From Casual BBQ to Industry Hotspot: The Rise of the Backyard Carne Asada

The backyard carne asada has undergone a remarkable transformation, evolving from a casual weekend tradition into a dynamic industry gathering spot that resonates deeply with the local community. For those living in Metro Detroit, this evolution reflects the region’s growing culinary sophistication and its embrace of cultural diversity. As more people are moving to Metro Detroit, the carne asada offers a unique entry point into the city’s vibrant social scene, providing a welcoming space where food, tradition, and industry professionals come together in a celebration of shared experiences and flavors.

The Essence of a Modern Carne Asada

The carne asada has evolved beyond its origins as a simple Mexican American backyard barbecue. Traditionally, it’s much more than grilling a few burgers; it’s a cultural ritual that serves as a perfect way to wind down a weekend. This gathering is a celebration of community, where friends and family come together to enjoy good food, nurse their hangovers, and create lasting memories. The experience begins with an early morning trip to the local carniceria to purchase a large bag of carne arrachera, followed by a stop at the party store to pick up essential supplies—typically a 12-pack of Modelos or Coronas and a 10-pound bag of ice. The atmosphere is set with carefully curated playlists and top-notch stereo equipment, ensuring that the music competes with, if not surpasses, the beats from neighboring yards.

Grilling is a key component, with green onions and tortillas sizzling on the plancha alongside marinated skirt steak, which has soaked up the flavors of citrus juice, spices, and a splash of beer. The scene is completed with icy aguas frescas or a round of fiery tequila shots, adding to the vibrant atmosphere of the carne asada.

A New Meaning at Vecino

At Vecino, a modern Mexican restaurant in Midtown, the carne asada tradition has taken on a new and exciting meaning. Every Monday night, Vecino transforms its expansive backyard into a relaxed yet lively setting, perfect for those in the restaurant industry who are enjoying a rare night off. Unlike the restaurant’s regular offerings that showcase an elegant representation of pre-Hispanic culinary traditions, including a unique nixtamal masa program, Monday nights are all about embracing a more casual and approachable vibe.

On these special evenings, the indoor dining room and bar are closed, inviting guests to enter through a wooden gate at the rear of the restaurant. Once inside, they are greeted by a well-manicured outdoor space filled with local chefs, bartenders, and other industry professionals who have gathered to unwind. The outdoor bar offers a selection of refreshing beverages, from watermelon-infused margaritas to spicy micheladas, or even a Vecino Mule, crafted with tequila or mezcal. Groups of friends can share a bucket of Modelos while enjoying the laid-back ambiance.

For food, guests can indulge in thick-cut carne asada marinated in a blend of orange and lime juices with a hint of beer, served alongside flame-grilled elote, a modern twist on the classic Mexican street corn. The menu also features Mission-style burritos and dogos—substantial Sonoran hot dogs that are sure to satisfy.

Vecino Detroit, Instagram

An Unforgettable Culinary Experience

As diners settle into the picnic tables under the twinkling lights of the covered outdoor seating area, the sounds of Detroit-style techno curated by local DJs fill the air, creating an eclectic and immersive experience. For dessert, a variety of paletas are available, offering a sweet and refreshing end to the evening. All that’s missing is the familiar jingle of a neighborhood paletero, adding a nostalgic touch to this modern reinterpretation of the carne asada.

Vecino’s Monday night carne asada has become more than just a meal; it’s a community event that brings together the best of food, music, and camaraderie in a setting that perfectly blends tradition with modern flair. It’s a must-visit spot for those who appreciate the finer things in life, all while enjoying the simple pleasure of a backyard barbecue.

Elevating the Carne Asada Experience

Vecino's take on the carne asada is both a celebration of tradition and an exploration of new culinary possibilities. The restaurant’s modern Mexican menu, combined with the casual backyard setting, creates an environment where guests can enjoy high-quality food in a laid-back setting. The blend of traditional flavors with contemporary twists ensures that each visit offers something new, making Vecino a unique destination in Detroit's culinary scene.

By integrating the rich cultural heritage of Mexican cuisine with the dynamic energy of Detroit's Midtown, Vecino has successfully transformed the casual carne asada into an industry hotspot, drawing crowds for both its innovative menu and its community-focused events.

As the backyard carne asada continues to gain popularity, it has undeniably become more than just a culinary tradition; it is now a cornerstone of social and professional networking, especially for those living in Metro Detroit. For anyone moving to Metro Detroit, embracing this vibrant gathering offers an opportunity to immerse in the local culture while forging meaningful connections within the community. The rise of the backyard carne asada as an industry hotspot reflects the dynamic spirit of Metro Detroit, where tradition and innovation blend seamlessly to create experiences that resonate far beyond the grill.

A little about the owners as well. These amazing couple moved back to Metro Detroit from California to study for the bar exam, which they passed, and began investing in properties first in Metro Detroit and then in Southwest. Their goal was to provide safe affordable homes for rent in an area where safe homes for families are hard to come by. 10 years later they started their next Venture, Vencino's and aim to take the profit from that to provide even more affordable housing.