They say the best things happen when you least expect it, like a relationship when it’s the last thing of your mind. Come to think of it, I think that’s the only thing they say it about. Because what else does it really happen with? But, I’m not talking about relationships here. Remember this is the Bite-Sized Blonde talking, which can only mean one thing.
The last thing I wanted to eat on Friday was Mexican. After the rather adequate meal I had at Cascabel earlier that week, I had no interest in looking at another taco so soon. But once I heard about the amazing margaritas at Rosarito, I was in. Oh, the sweet, sweet power of tequila. Rosarito is a new Mexican Fish Shack in Williamsburg. NY Mag so cleverly said “This Mexican spot wears many hats (sombreros?), moonlighting as a pescaderia, tacqueria, and a “mezcal tequila bar.” Damn I wish I thought of that first. Sombreros…so smart.
Since it’s not PC to be shallow, we all pretend to not judge a book by its cover. But, let’s be real…we all do it. And I am guilty of it too. I walked into Rosarito and was instantly attracted to it. Bleached wood for that beachy feeling, antique lamps and dim lighting for a little romance, and a bar full of tequila. Let me reiterate instant attraction. Not what I was expecting to feel after Cascabel. But like I said, the best things happen when you least expect it.
I started with a special margarita – reposado tequila with guava, cilantro and lime. Refreshing and delicious. Reposado is aged anywhere between 2 months and a year in oak barrels, giving off a richer and more complex flavor.
What’s a Mexican meal without guacamole? No, this isn’t a riddle. I’m not really a riddle kind of girl. Let me tell you what it is. It’s weird, kind of like those glasses without lenses. The guacamole was great, but the chips were unapologetically crunchy, just the way I like them.
I’ve never heard of a pescadilla before, but I knew immediately I had to try it. I mean, how could a crispy corn quesadilla filled with red snapper, cheese and salsa verde be bad? It was awesome. The tortilla was crispy but the inside was delicate. The creamy cheese made this seriously sinful.
I always thought good things come in small packages was about me until I had the Taquitos De Cangrejo. These mini tacos were filled with crabmeat, mango and salsa and garnished with a little pickled ginger. The light crabmeat was a perfect filling for the salty taco shells and sweet mango.
While ceviche might seem simple, a great ceviche is anything but, and I had two great ceviches at Rosarito. The first was the sea scallop ceviche. The scallops were thinly sliced and drizzled with yuzu and garlic oil. Yuzu is an Asian citrus fruit with a unique twang. Mixed with the garlic oil, it was the perfect dressing for the scallops, which were accompanied by ripe avocado, onions and scallions, and topped with toasted buttery quinoa. The dish was smooth and tangy and crunchy all in one bite.
I didn’t think another ceviche could exist as stimulating as the scallops but then came the lobster ceviche. The lobster was cut into thin disks and served with equal size slices of sweet strawberries. It was dressed with yuzu and covered in scallions and the same toasted buttery quinoa as the scallops, but with one awesome addition. This ceviche was drizzled in truffle oil. It sounds complicated, but the dish was an oasis of flavors. This wild dish took me for a ride and I liked it.
It was finally time for the tacos, and by then I had already forgotten my previous taco experience this week. Cascabel who? The lobster taco was absolutely seductive. The meat was so sweet and supple. It was simply garnished with scallions and a little avocado cream. You know something is good when you don’t have to disguise it…like a pretty girl who doesn’t need to wear make up, which is exactly who this taco would be if it was a girl.
The taco shells need to be mentioned. They were delicate and delicious and totally homemade. Ingredient number 1 – love. Yup, I could taste it. Ingredient number 2 – steak and ingredient number 3 – beer. Sounds like the makings of a pretty good Friday night if you ask me.
As if we didn’t order enough, there was just one more thing to finish off our meal, a steak. The steak was marinated in adobe and served with sweet plantains. I’ve never had a plantain before, because you know how much I HATE bananas and anything resembling them. But these plantains were out of control. They tasted like sweet potato candies.
Whoopsies, can’t forget about dessert, a classic tres leches cake. Tres leches means three milks, usually evaporate milk, condensed milk and heavy cream, or otherwise known as a Lactose Intolerant person’s worse nightmare. Because of the milk, the cake is extremely moist and sweet. And what a sweet way it was to end a sweet meal.
Rosarito is now the third awesome BK dining experience I’ve had. First came Brooklyn Fare, then TASTE and now Rosarito. I never thought I would be declaring my love for another borough, but here I am saying I love you Brooklyn.
Rosarito
168 Wythe Ave.
Williamsburg, NY
718.388.8833
Bite Sized Banter 