SUFFERN'S HIDDEN GEM
By Kevin T. Czerwinski
There's something special about Martin Romero and how he operates his restaurant, Dona Maria Mexican Bistro. The Lafayette Avenue eatery isn't new to the village nor is it one of the long-time establishments that come to mind when thinking of eating out in Suffern.
Yet, what Romero has been able to do with Dona Maria is make it a friendly, family place where the food is good and the service is even better. It's been a bit of a hidden treasure in the Village for the last few years but now its about time that Romero's restaurant joins its rightful place alongside the other eateries for which Suffern has become famous.
Dona Maria has a wonderful menu that offers authentic Mexican fare but Romero is working to expand. He's hoping to add a breakfast buffet in a few weeks while also adding traditional American favorites like cheeseburgers to the menu in order to appeal to a broader customer base.
"I think we're going to make the [breakfast] buffet special," Romero said. "Put in a lot of egg dishes and pancakes. Maybe even give free coffee. Everyone likes breakfast. That should be coming in at least one more month, maybe less."
While you'll go to Dona Maria to try the food [breakfast, lunch or dinner], you'll go back because of the experience. Romero is engaging and entertaining, sincere in wanting to make his place as enjoyable as possible for his patrons. He offers a friendly greeting and personal service, often doing a lot of little things in order to make his customers happy.
"If you want to have a party here, we do parties," Romero said. "We'll give you free appetizers and the cake if you just order the main course. If you have needs, we'll take care of them. We want to bring people in.
"We also want to bring people in and have them walk around town. It is good that we have a lot of good restaurants in town. That will keep bringing people back. And if they keep coming back, it's good advertising for the town."
Dona Maria is certainly good for the town. The atmosphere is splendid following several renovations. Romero has installed a new wood floor and the decorations are wonderful, ranging from paintings and artwork to pictures and wall hangings.
In addition, Dona Maria also has a back room that most folks might not know about even if you've lived in the Village for several years. Romero can host parties and bigger events in the back room, which has a bar. He's also had a DJ and dancing on Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights. There is a mix of reggae and Latin music to enjoy complete with a variety of drink and food specials served by the wonderful Sandra Santiago.
Dona Maria is the first restaurant Romero has owned though he's been in the business for much of his life. The Mexican native is certainly making the most of his first establishment, adding a personal touch wherever possible. He does a great deal of the cooking and says he is open to suggestion and encourages his patrons to tell him what they like and don't like.
"I like to work with people," he said. "I'll give them stuff, too. That's the best advertising you can do. If you talk straight with them, they'll like it."
There's plenty to like about Dona Maria. It's been a hidden treasure in the Village for years but that all seems as if its about to change.
Free two-hour parking is available on the street in the Village while the Parking Authority's lots are free for three hours. The Chestnut Avenue lot is the closest to Dona Maria's.