Although I can’t say I was happy when Big Dip Drive-In closed

(I have many fond childhood memories of my dad treating my siblings and me to lunch on the patio), the replacement of La Rosa Blanca satisfies my need for another go-to spot for one of my favorite cuisines.

My husband and I recently ventured to the restaurant, nestled in by the residential area off Natoma Street. The ample patio, which is about half the eatery’s seating space, is festively adorned with the familiar Corona string flag banner and neon Modelo sign in the window, while the cozy interior is equally vibrant with its brightly painted multicolored walls.

We settled into a booth (it was just a tad too chilly outside to fully appreciate the patio) with their complimentary chips and chunky, garlicky salsa. I was surprised to see molletes on the menu, an appetizer I’d never heard of, so we swiftly ordered some. The satisfying starchy offering consisted of two soft and chewy baked Mexican rolls topped with refried beans, sprinkled with cheese and adorned with a curly strip of sour cream right down the middle.

Molletes

Photo by Dante Fontana, © Style Media Group

My husband opted for the tacos de cochinita pibil (slow-roasted pork), which were pleasantly generous on the cochinita. No veggie filler to save money here, and the tender meat arrived doubled up in corn tortillas with a side of mixed cilantro, radish, jalapeño and onion for toppings.

When dining at a Mexican restaurant for the first time, I almost always try the mole. Their version—the enmoladas, which topped succulent chicken enchiladas—was surprisingly sweet on the first bite with a pleasant moderate heat that kicked in afterward, balancing out the rich chocolate in perfect harmony.

While they do offer churros, which are a classic, we opted for the lesser-known buñuelos, a flour tortilla fried crispy, topped with honey and ice cream, then dusted in a sweet topping of cinnamon and sugar. The dessert is definitely worth a try; in fact, that can be said of the entire dining experience.

While you may still be lamenting the loss of the Big Dip, don’t let it spoil your appetite for some comforting favorites from our South-of-the-border friends.

La Rosa Blanca, 402 Natoma Street, Folsom, 916-673-9085, larosablancarestaurant.com.

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