Elena's

Our recipes have been handed down from generation to generation. Rebecca Trew Orozco created culinary delights in several Detroit establishments ranging from family owned Mexican restaurants to the London Chop House from the 1940’s through 1970’s. But it all started in her own kitchen where she was Mama and Grannie. Her signature dishes were introduced at Orozco’s Mexican Restaurant in 1966 with her famous Orozco Special. Three rolled corn tortillas filled with cheese and covered in a succulent pork stew, topped with shredded cheese and shredded lettuce.

Rebecca passed her recipes and talents down to her daughter, Maria “Elena” Baca, who also worked in various Detroit restaurants, including Orozco’s and Amatos. Elena, along with her sister, Carmen managed a catering business in the 1970’s and 1980’s and also ran a food booth during the Mexican Festivals on Bagley. Elena blended her Mexican and American heritage into delicious culinary masterpieces, with her tamales as a special work of art.

Elena passed the spatula to her own children and grandchildren. Here, at Elena’s the traditions live on where we have combined family recipes brought into the mix through marriages over the years, taking favorites and expounding on them until they are the best!

Taken predominately from Mexico’s regions of Guadalajara and Jalisco, the methods and products have been honed and intermingled with American processes that enhance each dish with secret ingredients and techniques. Hints of Vera Cruz and Southwest influence can be identified and the Flores / Baca union brought a splash of Tex-Mex into the arena.

While managing various food establishments over the years, father and son owners, Eddie and Alejandro (Alex) Flores have anxiously planned to open Elena's. Chief cook and bottle washer, Phyllis eagerly learned from her mother, Elena and grandmother, Rebecca, while picking up tips from her papa and aunts. Mariana Flores, who brings a new and youthful edge to Mexican cuisine, wields her own flair in the kitchen. And now we want to share these mouth-watering recipes with you.

We hope your experience with us is a pleasurable one. We strive to create those early kitchens where Rebecca and Elena first waved their culinary wands and magical tastes filled our lives and our memories. In our quest to bring those same wonderful experiences to you, we open our doors to Elena’s Mexican Carry-Out and invite you to take our kitchen into yours.

Alejandro & Mariana
Eddie & Phyllis