4 days Ago By Holden Draper
Last Friday, Queens' culinary landscape buzzed with the intensity of a World Cup qualifier, not only for the match on-screen but also for the flavors dished out by a family-owned Ecuadorian American restaurant, Barzola. Packed with over a hundred patrons, emotions ran high as Ecuador triumphed over Venezuela, as reported by Gothamist. The energy resonated well within the restaurant that's been a go-to spot for New York’s Ecuadorian American community since 1987.
While René Barzola and Julio Barzola Sr., the amiable father and son duo, circulated the room, engaging with patrons, they carried on a legacy of tradition and resilience, born from humble beginnings in a Guayaquil kitchen to the heart of New York. René, in a statement obtained by Gothamist, reminisced about the foundational days of their gastronomic journey, "I used to have people in my living room, and I was like, 'Who's this? Who's that?'" It was this deeply personal touch, combined with the savor of dishes like empanadas de verde and muchines.
According to Gothamist, Barzola has become a staple for gatherings, whether they be family reunions, holiday celebrations, or sporting events.The story of Barzola's rise is emblematic of the American Dream, as echoed by the efforts of Righteous Eats, a social media platform that highlights the stories of New York City's culinary champions. Their praise was not just reserved for Barzola; another shining example was Burmese Bites, a remarkable success story progressing from a small food cart to a prominent storefront in Queens Center Mall.
Brian Lee, co-founder of Righteous Eats, told ABC7NY, "Just the American dream! He started with an idea of showcasing his food, his cuisine, his culture with the greater folks of this city and he started very modestly with just a food cart and now he has a storefront in one of the biggest malls in Queens."Highlighting the impact of Righteous Eats’ feature on the restaurant, Rene Barzola stated, "I mean, it's incredible. Ever since we had Righteous Eats come to eat, I've seen a lot of different faces.
" Jaeki Cho of Righteous Eats summed it up, saying, "Our mission is highlighting the stories of everyday heroes and restaurants define the cultural fabric of communities, so please support your local eateries," as noted by ABC7NY..
