Mystique celebrates grand opening

Mystique Restaurant and Lounge held a grand opening celebration Tuesday night, an event attended by dozens of supporters.

The restaurant, located downtown at 318 N. Carson Street, occupies the space formerly used by Sassafras and B’sghetti’s restaurants. Mystique opened for business in December after the Carson City Board of Supervisors approved its liquor license.

Tuesday’s grand opening celebration included 5-6 different free appetizers, live music, and free champagne to guests.

Mystique owner Yvette Barrett, accompanied by her family, cut the ribbon to her new restaurant with Carson City Mayor Bob Crowell. She also received formal declarations of appreciation from the mayor, Assemblyman PK O'Neill and Nevada Gov. Brian Sandoval.

Mystique’s restaurant menu can best be described as “new American,” said Barrett. It’s a diverse and eclectic mix that changes weekly, she added.

“Our menu changes weekly,” she said. “We put anything and everything on it.”

This includes arguably the most unique entrée on Mystique’s menu called “bone marrow,” which is an actual slice of bone with its juices (marrow) cooked just right, Barrett said.

“It’s the hottest ticket right now,” she said. “We do a little bit different stuff here.”

Barrett also recommends the Thai spicy ribs and sea scallops, as well as Mystique’s diverse menu of steak and seafood.

Executive Chef David Stern is in charge of the kitchen, Barrett said, and his dishes are always creative and exciting.

Stern attended culinary school in New York City before working for three different restaurants in Reno, including Charlie Palmer’s Steakhouse, Barrett said.

In the lounge, clientele can enjoy a late night menu made up of lighter fare, such as sliders.

But one of the most popular draws to the lounge and bar areas is Mystique’s signature cocktail called “The Sexy,” a blend of vodka and juice with a serrano pepper added in for a kick, Barrett said.

“It’s a little sweet and a little spicy, but it’s still sexy,” Barrett said.

There are many other drinks available in the bar and lounge, Barrett added, including some traditional favorites.

“We’re kind of going toward the old-school cocktails, martinis and Manhattans,” she said.

When Barrett moved into the 3,300 square-foot space, she gave the interior a complete make-over, replacing booths with all tables and chairs, laying down new flooring, and painting the walls.

Artwork from local gallery Artsy Fartsy is displayed on the walls, too.

“The layout is completely different,” Barrett said.

The dining and lounge areas combine to give customers 2,500 square-feet of space. There are two separate rooms off the dining area, Barrett said, which can be reserved for private parties.

The front room on the main floor is scheduled to have a second bar completed either this summer or by the end of the year at the latest, she added.

Barrett has a background in the restaurant industry, having started work at age 14 in a Lake Tahoe steakhouse. She has also worked at Marcello’s in Minden and La Ferme in Genoa.

Since opening in December, Barrett said the reception from the community has been encouraging.

“We already have regulars that come 2-3 times a week, and bring new people with them every time they come,” she said.

Besides food and drinks, Mystique hopes to become a hot-spot for entertainment as well. Barrett said she intends to offer live music twice a week, including every Friday night, and a comedy act on Saturdays.

It is a matter of lining up the regular gigs, she says.

Mystique is open for lunch and dinner, beginning at 11:30 a.m. until 9 p.m. on weeknights, and from 11:30 a.m. to 11 p.m. on Saturdays. The business is closed Sundays and Mondays.