Last night we had an early dinner after a show with Samuel and headed across the street to ROSA MEXICANA (www.rosamexicano.com on F St, NW at 7th St.) and had a pretty enjoyable meal. Our server FRANKIE was a gem from the start. Will asked if the ZARAPE DE PATO appetizer which had three chiles (meaning spicy) next to it was indeed very spicy. Frankie came back with a couple of small tortillas in a basket and some of the sauce, a YELLO PEPPER HABANERA CREAM which indeed was spicy, but not intense or lasting at all. I think that Rosa's THREE chile marking might get lowered abit for those enjoying spice and flavor! The ZARAPE which Will did order was a Layered Duck Tortilla Pie with PULLED DUCK and the same sauce...rich, tasty and yummy. We actually started with some of the traditional Margaritas, Will choosing the Tradicional made with silver tequila, lime and agave nectar and I opted for the Unica with 1800 Reposada Tequila and Grand Marnier. Both were delicioso, but I fear they add more and more ice each time I return and the drink has shrunk to only several ounces for $7.50-$10 (and up for the higher brands!).
Samuel ordered from the Young Amigo Menu and was thrilled with his CORN CRUSTED CHICKEN FINGERS & SWEET POTATO FRIES. He did not touch the fresh buttered corn off the cob, but gobbled down all three of the huge pieces of chicken and most of the fries. This came with a scoop of MANGO SORBET which was gone just as quickly. A great deal with a soda for $7.50!
My appetizer was a superb SOPA DE TORTILLA made with Pasilla Chiles, Grilled Chicken, Avocado, Cheese, Crema and Crisp Tortilla Strips. A perfect dish as the rain started and the temperature dropped.
Will's main course of BEEF ENCHILADA with MOLE de XICO had a tasty sauce made from Raisins, Plantains, Hazelnuts, Pine Nuts and Mulata, Ancho and Pasilla Chiles. Sides of superb Refried Bans (sprinkled with soft white cheese) and Tasty Rice would fill anyone up. We had also ordered the appetizer of ENSALADA de VEGETALES a la PARILLA hoping that Samuel might indulge in some of the grilled Zucchini, Hearts of Palm, Artichoke, Avocado, Corn or Chile Rubbed Red Bliss Potatoes in a tasty Roasted Tomato Oregano Vinaigrette over field greens, but he was not interested...so we ate a bit and took the rest home. The dish also had 3 chiles, which is a total mis-labeling!
A superb MALBEC TERRAZAS de los ANDES 2007 from Mendoza has a slight earthiness which worked well with the spices. Indeed Rosa Mexicana gets kudos for the reasonable wine prices from $22-30$ listing eight reds and eight whites!!
The disappointment of the night was my TABLONES, highly recommended by Frankie; a huge 18 ounce portion of grilled boneless BEEF SHORT RIBS in MESTIZA SAUCE (Tomatillo/Tomato & Chipotle) with RAJAS or slow cooked Mexican peppers with onions. The meat came out very very VERY dry and I had to ask for extra sauce, but could only eat about 1/2 of the portion as it was just so overcooked.
Too full for dessert we headed home knowing that if the kitchen had only cooked those ribs a bit less on the grill after braising them for so long, the dish would have been sublime. I thought that someone might have removed them from the bill...but no luck.
I have always enjoyed Rosa Mexicana, but I think she will get a break for the time being.
