Justin J.
Yelp
New restaurant that opened a couple months back, had it on my list of places to go try, and I had time so away we went!
Casa Ipanema is a blend of Brazilian and Latin American culture and vibe. The ambiance of the place had your feeling like you aren't necessarily in Los Angeles anymore. And, in first and Saturday evenings, there is a live DJ playing. So live DJ sets, cocktails and food? Sign me up!
Started off with cocktails, per usual, getting the Ipanema Sunset and the passion fruit caipirinha. The sunset was very refreshing, while the caipirinha had fresh passion fruit infused with cachaca rum from Brazil. A little heavy on the lime though, as it really made it a lime forward cocktail taking away from the passion fruit and cachaca.
For food, we started with the tuna tostada and the avocado crispy rice. The tostada was very nice, runs tastes fresh, had nice spice elements and the soft avocado contrasted the crunch of the... it didn't feel like a normal tortilla ... something thinner but very sturdy... just a great bite. The avocado crispy rice was also wonderful, nice crispy rice texture on the outside providing a crunch with some rice inside to go with the avocado on top. Another recommended appetizer. Aa for entrees, we got the pineapple pork chop and the four cheese filet. The pork chop had a great presentation, as we eat with our eyes first, but felt a little dry once you bit into it, unfortunately. The filet was great and the four cheeses adding a nice richness and flavor with each bite.
Overall, atmosphere and service are great. Food was very nice also, though I would skip the pork chop and try a different entree. Drinks were also nice but expect the caipirinha to be more lime forward if you get that drink. But a great new addition to the LA food scene and a place I'll definitely go back for food, drinks and vibes