OLE, OLE IS MEXICAN FOOD AND A WHOLE LOT MORE
By Kevin T. Czerwinski
That Ole, Ole is situated at a major crossroads in the Village and just down the street from the train station is only fitting.
Though the restaurant specializes in authentic Spanish, Mexican and Latin cuisine - Ole, Ole has long been popular because of its menu and its margaritas - the fare is only part of why Eric Canto's eatery has become so successful. Since opening in the Village some nine years ago, the restaurant has become a meeting place, a social hotspot among the locals who make their way to the end of Lafayette Avenue for the food but stay for the atmosphere and attention they get while being served.
Veronica Wagner, the restaurant's manager, has worked at Ole, Ole for more than four years and it didn't take long for her to realize that there was something different about the food and the people, all of which make it special. There are several Mexican restaurants in the Village and Wagner encourages her patrons to try them all because each one has a different specialty.
She does so to promote business in the Village. Call it good karma, call it good social graces or call it good business. Whatever you want to call it, the formula works.
"Having all the other restaurants really doesn't affect us," Wagner said. "Once you eat here, we know that you'll come back. We're the busiest restaurant in town and the more people that come to Suffern the better it is for everyone. We want everyone to go everywhere they want."
Wagner, who lives in the Village and will get married in February [stop by and wish her well], believes that her work in the restaurant has made her somewhat of a well-known commodity in the area. When she's in the supermarket, people will approach her and begin to sing the Buster Poindexter version of "Ole, Ole". Children on whom she has waited have brought her in jewelry and Christmas presents. She proudly hangs pictures and holiday cards sent by several customers behind the bar.
And it's not just her. Everyone on Ole, Ole's staff of 15 is warm and friendly, helping make a meal there and wonderful experience.
"I feel like we're an important part of the community," Wagner said. "I have four kids that come in here that I've known since they were in their mother's bellies. It's nice. People recognize you.
"We go to the local schools and teach the kids how to make guacamole and salsa. Then we have the second graders coming in here with their maracas shaking them. It's rewarding to make people happy. We have fun here and get to see everyone when they are happy. It makes you feel special."
While Wagner feels special, Canto and his staff have worked hard in order to make their customers feel special. They have improved their menu, adding a series of gluten-free items to help their customers who have celiac disease. There is also a Healthy New York menu that was devised in part under the New York State Department of Health guidelines. In fact, the restaurant served as the setting for two television commercials promoting healthy eating habits last spring.
"We're adding more healthy for side dishes so if you don't want refried stuff you can have a salad," Wagner said. "We have weekly and daily specials and we're always open to new ideas."
Oh, and don't forget the margaritas, which were voted the best in Rockland County in 2007.
Ole, Ole also hosts parties for children of all ages and adults as well as special and corporate events. Wagner also promises something special coming from Canto in the next few months that will excite the customers. It's still hush-hush but it is part of a package that has made the corner of Lafayette and Orange Avenues one of the most popular destinations in the Village.
Free two-hour parking is available on the street in the Village while the Parking Authority's lots are free for three hours. The Orange Avenue lots are directly across from Ole, Ole.