RtS: Taco Rosa

[Ghoulish Delight]

Rank the Swank - Restaurants and Bars


Overall Swank Rank

Taco Rosa
13792 Jamboree Rd.
Irvine or Tustin or something, CA
June 22, 2008
http://www.tacorosa.com/index.htm


The Lowdown
The basics done right. Atmosphere's similar Tortilla Jo's, only gooder

Food
Decor
Service

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The Gig
Dinner

The Grub
Parrillada Mexicana platter. It included chicken taquitos, carnitas pibil, chille relleno, and sweet corn tamales.

The Scene
The brothers who brought the world Taco Mesa become the latest addition in the revolving collection of anchor restaurants at the Irvine/Tustin Marketplace, with Taco Rosa (which, curiously enough, translates to Pink Taco, though from what I understand of Pink Taco, which I've never been to, that's pretty much where the similarity ends). It's an interesting move, going from beach town hole in the wall street taco purveyors to traditional sit-down Mexican food, especially being a block away from On the Border which has survived for a couple years already, no small feat.

But I think they've hit upon a good thing. There's nothing fancy about the place. Well done, but not lavish, Spanish colonial decor. A small indoor bar space and a small outdoor bar space. Not setup to absorb much of a crowd, just enough to be a relaxing place to grab a drink on a hot muggy weekend like this.

The food follows the same formula. Nothing fancy, just the real basics of Mexican comfort food. Just as Taco Mesa made its mark by doing the simple things well, but with enough attention to detail to justify the upgrade from counter service to sit down. The price follows suit, don't expect to see $1 taco Tuesdays here, but you'll probably still get out of there spending easily half the money you'd have spent 2 doors down at On the Border for food that's certainly twice as flashy but perhaps half as charming.

The Parrillada platter combination is a good way to go. We split the Mexicana which was far too much food for the 2 of us. Easily could have been a full meal for 3. Add an appetizer or 2 and you could probably satisfy 4 or 5. A bargain at $25. If the Parrillada Rosa (with Ribeye, shrimp, and blackened chicken) is equally generous, it's still a steal even at $37.

They do charge for chips and salsa, but hell, I don't need to shovel chips in my face while I wait for my margarita to come anyway so whatever. Instead they bring an odd little free appetizer of half a taquito and a mini little mexican pizza kinda thing with some fresh veggies and some beans. It was tasty, but rather awkward to share if eveyone at the tables not on "biting off the same end of the food" terms.

I'll be back, likely for Sunday brunch, always a good test of a restaurant. Hopefully I'll save room then for flan or churros y chocolate.