Rosa Madera is part of a small chain, I believe this is their fourth location? This place is really interesting. The food is great, the decor is very nice, bathrooms are clean and neat (always a good sign). The layout is similar to most of the new larger places these days, the bar is a front and center focal point when you walk in.
When you first sit down rather than the usual chips and salsa they bring a very full basket of Chicharrones De Harina with a drizzle of hot sauce which is very much like a favorite of mine, Valentina.
We really enjoyed the dishes we had. Between us one order was the Chili Rellenos, which came two to the order, with rice and beans. One of the best orders of cheese filled Rellenos I've had. Chilis were prepared perfectly, and the batter was very light just enough to completely cover the chilis, with a very light, yet flavorful sauce that allowed the rellenos to be the star of the show. The beans were fine, and the rice, I think, was the best I've had anywhere. I'm not a huge rice fan but I could have had another scoop, it was wonderful.
The other dish we ordered were the enchiladas con mole. Again, terrific! The chicken was not in the least bit dry, the corn tortillas were soft and fresh and the mole was outstanding, a 10 out of 10 and I'm fussy about mole. Next time I'm ordering an extra side of the mole sauce.
A person came by the table, I assume a manager, who checked on us and chatted briefly about the restaurant, our order, he also asked if we like some fresh homemade tortillas..... why yes I would! I was very surprised when instead of the usual corn they brought out house made flour tortillas, they did not disappoint at all. Had to be the best flour tortillas I've ever had. He also asked if I like to try some of their house made salsas... again, why yes please, two versions of salsa verde they too did not disappoint.
At meal's end we both ordered their Cafe de olla which was perfectly balanced between the cinnamon and the traditional piloncillo brown sugar. It is a must in my opinion.
I saw a couple orders of molcajete go by and that's going to be high on my list for my next visit, looks like it can easily serve two.
Two issues to consider:One, go for an early weekday lunch if you can, my understanding is this place is jumping at dinner and especially on weekends.
Two, I don't know what these people are thinking, with everything totally on point the tables and chairs are just silly. The tables are beautiful, pieces of wood some two inches thick, with no two seemed exactly alike... great... but they are on a wooden pedestal and ours was a bit wobbly. The tables are also a bit higher than most.
In combination with the higher tables they have insanely low chairs!
The table top came up just below my collarbone. I moved to the other chair at our table and it was a bit better, but still not really comfortable for me, plus the backs are further back so you're sort of sitting on a bench to eat. If you're 6 '2 " or more it will be better.
It's OK, not a reason to avoid the place, but a phone book, especially the yellow pages from a big city LOL... kids ask your grandparents!
In total, I'd give it more than five stars for our visit, odd seating and all. read more