Not only does Chelsea have pretty boys, but it has a great Mexican restaurant as well. I stopped into Sueños two weeks ago, Chef Sue Torres' Mexican oasis hidden on West 17th street, and will tell you I really like this place. I had been wanting to go to Sueños for some time now, and dreams come true. Sueños, which means "dreams" in Spanish, is a unique and pleasant restaurant. You enter through a receded entrance through a passageway, and find a space with three different colorful spaces. The deep blue bar up front, a beautiful peach courtyard, and a magenta dining room. Within the center of the restaurant sits a glass-enclosed oasis featuring a tranquil fountain flowing into a small pond surrounded by river rocks, trees and foliage. The palette of colors is to be reminiscent of a Frida Kahlo painting, I think the Spanish director Pedro Almodovar would love this place too. Of course paired with this beautiful setting, is great Mexican fare.

A complimentary plate of warm corn bread with black bean dip is a fabulous way to wet your appetite.

Shredded beef mini tacos ($12), with queso fresco and pico de gallo were truly delicious. There was a lovely sweetness to the beef, and it was a perfect starter.

Plantain roasted local cod ($24), with salsa verde cruda and grilled chayote, is a dish Chef Torres created on the Food Network show Iron Chef America. This is a dish that grew on me with each bite, and became more complex and wonderful as I had all the ingredients combined on my fork. I loved the addition of Chayote, a vegetable I had never eaten before, but was expertly grilled and utilized in this dish.

So for great Mexican in Chelsea, stop by Sueños. Life is but a dream.

Sueños
311 West 17th Street (bet. 8th and 9th)
New York, NY 10011
212-243-1333
www.suenosnyc.com