Monday, January 05, 2009

Casa: More haute Mexican Downtown

If only the seats revolved like real Tilt-a-whirls!

Chef Kris Morningstar, who started his Downtown career at Blue Velvet, opens Casa (which means "home" in Spanish, press release helpfully tells us) this Tuesday. Lunch and dinner Monday to Friday only, until they figure out if there's actually people Downtown on weekends. I haven't stopped by yet, but it looks to have a few fun touches: the casita seating, which some have likened to Tilt-a-whirls, provide privacy for groups from 3-20 people. One has a shower -- not sure what that is for! I like the idea of reasonably-priced tacos for lunch and a more elaborate menu at dinner. The cocktails feature housemade syrups like lavender and hibiscus as well as "house-smoked salt." Those may sound trendy but the dishes are more straightforward -- no margarita gelee here -- with choices like braised rabbit with ancho chile and chestnuts, grilled octopus and chorizo and date chile rellenos. Even for dinner entrees, prices are a notch below Provecho. Let us know if you try it.

4 comments:

weezermonkey said...

Ooh, with prices lower than Provecho, this looks quite promising.

mattatouille said...

I'm thinking I'll make the trek there for lunch today.

Anonymous said...

Can't wait to try this place out on my next trip out to the West Coast, thanks for sharing. Love those seats!

Anonymous said...

Im on my way here for dinner tonight, will let you know how it goes!