Angers Food Truck Earns Prestigious Mexican Culinary Seal

Angers, France – A Mexican food truck, Viva La Viva Food Lab, has received a rare distinction recognizing its commitment to authentic Mexican cuisine. Founders Angélica Cuevas Portilla and Emmanuel Pavageau established the mobile eatery to address a gap in the city’s culinary offerings, providing a genuine alternative to the commonly seen, simplified versions of Mexican food.

Filling a Culinary Void in Angers

Residents of Angers, in the Maine-et-Loire department, often found themselves encountering tacos, nachos, and guacamole – familiar yet distant from traditional Mexican flavors. Cuevas Portilla and Pavageau recognized this and sought to introduce a more substantial and authentic culinary experience. Their decision to operate a food truck was strategic, allowing them to directly engage with the community and showcase lesser-known dishes.

The ‘Sello M’ Award

The Viva La Viva Food Lab’s dedication has been formally acknowledged with the ‘Sello M’ – a prestigious label comparable to ‘Gault-and-Millau’ for Mexican restaurants abroad. This award, issued by the Mexican Ministry of Foreign Affairs, recognizes establishments that actively promote authentic Mexican cuisine internationally based on three key criteria: authenticity, quality, and engagement. The recognition signifies a commitment to preserving and sharing traditional Mexican culinary practices.

A Focus on Tradition

The food truck’s menu highlights staples like corn, tortillas, and salsas, emphasizing the foundational elements of Mexican gastronomy. Cuevas Portilla and Pavageau’s goal is to move beyond standardized interpretations and offer a truly representative taste of Mexico. Operating for approximately one and a half years, the Viva La Viva Food Lab has garnered attention from Mexican institutions, culminating in this significant achievement.