‘A Little Taste Of Mexico’ In Chatham With Mexican Spice

CHATHAM, NJ — With the return of events following the pandemic restrictions, there’s a lot happening in Chatham, with Thursday night concerts as the weather permits; and redesign of the seating area in Chatham Borough’s Reasoner Park by the gazebo, to support the downtown eateries.

It’s in this new seating area, where people can sit and enjoy a meal during a Thursday night concert through Sept. 2, as part of the free Gazebo Concert Series, or anytime.

There were six new ones that popped up during the COVID-19 crisis, with Mexican Spice one of them, a part of what Mayor Thaddeus Kobylarz referred to as a “renaissance” in the downtown in the midst of such a challenging time for residents in Chatham and beyond.

The eatery, now at 149 Main Street, also boasts catering and a taco truck.

Mexican Spice was a dream that became a reality after Jennifer Teutli arrived in Chatham from Mexico City and was looking for authentic Mexican cuisine. She made it easier to find, by starting her own catering venture, which expanded to a restaurant with her sister Andrea, first in Summit and then in Madison.

The sisters further grew their business with catering and a taco truck, where they became known for their Mexican specialities at festivals, block parties, weddings, birthday parties and other events.

While still in Madison during the pandemic and some businesses shut their doors, Mexican Spice instead blossomed. Not to say, the cancellation of events didn’t impact them, but the takeout business with packaged meals helped them to flourish and blossom.

With a crowdfunding campaign, Mexican Spice had a goal to fundraise $32,000 to relocate to their current and larger space in Chatham, reaching their fundraising goal in three days, then opening up in Chatham in September.

Their menu has 100 percent nut-free options, with the kitchen additionally nut-free. Selections range from starters, sides and meals, including special entrees for kids. Tacos, wraps, bowls, enchiladas, chilaquiles, empanadas, quesadillas, taquitos, soups and freshly-prepared tortilla chips with guacamole or a range of salsas, are among the offerings.

There are even family meal choices on the menu, intended for three people, with entrees and sides included.

In addition to the public support, the downtown businesses have received a boost from one another, with a recent social media post from Mexican Spice that Asahda’s Soulfood owner Karima Singleton had stopped by to visit their eatery.

See links below to learn more about all of these renaissance eateries in Chatham Borough.

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