Rosa Mexicano opens at National Harbor

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When asked to describe the overall concept of the Rosa Mexicano menu, restaurant partner Howard Greenstone dubbed it "progressive" and even a little "gentrified."

But Greenstone says the food comes from truly authentic Mexican roots. All of Rosa's chefs are trained in Oaxaca and the recipes come from both there and Veracruz. "This is not a place that serves you nachos or chimichangas," he said.

Rosa Mexicano recently unveiled its newest location at National Harbor, the sprawling 300-acre waterfront development in Oxon Hill, Maryland. Located right off the marina, Rosa Mexicano offers views of the Potomac River and access to nearby hotel and retail attractions.

Décor: Boldly decorated in warm reds, deep oranges and striped carpeting, the restaurant's interior reflects its menu – modern traditional with a faint corporate undertone.

Food: Rosa Mexicano offers a contemporary taste of Mexico City. The guacamole serving is enough for two and prepared tableside in a lava rock mortar – this is one of the restaurant's featured items. Some of the menu's more intriguing dishes include empanadas filled with jumbo lump crab meat, roasted butterflied red snapper, crispy pork shank, sweet pumpkin tamales and a layered duck tortilla pie.

Drinks: Sample some of the best new and aged tequilas from Rosa's extensive assemblage of drinks. With more than 60 tequila options to sip on (prices range from $9 to $55), it could be a long night. If you aren't down with the Herradura, there's also $6 bottle beers, wine from $7.50 to $10, frozen pomegranate margaritas, mezcals and sangria.

Crowd: Young professionals, condo dwellers and conference attendees trickling in from the Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center up the street.

Insider tips: If you can, save room for dessert. Tres leches is Rosa's house specialty: a meringue-covered three milk cake with lime natilla and mango salsa. If you scream for the creamy goodness of Mexican helado, choose from tempting flavors like the vanilla-tinged mole swirl, raspberry-rose, and the hugely popular cinnamon-spiced Mexican chocolate.

Service: Servers are attentive, informative and upbeat.

Sounds: Think fiesta.

The damage: If you're used to paying next to nothing for good Mexican food, then beware of this place. Lunch entrees range from $10 to $24.50; dinner entrees are $15.50 to $26.50. As for drinks, if you want something a little fancier than beer and wine, expect to pay more than $12 for it. All desserts are $7.50.

Dress code: None, but Rosa's super stylish interior seems to be a tacit request for business casual.

Bottom line: This high-end, urban contemporary take on time-honored Mexican fare is only for the truly adventurous and those willing to foot the bill for it. The food comes from authentic influences but is a step above what you'll find at most traditional Mexican restaurants.

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