Grexicana Opens In Farmingdale: 'It Feels Awesome'

FARMINGDALE, NY — Grexicana opened in Farmingdale, bringing Greek-Mexican fusion food to 48 Motor Avenue.

Kallie Pappas, the owner, said "it feels awesome" to finally be welcoming customers in.

"I walked in the doors and it felt like home," Pappas told Patch. "That’s the only way I can explain it."

The vast majority of menu items feature Greek and Mexican fusion, from starters, soups and salads to sandwiches and entrees. Some entrees include chicken paillard, chorizo over Greek pasta, moussaka enchiladas, and lamb and beef gyro tacos.

Pappas said it was "so easy" to combine Greek and Mexican food.

"The food just blends so well together," she said. "The moussaka enchiladas, the moussaka filling wrapped with the tortilla and mole on top, it’s just such a great combination. My partner is Mexican, I’m Greek. We were just kind of playing around, and we were, like 'Wait, this works.'"

Pappas said Grexicana aims to offer a "very warm, family-friendly relaxed atmosphere."

"I just want to thank everybody for being so welcoming to us," she said.

She asked people to give Grexicana a chance.

"The food is something different. We’re like, the first Greek-Mexican fusion restaurant."

Eateries are a family affair for Pappas, who was born and raised in Queens.

"I was basically born in the restaurant business. My dad had a diner for 24 years. From there, he went into cafeteria and delis. I just grew up in the business. My brother owns his restaurants. It’s all I know."

When Pappas had children of her own, she moved to East Northport to raise them. After they went to college, she moved back to Astoria to be closer to her family, where she has another restaurant. She wanted to maintain a connection with Long Island and decided to open Grexicana in Farmingdale, which is itself a family-owned eatery.

Grexicana also offers a beer tap list, other beers, signature cocktails, and wine.

Desserts include a Mexican brownie, Greek yogurt, baklava baked with sweet custard, and churros.