Nana’s Chicken opens on Main Street in Highland Falls
There was a lot going on at 319 Main St. in Highland Falls last Friday morning.
First, cheery music was blaring from a set of speakers manned by Pat Flynn in front of a brand new restaurant, Nana’s Chicken. Then, the door to the restaurant was propped open and a delightful smell started to waft out. Within a few minutes, a small crowd gathered as a sparkly silver ribbon was cut by the owner of the new business, Hugo Tapia and his sons Hugo and Sergio. Then, there was lots of cheering. Finally, people made their way inside to enjoy a tasty lunch.
The ribbon cutting was hosted by the Highlands Chamber of Commerce. Acting president Tom Ossa noted it was the first one the Chamber had held on Main St. since the COVID-19 pandemic began.
It featured brief remarks by County Legislator Laurie Tautel, who commented on the fact that the restaurant brings a great diversity to Main St.
“We need to fill up our storefronts with businesses like this,” Tautel said. She presented the family with an Orange County Distinguished Service Award.
Also speaking was Assemblyman Colin Schmitt, who presented the owners with a NYS Assembly Certificate of Merit. Schmitt said it was a celebration for both the family and entire community and called the fact that they were able to open just as the pandemic is waning “a true show of resiliency”.
Building owner Kristen O’Dell also praised the entrepreneurs, saying she’d been happy to serve as a menu taste-tester for the restaurant.
But the most important remarks were from the Tapia family — young Hugo said it was exciting to bring part of their culture to the town he grew up in.
“What’s great about Peruvian food is that it’s so simple, but it’s so good,” he said. “Food is a necessity, not a luxury, and that’s what we’re going to try to do, keep it simple and feed everybody.”
The restaurant’s website expands on their comments: “We are a family owned business with a mission to bring the taste of Peruvian food to the Hudson Valley,” the restaurant’s website says. “We strive to create an authentic experience by using an ecological roasting oven imported from Peru.”
They use all natural, free range chicken (cooked the way it’s done in Peru; oven roasted, marinated with a unique blend of herbs and spices for a traditional taste), and serve hand cut fries, with other fresh ingredients.
Customers entering the restaurant will learn about menu items such as Salchipapa (a Peruvian dish consisting of sliced beef sausages); Arroz Chaufa (a fried rice with scallions, eggs, and chicken), sandwich Pollo a la Brasa (a chicken sandwich) and Lomo Saltado (marinated steak served with red onions, diced tomatoes).
And, while you’re at Nana’s, expect to see two little ‘helpers’ running around. Young Hugo and wife Catie Sporbert’s daughters, Layla, 5, and Vivien, 2, are expected to be frequent visitors. After all … they’re the ones who chose the name!
The restaurant can be reached at either 845-859- 4202 or 845-859-4201; and the website is www.nanas-chicken.com. They are open Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday 10 a.m.-9:30 p.m. and closed on Tuesday.
