Golden Spoons Review: Casa 43

CNS Editor | 29/06/2016

(CNS Foodie): Nestled in a quaint little spot behind the Copper Falls building, Casa 43 offers authentic Mexican cuisine with flares of the island intertwined. The concept is pretty simple: tiny restaurant with reasonably priced, locally sourced products and the freshest margarita you can find on Grand Cayman. Maybe it’s the lime zest that puts their ‘ritas over the top of other places, but whatever it is, it’s working and I suggest you try them.

The bar area is raised above the dining room, creating a separate entity, with a few high top tables, comfy bar stools with backs on them and they have roughly eight bar stools at the actual bar. The bartenders are super-attentive and friendly and their cocktail list is diverse, with margaritas ($9.95), Pisco Sour, Michelada ($6.95, basically a beer mixed in a spicy blend of seasoning in a tomato juice base).

Whether you come for happy hour and appetizers, lunch or dinner, you will find a wide variety of items to satisfy most palates and their kids menu is one of the best I’ve seen on island. Not only do they offer the “safe” chicken tenders and fries ($7.95) or the basic quesadilla ($6.95), they have more “mature” dishes for the little ones in your life, like the grilled mahi with veggies ($8.95), steak and fries ($10.95) or the Casa 43 fried shrimp and chips ($10.95). It’s no wonder the place was packed with families before we left!

We tried the Chicharon with Chips ($5.95), which was absolutely gigantic, and the guacamole trio ($13.95), which came with a generous portion of classic guacamole, roasted corn and cheese, as well as a jalapeno-infused guacamole, all delicious and too much for two people who wanted to try more on the menu. The locally caught tuna ceviche was delightful — light and tart with a mixture of lime and sesame oil. It seemed like a small portion but, chip after chip, it kept going and going and we were not disappointed ($12.50).

As we sat at the bar, a plate of sizzling fajitas crossed our path … smelling divine. How could we resist? We opted for the half chicken half beef, which is served with sautéed onions and peppers, spicy cheddar jack cheese, guacamole, sour cream, salsa and warm flour tortillas on the side. Although it was cooked perfectly and the flavors were balanced, there was a lot more veggies than protein.

We still had plenty to take home for a leftover meal, but we did notice they were a lot more generous with the onions and peppers. Nonetheless, a great deal for $19.99. The shrimp taco ($6.50) and portobello taco ($5.00) had great flavor and distribution. The only criticism would be their homemade corn tortillas were too spongy and fell apart easily. Usually, corn tortillas, if made properly, are dense but Casa 43’s version is a lot lighter and airy.

Casa 43 is an easy-going, fun place to get away from your every day BS. You will leave full, possibly tipsy, and still have money to burn the next day. The service was spot on and the vibe of everyone in the room seemed on the same plane — smiles all around.