Yes we Coyoacan!

The ultra-modern, all glass facade of Mesa Coyoacan is what deterred us from visiting the space's previous inhabitant, Pampa Grill. What can I say - it's just a bit out there for this stretch of Graham Ave. That said, after nudges and endorsements from our neighborhood pals, we decided to finally cross the threshold and... books, covers, judgements - you get the idea.

Inside, it's seductively inviting, dark and spacious. There's a hint of the modern rustic thing, but they're doing it with some subtlety. I love all the wood, and it contrasts nicely with some of the utility style fixtures. In addition to the 2 tops and 4 tops, there were two large communal tables, which usually I'm kinda so-so on, but we speculated that these are probably great on the late night tip when the bar takes greater emphasis.

The food.  Let's just say, a hole in my soul has been filled. This neighborhood, my home for the past 10 years, has lacked one very important feature - good Mexican food. We've always had to trek waaay over to Bedford Ave area for anything decent. With the welcome addition of Mesa Coyoacan, that dark epoch is now behind us.

The place was fairly busy, as it has seemed to be since opening, but on a Monday that caught us by surprise. They had something at a communal table, but we opted to sit at the bar. The menu destroyed us. There were just too many drool inspiring options. We finally landed on starting with the Ceviche De Camaron. One of many of Chef Ivan's family recipes, this chilled dish was a perfect warm summer night starter. The plump fresh shrimp with the lime, avacado, and cilantro and some kind of spicy salsa goodness combined to great effect.



Jill - no surprise here - had the mushroom tacos. Three little spicy shroomfests in fresh tortillas that packed a punch. They had also tossed into the mix some cactus, huitlacoche, pico de gallo and queso fresco. Knocked us out.

I decided to go for the Enchiladas De Mole, noted as another Chef Ivan family secret. I'm not normally that big a fan of mole but was feeling adventurous. Good thing too, because it blew my miiind suckah! The mole sauce was smooth and soothing. And omg, we also got a side of fried plantains, so it was bite of enchilda, a bite of plantain, a bite of enchilada... and every now and then a hint of fresh habanero sauce... mmm...

Yes we opted for a couple of desserts. Both were great. First we had the churros, which were served with two sauces, chocolate and caramel. The churros were among the best I'd tasted - I flashed back to the street vendors in Jarez. These were crisped to perfection with a moist inner lovliness. It was so satisfying to switch off dipping into the slightly spicy dark chocolate sauce and much lighter creamy caramel. No matter how full you are, you must order this dessert.

Finally, we paid out (not bad), and took for the road home our strawberry paletas - 2 fun size pops per order. Post rain, on a muggy July '09 night... yes, yes, yes... they were oh so very good.