Gonzo's Mexican Grill
Gonzo's Mexican Grill, which prides itself on serving low-fat foods--even trimming the extra fat from the meat--has two locations: West Hemstead and Bellmore. Jose Gonzo, who once was a factory worker in Mexico, used to dream of opening a restaurant where he could prepare his abuela's healthy recipes, according to the restaurant's website. Gonzo's uses all-white chicken breast and flank steak in its dishes. The restaurant's salsa is prepared on-site each day. The menu includes burritos, ensaladas, fajitas and quesadillas, as well as a few unusual dishes, such as a Mexican-style teriyaki wrap and a Mexican chicken Caesar wrap.
Gonzo's Mexican Grill
149 Nassau Blvd.
West Hempstead, NY 11501
(516) 505-3205
2975B Merrick Road
Bellmore, NY 11710
(516) 804-0399
gonzosmexicangrill.net
Green Cactus Fresh Mexican Grill
Green Cactus has six locations, including Stony Brook, Huntington Village, Oakdale, Plainview, Garden City Park and West Babylon. This grill serves dishes with fresh vegetables and ingredients. You won't find any MSG here. The salsa is prepared daily. The meat is trimmed and marinated or charbroiled. The beans are sorted by hand and prepared without lard. Green Cactus' nacho chips are fried in 100 percent cholesterol-free canola oil. On the menu, you will find such typical Mexican fare as five varieties of tacos, eight types of burritos and a selection of appetizers and salads. For dessert, you can order such items as xangos--deep-fried, spring-roll wrapped cheesecake. Customers describe Green Cactus as "small, clean and friendly" and recommend the grill if you are in the mood for a fresh and inexpensive meal.
Green Cactus Fresh Mexican Grill
1099 N. Country Road
Stony Brook, NY 11790
(631) 751-0700
greencactusgrill.com
Besito
Besito--with two Long Island locations, one in Huntington and the second in Roslyn--is about as upscale as Mexican gets here. The restaurants offer a lunch and dinner menu--for brunch, you have to go to the Hartford, Connecticut, location--with such interesting creations as the Swiss-styled enchilada suizas, Yucatán-spiced chicken breast and freshly made ceviches. The drink selection is so comprehensive it takes up its own densely worded menu page. There are more than two dozen varieties of young and aged tequilas; more than half a dozen margaritas and Mexican martinis; and wines from the Americas and Spain. Besito, however, is a true tequila-lover's haven--guests can choose from four different tasting flights. Finish off your meal with a hot beverage, such as a cup of Mexican coffee or hot chocolate made with Ibarra and whipped cream.
Besito
402 New York Ave.
Huntington, NY 11743
(631) 549-0100
1516 Old Northern Blvd.
Roslyn, NY 11576
(516) 484-3001
besitomex.com
About The Author
Riki Markowitz started her magazine career in 1994. She was a research chief at "Redbook," "Family Circle," "Stuff," and "Latina." Her work has appeared in "Maxim," "Woman's Day," "Arthur Frommer's Budget Travel," "Lucky" and The Knot. Markowitz holds a Bachelor of Arts in literature from Temple University.
