Off-the-bat, let’s clear up the pronunciation of this new West Town spot: It’s “mehks-EEK” (not mex-i-cue) -- it's French for Mexico. Mexique’s chef co-owner Carlos Gaytan also has a Mex-French culinary background. He hails from the Mexican state of Guerrero and trained with French chef Dominique Tougne (of Bistro 110), plus he clocked kitchen time at Bistrot Margot and the Union League Club.
No burritos on offer here; Gaytan's French-influenced Mexican menu features choices such as a seafood mousse tamale cooked in banana leaves stuffed with crab meat fricassee with lemon confit and clam-tomato sauce; and a duo of herb-crusted rack of lamb and coffee-braised lamb shoulder barbacoa-style with an eggplant sope and roasted garlic-mulato chile essence. The decor features earth tones with pops of burnt orange; seating options include a granite-topped dining counter/bar and comfy banquette seating.