Barteca, the restaurant group behind Barcelona Wine Bar and bartaco, set up shop in the Mosaic District late last month with the opening of their second Virginia bartaco location. Now fully operational, bartaco Mosaic is situated in the middle of the action, right across from Strawberry Park.
The concept focuses on tacos, but not exclusively in the style of authentic Mexican cooking. “We don’t necessarily pigeonhole ourselves into one specific cuisine,” says Jonathan Rohland, the culinary director for all 16 bartaco locations.
Tacos’ fillings can range from Japanese-inspired ancho-crusted tuna with slaw to the Middle Eastern- and North African-inspired lamb kofta with harissa currently on the secret menu. “I also like to take different cultures and blend them,” Rohland says. For example, the carnitas taco is a traditional Mexican pork preparation fused with Cuban mojo sauce.
This variety is reflected in the airy décor of the restaurant, which pulls from several coastal regions including New England, Latin America, South America, and Southern California. The beach culture is also depicted in lifestyle photos of water sports.
Beverages follow suit, with margaritas and other agave spirit cocktails made using fresh juices. There’s also a selection of tequila flights, beer, wine, and nonalcoholic drinks like aguas frescas.
The company is enthusiastic about their new home in Fairfax because of the demographic and culture of the neighborhood. “We try to find places that we fit in,” Rohland says. “The location kind of chose us.”
“Mosaic has got a pretty young and diverse clientele,” he adds. For the families with children that frequent the fountains across from the restaurant, bartaco also has a kids menu, which was developed by a panel of pint-sized diners. Options include a toned-down guacamole, rotisserie chicken tacos, quesadillas, and a shareable platter for a crowd.
With the farmers market right outside their door, Rohland says he can see the potential for partnership. “Maybe doing something featuring a taco on the market Sundays,” he says.
The outdoor patio will be in service whenever the weather permits it, and there are garage doors that open to bring in fresh air.
Rohland also says they plan to keep the kitchen open until 11 p.m. on weekdays and midnight on weekends to accommodate late-night diners.// bartaco: 2920 District Avenue, Fairfax
