Red Hook’s Wraptor Restaurant, located at 358 Columbia St., marked the start of spring on March 30. Despite cool weather in the low 50s, more than 50 people showed up to enjoy the festivities.
“We wanted to do something nice for everyone and celebrate the start of the spring so we got the permits to have everyone out in front,” said Enrique Barranco, the owner of Wraptor.
There were lots of people at tables in front with decorations and Mexican paraphernalia as well as Chinelos, which are masked dancers. There were chairs outside where people could sit and relax while enjoying the afternoon. A Mariachi band drew a big crowd of guests as well as passers-by.
Mariachi 5 Estrella’s is a six piece group. Their chemistry reflects the long time they have played together as a group and also family. David, who plays guitar and vihuela, is the father of Daniella who plays the trumpet, and Gabriella, who plays the guitarron. Valeria, Ami, and Desteny are all sisters, and Valeria is the lead singer, Ami plays the vihuela and guitar, and Desteny plays the violin.
The vihuela is a 15th-century fretted plucked Spanish string instrument, shaped like a guitar but tuned like a lute, and a mainstay in mariachi music.
“David is the music teacher for all of us and that’s how we all got to know each other,” Valeria said.
“We started on our own and thought ‘Why not make it a Mariachi group.’
We all started when we were young and we’re like family. We grew up with David. We’ve known him from a very young age and he treats us as if we’re his children.”
Everyone said there was some trial and error about which instruments they would play when they were younger until they found the right fit.
“It’s been great learning from my dad,” said Daniella. “He helps us out a lot and always helps us learn from our mistakes.”
Despite the weather, all members of the group did a great job and performed some classics in Spanish as well as their rendition of My Way by Frank Sinatra. Once they started performing, many of the people walking down Seabring St. and Columbia St. stopped to enjoy the music.
Last month Barranco, Wraptor’s owner, said, “I think not getting a lot of foot traffic is the biggest challenge here. There are a lot of great options for food so I’m hoping we can attract more customers to the area…I want to serve and support the community. It’s not easy for restaurants to make it but I’m doing everything I can and I love what I do every day.”
The spring celebration was a great way to draw more people to Wraptor while also providing the community with a fun event that included excellent food and music.
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