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Business & Tech

Restaurant Review: Rosalita's Brings Tex-Mex to Malvern

Rosalita's Fresh Mexican serves tacos, chimichangas and chili in a casual setting in the Lincoln Court Shopping Center.

Although hidden from traffic in a back corner of the Lincoln Court Shopping Center, Rosalita’s is no wallflower. We were struck by the sign in front with a woman in a sombrero smiling over her bared shoulder and the classic rock music playing inside and outside at rather high volume. We decided that the proof was in the pudding—or flan—and went inside to check out the food.

A board above the front counter where we placed our order served as the menu. We chose to create our own items by selecting "Comidas" of burritos, tacos or quesadillas, adding different “Proteinas” including Grilled Veggies, and adding one of six salsas. "Platos Especiales" like Chimichangas ($8.95), Burritos ($8.95), Black Bean Tacos ($7.95) and Arroz con Pollo ($9.95) were served with sides of black beans and rice or Mexican salad.

We placed our order and asked for a bottle of water from the refrigerated unit rather than fountain soda. We received a number in a card holder to take with us. Metal utensils wrapped in decent white paper napkins stacked in a container by the register suggested to us that we take them with us to a table. We realized that we still needed wine glasses and inquired at the counter. The friendly server quickly brought two glasses—margarita glasses are also available—to our table.

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The dining area is done in a modern warehouse look rather than the usual Mexican or Southwestern motif. Pale yellow walls with earthy brown or maroon accents and tables with padded chairs created a casual but upscale feel. Small lamps were suspended from the ceiling over some tables. One family chose to enjoy one of the last warm days at one of the black metal tables outside.

We had a short wait for our food. Our server brought our items to the table and asked if we needed a second spoon to share the chili.

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We started with a plate of Tacos ($6.95)—when ordering we were allowed to mix hard and soft shells and fillings. A Veggie soft taco had still firm sautéed squash, zucchini, asparagus and red onion with shredded lettuce, chopped tomato and fresh cilantro in a tender tortilla that was complimented by our choice of fresh Tomatillo Salsa. The Carne Asada (Grilled Steak) hard taco was equally good. Medium rare, thinly sliced meat with lettuce, tomato and ciliantro in a crispy shell was assembled in perfect proportions. The Picadillo Beef hard taco brought a flavorful, almost pickled, ground beef filling.

A Quesadilla with Achiote Pollo (Marinated Grilled Chicken, $6.25) was beautifully served on a white acrylic platter with tortilla chips, guacamole, Pico de Gallo Salsa and sour cream. Grill marks were evident on the crispy flour tortilla filled with tender chicken breast meat and a bit too much melted cheese. Other flavors of tortilla including whole wheat, spinach or tomato and basil were also available.

The Beef and Bean Chili ($5.95) served in a small crock was described as having a hint of authentic Mexican chocolate, which we expected to taste like a rich mole sauce. While the black beans, small chunks of green peppers, tomatoes and finely ground beef were good, we found the tomato base to be very sweet. A generous portion of colorful tortilla chips and plastic containers of shredded cheese and sour cream could make this dish a small meal.

A server stopped by to clear our table and offered to package our barely eaten chili for us to take home.

No desserts were available, so we did not get the chance to try their flan. We were quite happy to have ventured into Rosalita's Fresh Mexican despite our initial hesitation. Turns out the proof was in the tacos.

Lincoln Court Shopping Center, 215 Lancaster Avenue, Malvern

Telephone: 610-647-9100

Website: rosalitasfreshmexican.com

Hours: 11:30 a.m. – 8 p.m. everyday

Cost: soups, salads, $4 to $8; entrees, $6 – $10

Credit cards: VISA, MasterCard

Special Features: Vegetarian options, free WiFi, free delivery, outdoor seating

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