"Whether it’s birria or flour tortillas, regional Mexican cooking has become increasingly visible on menus across the city. One of the latest additions is from Ruta Oaxaca in Astoria. Moles from the southern Pacific state are the specialty here with several different moles made with ancho chiles, tomatoes, and even raisins that comprise these rich, complex recipes that can take hours to cook. All of this can be enjoyed outdoors in a pink wooden structure with windows, a few tropical plants, and of course, heaters." - Erika Adams, Tanay Warerkar, Bao Ong