Rosa Mexicano plans to open in the spring of 2022 at 51 Isham Road in Blue Back Square.

Brunch is popular at Rosa Mexicano, which will be opening in Blue Back Square in 2022. Courtesy of Rosa Mexicano

By Ronni Newton

Rosa Mexicano has chosen West Hartford’s Blue Back Square for the first foray of the brand into Connecticut, bringing their “iconic, upscale dining experience that honors Mexican heritage, culinary techniques, and global inspirations” to the prominent space at 51 Isham Road, across from the Cheesecake Factory.

Rosa Mexicano will be opening in 2022 at 51 Isham Road in West Hartford’s Blue Back Square. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

“We are so excited to become an integral part of West Hartford’s Blue Back Square,” Jim Dunn, Chief Executive Officer of Rosa Mexicano Restaurants, said in an announcement Monday. “Vibrant, sophisticated, and diverse, this community is a seamless match for the ‘elevated fiesta’ Rosa Mexicano has offered its guests since 1984. We look forward to warmly welcoming everyone who comes to see what our special brand of Mexican fine dining is all about.”

Rosa Mexicano first made its mark on the New York City dining scene on the Upper East Side. They currently have locations in New York’s Lincoln Center and Union Square area. The brand has since expanded with a location in New Jersey, Boston, and the National Harbor in Maryland.

Inspired by the visions of founder Josefina Howard, who first brought her unique version of fine dining Mexican to New York City in 1984, Rosa Mexicano features dishes from Mexico’s various regions, which combined with modern twists treat guest to a “fun an unique culinary journey.” Fresh guacamole prepared table side and an iconic house-made mole sauce that simmers for three days and includes 26 ingredients are signature offerings featured on a menu that incorporates classic dishes with more contemporary and adventurous tastes from throughout Mexico.

Tacos from Rosa Mexicano, which will be opening in Blue Back Square in 2022. Courtesy of Rosa Mexicano

Rosa Mexicano is also known for their wide array of tequila and mezcals, highlighted by a frozen pomegranate margarita that has developed a “best in class” reputation.

The interior of the new restaurant will be as vibrant as the food and drink. Rosa Mexicano is known for its “dramatic, stylish, and architecturally-driven interiors that are unequivocally festive and electric. Prominently displayed throughout their restaurants are the Otomi Gods, powerful symbols of fertility that the people of Puebla worshipped in order to coax a bountiful harvest.”

Frozen margarita from Rosa Mexicano, which will be opening in Blue Back Square in 2022. Courtesy of Rosa Mexicano

Paul Brandes, principal with Blue Back Square owner Charter Realty  & Development, said he is excited to welcome Rosa Mexicano to Connecticut. “Rosa Mexicano’s flair for serving up authentic Mexican cuisine within an upscale, stylish atmosphere has made it a longstanding staple of the New York City restaurant scene,” he said. “We couldn’t be more excited for Blue Back Square to be home to Rosa‘s first Connecticut location. We know the local community will love their contemporary interpretation of authentic Mexican cuisine.”

Rosa Mexicano, which will be opening in Blue Back Square in 2022, offers a wide array of tequila and mezcal beverages. Courtesy of Rosa Mexicano

The Blue Back Square space has been vacant since Bar Louie abruptly closed in January 2020 amid a Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing.

Charter Realty purchased the shopping center in partnership with Rialto Capital in May 2021.

“This is the first of several new additions we’re about to bring to Blue Back as we grow our lineup of unique dining, retail, and entertainment offerings,” Brandes added.

For more information on Rosa Mexicano, visit the restaurant online at RosaMexicano.com, or on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter.

For more information about Blue Back Square, visit www.bluebacksquare.com.

Lime Margarita. Courtesy of Rosa Mexicano

Rosa Mexicano will be opening in Blue Back Square in 2022. Courtesy of Rosa Mexicano

Like what you see here? Click here to subscribe to We-Ha’s newsletter so you’ll always be in the know about what’s happening in West Hartford! Click the blue button below to become a supporter of We-Ha.com and our efforts to continue producing quality journalism.