La Catrina of Westchester Opening Soon in Croton

New Mexican-Asian Fusion restaurant gets set to open in Croton-on-Hudson in Westchester County.

Note: Since this article was written La Catrina has successfully opened their doors. They are located at 171 Grand St. in Croton-on-Hudson, NY 10520, 914-862-0573.

Like so many folks in Croton, I was eager to find out more about who purchased the business from Black Rock Kitchen. My curiosity was piqued even more when I got my first glimpse of the purple-fuchsia color the restaurant now wears. Before I even stopped in, I started to hear rumors, and then the Croton Business Council posted a glimpse of what was to come; a husband-and-wife team was working together to bring their Mexican-Asian fusion cuisine here. Enrique, the chef spent multiple years at Half Moon as the executive chef in Dobbs Ferry followed by a brief stint at X2O when the opportunity presented itself for, him and his wife Consuelo, to open their own restaurant here in Croton.

On Saturday, when I was driving by, I saw lights and kids out front and felt like it might be the right time to stop in. At arguably one of the most stressful times for any business owner, I walked up to the door not knowing how I would be received. That is when Consuelo and Enrique Estrada greeted me like I was an old friend coming to their home for dinner. Along with their grandchildren, they welcomed me inside to see their progress. Everyone was so excited to show me what they had done to make the space their own and what the vision is for the future. I am excited to share with you, what I learned.

First off, I can tell you they want to open in less than two weeks and are still rounding out their staff. If you are interested in bartending, waiting tables, or bussing, please reach out to 347-224-9416.

The space embraces you as soon as you walk in. There is greenery covering the entryway and purple velvet seating and lighting signifying a unique comfortable vibe. The candles, barware, and even light fixtures are made of glass skulls, while gold sunburst mirrors accent the walls. They were still sorting placement out so I wasn’t able to photograph some of the seating in the front but you get the idea.

The colors and energy immediately reminded me of Dia de los Muertos or the Day of the Dead. Where loved ones in Mexico are celebrated and remembered by sugar skulls painted in vibrant colors highlighting the sweetness of moving on and the joy of honoring family. I immediately got that vibe of family and celebration the second I walked in the door and met the owners. Consuelo, who will be running the front of the house said it is important to her to mix in their Mexican culture in an authentic way with items that she felt uniquely represented them and enhanced Enrique’s cuisine. The best example of this is La Catrina, a porcelain figurine that will house the Sopa Azteca or Steak Soup, when ordered will be placed on the table. The server removes the Catrina figurine and places it on the table to reveal the bowl below and the broth will be poured into the bowl and eaten with a gold spoon. This will also be used with the tortilla soup. Unique and beautiful and something to be tried, no doubt.

There are items on the menu that range from the expected to the unexpected. From quesadillas to Asian duck tacos, to jumbo tequila shrimp, to chipotle caesar salad. Brunch will be available on Saturdays, Sundays, and Fridays will be the only day that lunch will be offered to start with. They will be open seven days a week and the expected hours are Fri. and Sat. 11:45 am to 3 pm, 4 pm to 11 pm; Mon. through Wed. 4 pm to 10 pm; Sun. noon to 3 pm and 4 pm to 9 pm. Check out the menus below. If you like margaritas, Catrinas plans on bringing in some of their favorite tequilas and Mexican beers along with creating delicious cocktails with fresh ingredients.

La Catrina seems to be off to a bright start and even though the Estrada’s live in the Bronx they look forward to being an integral part of the community and making Croton their home away from home.

Catrina’s Starter Menu