PUEBLA YORK
Xallitic Tattoos
Mayahuel
About
Mayahuel
32-07 34th Ave,
Queens, NY
11106
Leonila Cazares (Left) and Carlos Vazquez (Right) making tortillas.
Cazares arrived in the United States in 1992. Newly married with to husband Carlos Vazquez, she had big hopes and dreams for her new journey.
The English language stood as a barrier, but did not let her stop dreaming and reaching for her dreams.
She started working at a factory while her husband worked at a Chinese resturant. Seven months later she had her firstborn child, one of the brother who co-owns Mayahuel.
After a long time of taking care of her firstborn, she went back to work.
“ A new opportunity opened up to make tacos,” she said.
Cazares and Vazquez took the opportunity and worked in the kitchen of a restaurant making tacos.
After a couple of years, she realized that she wanted to expand her skills and reach other people with her food.
“I have always said that I wanted to share Mexican plates with other people who have not tried it” said Cazares.
The idea brought Marc, Leonila, and the rest of the family to create something new.
In 2020, Marc stumbled upon a corner up for sale while working for Uber Eats. The family later discussed the creation of Mayahuel and everything that it would take.
Now, Mayahuel is known for its Mexican corn that is assembled in the restaurant's basement. The tortilla process is tedious, but rewarding.
Cazares first heats up a special cooking pan with boiling water and a pinch of salt for the Mexican corn to be cooked correctly. Then a little of cal is used to soften the corn.
“The cal is one of the most important things” claims Cazares.
As the boiling goes on, she carefully stirs the mix. She sets it aside at room temperature. When ready, it is set in the molino ready to be pressed to the tortillas of Mayahuel.
The process of purple took a lot of trial and error.
“We tried and tried day in and day out. I was about to give up. But, Marc said ‘no’ and we contacted a chef to help us.”
The future of the restaurant is built on spreading the recipes to future generations.
“I would be really happy if my grandchildren are able to taste the plaates and learn the culture”
The mural in the back is Mauyahuel who is an Aztec goddess of the agave plant that makes the mezcal and tequila.
The atmosphere at Mayahuel is no accident, just like every step in crafting their signature purple tortillas.
The restuarant is dim, quiet, and spacious.
“We tried to make it look like a house. If you look outside, it looks like a house. Once you go inside, it feels like a house. And we try our best to keep it that way, as if we were like in Mexico it's like a Wednesday night at 6 p.m. and Mom's ready to cook food.”