111 West 17th Street (between 6th and 7th Avenues) 646-368-9105 www.serenatanyc.com
Mexican. The word of the day is Chihuahua. Not the tiny dog, but an outrageously tasty cheese I just realized played a part in almost every dish I experienced at Serenata. The meal began with vegetarian queso fundido (melted Chihuahua cheese, pico de gallo, corn tortillas). It was completely addiction worthy, as was my one cheese timeout, the shrimp and crabmeat empanadas. I don’t believe I’ve ever indulged in a seafood tribute to this pastry but, knowing now what I’ve been missing, will not make that mistake again. It was then back to the Chihuahua, which brought brilliance to both the mole poblano quesadilla (shredded chicken, refried beans, romaine lettuce, guacamole, Mexican cream) and chilaquiles rojos con filete mignon (grilled steak, baked tortilla casserole, guajillo salsa, crema, avocado, poached egg). After a meal such as this, I am pledging my devotion to that cheese. And Serenata for wielding it as often as possible.