The Mexican Consulate in New York and the Mexican Cultural Institute are inviting New Yorkers to celebrate the coming bicentennial (at midnight, September 15) of Mexican independence by enjoying true Mexican cuisine. At a press conference August 11 the organizations announced the “Tasting Mexico” Program, joining with 11 authentic Mexican restaurants in the New York area to promote Mexican food and culture.
Mexican Consul General Ruben Beltran invited metropolitan area residents to participate over the next several months in a “Tasting Mexico” Passport promotion, enabling the passport holders to enjoy a 10% discount at the participating restaurants. Further, passport holders who have their folders stamped at all 11 restaurants will go into a drawing for a free trip to the Mexican colonial city of San Miguel Allende, which has been a popular retirement haven for Americans for decades. Passsports can be picked up at participating restaurants, or at the Mexican Consulate, 27 East 39th Street in Manhattan. Sponsors of the program include the Mexican Tourism Board, Aeromexico, Avocados from Mexico, and the State of Oaxaca.
The participating restaurants are:
El Aguila, 137 East 116 St., Manhattan; and 334 Monroe St., Passaic, NJ; www.elaguilamex.com
Casa Vieja, 6007 5th Ave., Brooklyn; www.casavieja12@gmail.com
Hecho en Dumbo, 354 Bowery, Manhattan; www.hechoendumbo.com
La Palapa, 77 St. Mark’s Place, Manhattan; www.lapalapa.com
Papatzul 55 Grand Street, Manhattan; www.papatzul.com
Patron, 66-35 Grand Avenue, Maspeth, Queens; www.patronrestaurant.com
La Superior, 295 Berry Street, Williamsburg, Brooklyn; www.lasuperiornyc.com
Toloache, 251 West 50 St., Manhattan; www.toloache.com
Zarela, 953 Second Ave., Manhattan; www.zarela.com
Winning passport numbers will be drawn on September 15, November 10, and December 12.
Additional bicentennial celebrations include art exhibits at the Aperture Gallery, Museo del Barrio, The Queens Museum of Art and the Amrericas Society. For further information, go to www.visitmexicony.com.
About the Expert: Mike Quane is an experienced travel writer who has placed bylined articles in such publications as The New York Daily News, AAA Today, Endless Vacation, Traveling Magazine, Asian Business and Singapore Airlines Magazine. He was the travel columnist with Long Island's This Week Publications for over a decade. He has traveled extensively in Europe, Asia, Australia and South America, as well as throughout the United States.