Mi Casita Opens in St. Albans

An authentic Mexican restaurant opened last month just south of the border. The Canadian border, that is. Mi Casita [1] is the brainchild of Frank Inzunza, an Arizona native of Spanish and Mexican descent, who was recently maitre d’ at the North Hero House [2]. Along with his wife, Adriana, and his in-laws, Dave and Moira LeDuc, Inzunza is introducing his cuisine to St. Albans in the spot recently vacated by Blue Acorn — and folks are eating it up.

According to Inzunza, he’s been serving an average of 75 people a night, about a quarter of whom are eschewing tacos, burritos and enchiladas in favor of his most authentic house specialties.

Those dishes include pollo mole, barbacoa (braised, spiced beef) and birria, a spicy pork stew rarely seen on menus in New England. Inzunza is particularly keen on his pollo mazatlán, roasted chicken served with potatoes, zucchini and corn, and excitedly talks up the chile-barbecue glazed pork ribs. “Guests will definitely find it hard to put down,” he says of the half or full racks.

Food isn’t the only reason to try Mi Casita. Exotic margaritas are a specialty, with flavors including mango, papaya and guava. “It will be the best Mexican restaurant in New England,” Inzunza boasts. “I’m confident of that.”

In related news, El Gato Cantina [3], Burlington’s much-awaited Mexican spot, opened last week on lower Church Street. The menu is a mix of traditional dishes, such as tacos and tamales, and specialties such as barbacoa, pozole and a spiced, grilled corn called elotes callejeros.