The Pepto-pink walls may blind you a bit at first, but at Jose Garces' new Distrito that's the only Pepto you'll need. It's HUGE - 200+ seats, and a giant leap from tiny Tinto and Amada. There are visually stunning effects, such as the wall of Mexican wrestling masks, and of course the now-famous VW Bug booth in the front window.
But it's the food (and drinks!) where Garces makes his mark, totally differentiating himself from Steven Starr comparisons. The steak nachos are excellent - cheesy, spicy, but not overstated, and the homemade guac just sings. The only low-note were the tacos. Not bad, just not up to the rest of the menu. Crab and cactus huaraches were a welcome departure from usual Mexican standards of shrimp, steak and chicken. The ceviche list is long - try them all over time! And the carne asada with fried tomatillo is out of this world.
Also take some time to indulge in the margarita list - the Jefe is a great twist on the classic, whereas the Hemingway is a spicy (spicy!) reinterpretation that reminds one of a good bloody mary.
Go - go soon and go often. Oh, and go before the college kids come back. You can still get a table.
PS- Chef Garces was RIGHT behind us all through dinner, running the line. It's cool to see someone actually involved in the operations!
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