La Casa

-Shadyside

I don’t know why it’s taken me so long to discover La Casa, but I did last night with some great ladies, and I love everything about it.

This tapas and wine bar has everything going for it- great food with large-ish portions, strong and flavorful drinks, and an amazing staff- AMAZING. We had the best waiter ever- Jamar. (I think we figured out our bill wrong, and stiffed him the tip he deserves. So I PROMISE next time I’m back, which will be sooner than later because there is much food I still need to try, I will leave him the proper tip he deserves.)

Before I get to the food, I want to make one comment. The menu on La Casa’s website is NOTHING compared to how extensive and succulent it is in person. I recommend just going there and trying some of this and some of that. Scrap studying the menu before going.

Now, the food:

Ensalada with oranges, apples, Manchego Cheese

Complimentary bread basket with oil/balsamic vinegar dipping sauce. AMAZING! You know I judge a good restaurant by its bread basket and this one definitely did not disappoint.

Spicy Jumbo Shrimp in a chili butter sauce. These were tasty, but I’m not a fan of peeling my own shrimp. It actually really creeps me out. I man-ed up and did it and it was worth it. I also had the shrimp in white wine sauce, which had a great flavor and sauce you can slop up with the bread from the bread basket.

Scallop and Shrimp fondue with pita bread. Fishy taste, but good. I’m not sure if I would get it again as I’m not a huge scallop person.

Filet tips with a blue cheese sauce. Absolutely mindblowing.

La Casa is a great date place and also a great place to eat, drink and laugh with friends. This quaint eatery on Ellsworth is full of vibrant waiters and bartenders, succulent food, and cozy atmosphere. I highly recommend visiting sometime soon. Enjoy!

PS: photos taken with iPhone. Sorry. We all forgot our cameras.