Tracy J's and Rosa Mexicana

Happy Hour and So-So Mexican

After work, staff in town for the Staff Advisory Committee (SAC) strolled down to Tracy J's on 19th St. between Park Ave. South and Irving St. to partake in some libations and conversation. The space was too crowded with tables to really mingle so groups of 2 to 4 people milled about. The space is rather long yet cavernous. It was like stepping back in time to beer drinking days in undergrad - long bar, beer signs and bar decor hanging over cheap lacquered wooded tables and uncomfortable metal chairs. I made a few social rounds over a nice draft pint before heading out with Lisa to Lincoln Center.

On a hot New York night, Mexican food sounded good. Given we were near Lincoln Center and there really is a lack of good eating establishments nearby, we opted to sit outside at Rosa Mexicana! Funny how New Yorkers like to sit outside even if it is sweltering and the tables are right next to traffic and scenic views of emergency vehicles and concrete canyons; and now I've become on of them. Guess I'm starting to like diesel soot sprinkled on my food. It was restaurant week so we opted for the tasting menu. We ordered guacamole but it never arrived. Lisa had salmon and I had shrimp and pork tacos. The corn tortillas were bad but I liked the flavors on the taco meat. My appetizer flautas were horridly dry and the flan was bland. Lisa thought the mole with her salmon was tasty. Wouldn't rush back especially given the high prices. I do like the interior decor. It has a simple, open air space, not too much stuff hanging on walls or such. And I love the water wall with little divers scaled over its surface - a perfect scuplture piece to given your walk up the stairs some fun.