About

Liliana Rodas de Araujo started working at her Family's diner "Rincon Alegre" at the age of 6 making empanadas and going off to sell them at the "Cruce Internacional" Bus Stop in Coronel Oviedo, Paraguay. After 10 years of waking up at 2AM to work 12 hour shifts she and her parents managed to save money to move to the capital of Paraguay, Asuncion. They were in charge of running the cafeterias of the University of Medical sciences in Asuncion and the University of Veterinarian sciences in San Lorenzo, Paraguay. While attending university she married Victor Araujo, son of Ofelia Schmoll de Araujo a renowned Chef and Instructor for the Institution of Culinary Arts of Paraguay. Ofelia born in Argentina and of German and Italian descent took Liliana in as her main apprentice passing on her knowledge and recipes. Liliana soon after developed a passion for pastry and cake decoration and both worked side by side on many projects, one such as catering an event for Pope St. John Paul II in the mid 90's. After a successful career with Ofelia, Liliana along with Victor and her 5 children moved to Pacific Grove, California where she continued her career in pastry at a few local Bakeries but due to lack of recognition and having to re-start from ground zero, she took a hiatus from the culinary industry and accepted a job as a phlebotomist at the Community Hospital of the Monterey Peninsula while honing her skills and gaining recognition through her online business, Liliana's Cakes. After thirteen years at CHOMP Liliana retired at the age of 60 and started Cafe Guarani LLC, a culmination of all her experience and knowledge.