Casa Sanchez

Sanchez | Bon Appétit

"GO HERE: for Mexican food that you could never have imagined. Chicago-born Rosio Sánchez ruled the Noma pastry department for years before opening her popular taco stands, Hija de Sanchez. With her first sit-down restaurant, she marries serious Mexican sourcing and tradition with modern technique and a hit of Scandinavian tartness. Turns out gooseberries are great in avocado dip! ORDER THE: tasting menu if you’re feeling flush. Otherwise, grab whatever tacos are of the moment, along with octopus al pastor. And as you can imagine, the cocktails are musts, from the Bloody Mary to the Sanchez Margarita made with mezcal, pasilla chile syrup, and lime. We’re hoping Sánchez opens an ice cream stand just to serve her churro parfait sandwich. THE VIBE IS: beachy and casual, bordering on a party. (See cocktails, above.) PRACTICAL STUFF: Open for dinner Thursday to Monday, from 5 p.m. to midnight (though the kitchen closes at 10 p.m.); brunch Saturday and Sunday, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. (kitchen closes at 1:30 p.m.). Closed Tuesday and Wednesday. For those used to taco-stand prices, these small plates can quickly add up to a bigger night out. —Christine Muhlke" - Condé Nast