Neighborhood Eats: Oaxaca Mexican Food Treasure

HUNTINGTON, N.Y. (WABC) -- A trip to warm and sunny Mexico would be nice right about now and we're taking you there in Neighborhood Eats.

It's Mexico via Long Island. This restaurant opened almost two decades ago.

It's a popular spot for quick, unfussy Mexican food. Oaxaca Mexican Food treasure is located at 385 New York Avenue in Huntington.

"We have a lot of respect for Oaxaca, because there it doesn't matter what you eat it will take you to heaven because it's unbelievable," said Alex Gonzalez, restaurant owner.

So Alex Gonzalez named his restaurant Oaxaca Mexican Food Treasure. He opened it 18 years ago in Huntington and he's since opened two other spots on Long Island.

"The food is really unusual, you can get your tacos, enchiladas, but he does Mexican wedding food that you've never heard of," Gonzalez said.

There's also a flaming dish of shrimp in tequila, and yes the alcohol cooks off, and Oaxaca mole.

By the way, when it comes to salsa, Gonzalez says it can make or break a dish.

"You could do a lousy plate where it is not too good, but if you have a good salsa you will completely change the plate," Gonzalez said.

To make his version of salsa Verde, Chef Miguel Flores chars his tomatoes, peppers, and even garlic on the stove. That's all blended with lots of cilantro, which is how it gets its green hue. It's the topping you'll find on the Mexico City Street Tacos which are filled with beef.

"Today I had the street tacos which are authentic. I did live in Texas for a while down by Brownsville, and let me tell you, that's real Mexican food down there, and this is real Mexican food right up here," one customer said.

"You come here and you leave satisfied. That is important," another customer said.

That's part of the reason Gonzalez has stayed in business so long. Plus he and his wife Maria believe in doing right by their customers and their culture.

"In our tradition, the natives, they say when you do things with your heart everything is good," Gonzalez said.

For more information please visit: http://oaxacarestaurantli.com/

SALSA VERDE RECIPE

INGREDIENTS

2 tomatoes (or one tomato and one tomatillo)
5 cloves garlic (peeled)
2 habanero peppers
1 large onion
2 bunches cilantro
1 1/5 cups water
Salt

DIRECTIONS

Char first four ingredients on top of burner (or you can also roast in the oven).
Place in blender, (remove stems of the peppers first).
Add the water, salt and the cilantro and blend until desired consistency.
Serve with chips or use on top of your favorite tacos.