Latest news with #MexicanCuisine
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Mexican restaurant in Rockford unveils Illinois' largest margarita
ROCKFORD, Ill. (WTVO) — Mexico Clásico is known around Rockford for its traditional Mexican cuisine, but now it is known for making the largest margarita Illinois has ever seen. The creation comes as Mexico Clásico celebrates its 12th anniversary of serving the Rockford community. The margarita's volume came in at a whopping 6 litres. All funds raised during the anniversary event went to the United Way of Rock River Valley. 'United Way is a big organization for helping people with secondary languages, like learning Spanish,' said General Manager Mauricio Segoviano. Segoviano and staff have been working toward breaking the record for some time. 'It's something we've been working on for the past three, four months. We had to send these made from Mexico and processed to get here, so we made sure it would be the biggest margarita in the state of Illinois,' Segoviano continued. Segoviano said that the goal for the restaurant is to make people feel at home with an authentic environment. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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Travel + Leisure
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Travel + Leisure
Mexico City's Coolest Neighborhood Has a New Boutique Hotel With 5 Restaurants and Gallery-worthy Art
The hotel's Belle Époque building has retained many of its historic features, while the modern interiors showcase a neutral palette and contemporary artwork by Mexican artists. While it is boutique in size, Casona Roma Norte boasts TK dining concepts ranging from elevated Mexican cuisine to a fusion of Japanese and Sinaloan flavors. Tastings at Akamba take guests on a journey through Mexico's diverse mezcal distillates. The hotel's location is hard to beat—at the heart of Mexico City's trendiest neighborhood, with everything from restaurants to hip galleries and cool coffee shops within walking distance. The eclectic blend of architectural styles that fill up Mexico City's Roma Norte neighborhood, along with its buzzy nightlife, art galleries, and bohemian coffee shops, has transformed it into one of the city's most beloved hangout areas, outside of the Centro Histórico. So when I learned that a new boutique hotel had opened inside one of its iconic pink buildings, I jumped at the chance to stay. Casona Roma Norte made its debut on October 1, 2024, housed in a 1920s Belle Époque building featuring art deco and Porfirian motifs, a hallmark of the neighborhood. Following a meticulous renovation, the hotel has retained many of its original features, including the marble floors, brick walls, and wooden entrance doors. The historic facade is contrasted by chic modern interiors, consisting of neutral tones punctuated by pops of color, dreamed up by Mexico City-based Simple Arquitectura. Casona also serves as a mini art gallery, showcasing almost exclusively the works of Mexican artists (the only exception is a giant mural by Berlin-based artist James Bullough). The lobby features art by María Rec, while, in the hallways, Carolina Barrios painted directly on the walls. 'Casona Roma Norte is more than just a hotel; it's an immersive experience that reflects the soul of Roma Norte in Mexico City. What sets us apart is our blend of authentic Mexican heritage with contemporary luxury. Every detail, from the architecture and curated art to the bespoke service, is designed to create a personal connection to the culture and history of this vibrant neighborhood," the hotel's general manager, Valeriano Marocco, explained. Envisioned by Mexican hospitality brand Hamak Hotels, Casona is deeply rooted in the history of the Roma Norte neighborhood, honoring its traditions while embracing innovation to create a guest experience that is both intimate and cosmopolitan. Below, my full review of Casona Roma Norte in Mexico City. One of the guest rooms in Casona Roma Norte. Taylor McIntyre/Travel + Leisure Casona transformed previously private residences into 32 guest rooms, ranging from 220 to 270 square feet. While the layout of each is slightly different—some have balconies and private terraces—all provide the same level of luxury and comfort with views of bustling Roma (windows are equipped with impressive soundproofing panels). The modern interiors embrace minimalism, featuring vaulted ceilings and hardwood floors adorned with Oaxacan rugs. On the walls, guests will find photographs by Santiago Arau, known for his aerial landscapes and scenes from Mexico City. The marble bathrooms have rainfall showers and toiletries, exclusively made for Casona Roma Norte. Included in the room rate is a nightly turndown service (that comes with a delicious pastry) and one day of complimentary access to the minibar. Dishes from Aquiles in Casona Roma Norte. Taylor McIntyre/Travel + Leisure Currently, Casona offers five culinary concepts. Two of the restaurants are helmed by renowned Mexican chef Aquiles Chávez, with one even bearing his name. Aquiles (the restaurant) has a 'field-to-table' approach to sourcing local ingredients and serves elevated Mexican comfort fare. Suchi combines flavors from Japan and Sinaloa to create delicious fusion dishes, such as sushi rolls featuring ingredients like carne asada, carnitas, and guacamole. The truly outrageous (in a good way) Dorito roll is prepared with shrimp and queso. For daytime drinks, La Macaria Matcha & Tea Room is a coffee shop that mixes Japanese, French, and Mexican influences. The menu features matcha, coffee, a wide selection of teas, and a variety of pastries. For a more tailored—and adult-friendly—experience, guests can book tastings in Casona's mezcal "gallery," Akamba, where the head bartender takes guests on a journey through Mexico's distillates. I enjoyed Lechuguill a, an agave spirit produced in Sonora, and also sampled a delicious mushroom rum. The rooftop bar, restaurant, and social space, Salino, specializes in Greek and Mediterranean cuisine, along with a selection of classic cocktails. A sixth option, The Mirror Speakeasy, is currently in the works. Akamba Mezcal Gallery in Casona Roma Norte. Taylor McIntyre/Travel + Leisure Casona has a rooftop gym with TechnoGym equipment. I took a private yoga class, during which the instructor helped me with some shoulder stiffness and taught me poses to help alleviate the effects of high altitude. Casona Roma Norte has a small spa with a single treatment room adjacent to the gym, where guests can book therapies, such as massages, facials, scrubs, and more. Aquiles restaurant in Casona Roma Norte. Taylor McIntyre/Travel + Leisure Currently, Casona Roma Norte does not have ADA-compliant rooms. The hotel prioritizes disposable products that are fully biodegradable. Guest rooms also feature energy-efficient lighting, refillable glass amenities, and limited single-use plastics. The hotel also focuses on locally sourced ingredients and sustainably sourced seafood through initiatives like 'Fishing with a Future.' Rooftop seating at Casona Roma Norte. Taylor McIntyre/Travel + Leisure While Casona is located approximately 40 minutes from Mexico City's international airport, the hotel puts guests at the heart of the city's coolest neighborhood, with restaurants, bars, and shopping just steps away. Other attractions around the city are easily accessible by car services. Casona Roma Norte is not a part of any loyalty program. Book directly with the hotel to access special pricing options, including flexible dates, complimentary breakfasts, and other perks. Nightly rates at Casona Roma Norte start from $309. Every T+L hotel review is written by an editor or reporter who has stayed at the property, and each hotel selected aligns with our core values.
Health Line
5 days ago
- Health
- Health Line
Mexican-Style Type 2 Diabetes-Friendly Recipes
Here are five Mexican-inspired recipes, all at or below 45 g of carbs per serving. Some Mexican dishes can be high in carbohydrates. If you have type 2 diabetes, you may tend to avoid the high-carb ingredients found in these dishes, such as corn, tortillas, and rice. However, you can still enjoy this type of cuisine. Keep reading for low carb, Mexican-inspired recipes. How we define low carbohydrate We define a low carbohydrate meal as a meal with 45 grams or less of carbohydrates per serving. If you're looking for a low carbohydrate snack, look for a snack with 15 grams or less of carbohydrates per serving. View our full collection of low carbohydrate recipes. Turkey, Avocado, and Egg Breakfast Skillet This breakfast recipe gets its flavor from salsa, chipotle chile in adobo sauce, and lime juice. It is high in protein and low in carbs, calories, and added sugar. Eggs are low in calories and high in protein, which can help with weight loss and support your overall health. If you do not have whole eggs on hand — or want to reduce the overall fat content — you can use liquid egg whites instead. Keep in mind that making this substitution will affect the nutritional values of the final dish. Each serving contains 11.1 g of carbs. Shrimp-Topped Salad with Spicy Vinaigrette This refreshing and flavorful salad is high in fiber while being low calorie and low in carbs. The shrimp is coated in a dressing made up of lime juice, olive oil, hot sauce, cumin, and garlic powder. The shrimp rests on a bed of lettuce and cherry tomatoes. Cherry tomatoes are associated with health benefits such as improving heart and skin health and protecting against certain types of cancer. Chicken, Sausage, and Black Bean Skillet This meat-based dish includes both chicken sausage and chicken. Combined with the black beans and other vegetables, this recipe will keep you feeling full. The black beans may improve blood sugar management and reduce the risk of developing certain chronic diseases, such as heart disease. This recipe is high in protein and fiber while being low in saturated fat. Mexican-Spiced Tuna Steak with Red Pepper-Avocado Salsa This recipe is high in protein and fiber and low in carbs, added sugar, saturated fat, and calories. The red bell peppers and onions that accompany the steak are cooked in vinegar, garlic, cumin, paprika, and red pepper flakes. Red bell peppers are also one of the richest sources of vitamin C. Each serving contains 25.6 g of carbs.
Daily Mail
7 days ago
- Business
- Daily Mail
Legendary taco joint closing its doors after 63 years of serving authentic Mexican cuisine
Oscar's Taco House will be saying adios for the last time after 63 years of serving authentic Mexican cuisine. The San Antonio, Texas restaurant is closing for good on June 28 to make way for a new bridge in the city. 'The city bought us. They've been saying it for five or 10 years now that they want to build a bridge,' restaurant owner Alex Pruneda told My San Antonio. 'They wanted us out by May 15, but I sent them a letter and I told them that was too soon.' Pruneda, 71, also shared his deep gratitude for his 32 employees. 'We wouldn't be where we are today without them. They are the backbone of this business,' he revealed to KSAT. Oscar's Taco House has been a fan-favorite San Antonio restaurant for decades that has hardly changed since its opening. It offers a variety of foods, including famous puffy tacos, nachos, and chili and cheese fries. Oscar's Taco House will be closing for good on June 28 after 63 years to make way for a new bridge in San Antonio. Fans on TikTok were heartbroken to learn the Texas restaurant is shuttering. Fans have called for Texas to 'save Oscar's' ever since the business announced its upcoming closure. They've also taken to TikTok to share various memories in a video posted by visionsforyou210 last week. 'My mother and grandma would take me here as a child, oh the food was so good. Sad it's nothing more than a memory now,' a commenter wrote. 'My first boyfriend /girlfriend date in High School was at Oscars - over 40 years ago. I don't know what happened to him, but I will miss Oscars,' a fan responded. 'Man I've been eating here since I was a kid and now I started to bring my son here. Gonna miss this place. Great food,' another person commented. A few others recalled times they watched the restaurant being built. Commenters also praised the restaurant's food and gave brief shout-outs for its puffy tacos and fried chicken. 'The crowd was crazy today they just find out that they are going to close and now everybody wants to go,' a fan claimed last week. Loyal customers claimed the restaurant has hardly redecorated since opening its doors decades ago Several customers have praised the restaurant for serving 'delicious' puffy tacos The restaurant calls itself a 'hidden gem' in San Antonio combining Mexican cuisine with 'mouthwatering fish dishes.' It accepts reservations, and offers delivery, takeout, and catering. Oscar's is known for creating signature puffy tacos and revealed guests rave about Norma's Plate, an entrée that comes with a cheese enchilada, a puffy taco, rice, and beans. 'Whether you're a longtime fan or a first-time visitor, the friendly staff and delicious dishes will leave you craving for more.' The restaurant also shared reviews from both new and previous customers, many of whom praised the food and its staff. Oscar's Taco House success has never diminished, but after four years of owning the restaurant, Pruneda is ready to settle down. 'I get people coming in from Boerne, Floresville, Devine, Helotes. Everybody tells me, "Why don't you open a restaurant over there?"' he told the San Antonio Express News. 'I might just take some time off. And right now, I'm just gonna accept it and move on.' A couple of social media users claimed there were lines of guests looking to purchase food from Oscar's Taco House last week Oscar's Taco House is one of many historic restaurants that have shuttered. Taco Bell closed its historic Arizona restaurant after over 60 years to build a sleeker location. The 45-year-old MacLeod's Restaurant in Bucksport, Maine, closed in April, but it is looking for a buyer to restore it and take advantage of its popularity. Meanwhile, another storied taco restaurant closed recently. Taco Mac closed its flagship restaurant in Atlanta's Virginia-Highland neighborhood — marking the end of a 46-year chapter. Major chains have also filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection. TGI Fridays closed hundreds of restaurants and currently has less than 100 US restaurants since filing for bankruptcy last year. Hooters began shuttering restaurants last year and filed for bankruptcy protection in March. Outside the restaurant industry, multiple retailers have shut their flagship store doors for financial and restructuring purposes. Neiman Marcus shuttered its Texas flagship store in March, and Saks closed its iconic California store after nearly 45 years last week.
Daily Mail
21-05-2025
- Business
- Daily Mail
Burrito seller Tortilla Mexican Grill enjoys rebound in UK trade
Tortilla Mexican Grill's boss has hailed 'good progress' following a significant rebound in domestic like-for-like sales. The fast food chain revealed its comparable UK revenues improved from a 6 per cent drop in March 2024 to 6 per cent growth by December. They also expanded by 5.9 per cent in the first quarter of this year, outperforming the wider British restaurant sector by eight percentage points, and are up 6.2 per cent so far during the second quarter. While Tortilla's total like-for-like revenues marginally fell, its overall turnover increased by 3.5 per cent to £68million. The London-based firm said trading benefited from the addition of one UK company-owned site and a 'strong contribution' from its franchise sites, including those at travel hubs run by Upper Crust owner SSP. Tortilla's trade further benefited from the takeover of Fresh Burritos, the largest fast-casual Mexican restaurant group in France and the second-biggest in Europe. The £3.3million acquisition included 13 firm-owned leasehold restaurants operating across Paris and other big French cities, and 18 franchised locations. Due to costs related to buying Fresh Burritos, Tortilla's annual net losses tripled to £3.3million, with a further impact from impairments on some UK stores. Andy Naylor, chief executive of Tortilla, said: 'I am pleased to report good progress over the last 12 months towards our strategic goal of becoming a pan-European fast casual Mexican restaurant business.' Tortilla has continued to open stores with its franchise partners despite the subdued economic backdrop, including at Victoria and Liverpool Street stations in London, as well as Dubai's Silicon Central Mall and Circle Mall. It also launched a new central kitchen in Lille, which is three times the size of its UK facility, three months ago to help serve its venues at scale across France. While complex planning approval processes have stymied the firm's store conversion efforts in France, Naylor told investors that most French Burritos outlets will be converted to Tortilla by the end of 2025. Naylor replaced Richard Morris as Tortilla's boss in April 2024 after serving seven years as its chief financial officer. Tortilla was founded in 2007 by the Californian Brandon Stephens after he became frustrated at the lack of places selling high-quality burritos and tacos in London. Tortilla Mexican Grill shares were 1.2 per cent lower at 37.3p on late Wednesday afternoon and have contracted by around 28 per cent this year.
