Montoya’s Mexican Restaurant Takes Forest Hills Flavor to FOX 5
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by John Sanchez
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Montoya’s is quickly becoming one of Forest Hills’ newest neighborhood favorites, and now, the restaurant’s growing buzz has made its way to television.
Recently, Montoya’s partners Chef Jaime Montoya and Rob Salameh, along with Chief Brand Officer Jaclyn Burke, appeared together on FOX 5 New York’s “6 O’Clock Somewhere” segment, giving viewers a closer look at the restaurant, its food and the team behind its rapid rise in the local dining scene.
For the Montoya’s team, the appearance marked another exciting milestone for a restaurant that has quickly started to feel like a neighborhood staple.
“It’s incredibly rewarding to see the community embrace Montoya’s the way they have,” said Chef Jaime Montoya. “We wanted to create a restaurant where people could come for great food, stay for a drink and feel like they’re part of something. The response from Forest Hills has been amazing.”
Rob Salameh, a longtime local business owner, knows firsthand what it means to build a business in the community.
“Our guests have really become part of the Montoya’s family,” Salameh said. “Being a local business owner, I understand how important it is to build trust with the people in your community. Our customers are coming back, bringing friends and telling people about us. That kind of word-of-mouth is something you can’t manufacture. It’s happening naturally, and we’re extremely grateful for it.”
There may also be a little neighborhood mystery behind how Montoya’s ended up in front of the FOX 5 cameras.
One local resident and regular Montoya’s patron named Max, who happens to work at FOX 5, helped make the connection. We’ll leave the details there — but sometimes the best introductions come from the people sitting right at your table.
The timing couldn’t be better for Montoya’s. In a short period, the restaurant has developed a following among Forest Hills residents looking for Mexican cuisine, creative cocktails and a welcoming place to gather. Its inviting atmosphere and backyard patio have added to its appeal, giving locals another reason to stick around after dinner.
The menu is another major draw, featuring an assortment of specials that showcase the restaurant’s take on Mexican-inspired flavors. Highlights include the Mexican Shrimp Cocktail, Camarones Montoya — sautéed shrimp prepared with white wine, garlic and lemon — the Roasted Poblano Burger and a hearty Pork Chop special.
The bar has also become an important part of the Montoya’s experience. Guests can cool off with Tio Charlie’s Famous Frozen Sangria or try the Montoya Mojito, made with fresh-squeezed lime juice, fresh mint and homemade simple syrup.
Beyond the food and drinks, Montoya’s is also preparing to add a new piece of art to the restaurant through an upcoming mural project led by Burke. The mural has already generated excitement throughout the Forest Hills community, with residents showing their support for the project and anticipation for its completion.
“I’m excited to announce my upcoming mural at Montoya’s,” Burke said. “There has been so much support and excitement from the community surrounding this project, and I’m truly grateful for the opportunity to create something meaningful for the space. With the recent attention from FOX and other media, it’s been amazing to see the growing interest and support for what’s to come.”
For Burke, the restaurant’s quick connection with the community is exactly what makes the Montoya’s story stand out.
“Building a brand is about creating something people genuinely want to be part of,” Burke said. “Montoya’s has that energy. The food, the hospitality, the atmosphere and the people behind it are all coming together in a way that feels very authentic to Forest Hills.”
That authenticity may be the secret to Montoya’s rapid rise.
In a neighborhood filled with established restaurants and longtime favorites, becoming a true local staple is no small accomplishment. But with regulars filling the tables, new customers discovering the restaurant, an upcoming mural bringing another creative element to the space and now a FOX 5 appearance putting Montoya’s in front of an even wider audience, the restaurant appears to be well on its way.
And if the neighborhood response is any indication, Montoya’s may have gone from new restaurant to Forest Hills favorite faster than anyone expected.
Montoya’s is located at 102-15 Metropolitan Ave. in Forest Hills.
