Maplewood's Abril Cocina Closing After Four Years

MAPLEWOOD, NJ - Breaking the hearts of diners in Maplewood and South Orange, the owner and Executive Chef of Abril Cocina has announced the modern Mexican eatery will be closing its doors for good on Feb. 24.

After four years of starting on this journey we have decided it is time to close Abril Cocina," Chef and Owner Mario Valadez posed on Facebook. "We want to deeply thank our customers, employees, vendors and all the many friends we have made in these four years. Thank you for supporting our dream, and look forward to see you around in our last days open."

According to their website, Valadez moved to NYC in 2010. An Industrial Engineer that worked over 10 years creating transportation and optimization models, enrolled at ICE (Institute of Culinary Education in NYC) in 2011 to obtain a Culinary Arts Diploma. Since graduation, he worked for a few restaurants in NYC before moving to Maplewood to open Abril Cocina.

The reaction on the business's Facebook page were universally negative.

"I’m declaring a National emergency. Or at least a Maplewood one," Rick Rosenberg wrote.

Anisha Eve wrote that her brain exploded from the news.

"I’m so sad. Thank you for bringing AMAZING Mexican cuisine to our community," she said.

Hillary Barlowe made a special request before their closing.

"Please, can you mail me some frozen tacos before you close?" she said.

Stephanie Ouellette Olivero also expressed sadness at the news.

"You have been such a great addition to the village," she said.

Christine Keogh Stone had an immediate practical concern, wanting to know if the restaurant will be open through dinner on Sunday.

She was assured that they would be.

(Photo courtesy of Abril Cocina)

(Photo courtesy of Google Earth)
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