BOSSIER CITY, La. — For most people, a daily commute means 15, 30, maybe 45 minutes on the road. But for Chef Israel “Izzy” Andrade, the trip is a little longer — all the way from the Shreveport-area to AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas.
Andrade, who owns La Dolce Vita in Bossier City with his wife, splits his time between running the family’s Italian restaurant at 2369 Airline Drive and working as a culinary lead chef for the Dallas Cowboys during football season.
His journey to the kitchen has been as unique as his two-job lifestyle. Andrade immigrated from Mexico, became a U.S. citizen, mastered Italian cooking, and opened La Dolce Vita nearly three years ago.
“You need to love cooking,” Andrade said. “But you need to look closely at Italian food so you can do it. People can feel it when you make your food.”
At La Dolce Vita — which translates to the sweet life — Andrade serves up carefully crafted Italian dishes in a relaxed setting.
“This is no rush. This is no fast food,” he explained. “They can keep a glass of wine out, have a nice visit and meal with family. That’s what it is.”
But once football season begins, Andrade’s week also includes high-stakes work in Arlington. For 13 years, he has been part of the Cowboys’ culinary team, catering mostly to opposing team owners and their families.
“We don’t get more than 30,” Andrade said of his guest lists. “So it’s a lot of food… and every game, it changes.”
Bound by a non-disclosure agreement, Andrade can’t share all the behind-the-scenes details. But he said the Cowboys’ organization takes care of its people and ensures staff don’t miss the action, with TVs stationed throughout work areas.
Back in Bossier, Andrade is focused on community, offering a 25% discount for first responders dining at La Dolce Vita.
La Dolce Vita is located at 2369 Airline Drive in Bossier City. Reservations can be made by calling (318) 562-3862.
Dining and Cooking