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MASSENA If all goes according to Maya Garcias plan, by the end of next month the village once again will have a Mexican restaurant.
Ms. Garcia is opening Casa de Cha Chas in the former home of Italian on the Run, 396 S. Main St.
Were hoping to be open by the middle of next month, but weve got a lot of work to do, Ms. Garcia said while sitting in a booth at her restaurant.
Italian on the Run has moved to the Harte Haven Plaza space formerly held by Amigos, the last non-fast-food Mexican restaurant in Massena.
Ms. Garcia said Casa de Cha Chas translates as the house of servants or house of helpers, referring to the kind of experience she hopes customers will have at the restaurant.
Its going to be authentic Mexican food, and none of our meats or veggies will ever be frozen, she said.
Casa de Cha Chas will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday.
Ms. Garcia said that while the menu remains a work in progress, breakfast offerings will include machaca, a dish made with scrambled eggs, seasoned shredded beef and grilled vegetables.
The eatery also will serve chorizo, a Mexican sausage, as well as a variety of breakfast burritos.
The lunch menu will include traditional tacos, burritos, quesadillas and nachos.
Ms. Garcia said the dinner menu will offer combo platters that will be served with homemade beans and rice.
In addition to enchiladas and chimichangas, the eatery will feature a couple of specialty platters: carnitas, a shredded pork dish, and carne asada, which is marinated strips of steak.
We want to be known for our carne asada, Ms. Garcia said.
She also said shes hoping to be supportive of area schools and organizations.
The restaurant will debut its community-service efforts next month, when the Massena Central High School spring ticket packages become available.
The brochures, which are available for $20 each, will include coupons for Casa de Cha Chas as well as several other area businesses.