By Ann Alucard

South Paterson has a new eatery! Amidst the Main Street Halal Restaurants is an innovative family owned Halal Mexican take-out and delivery. “The Halal Burrito”, 1021 Main Street, South Paterson, New Jersey celebrated their “Grand Opening, June 15, 2006, along with Mayor Joseph “Jose” Torres, North Jersey Chamber of Commerce Members and their family.

The restaurant provides the area with a healthy, quality Halal alternative. They are certified by the State of New Jersey for serving only Halal chicken breast, ground beef and filet mignon. The menu features Wraps, Burritos, along with their overflowing Nacho Platters, Quesadillas, light, crunchy Taco Salads and hard shell Tacos, stuffed with vegetables. They also feature, “Yaz’s Ice Brewed Teas”, exotic flavours of Jasmine, Mango, Golden Lily, and Spring White, made from loose teas around the World.

“Some of our customers are trying Burritos for the first time,” said owner Chet Aral, a 30 year Paterson resident, “The Halal Burrito is a ‘family affair’,” working with his wife Cindy and nephew Yasin. Cindy said, “We felt that there was a need for something different in town.” Trained in the culinary arts, Yasin created the menu and their signature sauces and salsas, “It allows those with diverse dietary restrictions to have another option.”

Open since the end of March, the restaurant already has regular customers that either loves their spiciest creation, “Mango Habenero Sauce”, or the “Red Roasted Pepper and “Sweet Onion” sauces for the less daring patrons They also have neighbourhood favourites, like the P-Town Taco with double beef along with their Zod Burrito, double chicken and filet mignon, named after their family dog, often seen walking in Clifton Park with Chet and Cindy. The meaning behind the Pittsburg Wrap special, a sizzling combination of roasted vegetables and chicken breast, is football. The Aral family are long time Pittsburgh Steelers fans and show their loyalty in the yellow walls with black trim that create a festive atmosphere.

“The Halal Burrito” is open Tuesday thru Friday 11:30 pm – 9pm and Saturday and Sunday 1:00pm – 9pm, closed on Monday. The restaurant offers a small eat-in counter with seating for four, take-out and delivery (minimum $15), 973-684-5522, fax: 973-684-2219, e-mail: thehalalburrito@yahoo.com.