My husband and I went to Distrito with two of our friends. I
originally planned on ordering a salad and maybe one tapas plate (or two), but
everyone else at the table wanted to try one of the Tasting Menus. We
were told that everyone at the table had to order the same Tasting Menu, so I
reluctantly agreed on the condition that they included some vegetarian options
for me. They more than came through on that promise!
We started with a pitcher of White Sangria (Chardonnay, Brandy,
Orange Liqueur, Apples, and Strawberries), some Spiced Nuts, an order of
Traditional Guacamole (with Cotija cheese) and an order of Salsa
Mexicana. The Sangria was OK, but I would definitely recommend the Red
Sangria (Burgundy, Brandy, Orange Liqueur, Apple, Strawberries, and Spices – we
had a pitcher of that as well and it was so good, the spices were a perfect mix
in the sangria). The nuts had a bit of a kick to them (they were peanuts
and cashews) and very tasty. The guacamole was homemade and was blended
well (no large hunks of avocado), the Cotija cheese on top gave it just a touch
of saltiness. The Salsa Mexicana was OK – it was the type of salsa with
chunks of tomatoes, onion, and cilantro. Not my type of salsa, but OK.
They served both of these with chips that were lightly salted.
The second part of the meal included a Angelica’s Fresa salad –
Strawberries, Spinach, Melon, Blue Cheese, Serrano-Balsamic Vinaigrette, and
Poppy Seeds. The vinaigrette and poppy seed dressing had a little kick to
it and paired well with the fruit and spinach – I steered clear of the blue
cheese that they added to the salad. They also brought out a little
samosa-like dish for me that included cheese and spinach – I don’t remember
what it was called and cannot find it on the menu. The dough was thick
(but not too thick) and the filling was delicious, not spicy at all. I
also received a Tostada with black beans, charred red onion, rajas smoked
tomato sofrito, and avocado which was good, but I was starting to get full, so
I don’t remember the taste all that well. An Enchilada de Verduras (which
had spinach inside and was coated with a smoked tomato salsa ranchera) was
delectable – the ranchera sauce was thick and makes my mouth water just
thinking about it. My main meal ended with a side of Arroz Con Frijoles Negros
(black beans and rice), although I don’t recommend it. This dish seemed
very bland as related to my other dishes.
The meal ended with two desserts: Churros (served with Spicy
Valrhona Chocolate Sauce and Coconut Crema) and Futas Con Crema (Coconut &
Lime Panna Cottas, Tropical Fruit, Wedding Cookies). I am surprised that
the second had coconut in it because I loved the top layer of this dessert (it
was the coconut layered on top of the lime) – it was very creamy and
rich. I did not like the lime portion and did not eat it. The
wedding cookies were crunchy with just a hint of cinnamon. I did not like
the churros – the texture was a little too crisp for me and there was a bit too
much cinnamon. The chocolate and coconut cream were good though.
When eating the chocolate with the churro, you cannot taste the spiciness;
however, when you taste it on its own, there is quite a kick. It’s the
same way with the cream – you cannot taste the coconut until you try it on its
own.
All in all, I definitely recommend Distrito for a vegetarian meal –
maybe skip the Tasting Menu, I’m not completely sure that I, as the only
vegetarian, got my money’s worth.
