Little Mexican Cafe, a 30-year-old New Rochelle Mexican restaurant known for its familial atmosphere, "real deal" quesadillas, killer margaritas, and lively Cinco de Mayo festivities, is in limbo after the death of its owners, 79-year-old Jose Almazan, and his son, Edwin, 43.
The two died within weeks of each other at Montefiore New Rochelle Hospital; Jose on April 10 and Edwin on May 9 due to complications from the coronavirus.
According to Nancy Scovotti, Jose's niece and Edwin's first cousin, Jose opened the restaurant with the goal of providing authentic cuisine similar to the kind he experienced growing up in Tepecoacuilco de Trujano, Mexico. Recipes were also included from Oaxaca where Jose's wife (and Edwin's mom) Froyla was born, and Puebla, where she was raised.
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In a statement on Yelp, Edwin, wrote that the small restaurant, which opened on Main Street in 1990, "was built with big ambitions."
"At Little Mexican Cafe, you'll find dishes made with care, infused with tradition, and spiced with just the right amount of kick," he wrote. "Our family-owned Mexican restaurant has been serving up gourmet deliciousness .... always with a smile, signature flavors, and a strong drink."
Over the years the Almazans expanded the cafe's seating and brought in a full bar. "Jose was old school and Edwin was the innovator who brought in new ideas," said Scovotti. "He enjoyed traveling and going to Mexico to test out different foods and was also in the City a lot sampling other restaurants."
Scovotti said Edwin was also big into social media, helping to elevate the restaurant on Instagram and other platforms.
Despite the changes, what stayed the same was the feeling that anyone who walked in to eat (or drink) was like family. That mantra extended to the staff, many of whom have been with the cafe for 20-plus years.
"When you entered the restaurant, you just had that warm, welcoming feeling," said Scovotti. "Jose was always there, greeting customers and making sure everyone felt comfortable," she said. "He was also a great connector, introducing diners to other people he felt they should meet."
In addition Jose, who was entrenched in his New Rochelle community, was humble, she said, and a "hard worker" who was constantly at the restaurant, often with his wife, Froyla.
Edwin, a New Rochelle native whose birth name was Joseph Edwin (though often called Eddie), grew up in the business before eventually taking over and running operations.
The three were so close that when the coronavirus hit New Rochelle, Edwin's first thoughts were his parents, who immediately quarantined at home.
That was in March.
Edwin got sick first and entered the hospital on April 4. "I remember him telling me he was panicked not so much for himself but for his parents," said Scovotti.
"Because of his age, he was only 43, I really thought he would get better."
Instead, Edwin was put in an induced coma three days after his arrival and never recovered.
That meant he never knew the fate of his father who, on April 7 was admitted to the hospital with COVID-19. He died three days later on April 10.
During that time, Scovotti was worried about her aunt, who also had symptoms but who, after a brief hospital visit, went home April 9. She's since recovered but was sick on the day her husband died, so was unable to attend the private burial.
At one point Scovotti set up a GoFundMe, since closed, to help pay for the family's funeral expenses as a way to lessen the burden on her aunt.
A mass will be scheduled for both of them sometime in the future, she said.
Aside from Froyla, Jose is survived by his daughters from a previous marriage, Eloisa Almazan and Alejandra Almazan along with siblings Maria Almazan, Estela Almazan, Francisa Almazan, Nestor Almazan and Lilia Almazan. Edwin is survived by his mother.
As for the restaurant's future, Scovotti said that the cafe remains in her aunt's hands and she's too distraught to discuss it.
Jeanne Muchnick covers food and dining. Click here for her most recent articles and follow her latest dining adventures on Instagram @lohud_food. Check out lohud's latest subscription offers here.
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