08/13/08

Best Fusion in Town

by GabyA

The interior is modern and minimalistic. The husband and wife team have done an amazing job with the interior architecture and culinary expertise. All dishes have an element of (pleasing) surprise and the fusion of flavors is fabulous. Don't expect to order a margarita since their focus is really on the food and wine parings. A definite must! We would recommend reservations on the weekend.

• Pros: great food and service
• Cons: no mixed drinks

French-influenced Mexican cuisine heats up a stretch of Chicago Avenue.

by Jennifer Olvera

In Short
White tablecloths with carved wood chairs, brick inserts on white walls and pops of earthy colors set a civilized but welcoming tone at this West Town restaurant whose name fittingly means "Mexico" in French. Here, husband-and-wife team Carlos Gaytan and Iliamar Isaac turn out French-inflected Latin cuisine from a glassed-in kitchen. Pleasing dishes include a trio of sopes: escargot and chimichirri butter; shrimp Provençal with avocado mousse; and sweet plantains, young coconut and xico mole. In the evening, the menu expands to include grilled filet mignon with goat cheese, Yukon Gold potato puree, roasted ratatouille and red wine sauce.

Photo by Jasmin Shah