CASA Cocina y Cantina

A few weeks ago, I went to CASA to check out dinner. I’ve been before but when I heard they had a new chef,  Chef Alex Moreno, I was interested in seeing his spin on the nuevo Latino fare.  We had margaritas and (boozy) agua frescas along with an array of finger foods.

My fave of these three; pork sopes, carnitas sliders and chicken flautas were the chicken flautas. I was a bit surprised as I’m normally a fan of pork over chicken. But the chicken was moist and flavorful. And combined with guacamole (which I ate on practically everything), they were simply addicting. The guacamole comes with two hot sauces so you can customize the heat of your guac. I preferred mine a bit mild but every now and then would add a single drop or two to my dishes. That’s all you need! The habenero and jalepeno sauces are muy caliente!

I was really surprised by the tacos. They were light and had the slightest hint of Asian flavors. The shrimp reminded me a bit of Chinese honey walnut shrimp and the herbs and sauce on the chicken were quite tangy.  I liked how the tortilla was crispy for the Yucatan style chicken taco. I really shouldn’t have finished the two tacos because were were heading into food coma territory and with main entrees coming, what was I thinking?

Although I drink tequila and the occasional margarita, I was more into the watermelon agua fresca (which is available for cheap on the happy hour menu, Monday through Fridays, 4:30 to 6:30).

For the vegetarians, you might want to try the corn tamale. Very delicate with a nice amount of chewy corn and a touch of sweetness.

Ah, the meat! Bring on the carnitas and short ribs! I really liked the carnitas with the potato and pork belly hash. That really made the dish and almost stole the show.

The short ribs “birria” was a nice slow-cooked dish.  The chef explained you can eat it three ways; as is, as soup or as tacos. I was too full to try it as a taco but the meat was fork-tender.

I had to take the dessert to go but not without taking in just one bite of the delicious pot au creme with plantains and caramel.

CASA Cocina y Cantina

350 South Grand Avenue
2 California Plaza
Los Angeles, CA 90013
213.621.2249