Tocolo Cantina debuts at Gallery at Westbury Plaza
Atun (tuna) guacamole at the new Tocolo Cantina In Garden City in December 2014. Credit: Tocolo Cantina
Joining the festive mix of high-end department store outlets and compelling places to eat at the Gallery at Westbury Plaza comes Tocolo Cantina, a splashy-but-serious new Mexican restaurant. It launches at 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday.
Well-credentialed chef co-owner Alex Samayoa has cooked in such Manhattan spots as El Vez, La Esquina, Txikito, WD-50 and Empellon. His menu of Mexican dishes reflect both classical and modern influences and an emphasis on Oaxacan fare.
To start, there are three kinds of guacamole, including one made with tuna ($14); scallop ceviche ($14); tacos (2 to an order) in such varieties as lamb ($12), al pastor ($9) and shrimp ($12); pollo asado, or roast chicken with Manche Matela mole ($24) and, for dessert, tres leches cake ($8). Among specialty cocktails is a drink called the Arandano Sueño made with Tito’s Handmade vodka, muddled blueberries, mint and basil ($13).
The place is outfitted with hydraulic garage doors and has copper walls as well as a bar in the center of the room.
The restaurant is now serving dinner only, with the expectation of adding lunch service within the next week or so.
Tocolo Cantina is at 920 Old Country Rd. in the Gallery at Westbury Plaza in Garden City, 516-222-0060.
