Monday, January 5, 2009

Oh Besito, how I love thee..

Besito Restaurant in Huntington Village. Run, don't walk there.

I have been to this branch of Besito (sister restaurant in Roslyn) many a time, but my last delicious visit is what inspired me to write this review.

Well-known Long Island restaurateur, John Tunney III, has surely sprinkled his magic on this trendy Mexican spot.
Being half Mexican myself, I fully appreciate the modern approach that is reflected in the swanky decor and unique take on traditional Mexican dishes.

This is the perfect place to take a date or make it a girls' night out - either way, you can't go wrong. Be sure to stop at the bar first. Try the "Besito Patron" margarita for a delicious, eye-opening dose of tequila accompanied by a zesty combination of pomegranate juice, cointreau, and lime. Yum! The Sangria tastes fresh (not overly sweet like many others I have tried in the past) and the tequila flights offer a broad selection sure to please even the choosiest tequila drinker.

Table-side guacamole (served with fresh tortillas and chips) really hits the mark and can be made in mild, medium, or hot, to match your taste preference. Other appetizers include outstanding red snapper tacos and goat cheese & mushroom empanadas (if you are like me, anything with goat cheese is sure to please)!

Entrees are hearty and accompanied by sides of rice spotted with pumpkin seeds (a unique combination) and frijoles negros (black beans). Personal favorites include the tacos de res (steak tacos), which come sizzling fajita style with chihuahua cheese in a cast iron skillet. The short ribs are as tender as they should be, no knife required. For the seafood lover, the callos y camarones (grilled shrimp and scallops) served with mashed camote (sweet potato) is heavenly, but light enough to be a fabulous healthy choice.

Order the plantains. A trip to Besito is literally not complete without a side of these sweet, fried morsels drizzled with crema. Plantains not your thing? Trust me, give them a try!

Desserts are delicious I'm sure, but who needs them when you have complimentary warm churros delivered to your table with the check? These cinnamon-sugar mexican treats are a perfect end to a perfect meal.

All in all, Besito is a fun, trendy place to hangout. Walk across the street to Danu and burn off some of your dinner while salsa dancing or head to one of Huntington Village's many night spots to make for a city-like evening in the comforts of LI.

Visit the Besito Website for menus, directions, and more information.Hint, Hint:
Visit one of my favorite websites, opentable.com, to create a FREE account and start to rake in the points everytime you make a reservation!