Last week I went to Cabrito, a Mexican spot that replaced the ill-conceived Barfry on Carmine St. in the West Village. I sat at the bar and ordered the shrimp and tamarind ceviche starter and the Cabrito entree.

The shrimp and tamarind ceviche ($11) came with tamarind water, red onion, avocado,serrano chiles, and pepitas. The pepitas added the perfect crunch to the dish as well. I loved this starter. I thought the dish was refreshing and was perfectly balanced with heat and sweetness. It was a great way to start the meal.

My Cabrito entree ($23) was very good as well. I figured I should try the dish the restaurant was named after which would give me good insight in seeing what this spot was all about. The Cabrito is sour orange and chili rubbed goat which is slow roasted and served chopped with salsa borracha and warm flour tortillas. You make the tortilla yourself putting as much goat and salsa as you want in each tortilla. A side of crema (a lighter version of sour cream) accompanies the dish as well. I thought the flavor of the goat was wonderful and unique. I was not a fan of the taste of the salsa and the crema though. The flavor of the goat needed no additions.

Cabrito brings unique authentic Mexican flavors to the West Village and is definitely a welcome addition.

Cabrito
50 Carmine St.(between Bedford and Bleeker)

New York, NY 10012