"Mexico from North to South" was the Autumn Season 2017 tasting menu at Le Chique during my visit on December 1st 2017. As Chef Jonatán Gómez Luna states "We go to great lengths to create a memorable experience for our guests through bold, fun, cutting-edge cuisine using the most innovative cooking techniques and fresh and authentic Mexican ingredients." This statement is 100% truth and noticeable in every course that comes out of Le Chique masterpiece kitchen. On this night we had the pleasure to be taken up and down Mexico's regions by Chef Alejandro Villagrana Pérez, and staff via 27+ whimsical perfectly executed dishes. Though all were exceptionally good and each course had the right flow of textures, flavors, and excitement. I will point out a few of my favorites, for this would most likely be a 5 page memoir if I tried to list them all.
Our Caesar's Salad - Not everyone knows that Caesar salad was created in Tijuana Mexico. So to see a play on this salad was a real treat. Having the Caesar rolls tucked in the center of a hollowed book was a very different presentation and take on a salad. Also if you note carefully you will notice that the page which from Google Maps had "Tijuana" as the location (hidden Easter egg)
Crispy Veal + Sun Dried Smoked Chili - This dish looked like something straight out of the sea. As if it was red algae or kelp that was plucked from the ocean and placed on a white pedestal. The play on texture, and sweetness of the sun dried chili with the shreds of crispy veal trick the mind in thinking it should be something from the sea, but in reality it is not.
Gazpacho Moreliano - This was one of the most colorful, and pleasant dishes. This was a take on street food from the state of Michoacán, a very modern "fruit cocktail." The flavors were sweet, sour and savory. It had just the right hint of rich foie gras hiding below the refreshing ingredients sitting on top.
When our waiter Enrique described the dish, it transported me back to Morelia Michoacán. The vibrant colors reminded me of the flower displays that you would see during "Dia de los Muertos."
Escamoles + Marrow + Chileatole -This one was a surprise all on its own. This reminded me of breakfast, but not a typical one. I recall learning the word "Escamoles" from Andrew Zimmern on Bizarre Foods. To me it had a texture, and mouth feel of scrambled eggs, hence the breakfast note I made. This dish requires an open mind and adventurous push if you are squeamish.
Mushrooms + Mole Xico + Pork Belly - One of two mole dishes, this may have been my favorite. I'm being biased as mushrooms are one of my favorite foods out there. I could not recall how many different kinds of mushrooms are on this plate I would say 4-5 different types maybe 6. The tender crispy pork belly hidden beneath the wild mushrooms made it somewhat playful. As if you are calling out the piggy hidden in the wilderness, and inviting him to play in the mole Xico.
Between Flowers & Fruits - Surprises all around. ** Spoiler alert** Chef Alejandro came out to present this dish, as he was doing so he took a rose out of its vase which was at the table. He then poured the contents of the vase a (clear syrupy liquid) on to the dish. Was this in front of us the whole time?!! If I'm not mistaken it was a rose water syrup that finished the dish. The fresh flower/fruits were very pleasant. I had hints of watermelon which I was told there wasn't any. Just to show you how different flavors, textures, mixtures can play on your palate in tricking your mind of what you are really enjoying.
It's a show from when you enter Le Chique, the dishes, the culture, the regions the food represent, the overall trip the Chef takes you on is a journey you will not forget. Le Chique is a restaurant above many, and one of my new found favorites. You can see it's not only in the dishes but in the staff's experience, and team work they show professionalism at its best. They make the guest feel welcome; at no time did we think the four hour gastronomy ride was overwhelming or boring. It was a pleasure how Enrique our waiter explained each dish, very enthusiastic which also made me enthusiastic to dig right in and experience his words on the plate in front of me. One thing we did joke of was to have partitions so that we did not see the courses coming out for the other tables. As some tables were ahead of our journey we didn't want to ruin the surprises which were coming out for us. One thing we did joke of was to have partitions so that we did not see the courses coming out for the other tables. As some tables were ahead of our journey we didn't want to ruin the surprises which were coming out for us. But what more can I say....from start to finish to the wine and fresh juice pairings the dining experience is one which everyone needs to witness, and be a part of, from an enthusiastic chef and staff that are reinventing common dishes to make masterpieces. read more