A James Beard semifinalist found success in Central Falls. Now he has plans in Providence

Diego Alcantar is having a big week. First, his Central Falls restaurant was named a semifinalist for Best New Restaurant for the James Beard Foundation Awards, considered the Oscars of the dining world. Then he announced a sister restaurant will open in downtown Providence this spring.

Cielito Mexican Kitchen will open on the ground floor of the Alice Building at 186 Union St., formerly the home of Oberlin. On the menu will be corundas, carnitas, enchiladas, mole de olla and colorful cocktails. It's named for his parent’s grocery store in Mexico.

Last Wednesday, Tuxpan Taqueria became one of 30 semifinalists in the national category for the James Beard Best New Restaurant. The family-owned restaurant serves Mexican street food at 355 Broad St. It opened in December 2022.

Alcantar is a native of Tuxpan, a town in Michoacán, Mexico, and moved to the U.S. when he was young. Like many restaurant owners, he started as a dishwasher and worked his way up to chef.

After working for Avenue N, he and his family, including his mother, Maria, opened Tuxpan. She will continue to be the chef at Tuxpan as he opens Cielito.

Nick Rabar, co-owner of Avenue N with his wife, Tracy Rabar, called Alcantar "the sweetest, most hard-working guy."

"He's forever family here. We're so proud of him," he added.

“The mission of Cielito Mexican Kitchen is to bring traditional cuisine from the state of Michoacán, Mexico to Providence,” said Alcantar in a press release. “We want our customers to try dishes that are not only made with love but that also come from our Mexican roots. These dishes will represent our hometown and state, and provide a different experience for our customers."

Renovations at Cielito are underway, including interior design by Libby Slader Design.

This article originally appeared on The Providence Journal: Central Falls Tuxpan Taqueria opening second restaturant in Providence