Author: Delia Barnas
Eight months ago, a new restaurant arrived in Eagle Rock that aimed to appeal to fans of exotic, spicy foods. Cacao Mexicatessen, a family-owned deli specializing in Mexican fare, has since generated a great deal of excitement in its community for its authentic taste and diverse variety of menu choices.
I went to Cacao Mexicatessen for dinner last week with three friends. We wanted to check out one of the latest additions to the Eagle Rock menu.
Though space in the restaurant was a bit tight, it was very inviting and homey in a rustic, traditional way, reminiscent of a Mexican kitchen. The brick walls and wooden furniture were welcoming, and the decorative chili ristras and Mexican pottery added a degree of earthy elegance to the atmosphere.The rustic, inviting environment of the restaurant is augmented by the truly accommodating staff. The employees served us with generous attention.
We lightheartedly joked with them about needing several water refills to account for the spiciness of the food, and they regularly checked in with us to make sure we were well taken care of. They were pleasant, sincere and professional, perhaps a product of working for a family-owned company.
While waiting for our food to be ready, we ordered chips and salsa as an appetizer. The salsa tasted like an authentic Mexican blend, complete with fresh cilantro, flavorful chili and spicy pepper.
The dishes on Cacao Mexicatessen’s menu include the standard choices of tacos, burritos and enchiladas, plus mole and “tortas,” which are Mexican sandwiches.
There is a great variety of meats one can choose to have in their entrees, like carne asada, chicken, turkey, pork and even duck. There are also several vegetarian options.
I ordered the torta, to which I added carne asada. The sandwich was made on a fluffy, yet crispy, white bread and contained avocado, a white cheese and a bit of chili.
The bread and the cheese were both fresh and delicious. The cheese, in particular, pleased me, as its sweet flavor melted throughout my entire mouth.
However, I think that my friend’s burrito surpassed my torta in terms of overall quality.
This burrito was stuffed with pinto beans and roasted pork, and made my mouth water from its tenderness and sweetness. The homemade flour tortilla was delightfully soft and smothered in a cheesy red chili sauce.
The red chili had a spicy flavor that grew with every bite and greatly enhanced the sweetness of the pork and the tortilla. I highly recommend this rather giant dish, large enough for two people. It can be ordered with any of the meats that I mentioned earlier.
Another option worth consideration, as a side selection, is the Mexican corn on the cob. The white corn cob is grilled, topped with lime juice, smothered in “queso cotija,” a white cheese that is unique to Mexico, and sprinkled with powdered chili. The sweet and spicy flavors perfectly complimented each other, so that the combination left my taste buds bewildered but eager for more.
My overall experience was pleasant and I definitely left Cacao Mexicatessen satisfied. My only disclaimers: Don’t bring too many people or it is probable that you won’t all be able to sit together.
Also, go for something more interesting on the menu than the basic taco you can get just about anywhere – a boring selection compared to the many original and excellent options on the menu.
Cacao Mexicatessen is a good place for a hungry college student who wants a real, hearty Mexican meal for breakfast, lunch or dinner. Moreover, it is the place to go if you want to explore some exotic new dishes.
Cacao Mexicatessen is located at 1576 Colorado Boulevard.
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