By Restaurant and Food Specialist, Mae Kwan

Mexican food today is so Americanized and much of it has little to do with the fine culinary background that fueled the country for centuries. Some restaurants in the U.S. that serve authentic Mexican food are usually where there is a concentration of Mexican Americans - particularly in California, New Mexico, Arizona, Texas, and Florida. Keep in mind; if you are eating Taco Bell, it's not authentic Mexican food. When you dine in an "Americanized" Mexican restaurant, you look forward to the dishes swimming in cheese, giant dollops of sour cream. There are so many health benefits in Mexican foods, as most of the cooking centers around:

• Corn is high in the carotenoid and lutein. The lutein in yellow corn and yellow corn food products can protect against heart disease and macular degeneration.

• Beans are a good source of essential B vitamins, fiber, protein, and iron. Recent studies have shown that eating beans on a daily basis helps to reduce cholesterol while providing excellent nutrition.

• Avocados are an excellent source of potassium, vitamins B and E, monounsaturated fatty acids, and fiber. The oils contained in avocados include oleic and linoleic acids and studies show that these oils may help to lower cholesterol levels.

• Peanuts in numerous studies, have been shown to promote heart health. Peanuts are a good source for vitamin E, niacin, folate, protein and manganese.

• Tomatoes provide an excellent source of vitamins C and K, carotenes (especially lycopene), and biotin. They are also a very good source of vitamin B6, niacin, folic acid, fiber, and pantothenic acid. Studies also found that tomatoes lower the risk of heart disease, cataracts, and macular degeneration.

Many used to consider Mexican food a low end type of cuisine, and Richard Sandoval, launched a revolution in America by reinterpreting Mexican cuisine in a modern, yet genuine way, by coupling native Mexican ingredients with European techniques. This fresh take and approach is a marriage of chic presentations and a sophisticated dining experience. He has changed our perception of Mexican cuisine in this country. His restaurant Maya is the known as the home of "Modern Mexican". The walls are adorned with folk art and glass shelves lined with silverware create a tastefully festive atmosphere. There is a sense of intimacy in the dining room, but the service however, is variable and lackluster. The portions here are quite small in general based on looking at what others were ordering. They offer a fantastic array of cocktails and a great happy hour.

On my recent visit to Maya, we had a sampling from their special Restaurant week menu:

For Appetizer:

Ceviche de Salmón … salmon / habanero-mustard citrus juices / horse radish /capers / red onion / cucumber which was flavorless and soupy.

Tacos de Chilorio … flour tortilla / pulled pork / pickle onion /cilantro / tomatillo salsa was also a bit on the bland side and really nothing to write about.

For Main Course:

Carne Asada … marinated grilled hanger steak / black bean purée / caramelized onion /grilled sliced tomato / chile de árbol sauce (this dish was highly recommended by the waiter - it was just OK)

Róbalo Rayado … pumpkin seed crusted striped bass / zuchinni-chayote gratin / chipotle black bean reduction / chile pasilla emulsion (this was absolutely delicious)

For Dessert:

Chocoflan … dark chocolate cake / caramel flan / candied pecans (this was just ok)

Sorbet … green apple / pear / mango (I found this boring)

A friend in the business said to me, that service and food during Restaurant Week is not an exact indicator as to how the restaurant is on a regular basis. I happen to disagree, if the service and food is good, it should be good all the time, regardless of how busy the establishment gets.

Restaurant week in my opinion is a good time to sample different restaurants. There is a special menu and you select an appetizer, entrée and a dessert at a set price. You can also order from their regular menus. I am really glad we chose to come to Maya during Restaurant week. Will I return, yes of course.

Maya

1191 First Avenue

Between 64th & 65th Streets

212-585-1818

Visiting NYC and wondering where to eat? Perhaps Ms. Kwan has an answer for you, click below: