Phone: 310-209-0666
Status: Soft open
Today, Vicente Del Rio, he of FRIDA Restaurant Group, opened Casa Azul Cantina, his previously tracked colorful new eatery and bar inspired by and named after the true Casa Azul, artist Frida Kahlo's home in Coyoacán, Mexico. Bienvenido, have a seat. And check out the menu which is a hybrid of Del Rio's two older children, FRIDA Mexican Cuisine and FRIDA Tacos. Steeped in tradition and drawing inspiration from the diverse regional cuisines of Mexico, one will find ceviches, tiraditos (which are actually of Peruvian heritage and served at both Picca and Osaka), sopas, tacos, mole, fajitas, enchiladas -- relatively reasonably priced with apps running about $6 to $15 and larger plates $11 to $26.
Because no Mexican meal is a fiesta until a few shots of tequila come into play, the bar here, overseen by Felipe De La Tejera and Roxanne Schmarsow (both part of the FRIDA Restaurant Group fam), pours about 70 bottles, in addition to Mexican beers and some wine.
While Casa Azul Cantina soft launched at 11AM today, the official debut is set for January 2. Hours of operation run Sun-Thu 11AM to 10PM and Fri/Sat 11AM to midnight.
Additional Reading: Sneak Peek, 11/8; Switcheroos, 8/16