Rosa Mexicano is a long-running group of Mexican restaurants that began in Manhattan and now has branches in cities like Miami, Atlanta and Washington, D.C. On Friday, August 14, owners Dan Hickey, Doug Griebel, Howard Greenstone and Goode Partners expanded to L.A. LIVE, marking Rosa Mexicano’s ninth location.
Rosa Mexicano means “Mexican pink” and was first used to describe the color of the sky at sunset. Designer Timothy Higgins patterned his design in step with the vibrant name, choosing a color scheme that includes vibrant pinks, purples, reds and oranges. The 205-seat establishment resides on L.A. LIVE’s north side and features a tortilla-making station, outdoor patio and cascading water wall.
Popular dishes in New York that made the trip to L.A. include Guacamole en Molcajete, prepared tableside; Zarape de Pato – roasted duck layered between corn tortillas and topped with yellow pepper-habanero cream sauce; and Chamorro, crispy marinated pork shank served with red bean-chorizo chili and chipotle creamed spinach. Executive Chef John England was previously sous chef at Rosa Mexicano locations in Miami and Manhattan’s Union Square. The menu changes seasonally, with themed menus incorporating the Flavors of Mexico. This fall, expect an Oaxacan Chocolate Festival. In the spring, customers can expect Passover specials. Summer calls for an Ice Cream Festival.
Blog Comments
brian
September 27, 2009 at 11:27 PM
Stopped in here on 9/24 around 9:30 PM. Bar was empty, patio empty and the dining room was less than 1/2 full. Chef john was front of house. Nice guy, and rosa’s concept of fresh and seasonal will play well, but not sure their prices will.
Place is pleasant enough o look at – with lots of stuff to watch – an aguafresca station, a tortilla station, a salsa station, etc. Prices are commensurate with a high rent tourist district – $12.50 for guacamole, 21.50 for Arrachera con Camarones, etc. In a city full of Mexican restaurants these prices have to mean destination quality food. What we had was fine, but not outstanding. Service was good, but obviously still in the midst of training. their upcoming chocolate cooking classes look promising.
mattatouille
August 17, 2009 at 11:00 PM
i’m interested to see what the reaction to this place will be. It might just end up being fodder for the visitors in the area.
Bianca
August 17, 2009 at 5:40 PM
Checked out Rosa Mexicano opening night (Friday). I got in around 7:30PM and place was about 40% full but filled in as the night progressed. Service was excellent. Everyone was very friendly and happy to answer as many questions as we had. You would never have known it was opening day. Food was good but not great. We had their tableside guacamole for 2 which was served with chips, 2 salsas and mini corn tortillas. It was tasty but nothing we haven’t tasted before here in LA. My guest had the chicken taco platter which was a MOUNTAIN OF FOOD. He was happy with it. I had the ceviche and grilled veggie salad which were fine but not memorable. Overall, glad I tried it as I was curious but wouldn’t go out of my way to return.