remember when i mentioned we found the best little mexican restaurant the other weekend in berkley? well i can’t help but share with you this gem because i wish i could eat there everyday. it was that good and affordable!
casa latina is a healthy (relatively) latin american cafe located on a busy street in downtown berkley (less than 15 min drive from the horse races). i knew upon arrival that this place would be a tasty and authentic lunch. i think i have a sixth sense when it comes to these things;)
from their baked goods to their home brewed coffee (i am not a coffee drinker myself but everyone in front of us was ordering the horchata latte and could not stop raving about it) to their scrumptious tamales and everything in between. this place has it all. not to mention their urban chic decor, friendly staff and on point pricing. casa latina alone made me rethink the east bay. we have only been up to the east bay a handful of times and tend to favor traveling to san francisco because everyone always told us east bay was a little more run down. granted there are some shady areas of oakland but, there are some amazing not to be missed gems as well.
b and i decided to try a carne asada taco, chicken taco, chicken tamale and rice pudding. every item was incredibly flavorful and filling. i had not had a tamale in years but knew i had to try it again and was so glad i did! both the chicken and steak were lean just the way i like it. every bite was better than the last. do note, the hot sauce is pretty darn hot!
i used to make rice pudding all the time a couple years ago because i loved it so. i have burnt a couple pots making it so was forced to save my pans and put an end to my rice pudding days. when i saw this large cup of rice pudding in the window, i knew i had to have it. no matter how full i was. it was delicious and the perfect ratio of milk to rice. i also loved the added cinnamon on top. makes me want to bring this sweet treat back to my kitchen (don’t know if my love handles can afford it too often though ha).
can’t wait to head back to casa latina during fall to indulge in their mexican hot chocolate along with more of the bakery goodies. i also hear their nachos are mind blowing. until next time, casa latina!
linked to: treat yo’ self