BY KELLY MARIE MANCUSO
Revelers looking to celebrate Cinco de Mayo are just a short train ride away from Mexican Apple B.B.Q., located at 66-89 Forest Ave. off the Forest Avenue M train stop in the heart of Ridgewood.
Unlike most taco take-out restaurants, Mexican Apple B.B.Q. offers a unique fusion of authentic Mexican cuisine blended with southern barbecue. Owner Francisco Ramirez first opened Mexican Apple four months ago. Ramirez came to the United States from Mexico City with the dream of being an entrepreneur.
“I wanted to work for me,” he said.
His chef, Manuel Ramirez, hails from Veracruz. He had the idea of mixing his traditional and beloved Mexican recipes with American barbecue for a unique flavor combination he calls “Mexican-style barbecue.”
Ramirez spent time traveling through the south and eventually stopped in North Carolina to hone his barbecue skills before traveling north to New York. Chef Ramirez created his own original barbecue sauce and dry rubs from a blend of Mexican spices, such as hot dry peppers, mixed within a traditional southern barbecue base.
The restaurant also has a small smoker where they smoke dishes like their popular BBQ ribs for roughly seven hours. All of the meat is smoked and prepared in-house. Combinations of Mexican-style BBQ ribs, dry-rubbed ribs, pulled pork, brisket and chicken are available and range in price from $12.99 to $15.99.
Another unique aspect of Mexican Apple B.B.Q. is that they are one of the few local eateries to offer a traditional Mexican breakfast on a daily basis. A popular dish among early birds is the huevos rancheros ($7.99), a mix of two eggs over easy on a bed of corn served with chorizo, pico de gallo, guacamole, rice, beans and Mexican cream.
The huevos a la Mexicana ($6.99) features eggs with jalapeños, onions and tomatoes. They also offer an extensive selection of baked eggs, a brunch staple, blended with a range of meats and cheeses, including chorizo, Oaxaca cheese, bacon, Manchego cheese and spinach ($8.99). One of the more popular baked egg dishes is served with green tomatillo and chile de arbol ($8.99).
Mexican Apple B.B.Q.’s signature dish is the enchiladas platter ($10.99). Diners can chose from chicken, grilled beef, fried pork and Oaxaca cheese enchiladas served with cheese, lettuce, Mexican cream and their choice of green, red or mole sauces.
The chorizo quesadillas ($6.99) are another phenomenal choice. The generous and flavorful portions of Mexican spicy sausage and melted Oaxaca cheese are served with large sides of salsa, Mexican cream and homemade guacamole. The Al Pastor homemade tortilla tacos ($2.99) pack a ton of flavor in a small bite. They feature a mix of spicy pork and pineapples blended with cilantro, onion, radish, salsa, guacamole and lemon in a homemade soft tortilla wrap.
Desserts such as traditional flan Napolitano ($3.99) and Mexican Jello or “gelatina” ($1.99) provide a sweet finish to any entree. Mexican Apple also offers a unique selection of freshly pressed juice blends, including pineapple water, melon and hibiscus ($1.99). Their homemade Orchata is a sweet blend of roasted rice-infused milk, vanilla and cinnamon ($1.99).
Mexican Apple B.B.Q. will be offering specials for Cinco de Mayo. For more details, call 347-987-4778.
Mexican Apple B.B.Q.
6689 Forest Ave., Ridgewood
347-987-4778
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