GUSTINE — Cielito Lindo Cafe is more than a new business in town. For owners Alejandra and Rui De Silva, the shop represents a seven‑year dream rooted in affection and intention. “We believe in love,” Alejandra said, describing the inspiration behind the project. When the couple opened their doors on Dec. 13th, they offered Gustine not just a coffee shop, but a piece of themselves.
The grand opening drew hundreds of residents, creating what the owners described as an emotional and overwhelming show of support. Local dignitaries, including the mayor, Chamber of Commerce and city manager, stopped by to congratulate the couple, underscoring the community’s enthusiasm.
Inside, the cafe was designed to feel “absolutely heartwarming and friendly,” Alejandra said. The couple envisioned a peaceful refuge that feels like “walking into your family’s home,” and they achieved it with an elegant, comfortable interior meant to encourage guests to linger. For Alejandra, a Gustine High School graduate, and Rui, the goal was simple: create a cozy, beautiful space where people could gather from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. and feel at home.
The name Cielito Lindo, meaning “my sweet darling” or “my little love” in Mexico, reflects the couple’s philosophy. “This place has a lot of both of us,” Alejandra said. Even the White Horse logo is personal, honoring the first horse the couple shared.
Without traditional industry backgrounds, the owners leaned on their home kitchens and family traditions. Alejandra crafts each coffee drink herself, while the food menu draws from their Mexican and Portuguese roots. Signature drinks include the Churro Latte, the Cielito Lindo Latte and the White Horse Latte. Popular dishes include the Chicken Avocado Crepe and the Tostada Tamazula, made with ingredients from the small Mexican city of Tamazula.
The couple said the most challenging part of the journey was navigating the permit process, which they joked was harder than their careers as a psychologist and a horse trainer. But the community’s reaction has made the effort worthwhile. Hearing customers say, “This is not a place that would be in Gustine, it’s so beautiful,” has been especially meaningful.
With free Wi‑Fi and outdoor seating, Cielito Lindo Cafe is positioned to become a community gathering place. The owners say they welcome suggestions for future events and hope to build a truly social, engaging space.
Alejandra and Rui are already seeing visitors travel from Monterey and San Jose to experience the cafe. Their hope is that Cielito Lindo becomes a destination—“a place so special that people from all over will say, ‘Let’s go to Gustine just to visit that beautiful cafe.” For the couple, the shop is more than coffee; it is a dream of love brought to life for their town.
