Off the Fork is a recurring series every Sunday on northforker.com, in which our staff writes about happenings and places we appreciate elsewhere on Long Island and beyond.
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It may seem unlikely to turn to 12-square-mile Shelter Island for authentic Mexican food, but if you’re hankering for fresh south-of-the-border specialties after a long day paddle boarding or hiking through Mashomack Preserve, look no further than Maria’s Kitchen.
Part bodega and part take-out joint, Maria’s Kitchen, located at the corner of North Ferry Road and Jaspa Road, serves up everything from tacos and enchiladas to salads. It’s bright, cheery yellow shutters are a reflection of owner Maria Serrano, who opened the business in 2012 at the former site of Greeny’s Natural Food Market and recently became a U.S. citizen.
“That was always my dream,” Serrano said.
You can also get your juice fix. The restaurant offers more than two dozen healthy juice and smoothie options that are made-to-order.
“I worked in a health food store and I liked it,” she said. “That is why I did both Mexican and healthy food.”
Take-out is available, but we suggest dining al fresco in the garden, where Serrano grows the herbs for her dishes.
Maria’s Kitchen is located at 55 North Ferry Road on Shelter Island, and is open from Monday 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. and Tuesday through Sunday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
