PC Restaurant Review Blog

Aqui is Santa Fe      

Aqui Es Santa Fe

                

 

Aqui is Santa Fe- Aqui is muy deliciouso!

 

We went for lunch at Aqui is Santa Fe on a Wednesday afternoon. It was my 10 year old daughter, her friend, and myself.

 

The Place- Aqui Es Santa Fe is located on the corner of Broad Street and Irving Avenue, right across from the Port Chester Train Station.   It’s charmingly decorated with warm colors, and lots of forethought.  You definitely got a taste of the owner’s religious background- she makes it abundantly clear, but she doesn’t push it at you. The tables are charmingly painted- we had fun translating the texts and verses on each table.   Walking in, we immediately felt comfortable, even the girls, who are not always so “open” to trying new places.

 

The Service- There was only one person in the place when we went in- the cook and server. He greeted us happily, told us the specials immediately, seated us graciously, and asked if we had any questions.   We had a few, namely the differences between the fresh fruit juice drinks that they make- and the girls decided on strawberry banana, and I had coffee. 

 

The Food- The juice drinks arrived, frothy and lovely in tall glasses. The girls sipped cautiously, and then drank away. It was a different taste than they were used to, they agreed, but delicious none the less. Next time, my daughter chimed in, she wanted one made with milk. This one was made with water.  My coffee was hot and strong, just the way I like it, and served in a BIG MUG- exactly what I needed. .  (I do tend to be annoyed with the teeny little 6 -8 ounce cups of coffee that constantly need refilling).Aqui Es Santa Fe used lovely china, too, kind of the type I’d use in my own kitchen at home  I chose breakfast, although it was really late brunch time- scrambled eggs with tomato, onion, and bacon, with fried plantain arepas, and the girls ordered the chicken lunch special – chicken with salad and fried plantains. First they had a yummy smelling bowl of soup placed in front of them. They were not too sure of the ground chicken and bean soup, but they tried it, and one loved it, one liked it. I tasted it, and it was as good as it smelled- rich broth with ground chicken (a different texture than I had expected, but it worked) and kidney beans.  My only complaint about the soup was that it could have been a bit hotter, but it was still a great starter.   Next came our main courses- My plate came was filled hot, steamy eggs  peppered with tomatoes, onions and bacon, and  smashed, fried plantain arapas with queso blanco (a mild white cheese) melted on top. The eggs were perfectly cooked- (I hate runny eggs) and the bacon was salty enough to stop me from adding more. My plantains were crunchy on the outside, and sweet and soft on the inside. I let each girl have a taste, and poof- they were gone. So much for sharing.

Their chicken was ¼ chicken, the leg and thigh portion, with salad and a few plantains on the side.   Of course, the first thing they tasted was the plantains, (me, too- I got them back for stealing mine) and although one preferred my crispy plantains so we switched, the rest of them were polished off.  They were just crispy enough on the outside to contract nicely with the creaminess of the inside.   The chicken seemed moist and tasty and the salad was a typical side salad of greens and tomatoes. My daughter didn’t care for the lemony dressing, but the other girl ate it all up!

 

 

Family Friendly- I didn’t see a high chair in place, but I could certainly see Aqui Es Santa Fe half filled with kids happily munching away, especially at breakfast.  I hear (I haven’t tasted them yet, but word is getting out) that the muffin’s are to die for- home made and delicious- I’ll have to try one next time.  Being there was kinda the same feeling you get while at a friends house having lunch- comforting, homey, and welcoming.

 

The Price- Lunch for the 3 of us was exactly $30.  Definitely affordable.

 

Overall- Aqui Es Santa Fe is surely going to become on of the jewels of the Village.  I’ve been there once before for lunch- and enjoyed just as much as today.  The owner’s son, Carols came in as we were finished up, and he chatted with us as he bustled about setting things in place.  He was attentive to the other customers, knowledgeable about the many questions I put to him about the juices and menu selection. He noted that they strive to serve a healthy menu, with the freshest of foods. Maybe that explains the lack of diet soda?  The only real minus I could see from my visits was the lack of diet soda. I heard 4 people ask for it during our meal. Give this place a try for wonderful Columbian arapas.- You will not be sorry.

 

 

Here’s a another review:

chow review

 

 

 

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