First look: Rosa Blanca Café

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Eddie Moore, who worked for the U.S. State Department all over the world, faces perhaps his most difficult diplomatic challenge in converting East Valley diners accustomed to Sonoran-style Mexican food into fans of Mexico City street food.

Rosa Blanca Café, which he opened in late February, puts a decidedly refined twist on delicious tortas and tacos served on rolls and tortillas that are made daily. And for so-called “traditionalists,” there’s usually a familiar-looking burrito or enchilada among the numerous daily specials.

The space

• Open kitchen
• Curved bar in front of kitchen
• Street-art murals on wall
• Patio
• Large chalkboard listing daily specials
• Strip mall parking lot

The food

• Refined Mexico City street food
• Appetizer menu highlights
  • Chicharron de queso: Shredded cheese crisped on the flat grill and served with a side of fresh guacamole and salsa. ($7.89)
  • Choriqueso: Chorizo crumbles with melted Chihuahua cheese on homemade flour tortilla served with choice of salsa. ($8.29)
• Torta menu highlights
  • La Chilanga: Spicy marinated barbecued pork strips served with citrus mayo, pineapple-cilantro relish and arugula. ($8.29)
  • La Cochinita: Pork carnitas with guacamole, pico de gallo, romaine lettuce and salsa verde. ($)
  • La Ranchera: Steak, poblano strips and grilled onions topped with melted Chihuahua cheese and smoky borracho salsa. ($)
  • La Culeca: Crispy chicken filet with panko breading, bean spread, crème fraiche, pico de gallo and queso fresco. ($)
• Taco menu highlights
  • Salpicon taco: Shredded beef served on a corn tortilla with homemade pickled red onions and salsa. ($2.99)
  • Tinga taco: Shredded chicken served on corn tortilla with pickled red onions and guacamole. ($2.99)
  • Al pastor taco: Barbecued pork strips served on corn tortilla with cilantro, onions and pineapple salsa. ($2.99)
  • Carnitas taco: Tender pork served on corn tortilla with cilantro, onions and salsa. ($2.99)
  • Weekly special: All tacos are $1 after 4:30 p.m. Tuesdays.

The drinks

• Liquor license pending
• Aguas frescas (horchata, hibiscus-pomegranate, seasonal flavors)
• Fountain sodas

Rosa Blanca Café

52 N. Val Vista Drive, Gilbert, AZ 85234
(480) 813-6040
www.rosablancacafe.com

Sunday: Closed
Monday: 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Tuesday: 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Wednesday: 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Thursday: 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Friday: 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Saturday: 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.

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