Savoring the Flavors of Evanston's Vibrant Hispanic and Latin American Culinary Scene

Evanston's diverse community is a melting pot of cultures, and its thriving food scene is a testament to this rich tapestry. During Hispanic Heritage Month, we delve into the stories behind three remarkable Hispanic- and Latin American-owned restaurants that are captivating the palates of locals and visitors alike.

Discover the Authentic Tastes of Venezuela, Puerto Rico, and Mexico in Evanston

La Cocinita: Bringing the Flavors of Venezuela to Evanston

La Cocinita's journey began as a food truck in New Orleans, where owners Rachel and Benoit Angulo first met and bonded over their shared passion for food. Benoit, a Venezuelan chef, had a vision to introduce the vibrant late-night street food of his homeland to the Crescent City. With Rachel's support and expertise as a self-proclaimed foodie, the couple brought their dream to life, serving up a taste of Venezuela that quickly gained a loyal following.In 2014, the newlyweds decided to embark on a new chapter, moving to Evanston, where they opened the brick-and-mortar La Cocinita restaurant in 2016. For Rachel, this was a homecoming of sorts, as she had grown up in nearby Wilmette and was familiar with Evanston's thriving dining scene. The couple recognized the benefits of being located near a college campus, as it provided them with a steady stream of curious and adventurous diners.As La Cocinita continues to grow, the Angulos are excited to expand their restaurant this fall, moving to a larger 521 Davis St. location. The new space will feature a bar, brunch offerings, a dedicated gluten-free fryer, and an expanded menu with more vegetarian and vegan options, catering to the diverse tastes of their customers.

Estación: Bringing the Flavors of Puerto Rico to Evanston

Marcos Rivera's lifelong connection to the restaurant industry began at a young age, working in his father's Las Palmas restaurants, one of which was previously located in Evanston. After pursuing a degree in environmental studies, Rivera found himself drawn back to the culinary world, opening his first restaurant, Libertad, 13 years ago.Estación, located on 633 West Howard St., is one of Libertad's sister restaurants, and it serves as a showcase for the vibrant flavors of Puerto Rican and Caribbean cuisine. Rivera collaborates closely with Estación's head chef, Mark Mendez, who brings his own Puerto Rican heritage and expertise to the table.Rivera believes that Estación fills a unique niche in Evanston's diverse food landscape, as there are not many Puerto Rican restaurants in the area. The restaurant's focus on treating customers like family, a value instilled in Rivera by his own upbringing, is a key part of the Estación experience."They want to feel comfortable; They want to feel welcomed and carefree for a couple hours," Rivera said. "So that's what we always try to focus on, to make our guests feel like they're a part of our family, and they're eating here with us, and we're going to take care of them for the next couple of hours."

Frida's: Bringing the Flavors of Mexico to Evanston's Breakfast and Lunch Scene

When Rosario Barret opened Frida's in downtown Evanston, she had a clear vision: to bring the city two things it was lacking at the time – authentic Mexican food and a dedicated breakfast spot. Since its inception, Frida's has become a beloved destination for locals and Northwestern students alike, offering a unique blend of Mexican and American breakfast and lunch options.While Frida's does serve some traditional American breakfast fare, it's the Mexican dishes, such as the chilaquiles, pambazo, and huevos bañados, that truly set the restaurant apart. Barret takes great pride in ensuring that all of the Mexican dishes are made with authenticity and care, using recipes and techniques passed down from the restaurant's Mexican cooks."Our cooks are from Mexico, and our menu is even made from scratch," Barret said. "That's one of the things that we pride ourselves on — making sure that everything is made the way it's supposed to be made."Barret's extensive experience in the restaurant industry has taught her that the work is not easy, but her love for serving the community shines through. Frida's vibrant, bright atmosphere reflects the energy of its diverse customer base, with a significant portion of its patrons being Northwestern students."We're very happy that the Northwestern students have always supported us, and we're hoping that they continue," Barret said, expressing her gratitude for the loyal following that has helped make Frida's a beloved part of Evanston's culinary landscape.