La Casa de Disaster

  Upon entering the Casa de Rodriguez, one will be greeted by one of four Jacksonian girls. All look no older than college age, and none appear to have even a hint of latino in them.

But la Casa offers authentic Mexican cuisine.

Looking from the walk-up cash register and kitchen area next to the door, a few potted plants separate the dining area from the empty, tiled “lobby.” Though snow covers the one row of cars found outside the two windows of la Casa’s dining room, one may be transported to summer  through the tasteless plastic red and white checkered table cloths covering each table. Mismatching chairs makes one wonder whether to turn and run.

Salsa music is barely heard over the roar of the kitchen, which makes little sense after seeing only one cook, thankfully, latino. Nothing, save the month-old restaurants under-construction website, screams “authentic.”  Maybe the Eduardo Fuss and Diego Rivera plastic framed pictures hanging strategically between windows.

The scene is that of older sloppy couples searching for a quick bite. With waitresses running from table to table, the nicest of which is in training, one senses the urgency of the typical American meal; cheap and fast. Here again, one should turn and run.

One may begin their meal with unlimited chips and salsa, but should not expect a refill. Maybe one will be asked again when the food has arrived and they are no longer necessary. The salsa choices are two, hot and mild, and resemble nothing more than a watery store bought can of  Pace or Chi Chi’s. Not horrible though, free as it is. The hot salsa holds quite a kick. It leaves the tongue tingly and begging for water, which reminds one that their water has still not been refilled.

If one is feeling adventurous, they may wish to try an appetizer. With few choices, and all sounding relatively safe, flautas may spike one’s interest, just remember to ask for them extra hot. Mexican egg rolls are also served and upon the arrival of the flautas, one may wonder if the chef has gotten them confused. Wrapped as one would imagine an egg roll would be, the four rolls are covered in a spicy salsa and overpowered with onions. Opting for a fork and knife, the fluffy fried layers fall apart when cut and the center is lukewarm at best.

Upon ordering entrees, do not expect to know what you will be eating. Other than a brief description on the menu, waitresses do not know the difference between a chimichanga and a wet burrito. The little knowledge may be paired directly with the unwillingness to learn. Maybe most customers don’t feel the need to ask, they just want to get in and out.

The dinner menu is vast and after some contemplation, orders may be made. Make sure you remember it’s name though, because you are bound to be asked again and again. “Sir, did you want chicken or beef in the chimichanga,” or “Miss, did you say hot or mild salsa?”

When as last one does order, the food will be out before you’ve closed the menu. Maybe for this credit is due. Many Americans are looking for a quick bite, and so this would satisfy most customers, older couples on date night not looking to spend much time with their partner.

Maybe due to the quickness of the food preparation, the entrees are also cold. Though a waitress would not know the answer, one can only imagine that the main ingredient, for the beef in particular, is salt. One can only withstand a few bites before trying desperately to slurp up what water is left beneath the ice. The salt does not allow for great food intake, and one leaves feeling full, but hungry an hour later. Don’t believe in la Casa’s authenticity, Americanized Chinese food dose the same darn thing!

If you opt for the chicken route, you are in for better luck. Though thin cuts, the blackened grilled chicken breast has great flavor. Similar to fajitas, but with a fancier name and housed under the “traditional Mexican dishes” menu, Carne a la Parilla lacked a skillet and common veggie fixings. Grilled onions served as a satisfactory side as well as refried beans and rice. 

The beef wet burrito and chimichanga tasted similar save a tortilla versus a fluffed and crunchy outer shell, respectively. A simple beef taco completed  the “choose your own three” entree. For one nostalgic of their college’s cafeteria, this meal would do just fine.

All in all, la Casa seems yet another Jackson trend. Once the few who actively and often take Wildwood Ave. have tried and been disappointed by the Mexican cuisine, it will be yet another failed small business endeavor. Non-strategically located, la Casa’s days are numbered.