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Location: 61 Columbus Ave.
Time: 12:30pm
People: FA, AP and myself
Feelings: Rosa Mexicano is a bit five years ago, but it is always exciting to experience a bit of celebrity sighting while dining with friends. The Hearst Tower is close by, and the group of Marie Claire folks, including Ms. Nina Garcia and Joanna Coles were waiting for a table as we nervously stood behind them. My mind couldn't help but wander as to what they might be eating, if they are eating at all. The service here is courteous and professional, and with a bright, spacious setting, it is a solid, reliable spot for any business lunch. It is no wonder the Marie Claire team was there.
We started with their famous guacamole ($14, perfect for two to three people), which was prepared at the tableside. It was creamy and impeccably fresh, almost earthy. Chips and tortillas were served along side. My entree, tacos with chile-rubbed white fish ($15.25, grilled white fish marinated in achiote, orange and garlic.) was moist and flavorful, and I especially enjoyed the sweet and tangy aroma from achiote and orange. I had to assemble my own tacos, which some people may prefer, but I found rather disappointing.
AP had visited Rosa Mexicano before, and he felt the food used to be a lot better. His chicken enchilada ($14.75, two soft corn tortillas filled with pulled roasted chicken, topped with a creamy tomatillo sauce and melted Chihuahua cheese) was just average.
There are a few great desserts like blackberry tres leches cake and espresso flan (both $8.50). The flan was especially soft and airy. I appreciated that the sweetness was understated, but it was overall not mind blowing.
The food, which is a modern take of Mexican cantina cooking, was just above average, but the atmosphere and excellent service as well as the possibility of standing next to Nina & Joanna made the experience phenomenal. Ms. Garcia, when are we meeting there again?
We started with their famous guacamole ($14, perfect for two to three people), which was prepared at the tableside. It was creamy and impeccably fresh, almost earthy. Chips and tortillas were served along side. My entree, tacos with chile-rubbed white fish ($15.25, grilled white fish marinated in achiote, orange and garlic.) was moist and flavorful, and I especially enjoyed the sweet and tangy aroma from achiote and orange. I had to assemble my own tacos, which some people may prefer, but I found rather disappointing.
AP had visited Rosa Mexicano before, and he felt the food used to be a lot better. His chicken enchilada ($14.75, two soft corn tortillas filled with pulled roasted chicken, topped with a creamy tomatillo sauce and melted Chihuahua cheese) was just average.
There are a few great desserts like blackberry tres leches cake and espresso flan (both $8.50). The flan was especially soft and airy. I appreciated that the sweetness was understated, but it was overall not mind blowing.
The food, which is a modern take of Mexican cantina cooking, was just above average, but the atmosphere and excellent service as well as the possibility of standing next to Nina & Joanna made the experience phenomenal. Ms. Garcia, when are we meeting there again?
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4 comments:
I strongly dislike Rosa Mexicano - I've had better table-side guac prepared for less.
I'm just not a fan of fancy Mexican places. I like it down and dirty and a whole-in-the-wall! It's how certain foods are meant to be eaten. Though, I will admit that I do like Crema in Chelsea and that is noveau Mexican.
so what *did* the marie claire folks eat? ;)
We tried to look but couldn't tell what they were eating/not eating!!!
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