enjoy your loved ones, and tell them you love them every day!
What would you be doing if you weren't in this business?
GM: Club promoter.
GR: I'm also a contractor, so I'd grow that business larger.
Do you have any skills that have nothing to do with food?
GR: Yes, woodworking. Good with my hands.
GM: Yes, I'm a great barber. I own American Barbershop, one of the biggest and best barber shops in SoCal. Located right here in DTSA.
Last book read or movie watched.
GM: Movie: Mad Max. It was f'en bad ass!
GR: Last book I read was It's Not How Good You Are, It's How Good You Want To Be. Last movie was The Goonies.
Is there anything you'd like readers to know that we haven't asked?
GR: They should know that there's a very cool, urban restaurant, open late hours, that's a must visit in DTSA called Wursthaus.
GM: Being a business owner has many positive and negative aspects, but if being happy meant throwing away my businesses, I would do it in a second.
Wursthaus is located at 305 E 4th St, Ste 106 in Santa Ana, (714) 760-4333; www.wursthausdtsa.com.
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A contributing writer for OC Weekly, Anne Marie freelances for multiple online and print publications, and guest judges for culinary competitions. A Bay Area transplant, she graduated with a degree in Hospitality Management from Cal Poly Pomona. Find her on Instagram as brekkiefan.