A Hot Time
On Union Turnpike
Tonight
Iguanas:179-11 Union Tpke.,
Fresh Meadows 969-5447
Cuisine: Mexican
Hours: Dining room open Monday-Thursday noon-11
p.m., Friday & Saturday noon-12 a.m.; Sunday 2-10 p.m. Bar open late night.
Credit Cards: all accepted
Parking: Neighborhood street parking.
Handicapped Accessible: No
Iguanas’ menu bills them as an "authentic Mexican
cuisine & cocktail lounge," – and they’re all that and a bag of nacho
chips.
From the décor – which has a festive and friendly
"south of the border" feel – to the food, Iguanas strives for the authentic
and succeeds. And don’t worry about the spices: my dining companion and I asked for
"mild" and that was exactly what we got. The food was not only good, but was
also diligently prepared to fit our request.
We started the meal with margaritas made just the way
margaritas should be made . . . not too tart, not too strong . . . and we split a cheese
Quesadilla between the two of us (delicious with a jalapeño on the side, and plenty as an
appetizer for two, at $5.95).
I then tried one of the popular, fad-foods of the day, the
Chimichangas (hand rolled flour tortillas stuffed with grilled chicken, cheese and beans,
fried golden brown, served with pico de gallo and cilantro sour cream for $10.95) while my
companion tried the day’s special Combinacion de Mar Especial (broiled salmon,
shrimps, scallops, calamari, and mussels on a bed of rice for $18.95).
The Chimichangas (my first time experience with them) were
huge and deliciously prepared, lightly fried but not at all greasy, and filled with
chicken and cheese. The fish special of the day was piled high on the plate and a
delicious combination of different kinds of fish.
Part neighborhood bar, part family dining restaurant, I
caught a glimpse of the night life on my way out, fully stuffed. Carlos Londono (who owns
and operates the restaurant with his brother Alfonso) pointed out that along with the
half-price drinks available during happy hour, there is also a free buffet for bar guests
which includes samples of their regular menu . . . a delicious way to figure out your
favorite dinner item.
So add a little spice to your day and enjoy the hospitality
and authentic tastes of Iguanas. It’s a neigh-borhood hideaway whose food is sure to
please. |
