Ruta Oaxaca, a Mexican restaurant with a flair for authenticity and fun ambiance, is holding a soft opening this weekend ahead of its appearance at the upcoming Taste The Greats foodie extravaganza.
Hauppauge native José Castillo and his partners Chefs Carlos and Filipe Arellano opened their first Ruta Oaxaca location in Astoria, Queens in January 2021. Even in the middle of the pandemic, they were confident their business would succeed and expand to Long Island.
“When people would say, ‘I can’t wait to try your food,’ it gave us the courage to keep going,” Castillo said.
The restaurant’s authenticity is evident in both the food and decor. Filling the interior is Mexican imported handmade decor called Ale Brijes, which Castillo says is a symbol of culture from Oaxaca. Both the chefs Carlos and Filipe were born and raised in Oaxaca, giving their dishes an authentic taste.
One of the chefs will also be participating in Taste the Greats, an event celebrating the best chefs from the South Shore, at The Piermont in Babylon on April 21. The event is hosted by Schneps Events, a division of Long Island Press parent company Schneps Media.
Ruta Oaxaca means the route to Oaxaca, which is the route from Mexico City to Oaxaca. Castillo said the name is fitting since their menu incorporates all the different surrounding areas of Oaxaca.
Most of the menu is inspired by cultural foods made in Oaxaca such as steak in black mole, a traditional Mexican sauce. The eatery also offers enchiladas, tacos, and bunuelos, which are similar to dumplings with chicken mashed with sweet plantains and various cheeses. The restaurateurs pride themselves on their handmade tortillas that are made every day.
“We can make up to 300 handmade tortillas a day,” says Castillo. “By hand, no machine. A lot of places don’t do that.”
Although the grand opening isn’t set in stone, Castillo hopes to officially open the doors of Ruta Oaxaca around the last week of March.
Ruta Oaxaca is located at 30 E. Main St. in Patchogue. It can be reached at 631-569-2233 or rutaoaxacamex.com
For more information and tickets to Taste The Greats visit TastetheGreats.com
Related Story: Taste The Greats Foodie Event Coming April 21 to The Piermont in Babylon
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