Dine and Discover Queens: Ramiro Mendez of La Cevicheria by De Mole

It’s “Dine and Discover Queens” time! “Dine and Discover Queens” is a monthly spotlight on some of the best restaurants around the borough! This month’s featured eatery is La Cevicheria by De Mole located at 42-20 30th Avenue in Astoria. Ramiro Mendez is the head chef and co-owner of the establishment. To learn more, go to https://demoleatastoria.com/.

What inspired the creation of your restaurant and how did you get your start?

The inspiration behind this location stems from the memorable trip my wife and I took to the beautiful coasts of Oaxaca. We wanted to bring my version of this side of Mexico to New York City. I started with my first restaurant in Sunnyside, Queens, where I prepared my mother's Mole Poblano recipe using my family’s cooking techniques. Having worked as a chef in renowned establishments such as El Teddy's and The Park, both unfortunately no longer in operation, I had the opportunity to explore, and try and taste different ingredients and now use them here.

Can you share a bit about your restaurant journey in Queens?

The journey has been tough with COVID-19. Business has been slow, and city residents have been moving out, but we have hope and faith in this location with the new concept and a lot of love for Astoria. We know that the residents from the area, as well as from all over New York City, will love this restaurant.

Are there dishes or drinks that have become beloved by the Queens community, or anything on your menu you would like to highlight?

We serve all our dishes with our signature sauce, Mole Poblano. We have an assortment of ceviches that we do that people enjoy, and the house margarita is also a win. Our flavors and taste are unique. Most importantly, we keep consistency in our recipes and dishes.