One of the Barrio’s most popular Latin bistros is currently getting ready to launch its first ever expansion after nearly a decade of successful operation in Harlem.
Cascalote Latin Bistro is a popular restaurant from owner Julian Hoyos. Established in 2013 at 2126 Second Avenue, the restaurant was created as a tribute to Chef Julian’s family. He named his restaurant after a small village in Puebla Mexico, where he met skilled farmers with years of rich culture and tradition, inspiring him to carry those traditions with him when he moved to New York at the age of 14.
While Chef Julian has been cooking since he was only 7 years old, he attributes the real magic of their kitchen to his wife. Julian met his wife as teenagers in 1989 and the two have remained in love ever since. When the two are working together in the kitchen, “it is a spectacular fusion of love, passion, skilled technique, and flavorful ingredients.”
Now, Julian and his wife will be taking that fusion of love and passion to a brand new location. For their first ever expansion since 2013, Cascalote will be opening up on the Upper East Side at 1712 Second Avenue. Hoyos is currently in the process of acquiring a liquor license for the space as well as approval for a garden/outdoor cafe in the back. Thankfully, the original East Harlem location will remain open as well, which is reassuring news to worried fans.
The new Cascalote location will be replacing Selena Rosa, a popular Mexican restaurant that operated at the location for years before closing. Unfortunately, it does not appear that Selena Rosa intends to reopen anywhere in the near future, as their website is no longer active. Julian is hoping to have his new restaurant operational by this summer, and for more information you can follow Cascalote on Instagram.
