I stopped by Danny Bowien's new Mexican joint Mission Cantina it's first week opened and had some tasty bites. Mission Cantina is cool and hip. If you want to know what "laid back" means, step inside Mission Cantina, chill, relax, and grab some solid Mexican fare.

They were out of the two dishes I really wanted, like one with scrambled eggs, hominy, and sea urchin, but it's all meant to be. Hokkaido scallop and beef heart ceviche ($13) with capers, olives, and citrus, was unique and delicious. Had a great tang to it.

I'm a huge fan of wings. Every time I see wings on a menu I tend to order them. The chicken wings ($11) at Mission Cantina come with mole spices, chili vinegar, sesame, and crema. These were also unique, and had flavors unlike any I had ever encountered before. The mole spices reminded me of cinnamon. An interesting take.

It's not a Mexican restaurant without tacos. The tacos I had at Mission cantina were tasty as can be. Al Pastor ($4.50) comes with rotisserie pork belly, and fermented pineapple. Carnitas ($4.50) comes with confit pork shoulder, crispy jowl, and pork crackling. Yes, please.

So if you want tasty Mexican fare in cool and laid back digs, Mission Cantina will hit the spot. Olé

Mission Cantina

172 Orchard St. (at Stanton)

New York, NY 10002

212-254-2233