Combine a classic wood-fired kitchen and hearty Mexican fare, and what do you get? The new foodie’s haven in Greenpoint: Oxomoco.
Mexican restaurant Oxomoco—whose name refers to the Aztec goddess of the night—opens June 5 at 128 Greenpoint Avenue in Brooklyn. It operates under the ownership of Chef Justin Bazdarich—known for popular LES/Clinton Hill pizzeria Speedy Romeo—and his childhood friend Chris Walton, who runs a successful restaurant franchise in Arizona.
Bedford + Bowery spoke to Bazdarich by email about the inspiration behind his and Walton’s new enterprise, which was borne of countless trips to Mexico that forged a shared love for its culture and cuisine.
“Mexican cuisine naturally has many smoky elements to its flavor profile, so I wanted to vault this with the backbone of a wood-fired kitchen. To be able to marinate meat, fish, and veggies in these beautiful, smoky natural flavors and then sear and char them on a wood-fired grill was the vision for the concept,” says Bazdarich.
The two friends and co-owners intentionally crafted a menu that reflected the diverse regions of Mexico. Notable dishes include the Yucatán-inspired albacore tuna taco with refried beans, sour onions, and salsa habanero. Another sure-to-be-favorite is the Oaxacan-influenced tlayuda oxomoco, consisting of a crispy tortilla topped with refried beans, house-made quesillo, and salsa pipicha.
Fear not, vegetarians: the restaurant also offers tempting plant-based tacos of grilled asparagus and chipotle or beet “chorizo” and avocado. Oxomoco sources the corn for its tortillas from Tamoa, a company that works directly with Mexican farm workers with the aim of preserving agricultural biodiversity.
Additional menu options will surely pique the taste buds, like the mango upside-down cake with mezcal caramel and frozen yogurt. Oxomoco also offers a strong array of beverages, including wood-fire-toasted pineapple cordials, Mexican macrobrews, and refreshing non-alcoholic drinks like the cucumber mint kiwi lime agua fresca.
Ample skylights, a spacious outdoor patio and Art Deco architecture in the style of Mexico City contribute to Oxomoco’s lively ambience. The restaurant currently serves dinner from 5:30 p.m. onwards, but is expected to add brunch, lunch, and delivery services soon.
Oxomoco, located at 128 Greenpoint Avenue, opens June 5.