Houston’s culinary landscape, abundant with restaurants that showcase the cuisines of Latin American countries like Mexico, Cuba, Peru, and so many more, is a direct reflection of its large Latin communities. During Latin Restaurant Weeks, returning this year from July 11-25, the spotlight is on these restaurants and the chefs who celebrate their vibrant traditions.
Founded in Houston in 2019 by Karinn Chavarria-Luckett and Warren Luckett, Latin Restaurant Weeks operates as a multicultural marketing agency that supports Latin-and-Hispanic-owned culinary businesses. In partnership with Feed the Soul Foundation, a local non-profit that offers support to culinary businesses and students through grants and scholarships, it is able to provide resources to underrepresented entrepreneurs. Since its inception, it has grown extensively with a presence today in New York, Miami, Los Angeles, Chicago, Atlanta, and Washington D.C.
“Our mission is to make Latin and Hispanic culinary businesses visible, viable, and celebrated,” said Chavarria-Luckett, in a press release. “In a city like Houston, where Latin culture is woven into the fabric of everyday life, it’s powerful to see these chefs, restaurateurs, and entrepreneurs get the spotlight they deserve. We’re not just showcasing food– we’re uplifting legacies, stories, and dreams.”
This year, more than 40 Houston businesses are participating in the two-week initiative, with a mix of full-service restaurants, coffee shops, bars, food trucks, and bakeries included in the bunch. Houstonians can experience the Latin-Mediterranean fusion plates executed by chef David Cordua at the Lymbar; modern Mexican fare at Xochi, inside the Marriott Marquis in Downtown; tapas at trusted Rice Village standby, El Meson; birria tacos at Space City Birria; and Dominican cuisine at Mamajuana Cafe, among so many others.
Jesse Flores, owner of the Food Zone food truck park in Porter, which spotlights trucks serving Latin American eats, is a first time Latin Restaurant Weeks participant. “The Food Zone has always been about creating space for culture, community, and flavor,” says Flores. “Each vendor brings something unique to the table, but what connects us all is our passion for Latin food and heritage. This is our first year participating in Latin Restaurant Weeks, and we’re proud to share our flavors and stories with a wider audience.”
Those looking to partake in Latin Restaurant Weeks can get a peek at each participating restaurant’s dedicated menu by visiting https://latinrestaurantweeks.com/houston-listings, and are encouraged to share their experiences of dining in or ordering takeout using the hashtag #LatinRestaurantWeeks on social media.
