Contemporary Mexican Cuisine

By Carol & Joe Davis
Dining Detectives

We realized that it was the celebration of Mexican Independence Bicentennial on September 16th and thought it would be appropriate to dine at a Mexican Restaurant! Recently, while we were at Blackhawk Plaza we noticed a new Mexican Restaurant COA and decided to try it. It was a warm evening and the atmosphere was quite festive in the dining room, bar area and on the patio. We were seated in the center of the main dining room with a view of the patio and water feature which runs through the plaza. The staff was very friendly and we started with signature Margaritas, as we perused the menu.

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We enjoyed the Casa Noble "Single Barrel" Martini made with COA's signature tequila, lime and agave, and the Cadillac Margarita made with corazon reposado tequila, lime, agave nectar and Grand Marnier as well as the Anejo Margarita made with pueblo viejo anejo tequila, fresh lime and agave nectar.

We enjoyed sampling the appetizers and our favorites were the Spicy Ahi Tostaditas made with fresh Ahi tuna, serrano, and chipotle peppers, avocado, and mango vinaigrette and the Carnitas Quesadilla made with smoked cheddar cheese, pickled onions, and avocado-tomatillo puree. The steaming Fajitas had tasty Tequila Marinated Mexican White Shrimp, New Mexico Chicken Breast, sautéed peppers, nopales, tomatoes, red onions, portabella mushrooms and was served with Mexican rice, frijoles charros, warm flour tortillas, salsa fresca and sour cream .Our entrees were equally tasty. The Pork Chili Verde was excellent and was made with very tender braised pork shoulder, salsa verde, nopales, poblanos and cilantro pesto rice. The delicious Rock Shrimp Chili Relleno is a large corn meal crusted fire roasted poblano chili with shrimp and Mexican cheeses. The Chili Relleno remained very fresh with the corm meal crust unlike the traditional style which can become too moist.

We loved our desserts. The Pastel de Tres Leches is yellow sponge cake layered with rum, tres leches, fresh strawberry mousse and lemon jelly. It was very light with amazing flavors...quite a treat! We also recommend the House Made Churros which are made to order and served warm with rum scented horchata and salted cajeta anglaise sauce. If you can't finish them you can always take some home for breakfast. They are also a must!

COA is a great choice for Mexican cuisine and they also have a full bar featuring a great selection of 100% Blue Agave Tequila including Blanco, Reposado, Anejo and Extra Anjo Tequilas. It's lovely in the evening at Blackhawk Plaza with the lake setting and the ducks. It's also a nice spot for lunch. Viva Mexico and Viva COA!

COA Restaurant
4040 Blackhawk Plaza Circle
Danville, CA. 94506
925-984-2363
www.Coarestaurant.com