
At El Manantial we will stay true to my family recipes and authentic preparation methods. I will offer to you the food of my family.
My goal is to open El Manantial, which means “the spring or oasis”.
El Manantial will be a Mexican food cart at Marks Carts in the heart of downtown Ann Arbor. Marks Carts is a unique food cart courtyard that is open from April to October. Here I will prepare my family recipes for you.
My journey with cooking began when my parents opened their restaurant in Guanajuato Mexico 30 years ago. Although I have had terrific life experiences my heart is drawn back to preparing the incredible flavors of my country.
I began my El Manantial journey last year. I met with local farmers and gardeners who will provide the fresh products that I need for my recipes. Locally sourced ingredients will help our area economy and ensure that you receive the freshest most flavorful ingredients available. I then met with Mark Hodesh, the owner of Marks Cart’s and began the application process. I prepared a meal for Mark and his guests, so that he could determine if my recipes were worthy of the cart courtyard. The response at the tasting was overwhelming! Not only were the guests delighted by the food, but they said it was not comparable to any other Mexican food they had ever eaten. We were approved on the spot. WOW

El Manantial's menu will have some traditionally prepared offerings that we will serve throughout the cart season. As local produce becomes available we will offer seasonal fare to highlight the local harvest. We will offer vegetarian and kid-friendly options along with weekly and daily specials. Our cart will be a great destination for you and yours!
Visit us often on facebook and on our website to see the newest items we will prepare and the seasonal surprises we will add - fresh fruit salad - mango, papaya, watermelon, jicama, cucumber and other delicious fruit sprinkled with Mexican seasonings, cayenne pepper, salt and fresh squeezed lime. -an absolutely amazing summer salad! bring your friends and stop by to enjoy....

At El Manantial we will stay true to my family recipes and preparation methods. I will be proud to offer you the food of my family. I look forward to serving you at the food cart. Gracias!!

Risks and challenges Learn about accountability on Kickstarter
The largest risk to this project is that the custom made food cart will not be ready in time for opening day, April 1st. In addition to simply taking delivery of the cart, the performance of the equipment inside will need to be confirmed, the cart will need to be decorated (vinyl wrapped), and the cart must pass certification with the Michigan Dept. of Health.
To minimize these risks, I have been in frequent communication with the cart builder to identify any potential challenges to the build-out and delivery schedule. This way issues can be quickly dealt with, avoiding any delays.
To help insure the project meets the deadlines,I have created a checklist of 'delivery acceptance criteria' that can be confirmed step by step. My expectation is that the cart will pass Michigan Health Department inspection and earn Michigan certification.
FAQ
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16
Backers
$915
pledged of $8,000 goal
0
seconds to go
Funding Unsuccessful This project reached the deadline without achieving its funding goal on March 3.
Funding period
Jan 31, 2013 -
Mar 3, 2013
- First created · 0 backed
- Has not connected Facebook
- Website: elmanantial-a2.com
Pledge $10 or more
3 backers
A social media GRACIAS - your help is appreciated, enjoy a Mexican beverage at the cart.
Estimated delivery: Apr 2013Pledge $20 or more
8 backers
A GRANDE social media GRACIAS – your help is terrific, stop by the cart for a Mexican beverage and 2 tacos.
Estimated delivery: Apr 2013Pledge $50 or more
1 backer
A south of the border salute and a big huge social media GRACIAS, you made our day! Come down to the cart to see us and receive 2 Mexican beverages and 2 menu items of your choice.
Estimated delivery: Apr 2013Pledge $100 or more
1 backer
Absolutely astounding, we can't thank you enough, a social media GRACIAS, 4 Mexican beverages and 4 menu items of your choice.
Estimated delivery: Apr 2013Pledge $200 or more
0 backers
Es Hermoso (its beautiful) we are getting closer to our goal with your support. 6 Mexican beverages and 6 menu items of your choice + an El Manantial t-shirt (ladies and mens sizes S to XXL)
Estimated delivery: Apr 2013Pledge $500 or more
1 backer Limited (4 of 5 left)
I hear the Mariachi music playing now! You will receive an extra special social media GRACIAS, a catered party for 15 people within 30 miles of Ann Arbor that includes, 1 entrée (meat or vegetarian) Mexican rice, slow-cooked pinto beans, chips and salsa and tortillas, + 2 El Manantial t-shirts (ladies and mens sizes S to XXL).
Estimated delivery: Apr 2013Pledge $1,000 or more
0 backers Limited (5 of 5 left)
Perfecto!! Your pledge is an incredible help. You will receive a Spanish inspired social media GRACIAS, a catered party for 30 people within 30 miles of Ann Arbor that includes 1 entrée (meat or vegetarian) Mexican rice, slow-cooked pinto beans, chips and salsa, and tortillas, + 4 El Manantial t-shirts (ladies and mens sizes S to XXL).
Estimated delivery: Apr 2013