MORE THAN MEETS THE EYE:
In the wake of so much that's new around Washington, it's easy for diners to overlook the tried and true -places like the 13-year-old Casa Blanca (1014 Vermont Ave. NW) whose signage has it selling "Spanish food" but whose menu embraces Mexican, Salvadoran and Peruvian dishes. The small storefront comes dressed with nothing but the basics: plain chairs, plain tables, and a counter in the rear for carryout. Do yourself a favor and stick around.
The rewards include a satisfying "papa rellena" mashed potato wrapped around core of beef, egg and olives, then fried and crisp morsels of pork partnered with yuca and sprightly salad. Spinach empanadas taste a little bland, but ceviche proves plenty tangy with lime. Meanwhile, arroz con pollo- roast chicken with rice- is best for its fluffy yellow grains, veined with peas and pimento, the rice good enough to star on its own. Owner Cesar Guzman is Peruvian, which explains some of Casa Blanca's flavors; his cooks come from Mexico and El Salvador, which explains the rest of the menu. Entrees $5.75-$11.95.
Washington Post article, 2004 By Cathy Kapulka
Services/Products
Peruvian, Mexican, Salvadorian Cuisine And Catering For All Occasions
Appetizers
Peruvian Ceviche Atlantic cool fish delicately marinated in fresh lime juice with onions
Empanadas Beef, chicken, or spinach
Papa a la Huancaina Special Cheese sauce served over potatoes with an olive and half broiled egg
Papa Rellena Stuffed potato
Tamales pork or chicken served with salad
Soups
Chicken and Vegetable soup
Beef and vegetable soup with yuca
Chupe de Camarones Fresh Shrimp
Enchiladas
Chicken, Cheese, Beef
Chiles Rellenos
fresh poblano green peppers filled with your choice of beef, chicken, or mozzarella cheese
Burritos, Fajitas both Chicken and Beef
Peruvian Specials
Lomo Saltado Sliced steak, green pepper, onions, tomatoes, fried potatoes, and white rice
Bistec Encebollado Steak with sautéed onions, and tomatoes
Carne Asada Grilled Beef served with rice and chimol salad
Cau Cau Tripe Stew
Arroz con Pollo Type of rice with chicken
Aji de Gallina chicken served with white rice and potatoes, topped with a sliced egg and olive.
Sea Food
Picante de Camarones Breaded fish
Salmon, Red Snapper or Shrimp a la Mexicana fish or shrimp with onions, tomatoes, and green peppers,