By Karen Talbot
Feb. 9, 2022: Spencer Pingel, owner of La Casa Bronxville, deserves credit for further improving his restaurant by changing his chef and successfully serving portions on the menu that are in line with the price points. The talented new Executive Chef Erik Lopez serves authentic Mexican cuisine from high-quality produce, meats, and seafood sourced from local purveyors.
You must start with the incredible Guacamole, made from the best imported avocados, "cilantro macho," and sea salt served with house-made tortillas accompanied by "Macha"(spicy chilis, sesame seeds, peanuts and pistachios, Salsa Verde and Chili de Arbol (onion, garlic, and avocado oil). You can also choose a lighter vegetarian option of crunchy jicama, carrots, celery, and outstanding "rainbow radishes" instead of the tortillas.
From Appetizers, we had two winners: Tostada De Jalba, which is Maine crab on two crispy tortilla rounds with avocado, tomato, and cilantro, and Pulpo A La Plancha, an artfully presented seared octopus with avocado puree, watercress salad, and citrus vinaigrette.
Entress included: Pozole Rojo, a tender pork stew with hominy, cabbage, beans, avocado, radish, red onion, Mexican oregano, and lime in a rich, tasty dark broth, and Camarones A La Diabla, which is succulent shrimp in red pepper sauce with white beans and bok choy. La Casa also offers five kinds of Tacos, two types of Quesadillas, and four more choices of Appetizers.
To finish our glorious meal, we thoroughly enjoyed four Desserts - - Churros with chocolate sauce, Tres Leche Cake, Rum Raisin Ice Cream, and Flan.
For drinks, try a variety of Margaritas, Wine by the glass, and Cerveza. The restaurant is handsome, and the service is spot on. There is heated outdoor seating for now and in-season where forty people can dine.
The Brunch here is so unique. Whoever heard of Mexican Brunch? Start with a refreshing Mimosa, Margarita, Bloody Mary, or Prosecco, followed by several great food choices. I had the Huevos A La Mexicana, a light and fluffy scrambled eggs with tomatoes, green chiles, avocado, and onion, served with roasted potatoes and a side of black beans. My husband had his favorite breakfast dish of Chilaquiles, comprised of crispy corn tortillas in a green sauce with sunnyside eggs, avocado, Mexican cream, and queso fresco.
Dinner is served from Tues. through Sat. from 5 to 10 pm with Brunch on Sun. from 11:30 am to 4 pm. Little ones have their own menu of a Quesadilla or Taco on Sundays. Happy Hour is also offered from 4:30 to 6 pm on dinner days. Takeout and Delivery are also available.
I look forward to returning to this very creative new addition to the Bronxville dining scene.