In the bustling culinary landscape of New York City, finding authentic and exceptional Mexican food can be a delightful quest. Our story begins in April 2018, with what you might call a serendipitous meeting right here in NYC. Lalo, a talented musician hailing from Mexico, casually mentioned his grandmother’s home in Puebla. In a moment of spontaneity, I invited myself to visit. Little did we know, this invitation would blossom into marriage and the creation of Cocina Consuelo, a culinary venture that not only became our anchor during the pandemic but also a vibrant addition to our community, offering what many are calling the Best Mexican Nyc has to offer.
Before the world shifted with the pandemic, we were immersed in the demanding yet rewarding world of high-end kitchens. Like countless others, we suddenly faced furlough and the daunting question of “what next?”. Amidst this uncertainty, we sought to inject a bit of joy and inspiration into our lives, starting with a vibrant blue wall in our apartment.
Then came the Birria. This iconic Mexican dish, a labor of love requiring over 15 hours of slow cooking, became our culinary focus. When Lalo tasted our first attempt, it was a powerful flashback to his childhood, a taste of home so authentic it was almost unbelievable. That moment sparked an idea: “Why not share this taste of home with others?” And just like that, Cocina Consuelo emerged in late June, initially as a takeout and delivery service. We launched with our closest circle – friends and family – as our first patrons. Word of mouth spread like wildfire. We were soon selling out on our first day and racing to replenish our supplies for the weekend rush!
Cocina Consuelo is more than just a place to grab a quick bite; it’s a celebration of the heart of home cooking, the warmth of family, and the unbreakable bonds that connect us. We started with our soul-warming Birria, and soon expanded our menu to include dishes like ‘Chiles Rellenos con Atún,’ a recipe directly inspired by Lalo’s grandmother’s culinary wisdom. Our food philosophy is rooted in simplicity, showcasing authentic Mexican flavors with the comforting touch of homemade meals. We believe we’re bringing some of the best Mexican food NYC residents can experience, right to their neighborhoods.
The atmosphere at Cocina Consuelo is infused with the lively rhythms of Son Jarocho, creating a vibrant backdrop to the flavors of our dishes. With recipes passed down through generations from Lalo’s abuelita, Cocina Consuelo has evolved into a welcoming space where family, friends, and neighbors come together to savor delicious food and genuine connection. Our journey began with tacos, and has since blossomed into a full supper club experience, featuring multi-course tasting menus that honor ancestral cooking techniques and celebrate the bounty of seasonal, fresh ingredients. For those seeking the best Mexican NYC has, our tasting menus offer an unparalleled deep dive into Mexican culinary heritage.
August 2024 marks an exciting milestone: the opening of our first storefront, located right in the neighborhood where I grew up. This new chapter is deeply meaningful, representing our commitment to staying connected to our community and giving back to the place that shaped me. We’ve made it a point to involve local residents in every step of this process, from curating menu items to collaborating on the interior design. Our new space is envisioned as more than just a restaurant – it’s intended to be a true community hub, a place for gatherings, workshops, celebrations, and everything in between. We are incredibly excited to see it flourish as a space where everyone feels genuinely at home, enjoying what we hope will be recognized as the best Mexican NYC can offer in terms of food and community spirit.
Driven by our shared love for food and community, Cocina Consuelo is a continuous journey of honoring our roots while eagerly embracing the future. Our story is a testament to the power of hospitality, the transformative magic of love, and the profound impact of a truly great meal. And yes, Lalo still playfully teases me about my spontaneous invitation to his grandmother’s house all those years ago – but as we look at Cocina Consuelo today, we both wholeheartedly agree it worked out perfectly! Come and experience for yourself why we believe we are offering some of the best Mexican NYC has to offer.
