Mex-Raeli Fusion Restaurant Falafel Taco Goes Kosher

PLEASANTVILLE, NY — One of the region's most innovative "fusion cuisine" destinations is now keeping kosher as well.

Falafel Taco, the Mexican-Israeli fusion restaurant located at 30 Wheeler Ave. in Pleasantville, says that it has obtained kosher certification from the Rabbinical Assembly in their efforts towards full dietary inclusion.

While "the heartwarming union of authentic Mexican and Israeli food has always been the hallmark of Falafel Taco," owners Jonathan and Rosie Langsam say that they are now following their mission to provide fun, affordable, and delicious food to everyone.

The kashering, which began May 6 and concluded with a reopening on May 8, was overseen by Rabbi Robert Alpert with the assistance of Rabbi Adam Baldachin as the Mechgiach from Shaarei Tikvah in Scarsdale. In addition, Rabbi Steve Kane, Rabbi Dina Rosenberg, and other Westchester County rabbis will rotate to assist with the supervision process.

After witnessing the positive community response to the kashering in their Falafel Taco location in Greenwich, the Langsams say they are especially excited to extend those benefits to Pleasantville. Just like in Greenwich, Jonathan Langsam hopes that this kosher certification will give Westchester’s large Jewish community another dining option, as he says most are currently left without any Kosher-certified restaurants to enjoy.

Jonathan Langsam, a Jewish chef, says that he understands the struggle of finding accessible dining options, which has been a driving motivation in obtaining the certification. Falafel Taco was actually born through his attempts at resolving a similar issue. As he recounts on Falafel Taco’s website, "my daughter Astrid came to me one day and said she was a vegan, I struggled to cook for the family." Langsam crafted vegan options for his daughter while simultaneously combining the Mexican and Israeli cuisines that ran through his household. Thus, Falafel Taco and the "fusion of Mexican and Israeli food [were] born."

While Falafel Taco’s signature "Mex-Raeli" cuisine already had a wide range of dietary options, including vegan, gluten-free, and vegetarian, the Langsams have taken it one step further, altering their Pleasantville location’s menu options to fit kosher guidelines. Seafood items like the Shrimp Burritos have been completely removed, while dishes like the Chicken and Cheese Quesadillas have had the dairy ingredients replaced with vegan alternatives.

Despite these changes, the Langsams assure their existing customers that the quality and taste of Falafel Taco has not left. "To the naked eye, nothing has changed," Jonathan Langsam said. "The menu is 99 percent the same as it is now."

"I think this is a win-win for everyone involved," Jonathan Langsam said. "My Grandmother, Ma Bett, would be super proud of us."

Falafel Taco invites all food enthusiasts, Jewish or not, to come and experience their new-and-improved Mex-Raeli cuisine.

Falafel Taco is located at 30 Wheeler Ave. in Pleasantville. Find more information on their website or call 914-579-2526.