Salsa Salsa   

Port Jefferson's Salsa Salsa has been a hot spot for some time, and now the management has expanded into a prime Smithtown location off of Route 111. Unlike its Port Jeff sister, this Salsa Salsa has sit-down service so you can sample the authentic Mexican spices on-site (don't be put off by the tinfoil-wrapped presentation -- you're here to nosh, not to enter your meal in 'Aesthetics Monthly'). Dare to sample the Devil's Breath (a whole onion that's been battered and deep-fried), chips and homemade guac, or the nachos grande (piled high with jack cheese, sour cream, scallions and your choice of steak, chicken, veggies -- even garlicky spinach). Of course, tacos, quesadillas and burritos have all found their way onto the Smithtown menu, but Salsa Salsa diversifies its stuffed tortillas: Try a breakfast burrito (scrambled eggs, brown rice, salsa and cheese), a heart-healthy whole-wheat spinach burrito or an "original" with mesquite-grilled chicken, grilled shrimp, beef, roasted pork or seasoned vegetables. While Mexican fare isn't exactly known for its health factor, Salsa Salsa offers lowfat cheese and sour cream, as well as plentiful salad options (ther veggie taco salad and the spicy grilled shrimp salad are top choices) and salad wraps, which can be made with chicken, shrimp or even corn-crusted calamari. -- J. Gidman Zumpano