What’s the quickest way to get from the Middle East to Mexico?

Just stand still on the corner of Franklin and West Broadway.

That’s where you’ll find Centrico, the latest addition to Drew Nieporent’s ever-growing restaurant empire. It’s just taken over the space that was Layla.

Working the stoves is Aarón Sanchez, the rising star who put the spotlight on Latin American cuisine at Paladar, the LES restaurant he’ll continue to run. The menu is all-Mexican, focusing on the best dishes from the country’s 32 regions (or Sanchez’s fresh, refined versions of them).

Like picadas (corn tarts from Michoacan), tortas de mariscos (seafood frittata from Veracruz), cochinita pibil (slow-roast suckling pig from the Yucatan), and birria en estilo Jalisco (braised short ribs from Jalisco). Ironically, there’s nothing from Sonora, the region where Sanchez grew up, but he promises it’s on the way.

As for the best route from Bangkok to Croatia, you’d better call BA for that one.

Centrico, 211 West Broadway, at Franklin Street (212-431-0700).