I’ve been eating at Mexican restaurants in Vancouver for over a decade. In the past ten years many of these restaurants have closed. Others have opened only to close shortly thereafter. And for those Mexican eateries that have hung around, the food is either average or worse. They seem to be trying too hard, and in the process lose the point of Mexican cooking—rustic ingredients and rich flavour. So I gave up on Mexican food for a while. That is until recently. I found myself hungry in Gastown—historic, trendy, and currently experiencing a twentieth centrification. It seems an unlikely spot for good quality Mexican comfort food Or so I thought.
I walked into La Casita’s on an afternoon just two days after New Year’s. I did not have high expectations. But since the calendar marked beginning of a fresh year I thought it time to give Vancouver’s Mexican culinary scene a fresh start. What immediately became clear was the simple clean décor. The interior of the restaurant is nothing like the posh, overdone and ostentatious presentation of its Gastown culinary cousins. It is reminiscent of a typical, unassuming eatery you might fine in a small Mexican town—minimalist in design yet rich in personality. And La Casita is definitely full of personality. The staff are very warm and inviting. They greeted me with a smile and affection that I considered genuine. I thought perhaps it was because I was the first customer of the day. However, the authenticity of warmth carried over to each person entering the establishment.
Shortly after I arrived a steady stream of what seemed very hungry patrons began to flow into the restaurant. We were quickly treated like valued regulars.
I decided to dive in headfirst. I ordered the steak and egg chilaquilles. It is basically shredded steak, marinated, then fried and mixed with scrambled egg, cheese and taco chips, topped with a light sauce. Everything was cooked to perfection and so full of flavour. This is clearly Mexican comfort food at it is flavourful best. The portions are generous without being exhaustive. As soon I was finished my meal, I could not wait to come back. The quality of the food far exceeded the moderate pricing. I could not wait to come back. So I did, and very soon afterwards.
Two nights later I revisited La Casita. It was very busy so I sat at the bar. The staff were friendly and warm as usual. I sat at the bar. That night there was a special of steak salsa verde, with Mexican rice and soft tortillas. Again the shredded sirloin steak was flavourfully marinated and cooked perfectly. The salsa verde added even more flavour. It was something I will definitely try again in the future. This dish defines Mexican comfort food, something your Mexican mother might make, if you has a Mexican mother. I was already planning my third trip, before I even finished, and at that moment I noticed that La Casita offers 2 buck taco night whenever a Canucks game falls between Monday to Thursday. This gave me an excuse I really did not need.
The Tacos did not disappoint! They make you feel warm and comfortable and satisfied. And a shot or two of La Casita’s high end Tequila added to the feeling of being well taken care of. I will definitely be visiting La Casista again soon and frequently. Maybe I’ll see you there…