Samalita was born and raised a fifth-generation Californian of Spanish-Mexican descent. Her ancestors traveled north from Monterey, Mexico in the De Anza party, settling in Monterey, California in 1775. When "Sam" moved to New York City, she found plenty of Tex-Mex restaurants, but not the wonderful Californian/Mexican food she grew up on.

She missed her family's recipes, which had been passed down through the generations. After many years of cooking these recipes at home for her family and friends, she realized that no existing restaurant provided authentic, delicious and healthy Mexican food at reasonable prices. Thus, Samalita created her own restaurant, where she could share this wonderfully fresh food with all her New York friends.

In 2007, Sam opened a new neighborhood restaurant called Samalita's Sunflower Restaurant with Romeo De Gobbi, to serve fresh and healthy California cuisine. Romeo has over 40 years experience, creating and managing various restaurants including Le Cirque, Le Pactole and Limoncello.

With the "Golden State's" Spanish/Mexican influence from the South, exotic Asian and Italian influences from the North, plus farm style cooking from Europe, this food utilizes fresh produce, fruits and nuts native to California. With a variety of seafood from the coast, wonderful vineyards and wines, Samalita's Sunflower Restaurant gives New York a glorious taste of a unique cuisine.

This is how Samalita's Sunflower Restaurant bloomed.

How about a fiesta? Dinner parties, corporate lunches, special occasions ... We love to make your day easier!

Stop in and experience the marvelous Californian cuisine with a Mexican twist!

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