~Westchester -
Alternative to Same Old Takeout

By EMILY DeNITTO
Published: July 22, 2007, New York Times
CROTON-ON-HUDSON has successfully resisted the fast-food restaurants that permeate much of Westchester. Since opening in the village a year ago, Mex-to-go has been a great illustration of the choices that can thrive in the absence of chain sameness.

The taqueria has a small bar with a few stools for eating in, but mainly serves as an affordable, tasty takeout stand. Most of the items are traditional Mexican fare, from tacos ($2.50) to burritos ($6.95) to quesadillas ($3). Four kinds of salsa and a choice of fillings allow orders to be tailored to individual tastes.

The side dishes are delicious. The rice and beans ($2) are well seasoned and fresh, the plátanos fritos ($3) are sweet with just the right combination of softness and crispness, and the salad ($4) features a nice mango-based dressing.

One of the most popular items is the rotisserie chicken (half for $4.50, a whole for $8.50, or a dinner with rice, beans and salad for $13.95). The seasoning is the adobo style used throughout Latin America, and the meat is moist, though it could be a bit crisper. New tortas, or sandwiches ($5.50 to $6,) reflect even broader tastes, from a Cuban pulled-pork version to an Italian-influenced chicken milanesa. There is an interesting chipotle-flavored brownie that customers either love or hate.

Mex-to-go is a partnership among Jonathan Pratt and Craig Purdy (owners of the nearby Umami Cafe, Peter Pratt’s Inn in Yorktown Heights and Jackalope BBQ in Fishkill) and Olin Moran. Mr. Moran grew up in Mexico before moving to Croton for his last three years of high school. During that time and while a student at New York University, he worked for his two current business partners.

“We talked about opening a taqueria for years,” Mr. Moran said. “Most of the county’s takeout options are pizza, Chinese food or something like Taco Bell. We wanted to provide an alternative.”

Mex-to-go, 345 South Riverside Avenue, Croton-on-Hudson; open daily

11 a.m. to 10 p.m.; (914) 271-8646.

EMILY DeNITTO

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