My wife and I were at a meeting at the new National Harbor development, just south and east of the Woodrow WIlson Bridge near DC on March 14, 2009. We had heard and read fairly strong reviews of this restaurant—-great views of DC, Mt Vernon, environs (it sits on the Potomac River), water taxi service, easy access from I-95, and, mainly, outstanding food and wonderful service.

Frankly, some reviews were a bit harsh on the service, especially the early reviews (it’s been open just over a year), and the prices. By the time we had a chance to try it, however:

- the service was outstanding—-attentive but certainly not intrusive, quick (from nowhere, a team of 4-5 would quietly clear and set up a just-vacated table…yes, quietly!)

- food was superb, from all regions of Mexico. We’ve been to Mexico dozens of times, and eaten at corner stands, taco stands, sit-down “cabritto” (roast goat) parlors, and high-end hotel and inn restaurants. The food quality and choices at Rosa Mexicano are at what you find at Mexico City’s world-class inns, such as the San Angel. Wonderful portions. Details below—-

- prices, yes, on the high side, but not as bad as some in DC’s Georgetown or Oldtown Alexandria spots.

- cons, there were a few, the worst being that it was a chilly, unusually foggy evening, taking the edge off of the potentially long vantage points (Wash Monument, etc.). Reservations were a necessity, even on a non-holiday, poor-weather Saturday night (we had called in the morning, asking for seating at 6:30, they were not able to get us in until 8 pm—-and the table was ready right on time).

We got out around 10:15, and across the street was a late-night art gallery, with live dj, small beer and appetizer bar, and maybe 25 people mingling, many styles of dress and hair. It extended the other-worldly evening by an hour, well into our usual bed-time.