OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERAWe have always enjoyed Mexican Cuisine and of course Tequila. So, we were very interested when we learned that Rosa Mexicano had opened a new location in San Francisco. Rosa Mexicano first opened in New York in 1984 and they now have locations around the globe serving farm fresh traditional and contemporary Mexican food, using seasonal fresh ingredients from local purveyors. Here in San Francisco they source from Green String Farms, 4505 Meats, Cowgirl Creamery, Niman Ranch, Mary’s Chicken, Bellwether Farms, Coke Farm, Redwood Hill Farm, Masami Foods and others.

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERAAs you enter this very stylish restaurant and bar, you can see their signature pink colors “rosa” everywhere. The inviting bar features custom tiles, a red glazed lava stone top and comfortable leather bar stools. We were seated in a booth in the dining room and admired the decor which included local art and a wall featuring a very interesting water fall. The dining room is fairly large and includes a walnut slab communal table, individual tables and very comfortable booths. The room is well designed and the seating is nicely spaced for privacy.

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERAThe upbeat music got us in the proper mood for cocktails from their full bar which of course features an extensive list of premium tequilas. We were very impressed by their Signature Frozen Pomegranate Margarita made with Silver Tequila, pomegranate and lime juices which had a perfect balance of sweet and tart. We also loved the La Suprema made with Partida Reposado Tequila, Cointreau, Grand Marnier, fresh lime and organic agave. We recently had the pleasure of meeting Maestro Tequilero Jose Valdez from Tequila Partida. We learned that all Tequila Partida was 100% Agave from the Tequila Valley in Mexico and that Partida Reposado was aged for six months giving it more body and a smoother and softer taste. We also enjoyed their Partida Elegante straight up which has a more intense flavor, as it is aged for 40 months in Jack Daniel’s Barrels. It was amazing!

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERAOur first taste of the evening was their Guacamole en Molcajete, which is freshly, prepared Tableside using avocado, jalapeno, tomato, onion and cilantro. It was really fun to watch and we learned how to make a paste from some of the ingredients then gently fold it into the fresh avocado. It is seasoned to your preference and we like spicy, so plenty of jalapenos were added. House made Tortilla chips, salsa pasilla de Oaxaca and salsa de tomatillo y habanero accompanied the guacamole. Next, we had the Cervices Atun which was delicious Ahi Tuna with chile de Arbol, orange supremes and watermelon. This was such a refreshing combination and very visually appealing too. You must also try their Sopa de Tortilla which had a rich pasilla broth, grilled chicken, tortillas and cheese. You can spice it up using the specialty salsas.

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERAOur favorite entrée was the Crispy Chamorro Masami Ranch Pork Shank which was slow braised “Carnitas Style” and accompanied with chipotle-creamed spinach and red bean chorizo chili. This was quite amazing and a real treat!! We also enjoyed the Carne Asada all Natural skillet style marinated and sliced Skirt Steak with Chihuahua cheese, grilled Mexican street corn, chorizo chili and warm corn tortillas.

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERAOur second round of drinks was the La Pera Noble made with Casa Noble organic silver tequila, bianco vermouth, pear brandy and cinnamon. It was quite smooth and went down very easy! We look forward to having this again.

The Desserts were fabulous! We loved both the Flan de Rosa which was  a Vanilla Flan infused with  Espresso served on a warm ancho chile brownie topped with Mexican cinnamon whipped cream and the amazing Churros en Bolsa which were Hot Mexican Doughnuts served with three dipping sauces chocolate, caramel and raspberry guajillo. An espresso and an Aguila after dinner drink made with Real Hennessy VS, Kahlua, Licor 43, cream and chocolate bitters were the perfect finish to our excellent Mexican dinner.

We had a terrific time at Rosa Mexicano which is quickly approaching their one year anniversary in San Francisco. They serve Mexican Breakfast, as well as Lunch and Dinner. The fresh Mexican Cuisine was delicious, the drinks were TOO good and the staff was friendly, well trained and knowledgeable. There were quite a few large parties including what we thought was an America’s Cup team….but the noise level remained low. We look forward to returning soon to Rosa Mexicano, as it is the new “place to be” in San Francisco for Mexican Cuisine. (We still miss the Cadillac Bar and poppers) Make sure you check out their monthly Special Events as coming up in August is their Tableside Ice Cream Festival.

Rosa Mexicano
30 Mission Street
San Francisco, CA. 94105
415-874-4300
www.RosaMexicano.com

By

Carol & Joe Davis

Dining Detectives