La Condesa, being La Condesa, surprises us once again with its ability to embrace the eccentric, the ironic… and the debatable. This time, the focus is on Los Originales Bernardinos, an American-style “taco” restaurant that has sparked a tsunami of criticism on social media. However, far from being intimidated, the owners seem to be enjoying the controversy as their sales grow.
Los “Bernardinos”: hard shell tacos that divide opinions
Inspired by the Taco Bell concept, Los Originales Bernardinos offers what they call “American tacos with Mexican ingredients.” Basically, imagine a hard tortilla filled with meats, cheeses, and sauces with Spanish names to give it the “authentic” touch.
Since its opening, the restaurant has been harshly criticized for appropriating Mexican food culture without respecting its essence. Many TikTok users have called the concept disrespectful and ridiculous. But here’s the twist: despite the outrage, several diners have admitted that, although they are not tacos, the taste is not bad.
Authenticity or marketing?
The place has a branding that seems to have been designed for Instagram: bright colors, flashy neon lights and an atmosphere that screams “make me viral!” This, combined with the controversy on social media, has sparked the curiosity of the neighbors of Condesa and beyond.
Opinions are divided:
Some defend innovation, arguing that each culture adapts the dishes to its own style.
Others claim that the “Bernardinos” are disrespectful to Mexican gastronomy and should not even be called tacos.
The irony: the funa is helping
Although the criticism is raining down, it seems that Los Originales Bernardinos found the formula for success in the midst of the controversy. The restaurant continues to attract queues of curious people who want to check if these “tacos” are as bad as they say… or if, deep down, they are good.
Because in the age of social media, what does authenticity matter when morbidity and marketing can turn anything into a phenomenon?
Source: culturacolectivo
