Description
Mexico native Julieta Ballesteros first made a name for herself cooking at the beloved Mexicana Mama in the West Village. Today, she cooks much more upscale food at her Chelsea spot, mixing French influences into classic Mexican dishes. You probably won¹t find anything like this anywhere else: tostadas filled with seared ostrich filets and black beans, empanadas packed with sautéed black sea bass, shrimp, squash and Portobello mushrooms, and glazed Peking duck breast served over mole poblano and roasted plantains. Choose from more than 30 different tequilas and a variety of margaritas mixed with everything from lemongrass to guava and chipotle. The restaurant has a festive feel to it thanks to a color scheme heavy on yellows, oranges and reds, with original paintings by the chef's mother and a lively crowd full of Chelsea professionals. On weekends, stop in for the $19.95 brunch, which includes an entrée, coffee or tea and all you can drink mimosas.—Keith Wagstaff
