Table for Two

A combination that works

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Picante’s Mexican & Italian Grill
505 Bedford Ave., Bellmore
(516) 308-4544, www.picantesmexicanitaliangrill.com

Mexican and Italian cuisines served in one restaurant might seem unusual. But the logic behind it, and more importantly the food itself, dispels any doubt that it works. Décor is vibrantly Mexican. Even the basket of multi-colored tortilla chips drizzled with fresh pico de gallo is fun. What is unexpected, though, is the plate of warm garlic bread served at the same time.

The Reyes brothers, both named Jose, opened Picante’s three months ago, taking over a space that formerly housed Pasquale’s Pizza & Pasta. They retained the kitchen setup, pizza oven and all. In the restaurant industry for many years, and owners of a busy catering company, they saw the opportunity to expand their offerings and added Italian. Las Bahia’s, a Mexican and Latin American restaurant in North Bellmore, was theirs as well.

The menu features American, Mexican, and Latin selections, plus pizza, pasta and paninis. Appetizers are $6 to $12.95 for Picante’s Platter (wings, mozzarella sticks and quesadillas with sauces). Soups (served with rice and tortillas), paninis, and salads are $6 to $16. Pastas, rolls, burritos, fajitas, and pizzas are $4.50 to $19.95. Latin American dishes are $2 to $13. Entrees range from $9 to $18, and desserts, $4 to $6. Children can have mozzarella sticks or chicken fingers with fries for $5. Pasta Days are Wednesday and Thursday — soup or salad, pasta and dessert for $14.95. Lunch specials are $7.

We enjoyed red Sangria with fresh fruit. They recently received their liquor license, so a bar will be added soon. Picante’s King Salad was a luscious mix of greens topped with roasted pineapple, avocado, mango, grilled chicken and fruity vinaigrette, joined by a warm cheese-filled flauta tortilla. Pasteles de Pollo, a Latin version of empanadas, was filled with chicken and melted cheese, sided with Spanish coleslaw.

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