Restaurant in Okinawa, Japan offers a taste of New Mexican food overseas
NEW MEXICO (KRQE) – Almost 7,000 miles from the Land of Enchantment, a New Mexican restaurant is giving people a taste of the red and green. “I love the demand, but it’s definitely a lot to keep up with,” said Andre Park, the owner of Mesilla Kitchen.
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Offering the flavors of New Mexico on the other side of the globe, the restaurant is called Mesilla Kitchen, and it is gaining traction after word started circulating on social media about this New Mexican spot in Okinawa, Japan.
Park, a Las Cruces native, was stationed in Japan with the Marines Corp in 2017. At first, he started selling breakfast burritos on the side. That led him to get a food truck and, as of last month, a full restaurant. “I tell people, ‘Look, if you are looking for 100% this taste, exactly like what I get at the little, you know, restaurant in NM, it’s not.’ I would say we are 90% of the way there,” said Park.
Park said they have come across challenges, like finding readily available ingredients to make tortillas, jasmine or long rice, and of course, the famous green and red chile, which Park has to buy in chopped or powdered form. “The issue with us serving green chile or red chile is customs will not allow fresh chile through. If you tried to send it, it going to get taken,” he said.
He said the red chile usually comes in a powdered form and isn’t as spicy, but the green chile always packs a little punch.
So how does New Mexican food go over in Japan? Park said his customers are often surprised at the big portions and the heat.
“I asked my family for a lot of advice, but I remember what my sister told me. ‘Don’t do that. Make it as spicy as you would like it. If they come and they like it, good. If not, they don’t have to come and eat your food,’” said Park.
Park said the long days of work are worth it. “I see the looks on these people’s faces, and they call me out of the kitchen to talk to me, or they will send messages thanking me, and that’s like an instant recharge to my battery,” said Park.
As for the debate over red or green, Park said people in Japan like both. He’s grateful for all those who have shared the video on social media with folks in Japan, as that has gotten him plenty of new customers.
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