Mark T.
Yelp
Since the Yelpies, I have wanted to return and try their offerings as a regular patron! Whether or not Yelpers are regular customers is a debate for a different time.
So, I had the opportunity to try:
- La Tradicional Margarita (Spicy)
- Stormy Suprema
- Ceviche Tasting (Classic Mexican/Salmon/Tuna)
- Duck Carnitas Tacos
- Chips and Salsa (free)
When it comes to margaritas, some like it hot! It's me; I'm the one who likes it hot. I've had many "spicy" margaritas, and most have only a hint of heat. However, the La Tradicional, with the House Tres Chiles Tincture, was no joke! Don't get me wrong, the heat was perfect! Just enough spice to be adequately felt, not enough to have been grabbing for water and gasping for air. In addition to the spot-on heat level, the marg was boozy and balanced in sweetness and acid.
The Stormy Suprema was a little different. It was a little sweeter than the La Tradicional and also boozy. It uses a different kind of tequila, a blend of Reposado, Anejo, and Extra Anejo. This blend is aged and then filtered. A good bet if you both like your margs a bit sweeter and mildly adventurous.
The Ceviches (unfortunately, all three) didn't work for me. Generally, I liked the creativity and variety. There was fluke, salmon, and tuna. For sauces, there was a lime (acid), a mayo (creamy/savory), and a mango (sweet). The fish appeared high quality, and I enjoyed the veggies and garnishes that helped bring another dimension of flavors and textures.
While I didn't really like the fluke, that may be a "me" thing. It was the sauces that were the undoing of all three. The issue was there was so much of it that it overpowered everything else. Especially when it comes to the delicate flavors of raw fish, the sauces completely overtook them.
For the Duck Carnitas Tacos, it was the opposite. They were 80% of the way there. The protein was tender and in ample amounts, and I enjoyed the grilled pineapple-jicama salsa. However, these tacos needed two-and-a-half things to go from "alright" to "fantastic."
First, they needed a sauce to help marry the protein and the veggies. Otherwise, it was just braised duck topped with a pineapple pico. Second, they needed more salt, though the sauce could have provided this. Finally, they were topped with a little queso fresco, but there was very little of it. It felt to have been added as an afterthought, with one taco getting almost none.
Regarding the lack of salt, the same thing applies to the chips and salsa given as a free while-you-wait appetizer. The chips felt homemade and were okay, except for a complete lack of any seasoning. The salsa was also acceptable, better than the jarred stuff, but nothing to write home about either.
My favorite thing about the experience was the service. My server, Savannah, was absolutely fantastic! She was kind, knowledgeable, friendly, and attentive. She provided the level of service I would expect from a fancy-schmancy restaurant!
The vibe was pleasant and upscale. It is open, inviting, bright, and colorful without overdoing it. Very clean, also!
Finally, the value was fair. Two drinks and more food than I could finish cost $72 before tax and tip. Not the cheapest of restaurants, but considering the location and the more upscale vibe, it is within reason.
What it comes down to is whether or not I would like to return in the near future. Rosa Mexicano lands in the middle (hence three stars). While some things could have been better, nothing was "bad" about my experience. At the same time, there was nothing to entice me to return... except for that coupon, which expires in two weeks (and is now making me second guess myself).