The Flaming Chef | New Tex-Mex restaurant opens

Craig Libman Columnist

Since I don’t have a car at Vassar, I tend to rely on the local businesses that line Raymond and Collegeview Avenues. Therefore, when Fresco Tortillas, a new Mexican food joint opened up within a two minute walk of my dorm, I got excited. Walking by the bright, neon lit storefront one afternoon, I was amazed at the inexpensive prices of the food, as each dish only cost a few dollars. I knew I had to try this place out, as its location and prices were irresistable.

While one may expect this eatery to be owned by members of Poughkeepsie’s prominant Mexican community, Fresco Tortillas is actually a mini-chain of eateries started by Chinese immigrants in New York City over ten years ago. With more than six different Fresco Tortillas in Manhattan, owners Rose and Desni Zheng decided to expand their chain out to Poughkeepsie, their first restaurant outside the Big Apple. While the owners and staff may all be of Chinese background, don’t let their nationality fool you: Fresco Tortillas can make a mean fajita.

Last Monday, hungry for something other than the typical ACDC fare, I headed over to Fresco Tortillas for a quick dinner before my 7 p.m. film screening. While the tiny, florescent lit space was nothing to look at, the cooks and counterworkers were friendly and eager to please. The menu, posted on the wall, featured dozens of familiar Tex Mex options, including tacos, quesadillas, tostada salads, fajitas (served by the pound), and burritos. In the mood for a quick, light bite, I ordered the al carbon tortilla with guacamole ($1.89) and a jack cheese and chicken quesadilla ($3.19). Throw in a soda and the entire meal was less than $7, not a raw deal.

While everything at Fresco Tortillas is available to go (not a bad idea considering the rather boring, small space), I opted to eat there. While I attempted to read at the counter, I didn’t get very far, as my dinner was ready in less than five minutes. Served up hot and fresh on a plastic tray, I opened the warm almuninum wrapping around my dinner, eager to tear into those fresh tortillas.

And fresh they were! At Fresco Tortillas, the tortillas are the star attraction, made from scratch throughout the day on an automatic tortilla press. Unlike the tasteless, boring tortillas ubiquitous with supermarkets and Taco Bell, the tortillas at Fresco are warm, chewy, and even spring to the touch. My chicken quesadilla was full of flavor, the cheese perfectly melted with the spiced, dark meat. The al carbon tortilla also proved to be a yummy filling treat. The guacamole, however, left much to be desired. A green paste with little flavor or hint of avacado, it was reminiscent of store bought guacomole.

My meal at Fresco Tortillas was simple, but satisfying. It is not four star dining, or even authentic Mexican food, nor does it try to be either of these genres. Rather, it is a simple taco shop that offers filling, tasty treats at a great price. Whether you’re looking for a quick bite out, or a spread of good eats to take in, Fresco Tortillas can add a little spice to your daily eating routine.