“I don’t think anybody knew how badly the hurricane would affect businesses. So much, in fact, that they have lost so much profit,” Chavarria said. “Not only is it the business owners that have lost profits, it’s also the employees who have lost wages.”
The Houston-born and raised Costa Rican describes Latin Restaurant Weeks as an initiative that encourages diners to patronize the restaurants in support of helping the local economy and local establishments.
“I’m a huge believer of being kind of like a first responder. Being in the restaurant industry, apart from the passion, you have a commitment to make sure you’re open. Especially in these harsh times,” Esparza said.
Chavarria said Esparza’s resilience is a testament to the Latino experience. “No matter if we are weathering a storm or business battle, the overall consensus is that being Latino means we are resilient and hard working. We will find the means to ‘sobrevivir,’ or to survive.”
As the city slowly recovers from Beryl, the initiative returns to the city for the sixth year with a diverse array of businesses, including fine dining, healthy juices and a set of international cuisine options for Houstonians seeking new or familiar flavors. The initiative also features Latino-owned breweries, coffee shops and pastry shops.
“It’s a ‘choose your own adventure’ activity. ‘What do you have an appetite for? Do you have an appetite for a mom-and-pop shop, a hidden gem, or do you want to get dressed up?'” Chavarria said of the different options during LRW.
Tacos Dona Lena owner Angel Cabrera said he was able to salvage his produce by transferring it to his newly opened restaurant in the Lazybrook Heights area, located at 1805 W. 18th St.
Cabrera said LRW “brings awareness and a spotlight to a lot of Latin-owned restaurants in Houston.”
“It’s pretty cool how so many of us come together to showcase all the delicious and authentic food from Central and South America,” he said. “It’s exciting to show people from Houston a piece of Mexico, El Salvador or Colombia.”
LWR extension allows Houstonians to grab a good deal on authentic food from various local Latino-owned businesses. The specials include plates of carne asada, three-course meals and bento boxes. Chavarria said options are sure to satisfy the cravings of the many food enthusiasts in the city.
“When we think about Latin food, let’s not think that it’s a monolith. If we can really the take the time to delve in and explore Latin America bite by bite, we have such a diverse array of participants,” Chavarria said.
Detailed information on the Houston Latin Restaurant Weeks’ specials can be found on the LRW website.
