In April 2018, a chance meeting in New York City blossomed into something truly special. Lalo, a talented musician hailing from Mexico, casually mentioned his grandmother’s home in Puebla. On a whim, I invited myself to visit, a decision that unknowingly set the stage for our marriage and the creation of Cocina Consuelo. This culinary venture not only became our anchor during the pandemic but also a vibrant addition to the Mexican Nyc food scene and a source of community upliftment.
Like many working in the restaurant industry, the pandemic brought unexpected furloughs. Previously immersed in the demanding environments of upscale kitchens, we found ourselves at a crossroads. In the midst of uncertainty, we sought to inject positivity into our lives, starting with a simple act: painting a wall in our apartment a bright, inspiring blue.
Then came the Birria. This iconic Mexican dish, demanding over 15 hours of slow cooking, became our culinary experiment. For Lalo, the first taste was a powerful Proustian moment, instantly transporting him back to the flavors of his childhood. Its authenticity and deliciousness sparked an idea: “Why not share this taste of home with others?” And so, Cocina Consuelo emerged in late June, initially as a takeout and delivery service, bringing Mexican NYC flavors directly to doorsteps. We launched with the support of friends and family, but word of mouth spread rapidly. To our delight and slight panic, we were selling out on our first day, quickly learning the ropes of restocking for eager weekend customers.
Cocina Consuelo quickly evolved into more than just a place for delicious food; it became a celebration of the heart of home cooking, the importance of family, and the bonds that connect us. Our Birria became a signature dish, and soon we expanded our menu, introducing dishes like ‘Chiles Rellenos con Atún,’ inspired by cherished family recipes passed down from Lalo’s grandmother. Our food philosophy centers around authentic flavors, blending the comforting simplicity of home-style Mexican cooking with the rich culinary traditions of Mexico. This approach resonates deeply within the Mexican NYC community and beyond.
The atmosphere of Cocina Consuelo is infused with the joyful rhythms of Son Jarocho music, playing softly in the background, and the comforting essence of abuelita’s recipes. It’s a place where friends, family, and neighbors naturally gather, drawn by the promise of a genuinely good meal and warm hospitality. Starting with tacos, our offerings have expanded into a complete supper club experience. We now feature multi-course tasting menus that showcase ancestral cooking techniques and highlight the best seasonal ingredients, offering a truly immersive Mexican NYC dining experience.
August 2024 marked an exciting milestone: the opening of our first storefront in the very neighborhood where I grew up. This physical space is our commitment to staying deeply connected with our community and giving back to the area that shaped me. From menu selections to interior design choices, we’ve actively involved local residents every step of the way. Our new location is envisioned as more than just a restaurant; it’s intended to be a vibrant hub for community gatherings, cooking workshops, and local celebrations. We are incredibly excited to see it flourish as a welcoming space where everyone feels at home, experiencing genuine Mexican NYC hospitality.
Driven by our shared passion for food and community, Cocina Consuelo continues to honor our Mexican roots while enthusiastically embracing the future in Mexican NYC. Our story is a testament to the power of hospitality, the magic of love, and the profound impact of a truly great meal. And yes, Lalo still playfully teases me about that spontaneous invitation to his grandmother’s house in Puebla – a trip that started it all, and as we both agree, worked out wonderfully well!
