Maria's Mexican & Latin Cuisine

Maria's Mexican &Latin Cuisine restaurant in Nesconset. (Feb. 27, 2013)

"We're always looking for new recipes, new specials," says co-owner Maria Mones. (Feb. 27, 2013)

Maria's sous chef Javier Reyes adds a final touch to an order of fajitas. (Feb. 27, 2013)

Kellie Haspel, with an order of quesadillas cubana, behind the bar at Maria's. (Feb. 27, 2013)

The dining room at Maria's offers ample seating for families and large groups. (Feb. 27, 2013)

Winning items at Maria's include chicken breast and shrimp in a spicy-smoky chipotle sauce and tacos al carbon -- hicken, pork and beef grilled with pineapple and topped with pico de gallo and avocado. (Feb. 27, 2013)

Maria's Mexican &Latin Cuisine restaurant in Nesconset offers daily soup specials such as pozole verde, a delectable green chili chicken soup made with hominy. (Feb. 27, 2013)

Maria's pollo a la parrilla, grilled chicken breast served with a mango salsa and sweet plantains. (Feb. 27, 2013)

Chef Carols Botello's quesadilla Cubana -- filled, Cuban sandwich-style, with roast pork, ham, cheese and pickles -- is an inspired treat. (Feb. 27, 2013)