Taste Mexico in Palm Beach

Rosa Mexicano, which is Spanish for "Mexican pink," opened in the entertainment, dining, and shopping complex Downtown at the Gardens in August. The 7,900-square-foot restaurant is under the culinary direction of Roberto Santibanez, who's originally from Mexico City and has won acclaim for his traditional flavors with a contemporary spin in Bon Appétit magazine and NBC's Today Show, among others. Must-haves include the guacamole en molcajete (prepared to order tableside using a lava rock mortar) and the mixiote de Borrego, or lamb shank marinated in tequila and chilies. Popular Mexican cocktails get a new twist as well, such as the frozen pomegranate margarita, made with pomegranate and lime juices, white tequila, and triple sec. Design firm Mancini Duffy took terra cotta stucco walls with wood trim and wood ceiling beams and set them off with modern elements, such as a 30-foot waterfall with iridescent glass tiles and cliff diver figurines. Rosa seats 230 people and has a private dining room for 60.
—Vanessa Goyanes
Posted 10.25.06