This year's Global Market Forum at BookExpo America (May 30–June 1) focuses on Mexico, a place with deep roots in New York City. A new wave of regionally focused restaurants and bars has developed alongside the ever-changing cultural scene, from modern Mexican dance to Lucha Libre art. Here, DK Eyewitness Travel Guides and DK travel author AnneLise Sorensen brings you their top 10 places to enjoy a taste of Mexico in New York City:
1. La Biblioteca de Tequila (Tequila Library; 622 Third Ave. at 40th St.)
Run your eyes down the list of 400 tequilas, and you'll feel tipsy without taking a sip. Navigate the menu at this lively bar with a tequila tasting flight, which explores the different aging and distillation techniques. If you're going to be in town a couple of days before or after BEA, stop by the Meet the Maker on Tuesday nights, where you can mingle with distillery ambassadors while sampling their wares. Or, wind down after a day at the Javits with La Biblioteca's happy hour (Tues.–Fri., 5–8 p.m.).
2. Mexican Cultural Institute of NYC (27 E. 39th St.)
With a monthly calendar that covers classic and contemporary culture, music, cuisine and art, the Mexican Cultural Institute offers everything from bold paintings of ancient Aztec art crossed with pop-culture imagery, to swinging Mexican mariachi concerts and lectures by up-and-coming authors. Don't forget to check out the art at their on-site Galeria Octavia Paz.
3. Dzul Dance Company (performances around New York)
Mexico meets Martha Graham at the innovative Dzul Dance, where choreographer and lead dancer Javier Dzul draws inspiration from his Maya tribal community in Mexico. Dzul leads performers through ritual and progressive dance, from primal moves to aerial arts that explore indigenous culture. Dzul has trained with contortionists--and it shows. Dance critics have applauded his "acrobatic wizardry," and after watching a show, you'll understand Dzul's mission to "transform bodies into airborne forces... to break physical and political boundaries."
4. Empellón Taqueria (105 First Ave., at 6th St.)
After subsisting on Javits fast food, revive yourself at Empellón Taqueria in the West Village or its sibling, Empellón Cocina, in the East Village. Chef Alex Stupak, voted a Best New Chef 2013 by Food & Wine, blends classic and contemporary in dishes such as lamb sweetbreads with pumpkin seeds and a soup of quail egg and refried beans. For margaritas, try the spicy ¿Por Que No?, made with pineapple, cilantro and serrano peppers.
5. El Museo del Barrio (1230 Fifth Ave., at 104th St.)
El Museo del Barrio, New York City's premier museum of Latino arts and culture, covers culture from Mexico and the Caribbean to Tierra del Fuego, and excels at modern and contemporary art. The current exhibit Presencia features unusual interpretations of Lucha Libre wrestlers, ethereal self-portraits made with charcoal powder, and much more. Plus, you can refuel over tangy ceviche and empanadas at El Café and pick up choice gifts, like colorful artisan earrings, at La Tienda to bring home.
6. Stroll the Streets in East Harlem/El Barrio/Spanish Harlem
Step off the subway in Spanish Harlem, and, except for the yellow New York City cabs whizzing by, you might think you're in Mexico City. Pork and lengua (beef tongue) sizzle on open grills while Mexican pop music competes with Spanglish and Nuyorican street-corner conversations, gestures and all. Try one of the superb El Museo del Barrio walking tours (Sat. 11:30 a.m.–1:30 p.m.), which showcases the barrio's diversity, including the Modesto Flores Community Garden, the Spirit of East Harlem mural, the Graffiti Hall of Fame and more.
7. Fonda (437 7th Ave., Brooklyn, and 40 Ave. B, East Village)
West Coasters often bemoan the lack of good Mexican food in New York City. They used to have a point. But places like Fonda are challenging SoCal, with dishes like braised duck folded into warm tortillas, fragrant shrimp enchiladas and juicy chicken in a banana leaf, topped with tomato-achiote salsa, which has this adorable name: Marco Pollo. Top off the meal with one of the fresh and potent margaritas flavored with hibiscus and watermelon.
8. Super Tacos (96th St. at Broadway, 917-837-0866)
Follow your nose to Mexican food trucks around New York, including Super Tacos Sobre Ruedas ("On Wheels"), which rolls daily into the Upper West Side. The tacos are as they should be--simple. Grilled meats are heaped onto two corn tortillas and sprinkled with chopped onions and cilantro. Eating them is simple, too: Wolf them down at the dented, stainless steel bar that's lit by a buzzing fluorescent light. The roast pork and barbacoa chicken--tender and juicy--are excellent, as are the nopales, roasted prickly pear cactus that adds a sticky tang to the meal.
9. Mano a Mano: Mexican Culture Without Borders (126 Saint Felix St., Brooklyn)
Mano a Mano (Hand in Hand) is an apt name for this superb nonprofit cultural center that celebrates Mexico, from traditional concerts to Day of the Dead processions. It also offers an array of classes, including ballet folklorico; Son Jorocho, a blend of Spanish and African music; and the indigenous Nahuatl language, which has given us many words, including coyote (from coyotl) and, perhaps most sweetly, chocolate (xocolatl).
10. Tortilleria Nixtamal (104-05 47th Ave., Queens)
For many, Mexican cuisine is only as good as the tortilla it's wrapped in. For the best in New York City, head to this small storefront and factory in Queens, one of the only spots that produce handcrafted tortilla from masa, "just as the Aztec intended." Plus, the prices are nice--it's $3 for tamales and tacos. Buen provecho.