El Azteca Restaurant celebrates tenth anniversary

FLORIDA — It was a major milestone and so on Wednesday, May 24, Bernardino Morales and his wife, Erica Barajas, saluted their loyal customers with a music-filled evening, discounts, free cake and T-shirts.
And earlier that day Town of Warwick Supervisor Michael Sweeton, Florida Mayor James Pawliczek, Warwick Mayor Michael Newhard, other officials and members of the Florida and Warwick Valley Chambers of Commerce joined Morales and his staff to celebrate the tenth anniversary of El Azteca II Mexican restaurant at 117 South Main St. in the Village of Florida.
Kathleen O'Connell, a representative from the office of Assemblyman Karl Brabenec, also presented Morales with a special proclamation in honor of the occasion.
And to thank its customers, El Azteca had a mariachi band playing that evening.
El Azteca first opened in Middletown before moving to its Florida location in 2007.
A native of Guatemala, Morales came to the United States 21 years ago. Three years later he met his wife, Erica, who was from Mexico. And by 2003 they had saved enough money to open their own restaurant.
From dishwasher to cook and owner, Morales is proud of the work he and his wife have done to make El Azteca a success.
"Our dishes are made in the Mexican tradition of several regions," he said. "And we are proud of the authentic Mexican food we create every day,"
Daily specials feature several chicken, beef, pork and fish dishes, served in tacos, tortillas and burritos.
El Azteca also offers ceviche de camarones, salads and soups, as well as offering a children's menu.
El Azteca is open seven days a week for lunch and dinner and also offers takeout and catering. It has space for parties up to 40 guests, and a full-service bar, offering Mexican and American beer and cocktails.
For additional information, call 845-651-4321.
- Roger Gavan