I believe this is the first "Mexican" place I have reviewed on here and am happy to say that this place was a great experience. My girlfriend recently moved into downtown DC and unfortunately, there is an EXTREMELY limited number of everyday restaurants in the McPherson Square area. Now, there are your Bobby Van's, your Georgia Brown's, Potenza, J&G etc etc, but only ass holes can afford to eat there everyday right? One of the other downfalls about the area are the hours that these restaurants keep: the nice ones are the only ones open for dinner for the most part. But anywho, this was lunchtime, we were low on cash, and we wanted to eat somewhere besides Cosi (dont get me started).
Wandering up Vermont Ave we came across a "Great Wraps". Hmm Great Wraps, we had one of those at school and it was solid...lets go there. Wait, what is this place next door. Oh yes, the terrifically sketchy Casa Blanca. This place is labeled as both a Mexican and a Peruvian restaurant, but we stuck with the Mexican. We also stuck with pretty simple stuff considering we were in a rush and low on money. The inside of the restaurant is long and narrow with Latin "stories" on the TV. All of the staff speaks little english which is reassuring for some reason. Also, you don't get free chips and salsa which kinda says that they don't need to fill you up with free stuff to mask the taste of their menu items.
Now for what we had: Danielle has the chicken quesadilla and I had the chimichangas. Exciting right? Adventurous right? Well, I've tried to go simple at restaurants such as Cactus Cantina, Los Cuates, and that shit show in Dupont with my order coming out lack luster. The quesadille was delicious and pretty big for an app. Both came with salsa verde, fresh jalepenos, guacamole salad, rice, and beans. The chimichangas were very very good. Normally the chimichanga will come out as a deep fried burrito, but this is better describes as two fried croissants filled with beef and topped with light cheese sauce. Sounds good huh? It was. The crust on the outside was golden brown, but it was still flaky and kind on dissolved in your mouth with every bite. The salsa verde was very spicy, but it went great with the dish. I think the total cost was 18 bucks after tax.
After thinking about this place and writing the review I think I will take the " marks off of the Mexican description. Casa Blanca has a very authentic feel, a very extensive menu, and tastes different from other Mexican restaurants in the District. I tried to go back yesterday, but they were closed since it was Sunday. Downtown DC strikes again. High B
Highlight: Chimichanga!, happy hour deals.
Lowlight: Cash only
