The global pandemic forced many Hudson County residents, especially those working in Manhattan, to pivot their lifestyle and career. Husband and wife duo Carla A. Reinoso and Aron Cutuc were no different. But, their decision to open a food truck together {their first joint business venture} ended up being a decision they would never regret. La Coqueta Mexican Cocina is an authentic Mexican culinary experience on wheels! Read on to learn more about the couple behind the food truck, the menu, and more.
The Journey to Opening
{Photo credit: @lacoquetaft}
Prior to opening La Coqueta Mexican Cocina, Carla was a pastry chef for a catering company in Manhattan. Aron was a private event executive chef who has an impressive resume behind him, working with world-renowned chefs and high-end clients like Martha Stewart and Snoop Dogg.
When COVID-19 came along, like many in the hospitality industry, both Carla and Aron lost their jobs. They always had an itch to open their own restaurant. The idea of bringing together their passions, dreams, and goals in a kitchen together felt like a dream. The pandemic changed everything for them and they decided to make their dream a reality.
Read More: Los Tres Chilitos: Delicious Oaxacan Mexcian Cuisine in Jersey City Heights
{Photo credit: @lacoquetaft}
Carla shared, “It was frightening at the beginning and there is a lot of just learning as we go, but using all our experience in catering, restaurants, and private cheffing has been so valuable.” Both Carlo and Aron are ecstatic to bring a wonderful culinary experience to their customers and clients through their food truck venture.
The Story Behind The Name
{Photo credit: @lacoquetaft}
Carla and Aron were so excited to bring bright, bold flavors to the palates of Jersey City residents. The couple decided that they wanted a name that was unique and representative of the culture and cuisine they would bring to the customers. If you haven’t already looked it up, “La Coqueta” is the Spanish word for flirty. The idea is that every meal you eat from La Coqueta flirts with your tastebuds.
The Menu
{Photo credit: @lacoquetaft}
La Coqueta Mexican Cocina is authentic as it gets. The menu is built from only the freshest ingredients they can find, which they frequently purchase from markets in Jersey City. What makes La Coqueta special is the fact that the corn tortillas are handmade, using homemade fresh masa, made-to-order.
The taco is the cornerstone of the menu, so it was important to Carla and Aron that the vehicle in which the taco is made {the tortilla} is excellent. As of now, the most ordered items are crispy fish tacos, rich bone marrow tacos, and flavorful birria tacos. The birria taco is a braised beef taco with Oaxaca cheese with a dipping broth on the side, as well.
{Photo credit: @lacoquetaft}
Something else that makes La Coqueta unique is the fusion menu items. The duo likes to cook with diverse flavors and bring in influences from other cultures. This is especially evident in the epic Asian-fusion ramen offering. La Coqueta plans to change its menu seasonally to introduce new flavors, trends, and love to receive customer feedback.
Where to Find La Coqueta
Right now, La Coqueta Mexican Cocina is open for dinner at various locations throughout Jersey City. Follow them on Instagram at @lacoquetaft, where they post the daily locations and times.
