Round 2: Casa Latina

After a glorious dining experience at Casa Latina in April’s CW Gourmet Month, I’ve been aching for a return to Beijing’s most authentic Mexican restaurant, Casa Latina.

The first time around, I was blown away by the Crema Poblana (RMB 48) and their Sopesitos (RMB 48).  The Sopesitos were definitely the highlight of my meal and the Crema Poblana soup was the perfect creamy texture and I loved the rich, spicy flavor.

And to think that I got an amazing 4-course set menu for only RMB 99, it was such a steal. I was very happy to find that they still offer a special summer 4-course set menu for RMB 99 (includes: Starter – Mexican Salad; Soup – Fideo Soup; Main Course – Burritos Nortenos; Dessert – Arroz con Leche).

Normally I would have been up for this set meal, but there have been a few items off the menu that I’ve been dying to try. To start, I ordered the Aztec Soup (RMB 68) – a rich combination of tomato and pepper chunks of cheese and avocado and topped with tortilla strips. While the Aztec Soup was smoky with a nice spicy kick to it, I prefer the creamy texture of the Crema Poblana.

I ordered the Enchiladas Verdes (RMB 85) which were a bit dry and could have used more sauce, but still a million times better than enchiladas anywhere else, which are normally just drenched in oil and fat. And it was so satisfying to devour something that really is as authentic as you get in Beijing.

I also sampled my friend’s Flautas de Papa, which reminded me of bigger Sopesitos, but stuffed with mashed potatoes.  It was definitely filling and satisfying, but as with the Enchiladas Verdes, should also be served with more sauce and their homemade guacamole would be a nice touch too…But maybe then I’m just asking for too much.  And while they were delicious, they did not look like the photo shown in the menu at all (which looked like enchiladas drenched in a green sauce). Here is a more accurate photo.

Casa Latina: Located across from Invito on Solana Bar Street (down the road from All-Star), 6 Chaoyang Park Road, 朝阳公园路6号, Solana蓝色港湾商业区8号楼3单元; Tel: 5905-6201; Daily Hours: 6PM-2AM

For LumDimSum’s First Review of Casa Latina, click here.

From Caipirinhas to Capoeira: Brazilian Culture Day

Presented by Pau Brasil, an internationally diverse group dedicated to create this Brazilian Culture Day, an event for Beijingers to get a real taste of Brazilian culture, hosted at 2 Kolegas starting from 4pm.

Showcasing Brazilian culture, there will be plenty of games to play with a soccer and samba workshops and performances to watch from SambAsia, Capoeira Beijing, a chance to check out classic Brazilian movies, photo exhibition and dance at the sound of Brazilian drums and singing.

Along with plenty of things to do, there will also be authentic tastes of Brazil with authentic capirinhas and Brazilian food. More than soccer and samba, Brazil has so much to offer.

Date: Sunday, June 13

Time: 4PM onwards

Tickets: RMB 50 at door includes Caipirinha from Ypioca! brand Cachaca (Brazilian Cane Liquor) (RMB 30 for students)

email paubrasil.beijing@hotmail.com to book your ticket in advance

LumDimSummary: Baguettes Make You Banh Mi Now!

If you didn’t happen to catch LumDimSum’s post on Banh Mi Now! passing out free mini sandwiches on Saturday, here’s what you missed:

Vietnamese White Pork Loaf Baguette

Tasty & Satisfying, these Banh Mi Vietnamese baguettes are baked fresh daily with an authentic Vietnamese recipe.

Stuffed with either 1 grilled meat or 2 chilled meats, pickled daikon and carrots, mayonnaise, pate, soy sauce, coriander, and cucumber. Served with a red-hot spicy sauce.

We tried the Vietnamese White Pork Loaf Baguette & the Vietnamese Head Cheese Baguette.

To pair with our complimentary mini baguettes, we also ordered the Goi Cuon -Shrimp & Pork Summer Rolls (RMB 23) – Shrimps wrapped with leaf lettuce, sliced pork, strips of cucumber, vermicelli, mint & Chinese chives in a fresh rice paper roll and spicy dipping sauce.

Banh Mi Now! also offers a wide range of exotic summer fruit shakes ranging from RMB 15-30 – from banana, strawberry, lychee, mango, watermelon, lime, kiwi, passionfruit, guava, coconut, durian, mangosteen, avocado, cantalope, honeymelon, pineapple, etc.

I asked Jun to make me a combination of Lychee and Honeymelon and it was absolutely delicious and refreshing. Next time, I will be more adventurous and try their highly recommended Avocado Shake.

*Banh Mi Now! is part of the Luga Empire, located above Little Luga’s in Tongli Studio.  They specialize in quick & casual Vietnamese fare from spring rolls to pho & now these authentic Vietnamese Banh Mi Sandwiches & Summer Shakes!