It’s a sad day for any local fish and chip fans, but the brand new Rosita’s Restaurant & Carry Out that filled Arthur Treacher’s shoes is likely to appeal to residents on a whole new level. The made-from-scratch Latin American food draws influence from several countries and is easily one of the tastiest places along the Route One Corridor. From start to finish, the entire meal was an enjoyable treat and just one visit was enough to ensure I'll be a repeat customer. 

The moment you walk in you’re greeted by a chorus of "hola's" from the entire staff, and your dining in or carrying out preference is determined. The restaurant is filled with simple, but comfortable tables and chairs, and there is room for quite a few patrons. With seating in front of the large windows, it’s easy to enjoy a tasty meal and keep a casual eye on the happenings outside. Though empty upon arrival, the place filled up quickly for a Monday night.

Within moments of being seated and ordering, both a sweet pineapple drink called Pina ($1.99), and a complementary order of Yuca Fries was delivered to the table. The fries are very similar to potatoes, but the root plant they come from is a little more fibrous. They were hot and the perfect combination of crispy and soft, severed with a spicy salsa on the side. The Pina drink was sweet without being overpowering and was surprisingly refreshing.

After just five minutes the rest of the food hit the table, and it was feast time. The Plantains with Cream ($3) were gooey and piping hot, and dipping them in the fresh cream enhanced their flavored ten fold. The Cheese & Pork Pupusas ($1.50) were crispy and savory, without tasting over fried, and the sweet tomato dipping sauce was the perfect accompaniment.

The Steak with Grilled Shrimp ($11.99) was the highlight of the meal, hands down. The steak was perfectly pink and melted in your mouth while the shrimp were gently seasoned to perfection. The corn and carrot studded rice was flavorful and fluffy, and even though it was late at night, the side salad was fresh and crisp. The only disappointing part of the meal were the thick tortilla’s served with the steak that were a little raw for my taste.

Rosita’s is the perfect local spot for breakfast lunch and dinner, and with prices ranging from $1.50 to $11.99, there is sure to be a meal that suits everyone. Though primarily serving Latin American dishes, several sandwiches and burgers are also available for around $5.99. To order take out, call them at 703-660-6202.