56 °f
Detroit
EL CENTRAL Hispanic News
  • Home
  • About
    • Introducing the partnership with the Race and Justice reporting Initiative
    • Resources
  • Español
    Archbishop Weisenburger calls Catholics to be witnesses of hope for immigrants

    Archbishop Weisenburger calls Catholics to be witnesses of hope for immigrants

    The 7th Annual Talentos Latinos Awards Honor Latino Community Leaders Across Michigan

    The 7th Annual Talentos Latinos Awards Honor Latino Community Leaders Across Michigan

    Detroit Election Videos Bridge Gap Between Candidates and Voters

    Detroit Election Videos Bridge Gap Between Candidates and Voters

    Supreme Court clears way for racial profiling in immigration raids

    Supreme Court clears way for racial profiling in immigration raids

    Huicholes

    Huicholes

    Details for the Grand Opening of Ralph C. Wilson Jr. Centennial Park

    Details for the Grand Opening of Ralph C. Wilson Jr. Centennial Park

    Cultura y Comunidad – October

    Dominican Republic

    Senate Dems: Don’t cave! And explain the big picture!

    Senate Dems: Don’t cave! And explain the big picture!

  • Community
    Archbishop Weisenburger calls Catholics to be witnesses of hope for immigrants

    Archbishop Weisenburger calls Catholics to be witnesses of hope for immigrants

    The 7th Annual Talentos Latinos Awards Honor Latino Community Leaders Across Michigan

    The 7th Annual Talentos Latinos Awards Honor Latino Community Leaders Across Michigan

    DHDC Celebrates Founder Angie Reyes’ Retirement

    DHDC Celebrates Founder Angie Reyes’ Retirement

    Kirk Gibson Center for Parkinson’s Wellness Opens

    Kirk Gibson Center for Parkinson’s Wellness Opens

    Detroit Officials Implement New Truck Traffic Restrictions in Southwest Detroit

    Detroit Officials Implement New Truck Traffic Restrictions in Southwest Detroit

    Supreme Court clears way for racial profiling in immigration raids

    Supreme Court clears way for racial profiling in immigration raids

    Details for the Grand Opening of Ralph C. Wilson Jr. Centennial Park

    Details for the Grand Opening of Ralph C. Wilson Jr. Centennial Park

    TechTown Invites Latin Innovators to ‘Latin-X-Tech’ 

    Kintsugi Village Opens Its Doors in Corktown

    Michigan Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Named 2025 Chamber of the Year by USHCC

    Michigan Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Named 2025 Chamber of the Year by USHCC

  • Featured
    Archbishop Weisenburger calls Catholics to be witnesses of hope for immigrants

    Archbishop Weisenburger calls Catholics to be witnesses of hope for immigrants

    Cultura y Comunidad – October

    Hispanic Heritage Month Shifts into High Gear with Local Events

    Hispanic Heritage Month Shifts into High Gear with Local Events

    Mexican Consulate Sponsors El Grito Event in Southwest Detroit

    Mexican Consulate Sponsors El Grito Event in Southwest Detroit

    Family Ties Build Foundation for Detroit Cristo Rey Boys Soccer

    Family Ties Build Foundation for Detroit Cristo Rey Boys Soccer

    City Council Historic Designation Advisory Board to nominate Bagley-West Vernor Historic District

    City Council Historic Designation Advisory Board to nominate Bagley-West Vernor Historic District

    DCFC Community Benefits Process Kicks Off in Mexicantown

    DCFC Community Benefits Process Kicks Off in Mexicantown

    “SWFest” to Showcase Local Sound for Fifth Year at Senate Theater

    “SWFest” to Showcase Local Sound for Fifth Year at Senate Theater

    Senator Slotkin Delivers Federal Honor to CHASS as Funding Fights Loom

    Senator Slotkin Delivers Federal Honor to CHASS as Funding Fights Loom

  • Opinion
  • Culture & Arts
    • All
    • World Cultures
    Seguimo’ Aqui: From Detroit to Puerto Rico for El Conejo Malo

    Seguimo’ Aqui: From Detroit to Puerto Rico for El Conejo Malo

    Huicholes

    Huicholes

    Detroit Symphony Orchestra Presents The Three Mexican Tenors

    Detroit Symphony Orchestra Presents The Three Mexican Tenors

    TechTown Invites Latin Innovators to ‘Latin-X-Tech’ 

    Kintsugi Village Opens Its Doors in Corktown

    Cultura y Comunidad – October

    TechTown Invites Latin Innovators to ‘Latin-X-Tech’ 

    TechTown Invites Latin Innovators to ‘Latin-X-Tech’ 

    Dominican Republic

    DIA Announces Artists Participating in 13th Annual Ofrendas

    DIA Announces Artists Participating in 13th Annual Ofrendas

    Introducing Season Fair, Detroit’s First Contemporary Art Fair

    Introducing Season Fair, Detroit’s First Contemporary Art Fair

    • World Cultures
  • Latest Issue
  • Past Issues
    • Throwbacks
  • Events
  • Contact
  • Advertise
  • en English
    • en English
    • es Spanish
No Result
View All Result
EL CENTRAL Hispanic News
  • Home
  • About
    • Introducing the partnership with the Race and Justice reporting Initiative
    • Resources
  • Español
    Archbishop Weisenburger calls Catholics to be witnesses of hope for immigrants

    Archbishop Weisenburger calls Catholics to be witnesses of hope for immigrants

    The 7th Annual Talentos Latinos Awards Honor Latino Community Leaders Across Michigan

    The 7th Annual Talentos Latinos Awards Honor Latino Community Leaders Across Michigan

    Detroit Election Videos Bridge Gap Between Candidates and Voters

    Detroit Election Videos Bridge Gap Between Candidates and Voters

    Supreme Court clears way for racial profiling in immigration raids

    Supreme Court clears way for racial profiling in immigration raids

    Huicholes

    Huicholes

    Details for the Grand Opening of Ralph C. Wilson Jr. Centennial Park

    Details for the Grand Opening of Ralph C. Wilson Jr. Centennial Park

    Cultura y Comunidad – October

    Dominican Republic

    Senate Dems: Don’t cave! And explain the big picture!

    Senate Dems: Don’t cave! And explain the big picture!

  • Community
    Archbishop Weisenburger calls Catholics to be witnesses of hope for immigrants

    Archbishop Weisenburger calls Catholics to be witnesses of hope for immigrants

    The 7th Annual Talentos Latinos Awards Honor Latino Community Leaders Across Michigan

    The 7th Annual Talentos Latinos Awards Honor Latino Community Leaders Across Michigan

    DHDC Celebrates Founder Angie Reyes’ Retirement

    DHDC Celebrates Founder Angie Reyes’ Retirement

    Kirk Gibson Center for Parkinson’s Wellness Opens

    Kirk Gibson Center for Parkinson’s Wellness Opens

    Detroit Officials Implement New Truck Traffic Restrictions in Southwest Detroit

    Detroit Officials Implement New Truck Traffic Restrictions in Southwest Detroit

    Supreme Court clears way for racial profiling in immigration raids

    Supreme Court clears way for racial profiling in immigration raids

    Details for the Grand Opening of Ralph C. Wilson Jr. Centennial Park

    Details for the Grand Opening of Ralph C. Wilson Jr. Centennial Park

    TechTown Invites Latin Innovators to ‘Latin-X-Tech’ 

    Kintsugi Village Opens Its Doors in Corktown

    Michigan Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Named 2025 Chamber of the Year by USHCC

    Michigan Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Named 2025 Chamber of the Year by USHCC

  • Featured
    Archbishop Weisenburger calls Catholics to be witnesses of hope for immigrants

    Archbishop Weisenburger calls Catholics to be witnesses of hope for immigrants

    Cultura y Comunidad – October

    Hispanic Heritage Month Shifts into High Gear with Local Events

    Hispanic Heritage Month Shifts into High Gear with Local Events

    Mexican Consulate Sponsors El Grito Event in Southwest Detroit

    Mexican Consulate Sponsors El Grito Event in Southwest Detroit

    Family Ties Build Foundation for Detroit Cristo Rey Boys Soccer

    Family Ties Build Foundation for Detroit Cristo Rey Boys Soccer

    City Council Historic Designation Advisory Board to nominate Bagley-West Vernor Historic District

    City Council Historic Designation Advisory Board to nominate Bagley-West Vernor Historic District

    DCFC Community Benefits Process Kicks Off in Mexicantown

    DCFC Community Benefits Process Kicks Off in Mexicantown

    “SWFest” to Showcase Local Sound for Fifth Year at Senate Theater

    “SWFest” to Showcase Local Sound for Fifth Year at Senate Theater

    Senator Slotkin Delivers Federal Honor to CHASS as Funding Fights Loom

    Senator Slotkin Delivers Federal Honor to CHASS as Funding Fights Loom

  • Opinion
  • Culture & Arts
    • All
    • World Cultures
    Seguimo’ Aqui: From Detroit to Puerto Rico for El Conejo Malo

    Seguimo’ Aqui: From Detroit to Puerto Rico for El Conejo Malo

    Huicholes

    Huicholes

    Detroit Symphony Orchestra Presents The Three Mexican Tenors

    Detroit Symphony Orchestra Presents The Three Mexican Tenors

    TechTown Invites Latin Innovators to ‘Latin-X-Tech’ 

    Kintsugi Village Opens Its Doors in Corktown

    Cultura y Comunidad – October

    TechTown Invites Latin Innovators to ‘Latin-X-Tech’ 

    TechTown Invites Latin Innovators to ‘Latin-X-Tech’ 

    Dominican Republic

    DIA Announces Artists Participating in 13th Annual Ofrendas

    DIA Announces Artists Participating in 13th Annual Ofrendas

    Introducing Season Fair, Detroit’s First Contemporary Art Fair

    Introducing Season Fair, Detroit’s First Contemporary Art Fair

    • World Cultures
  • Latest Issue
  • Past Issues
    • Throwbacks
  • Events
  • Contact
  • Advertise
  • en English
    • en English
    • es Spanish
No Result
View All Result
EL CENTRAL Hispanic News
No Result
View All Result

La Jali Arrives: Bringing Mexicantown Heritage to Taylor

EL CENTRAL by EL CENTRAL
May 8, 2025
in Community, Local Small Business, Restaurants
Reading Time: 4 mins read
Home Community
ShareShareTweetEmail to a friend
  • Alejandro Ugalde Sandoval
  • Alejandro Ugalde Sandoval
  • May 8, 2025

Outside, the bold yellow letters simply read: La Jali. Inside, sunlight spills through wide windows, casting a golden glow across tables where families lean over trays of tacos and handmade sopes. Laughter and conversation fill the room, echoing beneath rows of colorful papel picado strung across the ceiling. This vibrant scene unfolds not at the long-standing La Jalisciense in Southwest Detroit, but at its first expansion: a new location in Taylor.

For more than a decade, the original La Jalisciense has been a beloved staple and neighborhood fixture on Vernor Highway, where shoppers browse Mexican imports and regulars gather for traditional meals. With La Jali, the Vargas family brings a streamlined version of the original while preserving the warmth that defines it.

Stephen Poloni, 66, and Kathy Poloni, 63, of Taylor, MI., pose outside La Jali on Telegraph Road in Taylor on Monday, May 5, 2025. The couple had eagerly awaited the opening of the new restaurant. “Everything tasted homemade,” said Kathy. “The food was excellent, and the chips were fantastic.”
Stephen Poloni, 66, and Kathy Poloni, 63, of Taylor, MI., pose outside La Jali on Telegraph Road in Taylor on Monday, May 5, 2025. The couple had eagerly awaited the opening of the new restaurant. “Everything tasted homemade,” said Kathy. “The food was excellent, and the chips were fantastic.”

The new La Jali space on Telegraph Road is bright and efficient, balancing modern counter service with cultural touches. Near the entrance, a compact market section features Mexican candies, salsas, and other nostalgic staples, serving as a clear nod to the extensive market of the original location.

José Vargas Jr. moves precisely in the kitchen, eyes fixed on the growing line of orders. Meanwhile, his sister Leslie Vargas stays close to the front, preparing drinks and answering customer questions from behind the bar. Calm and focused, the pair set the tone for the entire operation.

“This new format keeps things fast and casual, but the flavor and care are exactly the same as our original location.” José shared in a press release.

Server Angelina Celestee delivers tacos and handmade sopes to diners at La Jali in Taylor, MI., on Monday, May 5, 2025
Server Angelina Celestee delivers tacos and handmade sopes to diners at La Jali in Taylor, MI., on Monday, May 5, 2025

That spirit resonates with diners. Kathy Poloni, a Taylor resident, had been watching the location closely in anticipation of opening day. “Everything tasted homemade,” she said. “The food was excellent, and the chips were fantastic.”

Darion, Lorie Spencer, and Katherine Howard made the visit part of their Cinco de Mayo tradition. “It felt like a celebration,” said Lorie. “And the sopes were definitely worth the wait.”

By sunset, the crowd hasn’t thinned. Dishes move swiftly from kitchen to table, a blur of motion reflecting the busy opening, but the atmosphere remains warm. A family lingers over empty plates, sharing a final laugh under the colorful banners. Located at 9411 Telegraph Road, La Jali has done more than open its doors: it has extended a welcome.

*****

Alejandro Ugalde Sandoval is a commercial photographer and independent photojournalist based in Detroit. His work documents the lives of immigrant communities in Southeast Michigan, focusing on how culture, community ties, and economic opportunity shape everyday life. He is dedicated to bridging information gaps and fostering meaningful conversations within the region.

EL CENTRAL Hispanic News is partially funded by Press Forward, the national movement to strengthen communities by reinvigorating local news. Learn more at www.pressforward.news.

Tags: foodlatinosMexican Food
Previous Post

DCFC Lets Indy Off the Hook 

Next Post

Porfirismo and Mexican monumental architecture

EL CENTRAL

EL CENTRAL

Related Posts

Archbishop Weisenburger calls Catholics to be witnesses of hope for immigrants
Community

Archbishop Weisenburger calls Catholics to be witnesses of hope for immigrants

by EL CENTRAL
October 9, 2025
0

Archbishop Weisenburger urges Catholics to support migrants, highlighting hope, compassion, and faith in action. Discover how you can make a...

Read moreDetails
The 7th Annual Talentos Latinos Awards Honor Latino Community Leaders Across Michigan
Community

The 7th Annual Talentos Latinos Awards Honor Latino Community Leaders Across Michigan

by Stephanie Sanchez
October 9, 2025
0

Michigan’s 7th Annual Talentos Latinos Awards celebrated Hispanic community leaders, culture, and empowerment during Hispanic Heritage Month 2025.

Read moreDetails
DHDC Celebrates Founder Angie Reyes’ Retirement
Community

DHDC Celebrates Founder Angie Reyes’ Retirement

by Michael Gutierrez
October 9, 2025
0

Southwest Detroit honors Angela Reyes, founder of DHDC, whose 53-year mission turned gang violence into community healing and youth empowerment.

Read moreDetails
Kirk Gibson Center for Parkinson’s Wellness Opens
Community

Kirk Gibson Center for Parkinson’s Wellness Opens

by EL CENTRAL
October 9, 2025
0

Discover Michigan’s first free Parkinson’s wellness center. The Kirk Gibson Center offers movement, therapy, and support for Metro Detroit’s Parkinson’s...

Read moreDetails
Detroit Officials Implement New Truck Traffic Restrictions in Southwest Detroit
Community

Detroit Officials Implement New Truck Traffic Restrictions in Southwest Detroit

by EL CENTRAL
October 9, 2025
0

Detroit enforces new truck traffic restrictions in Southwest Detroit to reduce pollution, protect roads, and improve residents’ quality of life...

Read moreDetails
Supreme Court clears way for racial profiling in immigration raids
Community

Supreme Court clears way for racial profiling in immigration raids

by EL CENTRAL
October 9, 2025
0

Legal expert Richard Primus breaks down the Supreme Court’s Noem v. Perdomo ruling, its use of race in immigration stops,...

Read moreDetails
Next Post
Porfirismo and Mexican monumental architecture

Porfirismo and Mexican monumental architecture

Leave Comment
ADVERTISEMENT
  • Trending
  • Comments
  • Latest
Volunteers Needed for Refugee Resettlement in Michigan

Volunteers Needed for Refugee Resettlement in Michigan

February 14, 2024
Southwest Celebrates Cinco de Mayo

Why We Celebrate “CINCO DE MAYO, THE 5TH OF MAY”

May 2, 2024
MSHDA Opens $60 Million MI Neighborhood Applications

MSHDA Opens $60 Million MI Neighborhood Applications

April 4, 2024
Infamous Highwaymen Motorcycle Club Leader Pursues a Second Chance at Life

Infamous Highwaymen Motorcycle Club Leader Pursues a Second Chance at Life

February 1, 2024
Community and RuboFest 2022 

Community and RuboFest 2022 

0
“Vemos a México como un socio igualitario”

“Vemos a México como un socio igualitario”

0
Ford Hispanic and Latino Network Beautifies Clark Park

Ford Hispanic and Latino Network Beautifies Clark Park

0
Editorial Opinion “The Fifth, I take the Fifth”

Editorial Opinion “The Fifth, I take the Fifth”

0
Archbishop Weisenburger calls Catholics to be witnesses of hope for immigrants

Archbishop Weisenburger calls Catholics to be witnesses of hope for immigrants

October 9, 2025
The 7th Annual Talentos Latinos Awards Honor Latino Community Leaders Across Michigan

The 7th Annual Talentos Latinos Awards Honor Latino Community Leaders Across Michigan

October 9, 2025
Seguimo’ Aqui: From Detroit to Puerto Rico for El Conejo Malo

Seguimo’ Aqui: From Detroit to Puerto Rico for El Conejo Malo

October 9, 2025
DHDC Celebrates Founder Angie Reyes’ Retirement

DHDC Celebrates Founder Angie Reyes’ Retirement

October 9, 2025

Recent News

Archbishop Weisenburger calls Catholics to be witnesses of hope for immigrants

Archbishop Weisenburger calls Catholics to be witnesses of hope for immigrants

October 9, 2025
The 7th Annual Talentos Latinos Awards Honor Latino Community Leaders Across Michigan

The 7th Annual Talentos Latinos Awards Honor Latino Community Leaders Across Michigan

October 9, 2025
Seguimo’ Aqui: From Detroit to Puerto Rico for El Conejo Malo

Seguimo’ Aqui: From Detroit to Puerto Rico for El Conejo Malo

October 9, 2025
DHDC Celebrates Founder Angie Reyes’ Retirement

DHDC Celebrates Founder Angie Reyes’ Retirement

October 9, 2025
EL CENTRAL Hispanic News

Michigans #1. Oldest. Largest & Only
Bilingual Hispanic News for 33 Years.

Follow Us

Browse by Category

  • Business
  • Classifieds
  • Community
  • Culture & Arts
  • Education
  • Entrepreneurs
  • Español
  • Events
  • Featured
  • Finance
  • Food
  • Latest News
  • Local News
  • Local Small Business
  • Music
  • National News
  • Opinion
  • Others
  • People
  • Politics
  • Resources
  • Restaurants
  • Sports
  • Throwbacks
  • World
  • World Cultures

Recent News

Archbishop Weisenburger calls Catholics to be witnesses of hope for immigrants

Archbishop Weisenburger calls Catholics to be witnesses of hope for immigrants

October 9, 2025
The 7th Annual Talentos Latinos Awards Honor Latino Community Leaders Across Michigan

The 7th Annual Talentos Latinos Awards Honor Latino Community Leaders Across Michigan

October 9, 2025
  • Latest Issue
  • About
  • Newsletter
  • Advertise
  • Contact
  • Menu Item
  • Created with EyeBreatheDesign

© 2022 EL CENTRAL HISPANIC NEWS

No Result
View All Result
  • Home
  • Sections
    • Featured
    • Local News
    • Community
    • Culture & Arts
    • Español
    • Music
    • Sports
  • Events
  • Latest Issue
  • Past Issues
  • Contact
  • Advertise

© 2022 EL CENTRAL HISPANIC NEWS