Our Story
In April 2018, we had what you might call a "fateful encounter" in New York City. Lalo, a musician from Mexico, casually mentioned his grandmother's house in Puebla, and I, in true spontaneous fashion, invited myself along. Little did we know that this would lead to our marriage and the birth of a culinary venture that would not only keep us sane during the pandemic but also uplift our community.
Before the pandemic, we were working in some pretty fancy kitchens, but like many others, we suddenly found ourselves furloughed and wondering what to do next. So, in the middle of all the uncertainty, we decided to paint a wall in our apartment a vibrant blue—it was our little way of bringing some joy and inspiration into our lives.
Then, we decided to tackle our first Birria, a traditional Mexican dish that takes over 15 hours to cook. When Lalo tasted it, he was transported right back to his childhood, and he couldn’t believe how good it was. That’s when we thought, "Why not share this with others?" And that’s how Cocina Consuelo was born in late June, starting as a take-out and delivery venture. We kicked off with friends and family as our first customers, but word spread quickly. Pretty soon, we were selling out on the first day and scrambling to restock for the weekend!
Cocina Consuelo is more than just a place to grab a bite; it’s a celebration of home cooking, family, and the ties that bind us. We started with our Birria, and soon after, we added dishes like 'Chiles Rellenos con Atún,' inspired by Lalo’s grandmother’s recipes. Our food reflects our roots, blending the simplicity of home cooking with the rich, authentic flavors of Mexican cuisine.
With the lively tunes of Son Jarocho in the background and recipes passed down from Lalo’s abuelita, Cocina Consuelo has become a place where family, friends, and neighbors gather to enjoy a good meal. What began with tacos has grown into a full supper club experience, offering multi-course tasting menus that embrace ancestral techniques and celebrate seasonal ingredients.
Fast forward to August 2024, and we’ve now opened our first storefront in the neighborhood where I grew up. This new chapter is our way of staying connected to our community and giving back. We’ve involved the locals every step of the way, from choosing menu items to deciding on the interior design. Our new space is not just a restaurant—it’s a hub for community gatherings, workshops, and celebrations, and we’re thrilled to see it become a place where everyone feels at home.
With our love for food and community, Cocina Consuelo continues to honor our roots while looking ahead to the future. Our story is proof that a little hospitality, a lot of love, and a great meal can make all the difference. And yes, Lalo will still tease me about that time I invited myself to his grandmother's house—but we’d say it worked out pretty well!