Sunday, January 10, 2010

secret places - #2

In my second secret places post, I am going to introduce you all to one of the best kept secrets in the greater Los Angeles area - the restaurant called Casablanca (Though I know I am 2/2, I promise not EVERY secret place will be a restaurant).




Hidden away off of a busy street in the Venice Beach region, Casablanca was first introduced to me by my-then girlfriend back in 2002. She had raved about it repeatedly, as her mother (an executive with Robinsons-May), had taken her throughout the fall. At first glance from the outside, there really isn't much to look at. A simple restaurant on the corner of a busy intersection, Casablanca could be the local mexican eatery in any suburb in America. However, once you step inside you can begin to see what makes it special: the food. From seafood to tacos and everything in between, Casablanca has the best of Spanish food coupled with a full bar to celebrate the good times.

My recommendation for lunch or dinner is simple: carne asada with beans and rice, along with as many fresh tortillas as you can eat. These tortillas are THE reason to go to Casablanca. Hand made right in the middle of the restaurant by a delightful older woman, they are hands down the most amazing tortillas in the world. No hyperbole here, they are just unreal. Couple them with the great food and perhaps a margarita or an ice cold Dos Equis for one of the best meals in Southern California.

From the nods to the movie that is it's namesake, to the plethora of seating, to the delicious (and moderately priced) food and friendly staff, Casablanca is just one great restaurant, and one more secret place for all. Enjoy it and let me know your thoughts in the comments below!


Casablanca Restaurant

220 Lincoln Blvd., Venice, CA 90291

Phone: (310) 392-5751 (Reservations accepted for groups of 5 or more)


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