Eater Spot Check: Casa Downtown

DOWNTOWN: While it may look like Casa at California Plaza is ready to open, owner Mario Del Pero and chef Kris Morningstar aren't quite ready to debut yet. There've been some private parties, but permitting issues have caused more delays: They said the restaurant won't open to the public until after Christmas, probably December 29. A quick peek at the menu, which is still being tweaked, we see things like chicken mole, cochinita pibil, and beef barbacoa fillings for tacos, hauraches (masa flatbread) or burritos (with house-made flour tortillas) among the lunch-time taqueria offerings; for dinner, things like albondigas, persimmon and jicama salad, grilled octopus, house-made chorizo quesadillas, braised rabbit, and carne asada. That should all go nicely with the tequila list and cocktails planned. At least they'll be open by New Year's, another good option before heading to Pink Martini at the Disney Concert Hall.
· Fall Tracking: Casa [~ELA~]