Living Legacy, An All New Veracruz
Words Christopher Ferguson, aia Photos Baptiste Despois
A renowned family of restaurateurs with a reputation for delighting taste buds has opened a new brick-and-mortar location, offering an expanded food and drink menu imbued with three generations of traditional craft.
The women behind Veracruz All Natural are already local legends, earning accolades and adoration since the Vasquez sisters opened their first humble food truck in 2008, long before trailers were ubiquitous with contemporary urban dining.
Fifteen years later, sisters Reyna and Maritza have shared the lore of their mother’s home cooking with innumerable Austinites. Aided by Maritza’s stepdaughter, Lis-Ek Mariscal, the family has left an indelible legacy on the city and yet are firmly focused on the future.
“This new location is the culmination of a dream, but it feels like a beginning,” explains Lis-Ek. “Our menu is inspired by the dishes my grandmother would make to keep our family afloat in Mexico. Our new location not only honors what made us ‘Veracruz All Natural’ but also allows us to offer something different. We love making great food that isn’t just wrapped in a tortilla!”
Inside, a bright, beachy dining room is adorned with floor-to-ceiling murals honoring Latina heritage, all designed and painted by women. A colorful portrait of María Félix, contributed by artist Aurora Covarrubias Goribar (@artauroracov), is worth visiting in and of itself.
While artful décor and attention to detail abound, there is no upstaging the carefully curated dishes and drinks available all day. Fan favorites include the Cochinita Pibil, grandma’s signature recipe of pork marinated in orange juice and achiote, served with red onion escabeche, refried black beans, rice, fried sweet plantains, and homemade blue corn tortillas.
To drink, the Doña Diabla, a blend of Arette Blanco and Curacao liquors and named after the 1950s film of the same name starring María Félix, marries delightfully with cucumber and jalapeño juices, mixed citrus, agave, mint, and salt. For non-drinkers, it makes an excellent mocktail.
Stopping by to enjoy the new bar, menu, and space is to share in the next chapter of a beloved local brand from a family whose success feels as natural as the cuisine they have gifted the city.
Design Details
Interior designers BRWN Collective sourced handmade furniture from Mexa Design, pottery from Clay Imports and Garden Seventeen, and plants from Newton Nurseries and Austin Plant Supply.
Need More Buzz?
Veracruz has proudly partnered with Desnudo Coffee, now serving rich roasts at all their locations.
Contact:
(737) 318-4896
1905 Aldrich St. #125
veracruzfonda.com
@veracruzfonda
