Bev Retail Spotlight - Food & Spirit Spotlight

Executive Chef
James Muir
Head Bartender
Arris Delgado

Rosa Mexicano
575 7th Street, NW
Washington, DC
202-783-5522
www.rosamexicano.com

If you are looking for yet another Tex-Mex restaurant – this is not for you. But if you are in search of authentic Mexican cuisine without a trip to Mexico – this is the place. Executive Chef James Muir has created flavorful Mexican dishes to excite the most discerning palate. On a recent visit, Chef Muir shared a moment with Bev Retail Spotlight (BRS) to showcase a few of his favorite menu selections. Head bartender Arris Delgado worked his magic and paired the chef’s selections with unique cocktails created especially for Rosa Mexicano.

The selection of Tequila is second to none. Grace Hu, corporate beverage director, has taken great care in selecting only the finest quality Tequila. (See Behind the Bar for a special interview with Grace Hu.)

Guacamole. So you think you know “good” guacamole? Not unless you’ve had the guacamole made table-side at Rosa Mexicano. Chunks of fresh avocado with perfect portions of onion, tomato, cilantro and jalapeno mixed and served in a festively painted molcajete and served with warm corn tortillas and crisp tortilla chips. The serving is generous enough to share among two to three diners. Also included are two different sides of salsa that are delicious but unnecessary. The guacamole is superb on its own. Pair this great appetizer with Rosa’s signature frozen pomegranate Margarita made with tequila blanco.

The Ceviche de Huachinango – a beautifully marinated red snapper and baby shrimp with onions, olives, cucumbers and Serrano peppers, served with a tropical cocktail sauce pairs exquisitely with La Piñela margarita. La Piñela combines two wonderful Mexican flavors, pineapple and cinnamon, into one fabulous margarita. The tartness of the ceviche is balanced beautifully with the citrus of the Margarita.

The aroma alone of the Arrachera con Camarones will make your mouth water. This entrée combines grilled skirt steak and jumbo shrimp, stewed together in a roasted tomato-chipotle sauce topped with queso fresco. What could be better paired with this entrée than La Única – Rosa’s unique version of a Cadillac Margarita?

Leave room for dessert – whether something from the actual dessert menu or from the specialty drink list. Chef Muir presented the Tres Leches topped beautifully with lightly toasted meringue. But if you are too full from all the fabulous food, just ask for the Rosadito as your dessert beverage. It’s Rosa Mexicano’s version of a piña colada made with Effen Black Cherry vodka – beautifully paired with the Tres Leches…or simply on its own.

So if you find yourself in the Washington, DC area and have been “home sick” for authentic Mexican cuisine, make a point of dining at this superb restaurant. You may find a little bit of “home” right here in DC at a restaurant called Rosa Mexicano.