GREENE – After sitting vacant for more than a year, the Sherwood Hotel is thriving once more. Spicing up the historic establishment is the Latin flavor of its new restaurant, Margarita’s at the Sherwood.

Owned and operated by restauranteur Jorge Velazquez, Margarita’s specializes in traditional recipes and signature dishes made with fresh ingredients.

“Everything is fresh,” Velazquez said, explaining that meats are cut on the premises and everything, including salsa and guacamole, is prepared on site. “It makes a difference.”

In addition to the more traditional fare and Margarita’s specialties on the menu, are more typical American cuisine under the “Red, White and Blue” heading. Velazquez explained that this is in deference to area residents who haven’t tried Mexican food before. He has even kept some items which previously appeared on the Sherwood’s menu. With a Margarita’s twist, of course.

“The key is to bring people in. ... If they like what they have the first time, eventually they are going to trust you to try something else,” the restaurant owner explained.

Velazquez said he believes there is a common misconception that Mexican food is spicy. But while there are plenty of spices used, especially in marinating the meats, these spices add flavor not heat to each dish, he explained. Of course, those who prefer their meals muy caliente, can have it their way, too.

Waitress Colette Marron is one of those who wasn’t sure about Mexican food before she started working at Margarita’s. But now, having tried just about everything on the menu, she said she loves it and is more than willing to suggest some of her favorites to guests who aren’t sure what to try.

“She’s Mexican at heart,” laughed Velazquez.

Lunch, served from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday through Saturday, is an abbreviated version of the dinner menu with lighter portions. The purpose, Velazquez explained, is to make sure patrons can get in and out during their lunch hour.