A taco test run at Carnitas Ramirez, opening June 21 in the East Village

Photos and reporting by Stacie Joy 

This past Saturday, Carnitas Ramirez held another test run ahead of its grand opening on June 21 at 210 E. Third St., just east of Avenue B. 

Co-owner Giovanni Cervantes (left) and chef Yvon de Tassigny were working in tandem behind the counter, quickly and carefully plating up the tacos.

Cervantes, who hails from Mexico City, has said that his recipes come from Michoacán, aka the "carnitas capital of the world." 

While the slow-cooked pulled pork will be a big draw here, Carnitas Ramirez will offer a vegetarian option: tacos con papas y rajas (a poblano pepper and potato dish).

Co-owner Tania Apolinar was behind the counter. (Apolinar and Cervantes, who are also life partners, opened Taqueria Ramírez to great fanfare in Greenpoint in September 2021.)

There are a few stools in front of the taco-making station, several seating options in the back room, and a counter facing the street.

There will likely be another test run or two before noon on June 21, when Carnitas Ramirez officially opens — something the staff seems fired up about.

Carnitas Ramirez will just be open on weekends in the beginning. 

Here are the times starting June 21: 

• Friday: noon-10 p.m. 

• Saturday: 11 a.m.-10 p.m.

• Sunday: 11 a.m.-9 p.m.