The Modern Mexican

The menu at Cascabel says, “Eat, Drink, Love Tacos.” And this is exactly what you will do at this new taqueria.

With the sudden boom in places dishing up Mexican street food, it’s easy to get overwhelmed by new-fangled taco combinations and attention-grabbing slogans. Cascabel is also a bit gimmicky, as it’s completely decked out in lucha libre (the stylish Mexican wrestlers) icons. From the figurines behind the counter to wood block prints by Brooklyn designer Ulla Florholmen and two large wrestlers painted on the wall, there is no lack of kitsch in this small laid-back café. Read more

Behind the Bodega

“Welcome to wonderland,” said the plump Mexican man in a black suit. My sister, Carol, looked dubious. After all, she had just walked to the back of a Tenth Avenue bodega. But her face brightened when she saw me, sitting in a narrow mirrored corridor festooned with festive Mexican decorations. Tehuitzingo reminds me of the bus station cafés I frequented in the Yucatan in 1989—good food in improbable places, but this time without flies. Read more