CaraCara

This is one of the more popular Mexican restaurants in the area, so when we saw the prix fixe menu for Restaurant Week, we figured it was a good time to try CaraCara.

The restaurant occupies a nice-sized space, but because the bar area up front is expansive, the seating area towards the rear of the restaurant seems a bit cramped.  The tables are so close together that the staff had difficulty maneuvering the supply cart for the table-side guacamole.  And no, this is not a place to have a quiet conversation.

It's a very casual restaurant, but the food is very upscale.  Flavorful rather than spicy, though you can add hot sauce if you so choose.

Tortilla chips were crisp, salty and served warm, with both red and green salsas.  Sangria was sweet and fruity.  He had the queso fundito, served in an iron skillet, the cheese buried beneath a generous serving of chorizo -- this could easily be shared.  My empanadas were less impressive -- two small pastries, garnished with crema; the crust was a bit thick and hard, the beef filling a bit bland until I dipped the pastries into the accompanying salsa.

Entrees -- he had the Res a la Plancha Iron Skillet Tacos, steak tacos served fajita-style.  I had the Enchiladas Mixatas -- two enchiladas stuffed with chicken, steak and chorizo, and the chef was happy to substitute a red sauce for the usual mole poblano. Rice and beans were served family style with the entrees.   All delicious.

We don't usually order dessert, but it was included with  the prix fixe dinner.  He had flan -- a nice portion of creamy custard accompanied by fresh strawberries on a bed of whipped cream.  I had the fried ice cream, which was plated with a berry sauce and topped with whipped cream.

Service was friendly and efficient.  There is ample parking in the lot behind the building.

Overall a good experience, and I'm sure we will be back.