Chef Vicente Del Rio, inspired by the local cantinas that he grew up around, is opening Casa Azul Cantina in L.A.’s Westwood Village, “the idea is for Casa Azul to be a place that feels like home.” They will be serving a full spectrum of traditional and inspired Mexican cuisine alongside cocktails utilizing traditional, authentic ingredients headed by bartenders Felipe De La Tejera and Roxanne Schmarsow.
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Eats
The culinary team of Executive Chefs Orlando Candanoza and Oswaldo Robles have brought these classics from Mexico. Botanas, traditional Mexican snacks, including Gambas al Ajillo $12.95, Queso Fundido with Mushrooms or Chorizo $11.45, or Carpaccio Mixto $14.95.
Main dishes, or Especialidades de la Casa, feature coastal seafood recipes from regions of Mexico including Aguachile de Camarón with Fresh Shrimp Marinated in a Spicy Lime Serrano Sauce with Onions, Avocado, Cilantro, and Cucumbers Drizzled with Extra Virgin Olive Oil $12.95, or Camarones Al Gusto with a Zarandeado Sauce $20.95.
Traditional dishes include Tacos de Rib Eye with Handmade Corn Tortillas and Grilled Marinated Rib Eye, Topped with Onions, Cilantro, and Chiles Toreados $15.95, as well as a savory Chicken Mole Poblano $17.95.
Cocktails
Felipe and Roxanne serving classics and playful Mexican creations like freshly made Margaritas $9 — $12, Paloma Azul featuring Cuervo Tradicional, Grapefruit Soda and Squirt with a Salted Rim $8. More exotic mixes include the Matador Special with Fresh Muddled Cucumber, Agave, Tequila, Triple Sec, Tajin and Lime Juice and Cucumber Garnish dipped in a Tajin spice $10.
Almost 70 tequilas including Blanco, Reposado, and Añejo, can be made into a Margarita for $2. Traditional Mexican beer cocktails, including Micheladas, are $6—8, and wines by the glass or bottle are available.
Photography provided by Casa Azul