My grandmother immigrated from El Salvador to the United States. She wanted to support her family back home by sending them some of the money she made in the U.S. After arriving in the U.S., she rarely returned to El Salvador. However, she found other ways to keep in touch with her identity and home. The U.S.’s growing diversity helped her stay connected.       El Rincón Salvadoreño was the first Salvadorian restaurant established in New York. It was founded in 1980. To my grandmother, who spent her days assimilating into American culture, El Rincon was like the clouds that covered the sun on a sweltering summer day, a brief cooling moment of tranquility. It was only temporary relief, of course. It would never be the same as the real thing. Yet, it was just enough to connect her to all she left behind.      When the sun reigned for its longest hours and the days were hot and dry with summer’s air, my family would find time to go to El Rincón. At the restaurant, they serve pupusas, El Salvador’s national dish. They're soft corn tortillas filled with cheese, beans, meats, veggies, etc– like a Salvadorian pizza roll, if that helps explain it. It became tradition for my family to go to the restaurant in the summer. We even bonded with the owners. My grandmother passed away in 2017, but my family still makes it a point to go to El Rincón for her birthday. So, we can remember her and connect to the culture she dearly loved. To make it our refuge as well. 
 

– A

Relationship:  Grandchild of im/migrant Grandchild of im/migrant