El Molino Rojo, Sunnyside’s go-to for Dominican food at 39-02 Skillman Ave, is back open this week with Chef Carla Torres in the kitchen. Locals lined up Sunday morning to get the first taste of her revamped menu, including Torres’s version of pastelón and fresh-made empanadas.

El Molino Rojo’s longtime fans have been waiting since February for the doors to reopen after a kitchen fire left the Skillman Ave staple shuttered for four months. Torres, who built a following as sous chef at Casa Del Toro in Jackson Heights, told NYC Pulse on Sunday, “We’re making everything fresh again. Sunnyside families can come in for the real deal, just like abuela used to make.”

The new menu still runs heavy on Dominican comfort food: mangu with pickled onions, pernil, and rice and beans are all back. But Torres added her own twists with pastelón (plantain lasagna) rotating daily and guava-glazed empanadas. The café also expanded hours—doors now open at 7 a.m. for early risers and stay open until 10 p.m. on weekends.

Locals, including Skillman Ave resident Luis Mateo, say El Molino Rojo “feels like it never left,” but that the food is “definitely more vibrant.” The revamp comes as restaurants up and down Skillman fight rising rents and new competition; El Molino Rojo’s owners signed a new 5-year lease in May to lock in the corner spot.

Chef Torres says the grand reopening celebration is planned for June 15, with free samples and live music outside the café. “We are here to stay, and everyone’s invited,” Torres told us, flashing a smile behind the counter.

Frequently Asked Questions

When did El Molino Rojo officially reopen?

El Molino Rojo reopened on June 9, 2024, after a four-month closure due to a kitchen fire. The restaurant is now open daily, with extended hours on weekends to serve both breakfast and dinner crowds in Sunnyside.

Who is Chef Carla Torres, and what is her background?

Chef Carla Torres is a Queens native and previously worked as sous chef at Casa Del Toro in Jackson Heights. She specializes in Dominican comfort food and has introduced new menu items like pastelón and guava-glazed empanadas at El Molino Rojo.

What’s new or different about the menu and experience?

The menu is still rooted in Dominican staples but features daily specials and new breakfast options. Torres emphasizes fresh, homemade dishes, and the café now opens earlier and closes later, providing more flexible dining hours for Sunnyside residents.

Frequently Asked Questions

When did El Molino Rojo reopen after the fire?

El Molino Rojo reopened on June 9, 2024, after being closed for four months due to a kitchen fire.

Who is the new chef at El Molino Rojo?

Chef Carla Torres, formerly the sous chef at Casa Del Toro in Jackson Heights, now leads the kitchen at El Molino Rojo.

What new menu items are available at El Molino Rojo?

New menu items include Torres’s version of pastelón, guava-glazed empanadas, and expanded breakfast options.

What are the new opening hours for El Molino Rojo?

El Molino Rojo now opens at 7 a.m. and stays open until 10 p.m. on weekends.

Is there a special event planned for the reopening of El Molino Rojo?

A grand reopening celebration with free samples and live music is planned for June 15.

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