The owner of Mexican Spice, Jennifer Teutli, was born and raised in Mexico City. So it’s no surprise she has a passion for Mexican food. After moving to Chatham over a decade ago, she was surprised to find a lack of authentic Mexican cuisine. Instead of giving up, however, Teutli literally took matters into her own hands.
Step one, she started selling her own meals; making food in her own kitchen and participating in local farmers markets. She managed to make enough money doing this to set up a professional kitchen to cater events and parties. Next, Teutli got a food truck, which she still brings to festivals, weddings, and other events. But her success took a hit at the start of the COVID-19 crisis, which leads to Mexican Spice.
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A Group Effort
Teutli hoped setting up a restaurant in Chatham would help her rebound from a lack of event catering. Her lack of funds led her to try crowdfunding via the I Fund Women website; where she hit her funding goal in a record two days. When you visit Mexican Spice, you can see her donors on the “Miracle Wall” inside; because each one has their name on a heart-shaped pin handmade in Mexico.
Teutli says that both Chatham and nearby town Madison have been supportive communities. “I’m grateful to be in a town where they make it easy for you to succeed,” she says. So far, Mexican Spice has nine employees, which include Teutli’s sister, Andrea.
The Mexican Spice Menu
Of course, you can find tacos, enchiladas, quesadillas, empanadas, and chilaquiles on the menu here; as well as many other dishes fans of Mexican cuisine will love and appreciate. “We’re bringing authentic food to the community,” Teutli adds. “It’s not Tex Mex. It’s what you would find in Mexico City in the streets. We need some culinary diversity here.” Click here to see the full menu.
No matter what you order, everything they offer is flavorful, wholesome, and made from scratch. In fact, even their chips are made in house. “They are so good,” Teutli says. Likewise, other popular items include their salsa, chicken tinga, enchilada casserole, tortilla soup, and roasted pork carnitas. “Our guac seems to be a hit,” she tells us. “We always run out. It’s amazing how quickly the guac goes all the time.”
You can visit Mexican Spice at 149 Main Street in Chatham. The spot is open Monday through Friday (10:00 am to 7:00 pm), and Saturday (11:00 am to 7:00 pm). To learn more, click here to visit their website or you can click here to give them a call.
Mexican Spice FAQs
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All Photos: © Mexican Spice / Facebook