Spicy Iguana Opening Doors Soon In Canton

CANTON - Spicy Iguana, a new downtown restaurant, is nearly ready to start serving up authentic Latin dishes.

Owner Fernando V. Pantoja said he expects his eatery in the Midtown Shopping Plaza off Miner Street will open within the next two weeks.

He's waiting to get final approval from the state Health Department which is requiring him to install an air vent inside the building.

"Everything else is ready to go," Mr. Pantoja said Monday during an interview at his business. "I think the whole community is excited to have something that is authentic. I am excited to bring a little bit of beauty to the town."

Operating hours will be from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesdays through Thursdays and from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays. The eatery is expected to stay open later on weekend nights when entertainment is scheduled.

Planned menu items include tacos, burritos, enchiladas, tostados, nachos, daily soup specials and more.

Mr. Pantoja said he will not offer alcoholic beverages at first, but may apply for a liquor license in the future.

Although seating for about 50 is available, Mr. Pantoja expects his business will focus on take-out orders. Delivery will also be available.

Peggy L. Neilson, Potsdam, has been hired to work as the restaurant's chef. She moved to the area from Arizona three years ago and said she has several years experience preparing Latin food.

"The food will be spicy, but not necessarily hot. It will be very flavorful, not bland," Ms. Neilson said.

She has also prepared food at the Potsdam Country Club and plans to leave her job at Scoopuccinos, a restaurant in Potsdam, to work at Spicy Iguana.

Brightly-painted walls at Spicy Iguana are decorated with hand-woven tapestries, sombreros, musical instruments, flags, woven pouches, hanging beads and other items from various Latin countries.

A flag from Mr. Pantoja's native Ecuador hangs in the front window while photographs, clay pots and other items represent Mexico, Columbia Peru and Kenya, Africa.

Five private parties, including a wedding reception, have already been booked at the restaurant, and six employees have been hired, Mr. Pantoja said.

"I have gotten a lot of support and advice from other people in the restaurant business," he said. "People are helping me and they're excited."

The restaurant can be reached by calling 714-2155.