FOODIE

A Mexican Oasis At Green Cactus
By Tricia & Luann / foodie@longislandernews.com

No Annual Guide To Huntington would be complete without a look at one of Huntington village’s most recent newcomers to the restaurant scene. Long Islander Foodies, who had been making the trek to Green Cactus Mexican Grill’s Jericho Turnpike location, buzzed all around The Long Islander with excitement when the Mexican joint took over the old Quiznos space on Main Street between Green and Prospect streets, just steps away from our office.

Operated by Mary Jane Richardson and her two sisters Sheila and Kathleen, all of whom grew up in Huntington and live in Centerport, Green Cactus was started by their father Denis and uncle Thomas in California in 1993. Taking the idea back east, the first Long Island restaurant opened in 1995 in Stony Brook. The sisters left their careers in the health field to help run the organization, and it has been growing ever since. Huntington village is Green Cactus’ eleventh location.

“It’s so nice to serve the community in a positive way,” said Mary Jane. “This is really our home, so it’s nice to have a warm welcome.”

We placed our order and grabbed a seat at the lime-colored tables, set amidst the warm, earthy tones of the restaurant. All meals are prepared when ordered with pleasant presentation, so we were impressed with the Speedy Gonzalez-esque quickness in which our food was ready.

We started with Jalapeno Poppers ($4.99), a plate of five peppers topped with gooey melted cheddar cheese, breaded and fried to a crisp. An order of nachos ($6.49) is generous, topped with black or pinto beans, tasty guacamole, sour cream, melted cheese and Pico de Gallo.

A round of tacos allowed us to experiment with the variety of salsas (our favorite was the Green Cactus salsa) and Pico de Gallo available. Asada and Pollo tacos ($2.29) come with chicken or steak charbroiled and served in a soft corn tortilla with onions and cilantro – go with the hot salsa for that extra kick. We would order the Green Cactus Shrimp taco ($2.59) again in a heartbeat, as well as the Fish taco ($2.69) with lightly breaded cod and Pico de Gallo topped with shredded cabbage, tangy dressing and a squeeze of lime.

We also sampled the Vegetarian Quesadilla ($6.69), a large portion of perfectly sautéed green bell peppers, tomatoes, onions, mushrooms and melted jack cheese in a flour tortilla. With eight tempting burritos to choose from, the Green Cactus Burrito ($6.89) is the most frequently ordered on the menu. A tortilla stuffed with chicken or steak, melted cheese, guacamole and Pico de Gallo, and then wrapped in such a perfect way that nothing falls out, we can see, and taste, why it is so popular.

For those who can’t go without dessert, Green Cactus serves Churros ($1) and flan ($1.49), as well as a delight called Xangos ($3.19), creamy cheesecake or banana filling enveloped in a spring roll wrapper, fried and covered in cinnamon and sugar. Talk about sinfully delicious.

We tip our sombrero to you, Green Cactus. Welcome to the village.

Green Cactus
318 Main Street, Huntington
631-271-8900
1273 East Jericho Turnpike,
Huntington
631-673-1010
www.greencactusgrill.com

Cuisine: Fresh fresh fresh Mexican –
no MSG, can openers, lard, or microwaves
Atmosphere: Casual and clean
Hours: (village location): Monday – Thursday 11 a.m.–9 p.m.,
Friday – Saturday 11 a.m. –10 p.m.,
Sunday noon – 9 p.m.;
possible extended summer hours

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