Some time ago, Chef Alexis Samoyoa was inspired by the cuisine he had in the eclectic Mission District in San Francisco, California. He wanted to bring a Taqueria’s authentic style of Mexican food to a location in New York. Tocolo Cantina opened up two weeks ago at the Galleria at Westbury Plaza. Beautifully designed with a wood lattice ceiling, colorful photographs of Chicano Art Murals and dim dinner lighting. Tocolo does not only have authentic Modern Mexican cuisine – they offer a totally unique dining experience.
Guacamole Scene Chef Samayoa is already drawing in crowds in to try his masterpieces on a plate. His guacamole is fresh made to order and chips are made from the masa from Tortilleria Nixtamal from Corona, Queens NY. Their chips are thicker than most Mexican restaurants, which makes them a great vehicle to scoop their housemade guacamoles and salsas. The green chorizo fundido acquires its green color from cilantro. The fundido’s salty savory bite on a warm tortilla is a great way to start the meal. Elote Callejero (Mexican corn on the cob) was on a stick making it easy and fun to eat. The corn had great combination of salt from the queso cotija and heat from the chipotle mayo and chile piquin.
Veggie Lovers I highly recommend the tlayuda for vegetarians. The tlayuda consists of toasted tortillas, refried beans, avocados, cotija crema and romaine lettuce. Refried beans are typically heavy and greasy, but this tlayuda was light, creamy, and had a touch of heat.
Tacos para Todos! Tocolo offers a variety of different types of tacos including steak, chicken, pork, lamb, fish, shrimp and a vegetable. The lamb tacos were by far my favorite, even if don’t typically eat lamb you will fall in love with this if you try it!
.. Salud Tocolo’s is one place you will not want to leave before you have dessert. The tres leches cake was moist and flavorful and beautifully surrounded by kiwi and mango segments. The paletas de “ La New Yorkina” (popsicles) are a sweet way to end the meal and cleanse your pallete. This dessert includes three types of popsicles. The chocolate pop is creamy and chocolaty, the horchota (rice milk based ice pop) tastes like rice pudding, and mango habanero is cold and sweet but has hot finish from the sprinkling of habanero.
Fabulous comidas aside, Tocolo also offers 40 different type of tequila. The Grilled Lime Margarita gives the drink a smoky flavor you will want to sip and savor, over and over again. Tocolo sangrias are fresh fruity blend of red or white wine with apples, grapes, oranges, and pears; you will definitely want to order a pitch of this for the table. Tocolo also offers several Mexican beers including Negro Modella, a light amber colored beer with a full-bodied taste that pairs nicely with Chef Samayoa’s menu. Monday through Friday Tocolo offers Happy Hour Drink specials from 3-6pm including $5 draft beers, the Tocolo Margarita for $7, and sangria and wines on tap for $6. Everything is plated beautifully and the wait staff is friendly and accommodating. Most of the menu is gluten free; the cantina will also will cater to other food allergies. If you like Mexican cuisine this will become your favorite new restaurant on Long Island.
