Edens bring Latin culture to Union Market
Holistic market concepts are hardly new on the scene (Mario Batali has several Eatalys and José Andrés just opened Mercado Little Spain at Hudson Yards in Manhattan), but few high-profile projects have gone beyond already well-represented European cultures in the U.S. mainstream. As Jodie McLean, CEO of national real estate developer EDENS, points out Latin Americans are the fastest-growing population in our country, so why not highlight their rich and vibrant cultures? Her words hold special weight considering the current political climate surrounding immigration.
Enter La Cosecha. Slated to open in early September, the massive market boasts an impressive roster of restaurants and retailers representing an array Spanish-speaking countries. The 20,000-square-foot space will be anchored by a communal plaza, which will host live dance and music performances open to the public. At the crux of the endeavor is community engagement, says McLean. A percentage of sales will go toward the newly-formed La Cosecha Foundation, which among other Latin American causes, will benefit the Carlos Rosario School, a learning center providing immigrants with technical skills.
Pictured left to right
CHRISTIAN IRABIEN
AMPARO FONDITA
The Mexican-born chef is bringing his family’s traditions from Chihuahua, Veracruz and Guerrero to the modern restaurant named after his mother and grandmother. “It serves as the perfect platform for me to not only present, and share the food I crave with my guests,” Irabien says, “but also as a hub for Mexican culture and identity. We look to create a welcoming table for all.”
DANIELLA SENIOR
SERENATA + ZUMO
Colada Shop founder Senior will serve juice and toast by day (Zumo) and dynamic cocktails by night (Serenata) as a way to show off what Latin America does best, she says. ALL ABOUT THE RUM: “We have such incredible rums in the Dominican Republic … I can’t wait to showcase them in a way that highlights their beautiful and unique qualities.”
IRIS VERONICA JIMENEZ
LA CASITA
The traditional pupuseria will be a reflection of Jimenez’s family’s roots in the local food scene. The fast-casual haunt will pay homage to Salvadoran street food using traditional ingredients. Additionally, diners can expect a cultural nod to Salvadoran hospitality, which includes an “inviting atmosphere, good food and personalized customer service to ensure that our space always feels like home,” Jimenez says.
JUAN MANUEL BARRIENTOS
ELCIELO
The popular fine dining restaurant originating from Colombia is taking on its fifth act—second in the U.S.—-under the watchful eye of Barrientos (known casually as “Juan Ma”). His Colombian locations are consistently recognized as Top 50 restaurants in the Latin Americas. Unlike other locations which have tasting menus, Washington, D.C. will have an à la carte menu engaging diners’ five senses while pulling inspiration from Colombia’s great variety of fruits, plant species and climates.
CAROLINA FURUKRONA
NOVA BOSSA
This fashion and lifestyle shop will be full of artisan Latin American brands from Furukrona’s native Brazil and beyond. Her hope is that the shop will help break stereotypes and promote the sophisticated side of Latin American style. “Latin America is quite frankly the coolest design destination in the world today,” Furukrona says, “and we are excited to engage in a bit of cultural diplomacy while also offering unique and exclusive products through our story.”
MARIO AND GIUSEPPE LANZONE
THE PERUVIAN BROTHERS
From trucks to bricks, this brother duo from Lima has been operating six local food trucks for three years. In addition to their normal menu, the fast-casual veterans will be serving up two new items in their first permanent space: Rotisserie Chicken and Pisco Sours. DON’T SKIP: the brothers’ most popular sandwich Pan con Chicharrón – freshly baked French bread topped with a hearty portion of fried pork loin served on a bed of sweet potato slices with a signature Criolla sauce. “This sandwich is an iconic Peruvian staple and for good reason,” they tell us.
Makeup: Aisha Cadmus | Hair: Katrina Moore, GlamSquad
Shot at La Cosecha’s Construction Site, 1280 4th St. NE
