Casa Blanca http://www.casablancamexican.com/ opened their doors in North Andover a couple of years ago and despite sizzling entrees, it was slow to warm up to area eaters. I visited the restaurant several times to find it nearly empty despite their friendly service, enticing menu options, and satisfying margaritas.
I returned this past weekend with my husband, after a long absence, and was pleased to see that the restaurant was booming on a cold Saturday night – so booming that they have initiated a shuttle service for patrons unable to find parking in their cramped and awkward parking lot. We entered to find it slightly renovated since our last visit, with a more open bar area. The hostess informed us that we would have to wait, but after fewer than five minutes, we were escorted to a table near the bar. Seating was more cramped than on previous visits, and as we were surrounded by large parties, the restaurant was uncomfortably loud and crowded. Several tables had been rearranged to accomodate large parties, leaving me in the path of every staff member who attempted to navigate the maze – the jostling quickly wore on my nerves, but memories of their delicious and generous entrees stayed me.
Chips and salsa deterred us from ordering any appetizers, but unlike previous visits where we were given a small bottle of thick, hearty salsa, we were dismayed to receive a small, sad-looking bowl of watery salsa with limited chunks of tomatoes and onions. It also lacked in herbs and spices. We both ordered tropical drinks (a Bahama Mama and a Hawaiian Sea Breeze) and found them to have a nice kick and pleasing fruity, tropical flavors that staved off the cold.
After warding off starvation with a few chips, I was somewhat concerned to see that the menu had changed from charming descriptions of Mexican entrees to a large plastic menu reminiscint of a lack-luster chain restaurant. Prices had been raised considerably since our last visit. Nonetheless, my husband and I both ordered the Combo Casa Blanca, or three-way combos, and waited anxiously for our food. And waited, and waited. After a nearby group (who ordered several minutes after us) received their entrees, our waitress assured us that our entrees would arrive shortly. Fairly soon after we received our combos, but we estimated that we probably waited for 30-45 minutes at that point. While portions were generous, we both recalled the platters being smaller but more amply filled in the past. We received plates that looked like large, white serving platters – both so large that they nearly didn’t fit across from each other on our small table for two.
Our first impression was that the beans were unappetizing without even trying them, having apparently been sourced from the same watery origins as the salsa – the “broth” of our refried beans ran freely over the plate. Upon eating them, the texture was lacking, as was the taste. They were, in fact, watery and mushy. Their saving grace was the small amount of Mexican cheese sprinkled over the top. The rice was simply cooked, a sort of Mexican-sticky-rice, and was very good. Our combo choices were a mixed bag. I was pleased to find my chile relleno not overly fried and filled with hot and delicious cheese that ran out with each forkful. It had mild heat as expected and was my favorite part of the main course. My husband and I both ordered tamales, one of our favorites. Casa fills them with both beef and pork, and I was surprised to see large chunks of somewhat dry meat in each of our tamales. Mine was almost too mild, while my husband found his too spicy. The outer corn layer, however, was thick, soft in texture and had a pleasing corn flavor. We also each ordered enchiladas verde, mine with pork. I was disappointed to find my pork filling consisted of large chunks of dry pork that could easily have passed for another kind of meat, such as a cheap (and overcooked) cut of steak. My husband’s was filled with shredded beef, which was surprisingly not shredded, but he enjoyed the hearty pieces of steak, which was more tender than my pork.
To finish our Mexican smorgasbord, we placed an order for Churros, which are similar to fried dough. They are roughly the shape and size of breadsticks, and arrive with a strawberry dipping sauce and a side of whipped cream. They were warm, crunchy on the outside, and soft on the inside. My arteries clogged a little more with each bite, but it was well worth it.
Overall, Casa Blanca has decent Mexican food and fun libations, at somewhat elevated prices. It may not be worth fighting the weekend crowds or taking a shuttle bus to eat there, but given the area’s paucity of Mexican options, it’s worth a try… preferably on a weekday, unless you find yourself ready for a rowdy fiesta.
