La Casita

The whimsical Southwestern decor of this Mexican restaurant is the first
hint of promise. They made interesting use of metal with twisted designs
giving booths a false sense of privacy while oversized geckos climbed the
walls. Unlike most Mexican restaurants where meat, cheese and tortillas
are rearranged and distinguishable by it's sauce, each dish at La Casita has
it's own flavor. Chile Rellanos were tender, topped with a light and flavorful
rellano sauce. The Machaca was very good for breakfast or dinner with
shredded beef, green bell pepper, onion and tomato, all scrambled
together with eggs and finally grilled until slightly charred and served with
a wonderfully deep and spicy chile diablo sauce, all to be wrapped up in
warm and tender flour tortillas. The Pollo Yucatan was even lighter fare
with chicken breasts pounded thin, marinated in lemon, herbs and a hint of
cumin also served with tortillas, as well as pico de gallo and extra lemon
slices. The Enchilada Encremadas came highly recommended by the
bartender at the adjoining bar, The Reef, and they didn't disappoint. Two
corn tortillas were stuffed with chicken and topped with a sour cream
sauce, chopped tomato and green onion. The Fish Tacos were my very
favorite, and among the best I've had with crispy beer battered fish laid
into tender flour tortillas with pico de gallo, shredded cabbage, finely
shredded cheddar and a wonderful white sauce. Though the Mini Fiesta
Tostada, which wasn't small by any means, was typical with a large fried
flour tortilla bowl filled with, the usual, beans, choice of meat, lettuce,
cheese, pico de gallo, guacamole and sour cream, it needing salad
dressing. It was the only uneventful dish we had here. A couple of trips
here left me unexpectedly impressed. La Casita also has a fairly large
tequila list, a cocktail menu and an $8.99 dinner buffet on Tuesday and
Thursdays from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.

This location also has live entertainment on Friday and Saturday nights.

Prices: $17.99 for Lobster Fajitas, $11.99 for Carnitas, Fish Tacos $9.99,
Huevos Rancheros and Queso Fundido are $5.99

Located at 411 E. Palm Canyon Drive in Palm Springs

Telephone (760) 320-8993

Other locations:

77912 Country Club Drive in Palm Desert (760) 772-7411

100 S. Indian Canyon in Palm Springs (760) 320-2267

34-272 Date Palm Drive in Cathedral City (760) 324-1190

This location has live entertainment on Friday and Saturday nights.

45-735 Towne Street in Indio (760) 342-3640

This location has live entertainment on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Friday and
Saturday nights.