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So how inconspicuous can an eatery get!! El Tequilero [AUTHENTIC] Mexican Restaurant in Monticello is a relatively new family owned and run eatery, where the beauty salon used to be next to the liquor store.This place appears tiny from the street, and though small, it is arranged well and nicely decorated. Pilar had been asking to eat Mexican for sometime but we rarely eat out as I don’t want to gain back all the FAT I’ve lost. I read a Facebook post about this new place and decided, we’d kill two birds with one stone; Pilar can get her Mexican dinner and I’d check this place out for a local review…haven’t done one in awhile. We parked the car to the left of the liquor store as there is a huge empty lot there and walked in. Immediately we were greeted by the yummy odors emanating from the kitchen, very melodic and pleasant Mexican music, and greeted warmly by Luz, the very cheerful server on duty.We were seated and after waiting a polite minute or two Luz came over with menus and asked for our drink order. As usual I ordered water so as not to spoil the flavor of the food. Pilar did the same. Liz brought some yummy tortilla chips and a bowl of really good salsa. This salsa was brimming with diced onions and typical herbs. We spent some time looking over the menu as there were so many delicious sounding choices!!We finally ordered our meals and here’s what we chose:Pilar started with the Cow Tongue Soft Tacos. Tongue is not my thing, but it did look good and she said it was outstanding. I started with Shrimp Al Tequilero. What can I say - it was simply perfect! As with everything we ate there, the presentation was nice and the food was extremely light. The Tostadas served with my starter were crisp yet very light and airy. Delicious! Then came the main dishes. Pilar ordered the Skirt Steak dish and it was extraordinarily juicy and tender. I know as I begged for a sliver! Yum! I ordered the Molcajete Al Tequilero (for one.) the description sounded yummy but I had no idea it would be served in something resembling The Holy Grail!! 🤣🤣 It was HUGE! And it was filled with all sorts of yummy things. Everything was perfectly grilled and the meats were thinly sliced. Grilled Chicken, Chorizo (spicy sausage,) Cecina (salted steak…but not overwhelmingly salty,) Shrimp, Cheese, Scallions, Cactus and Jalapeño, all swimming in a yummy green sauce. Guacamole on the side. The dish is not supposed to be spicy hot, but I do like spicy hot Hispanic food when appropriate and this seemed appropriate. I asked Luz to ask the kitchen to season my main course so as to make it as hot as possible. They didn’t disappoint. The hairs on the back of my neck were standing g up and I was sweating, it was so deliciously hot! Everything was tender and yummy. Cactus was a novelty as I’d never had it before. The rice was absolutely delicious and those who have read my prior reviews over the years know that I do not order restaurant rice because it’s always BLEH and without flavor. Only El Pegao, the now sadly closed Puerto Rican restaurant in Monticello had perfect rice (tasted like my moms.) And now this place had exceedingly yummy rice. Not like my moms as that was strictly Puerto Rican, but as Mexican Rice goes, I don’t think I’ve ever had better than this. The refried beans were surprisingly light and very tasty. I usually avoid the beans as they are so heavy, but this place makes them very light and yummy. I was so impressed by the tastiness and quality of the cuisine that I asked Luz where their chef had studied. She said, they learned at home in Mexico. What’s better than mom’s cooking in any country!! For dessert we shared a plate of Vanilla Ice Cream and Churros. Churros I’ve had before were solid. These held a yummy surprise inside. They were crunchy on the outside and creamy on the inside. All in all a most pleasing experience, from the relaxed ambience, the perfect dinner music in the background, the perfect service, to the absolutely yummyliscious Mexican feast we enjoyed. Tonight we feasted on the leftover from last nights dinner and the food maintained its flavor. Definitely recommend this place to Mexican Cuisine Aficionados as well as any looking to be adventurous and try something new. We certainly will be back.And there it is:El Tequilero Mexican Restaurant 9 Forestburgh RoadMonticello NY845-796-0203Dine in/Take out No delivery.Website: https://bit.ly/3DsEgWeBy the way, the gentleman standing next to Luz is Joel (Joe to his friends) the owner.