Hispanic Heritage Month has officially begun! Formed in 1968 as Hispanic Heritage week and expanded to a 30-day period—September 15 to October 15—in 1988, the national celebration was created to commemorate the history, culture, and contributions of Hispanic-Americans and their ancestors.
In honor of Hispanic Heritage Month, we will be spotlighting various Hispanic-owned businesses throughout New York City, as well as in Connecticut, New Jersey, and South Florida.
Read on for this week’s dining roundup, complete with recommendations and reflections from our Brown Harris Stevens agents and staff.
Nadia Saleh, BHS Marketing’s Director of eCommerce, recommends La Newyorkina Mexican Ices and Sweets for a nostalgic and delicious culinary adventure.
Founded by Mexico-born chef Fanny Gerson--author of My Sweet Mexico--this paletería and bakery appeals to everyone’s inner child. Enjoy traditional desserts like paletas, churros, and more.
Recommended by NYC agent Debra Ortega, Ceci Cela is a French bakery with Mexican roots.
It was co-founded by Sandra Dupal, a Mexican-American who learned of French culture and cuisine through her husband, chef Laurent Dupal.
“Hispanic Heritage Month is a celebration of my blended and adopted culture,” Ortega said. “I’m Texican and married to someone of Spanish Basques descent. We have lived in Mexico and Guatemala, where my son was born. Each country has a distinct and rich culture, featuring original and traditional foods with flavorful ingredients, yet one common language."
Ortega recommends the bakery’s pastries, sweet and savory croissants, and spinach ricotta turnovers.
For delicious Ecuadorian food in New York City, look no further than Ñaño Ecuadorian Kitchen in Hell’s Kitchen, recommended by New York City Agent Jane Malave for a menu so authentic it reminds her of her childhood.
“I love this place because it is authentic Ecuadorian food. I rarely see any restaurants that do showcase the food I grew up on so discovering this restaurant felt like a little part of home,” said Malave. “It really takes me back to my childhood and the traditional dishes my mom and grandma made.”
When asked what Hispanic Heritage Month means to her, she reflected on the strides made by Hispanic people in the U.S.
“Being Hispanic is more than where we come from, and during this month we get to show people in our lives (who are not Hispanic) the core values we share, along with sharing our culture.”
Also recommended by Nadia Saleh, La Brujería is a must-visit for anyone in Hoboken looking for mouthwatering Mexican food.
Founded by Mexican Chef Roberto Islas, the restaurant has been open for less than a year and is already a local favorite.
From crowd favorites like birria tacos to authentic dishes like pipián verde and cochinita pibil, there are no shortage of delicious options on the restaurant’s menu.
Recommended by Nicole Pelle, a regional marketing specialist for BHS Connecticut, this family-owned Mexican restaurant in Port Chester, NY (just outside of Greenwich, Connecticut) is a community staple.
“My family and friends have all had their birthday dinners here, and it is a favorite for our Cinco de Mayo celebrations,” said Pelle. “They give back to the community as well.”
The restaurant recently closed due to Hurricane Ida but is currently accepting donations to help with their reopening.
El Taquito (Miami)
Coconut Grove’s El Taquito serves the “best tacos in town” according to BHS Miami Agent Leslie Bettison.
She lauds El Taquito as one of the many small, Hispanic-owned businesses in Miami worth recognizing.
“Many of these business owners have come to the U.S. with little and worked hard,” Bettison said. “I am Hispanic and it makes me proud to see them create something special and work hard to provide goods and services in our community.”
Recommended by Sandy Wilson, Executive Vice President and Managing Director of Sales for our Harlem and Riverdale offices, Guantanamera serves up authentic Cuban cuisine complete with a friendly staff and a lively atmosphere. Owner Mario Arate’s menu includes staples like papas rellenas and empanadas, along with sandwiches, salads, and cocktails.
The restaurant was formed in celebration of Arate’s background and in tribute to his father, who was born in Cuba.