Tasty 3-cheese shrimp quesadillas at Cantina.
By Morris Gut
Bronx Voice
May 2, 2023
FOOD - It is the largest Mexican American Cultural Celebration, and it takes place on Friday, May 5th , a full weekend highlighting Mexican food and entertainment.
Mexican restaurants all over the area are preparing their most exciting traditional specialties for their patrons. The Mariachi will be out in force, too, serenading the crowds. If you want to participate, here are some suggestions around the area. Be sure to check ahead for dining hours and menus.
EVA LONGORIA: SEARCHING FOR MEXICO!
Perhaps some of you have been watching this new travel series airing Sundays on CNN at 9 p.m. It stars actress Eva Longoria as she explores different regions of Mexico’s food and culture. (Similar to the recent Searching for Italy with actor Stanley Tucci.) Beautifully filmed, and quite tempting at times. The cuisine of Mexico is far vaster than many of us imagine. www.cnn.com/shows/eva-longoria-searching-for-mexico
CANTINA TACO & TEQUILA BAR
RIO BRAVO
Rio Bravo in Larchmont is a sprawling 200-seat environment strewn with colorful Mexican art and artifacts, and multiple seating areas with a big galloping bar/lounge for socializing. Brothers Edgar and Hector Brambila operate a Rio Bravo in Crestwood/Tuckahoe and Fairfield, CT. The menu is loaded with flavorful surprises: Milanesa Chicken Tacos; Torero Steak Fajitas; Southwestern Caesar Salad, a spicy twist to the traditional Caesar; and Square Knot Salmon, achiote and lemon seared salmon with roasted pineapple. General Manager Omar and his staff will take good care of you. Large selection of Tequilas at the bar and you can also build your own Margarita. Happy Hours. Rio Bravo, 1879 Palmer Ave., Larchmont. 914-341-1546 www.riobravotacosandtequila.com
RANCHO GRANDE
Mexican food and culture meld beautifully with celebration and big, sprawling Rancho Grande Mexican Restaurant in the Highridge Shopping Plaza along Central Park Ave., Yonkers offers an exciting environment. Owner Mary Maloney and general manager and host Jose Perez are ready to take you on their tasty south-of-the-border tour. It is a multi-faceted 320 seat dining room and bar/lounge strewn with colorful art and artifacts. There is a lot of flavors in the Botanita Grande, a combination platter; Guacamole prepared tableside; sizzling Fajitas with your choice of fillings; Alambre Mar Y Tierra, steak, chicken, shrimp, with mixed vegetables, white rice and chile poblano sauce; and the Paella Luisita. There is a vegetarian version, too. Daily Happy Hours: 4 to 7 pm. Weekend entertainment schedule. Private party facilities. Free parking. Rancho Grande, 1789 Central Park Ave., Yonkers. 914-337-3056 www.ranchograndemex.com
GUAPO COCINA MEXICANO
This is a unique Mexican/Cuban fusion eatery in downtown Yonkers with a colorful dining room and bar. The Mexican specialties coming out of this kitchen are top notch and loaded with flavor. Enjoy their fresh made enchilada and taco combinations, Camarones a la Diabla, jumbo shrimp seared in a spicy sauce served with tortilla; delicious Chiles Rellenos, queso blanco cheese filled poblano peppers in a tomato broth; and Parillada Tradicional, with steak, shrimp, pork, cactus, and onions. Bar & cocktails. Municipal parking. Guapo Cucina Mexicano, 10 Warburton Ave., Yonkers. 914-920-5900 www.guaporestaurant.com
LOS MANANITAS
Take a spring drive. This Mexican restaurant on top of Rt. 684 in Brewster offers dramatic views of the East Branch Reservoir and an outdoor patio for relaxing and picture taking. There are plenty of window seats and a fireplace room for comfort, too. They often host Mariachis, DJ and dancing, and drink specials at their big bar. Look for such kitchen specialties as: El Aquacate, avocado stuffed with crabmeat and shrimp; Carnitas, 3 soft pork tacos; Sizzling Fajitas, and Sinaloa, jumbo shrimp wrapped in bacon stuffed with Manchego cheese. Ample free parking. Los Mananitas, 1250 Rt. 22, Brewster. 845-279-4646 www.lasmananitasrestaurant.com
CATRINA TAQUERIA
Throwing another Mexican sombrero into the ring in White Plains, brothers David and Richard Zavala have premiered Catrina Taqueria at the site of the former Splendid Coffee Shop at the corner of Mamaroneck Ave. & Quarropas St. Extensive renovations have given the space a playful atmosphere with counter and dining room seating. Colorful Mexican artifacts strewn throughout. There is a bustling open kitchen. Brothers Zavala also operate Excelencia Mexicana in Mahopac. Catrina Taqueria, 106 Mamaroneck Ave., White Plains. 914-368-8470 www.catrinataqueria.com Excelencia Mexicana, 551 Route 6, Mahopac. 845-628-3767 www.excelenciamexicana.com
SALSA PICCANTE
David Dolores and partners have brought their casual Mexican dining concept to White Plains. The original Salsa Picante has been operating in Port Chester for 10 years. Dolores has taken the former 3-story Esposito’s Ristorante along Mamaroneck Ave. and given it a colorful burst of south-of-the-border pizzazz. The street level will offer a blackboard menu of popular specialties, mid-level a more formal dining experience, and the dramatic rooftop, signature cocktails and events. There are special events like taco days and fajita nights, too. Salsa Picante, 359 Mamaroneck Ave., White Plains. 914-358-1880 www.salsapicantemex.com
MEXICAN MARKETS FOR HOME COOKS!
If you want to cook up a Mexican celebration at home, check out these Latin specialty markets:
Aguilar’s Mexican Grocery, 1060 Morris Park Ave., Bronx. Latin grocery & restaurant combo. 718-822-3300 https://aguilarsmexican.com
La Placita Fresh Markets, New Rochelle, Port Chester, Peekskill, Bethel. Home base: 768 Main St., New Rochelle. 914-365-1310 https://laplacitamarkets.com
Viva Grande Ranch Fruit Market, 38 Centre Ave., New Rochelle, 914-576-9235. A personal favorite. No website.
(Morris Gut is a restaurant marketing consultant and former restaurant trade magazine editor. He has been tracking and writing about the food and dining scene in the Bronx and Westchester for 30 years. He may be reached at: 914-235-6591. E-mail: [email protected])
