Chef Alex Guarnaschelli Shoots Show At Center Moriches Lucharitos

CENTER MORICHES, NY — Turning 40 for Marc LaMaina, owner of the popular Lucharitos taquerias, was momentous in more ways than one: After facing a series of challenges posed by the pandemic, he saw dreams realized at his new Center Moriches Lucharitos location when famed chef Alex Guarnaschelli came to shoot an episode of her Food Network digital show, "Fix Me A Plate."

And yes, the episode was shot on his birthday.

LaMaina, owner of Lucharitos in Greenport, Little Lucharitos in Aquebogue, and the new Lucharitos Burrito Bar in Mattituck, told Patch how the "Chopped" judge and "Iron Chef" winner decided to spotlight the Center Moriches Lucharitos at 177 Main St.

"My manager at the Greenport location, Devin McMahon, was contacted by a producer from the Food Network. Alex has been to our Greenport location a couple of times and really enjoyed everything. She thought we would make a good addition to her digital show 'Fix Me A Plate,'" he said.

Having the episode film on his birthday was the proverbial cherry on top of an already meaningful celebration, LaMaina said.

"It made a special day even more special. My close friends, wife, and two out of my three children came out," he said. "The Food Network crew and my team surprised me with a cake at the end of shooting. It was a special moment to finish a special day."

The episode of "Fix Me A Plate," LaMaina said, affords an in-depth look at Lucharitos. "How we came about. What we are all about. I think Alex and her team captured that. I don’t have to see the finished product to know that our passion and our hustle was, and is, appreciated. Our Chef Joe Taffurelli and Alex cooked farm fresh veggie quesadillas out of our wood-fired oven. It was a lot of fun. Even with all the cameras and people watching," he said. "It was cool to see that side of the biz."

The past months have been rife with obstacles: In February, a fire broke out at the spot in Center Moriches where the new location of Lucharitos, a popular taqueria and tequila bar, was set to open in the coming months.

And then, like countless other business owners, LaMaina was facing the challenged posed by the coronavirus pandemic.

"COVID was, and still is, a minute-by-minute challenge," LaMaina said. "Everything can change in an instant. We are in a constant state of awareness. Constant anxiety. The entire industry deserves the utmost respect for working through this. So many restaurants are falling victim to the side effects of the pandemic. We were able to pivot very quickly. It’s a testament of my team's character. We are in this together. Since Day 1, it’s a team effort. I don’t think anyone gets through this alone."

Despite the hurdles, LaMaina and his team forged ahead. The Lucharitos Burrito Bar recently opened in Mattituck. And plans are still moving forward for the full opening of the Center Moriches spot, which remains closed on Mondays; the eatery is still working from the taco truck.

From the beginning, LaMaina has had a dream for the property: "We want to create a magical place where good, fresh food and drinks are shared among happy folks. Where kids can can lost in the organic farm and pick sunflowers and pumpkins. We are putting our kids in charge of our play area — and they have some wild ideas. Unfortunately or fortunately, depending on your age, we won't be able to keep a live dragon on the farm, as my kids asked. Doesn't matter how magical the place is. Sorry, boys. Chickens are cool enough."

The community has welcomed Lucharitos with open arms, LaMaina said: "We love being in Center Moriches. It’s been a tough almost-two years but they have stood by us and have always shown tremendous support."

The air date of the "Fix Me A Plate" episode online has not yet been announced.