Embrace Your Roots: Heritage Series; Hispanic Heritage Month

Welcome to Visit Lafayette-West Lafayette’s Embrace your Roots: Heritage Series where our team highlights businesses that make our community special and thrive while honoring the variety of cultures that form our community. By Merriam-Webster’s definition culture is “the customary beliefs, social forms, and material traits of a racial, religious, or social group”. Culture is much more profound than that. Culture is the DNA of communities, the fiber of people’s being. We hope that through this series the cultures that create our Greater Lafayette community can be highlighted and embraced. This blog was created in honor of Hispanic Heritage month with the purpose of continuing to share these amazing stories of culture and community throughout the entire year. 

Mama Ines

If you have ever had the pleasure of entering a Hispanic home, the first thing you will be offered is something to eat or drink. Correction, you will be given, you don’t really have a choice to say no. Food is the epicenter of Hispanic culture, like many cultures. So, we took a trip to Mama Ines Bakery where you can not only find a variety of pastries to enjoy, you can also  experience a sliver of Mexico right here in Lafayette. We met with owner, Rosa Gaeta, who shared the story behind her bakery and what Hispanic Heritage Month means to her. Mama Ines Bakery, named after Rosa’s mother, has been serving authentic Mexican pastries since 1999. You can find pan dulce, conchas, churros, tamales, and so many delicious pastries! 

Cristy’s Party Co.

Another pillar of the Hispanic culture is family. Family is one of the main reasons behind Cristy’s business, Cristy Party Co. Cristy became the designated party planner and designer after the birth of her niece and she made a business of it! Cristy’s Party Co. offers personalized balloon bouquets and garland. You may have seen some of her work at local hotels for Purdue football games, Tippecanoe Latino Festival, and Flying High Tea just to name a few places she has decorated for. Cristy can provide the perfect touch to decorate anyone’s party!

Lindo Mexico

The staff of Lindo Mexico said it best, “ Mexican food is not just about rice and beans. Mexican food is about tradition, the tradition of bringing families together after a long day of work and winding down with a meal that while nutritious, will also be delicious.” As soon as you step into Lindo Mexico, you'll be transported to a world of vibrant colors and aromas that evoke the spirit of Mexico. The restaurant's cozy decor, adorned with traditional Mexican artwork and music playing softly in the background, sets the stage for a delightful dining experience. What truly sets Lindo Mexico apart is their commitment to making every guest feel like family. After all Lindo Mexico is a family-owned business. The Bravo family members have owned and operated their family’s restaurant for the past two decades. Whether you're enjoying a leisurely dinner with loved ones or grabbing a quick lunch, the restaurant's warm and welcoming atmosphere makes every visit feel like a mini vacation south of the border. So, if you're in Lafayette, Indiana, and craving the flavors of Mexico, make your way to Lindo Mexico. Be sure to savor the Carnitas and Arroz con Pollo, but don't stop there – Lindo Mexico has a world of Mexican delights waiting for you to explore.

Through the Embrace Your Roots Heritage Series, we hope to shine a light on the vibrant cultures that make us unique. While we kick-started this series and blog in honor of Hispanic Heritage Month, our commitment to sharing these stories of culture and community remains throughout the entire year. We look forward to continuing this journey of cultural exploration. Join us as we embrace our roots and cherish the diversity that defines Greater Lafayette. 

Explore Hispanic Heritage Month at these local restaurants: