In the bustling culinary landscape of New York City, finding an authentic Mexican restaurant that truly captures the heart and flavors of Mexico can be a delightful quest. Our story begins in April 2018, with what we now fondly recall as a serendipitous encounter right here in NYC. Lalo, a talented musician hailing from Mexico, casually mentioned his grandmother’s home in Puebla. On a whim, I spontaneously invited myself to visit. Little did we know that this simple invitation would blossom into marriage and the creation of Cocina Consuelo, a culinary venture born during the pandemic that has not only sustained us but also enriched our community.
Alt text: Lalo and his partner stand in front of a vibrant blue wall in Puebla, Mexico, smiling warmly, embodying the origins of their Mexican restaurant in NYC.
Before the world shifted with the pandemic, we were immersed in the demanding yet rewarding environments of high-end kitchens. Like countless others in the restaurant industry, we suddenly found ourselves furloughed, facing an uncertain future and a lot of time at home. Amidst this period of uncertainty, we sought to inject some positivity into our living space. We decided to paint a wall in our apartment a vibrant, uplifting blue – a small act of bringing joy and inspiration into our lives during challenging times.
It was during this period of culinary exploration at home that we decided to tackle Birria for the first time. Birria, a deeply flavorful and complex traditional Mexican stew, requires over 15 hours of patient cooking. When Lalo finally tasted our homemade Birria, the flavors transported him instantly back to his childhood in Mexico. He was genuinely amazed by the authenticity and deliciousness we had achieved. It sparked a thought: “Why not share this incredible taste of home with others?” And just like that, Cocina Consuelo was conceived in late June, initially as a take-out and delivery service right here in NYC, aiming to become a beloved Mexican Restaurant Nyc spot. We launched our venture with our closest circle of friends and family as our first patrons. Word of mouth spread rapidly throughout our neighborhood. Incredibly quickly, we found ourselves selling out on our very first day and working tirelessly to replenish our stock to meet the weekend demand!
Alt text: A steaming bowl of Cocina Consuelo’s signature Birria, showcasing rich, flavorful broth and tender meat, a prime example of authentic Mexican cuisine in NYC.
Cocina Consuelo quickly evolved into much more than just a place to grab a quick meal; it became a true celebration of the warmth of home cooking, the importance of family, and the enduring 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 inspired directly by Lalo’s cherished grandmother’s culinary wisdom. Our food philosophy is deeply rooted in our heritage, seamlessly blending the comforting simplicity of home-style Mexican cooking with the robust and genuinely authentic flavors that define Mexican cuisine. We are dedicated to offering a truly authentic mexican restaurant nyc experience.
With the vibrant and rhythmic sounds of Son Jarocho music often filling the air and the treasured recipes passed down through generations from Lalo’s abuelita guiding our kitchen, Cocina Consuelo has cultivated a welcoming atmosphere where family, friends, and neighbors naturally gather to share good company and exceptional food. What began humbly with tacos has blossomed into a full-fledged supper club experience. We now proudly offer multi-course tasting menus that thoughtfully incorporate ancestral cooking techniques and celebrate the freshest, seasonal ingredients available.
Alt text: The inviting storefront of Cocina Consuelo, a Mexican restaurant in NYC, warmly lit and open for service, beckoning diners to experience authentic flavors.
Fast forward to August 2024, and we are thrilled to announce that we have opened our very first storefront in the very neighborhood where I grew up in NYC. This exciting new chapter for Cocina Consuelo represents our commitment to staying deeply connected to our community and our desire to give back to the neighborhood that has supported us. We have actively involved local residents in every step of this expansion, from collaboratively choosing new menu items to thoughtfully deciding on the interior design of our space. Our new location is envisioned as more than just a restaurant – it’s intended to be a vibrant hub for community gatherings, engaging culinary workshops, and joyful celebrations. We are incredibly excited to witness it flourish as a place where absolutely everyone feels genuinely at home and welcomed, offering a true taste of a mexican restaurant nyc rooted in community.
Driven by our shared passion for exceptional food and the power of community, Cocina Consuelo remains dedicated to honoring our Mexican roots while enthusiastically embracing the future. Our journey is a testament to the simple yet profound truth that genuine hospitality, a generous measure of love, and a truly great meal have the power to make a significant positive difference in people’s lives. And yes, Lalo still playfully teases me about the time I spontaneously invited myself to his grandmother’s house – but we both wholeheartedly agree that it all worked out exceptionally well, leading us to create this special mexican restaurant nyc that we are proud to share with you.
