Casa Teresa — Review by Eater
Washington, United States — Spanish
Chef José Andrés visits Casa Teresa, a Spanish restaurant in Washington D.C., where head chef Rubén, a dear friend who trained at El Bulli, prepares an exceptional lunch featuring oysters, pan con tomate, jamón, grilled sea bass, and Basque cheesecake. The meal showcases authentic Spanish cuisine with simple yet expertly executed dishes that deeply impressed Andrés, who praises the quality and care of every item served.
What was great: Oysters with ajo blanco, pan con tomate with anchovies from Cantabria, croquetas made from chef's mother's recipe, jamón iberico, grilled striped sea bass from Canarias, and Basque cheesecake
What could improve: Nothing mentioned
The Dishes
The lunch at Casa Teresa began with oysters prepared with ajo blanco, a refreshing and unexpected combination that immediately impressed. Following this was pan con tomate escalivada, prepared the traditional Spanish way with ripe tomatoes, toasted bread used as a grater, olive oil, and salt, accompanied by anchovies from Cantabria. The croquetas, made from the chef's mother's recipe, arrived next, prompting Andrés to express disbelief that the restaurant charges for them given their exceptional quality. Jamón iberico was served, described as so good that Andrés could not let his guest leave without experiencing it. The star of the meal was the grilled striped sea bass, sourced from the Canary Islands, prepared with the simplicity and skill that Andrés emphasizes as the hallmark of Spanish grilling. The meal concluded with a Basque cheesecake and Rioja wine, with Andrés noting his preference for the fish over even the excellent dessert.
The Experience
The restaurant is situated in the heart of Washington D.C. and operates as a warm, welcoming space where Chef Rubén personally oversees the kitchen. Andrés describes Rubén as not just an excellent chef but a dear friend and person he loves and admires deeply. The two have a long history, having both worked at El Bulli under Ferran Adrià years ago before Rubén left to open Casa Teresa. The service and atmosphere reflect genuine care and hospitality, with the chef actively involved in the dining experience.
Value and Pricing
While specific prices are not mentioned in detail, Andrés humorously notes regarding the croquetas that he cannot believe they charge for them, suggesting exceptional value for the quality provided. The overall experience appears to be premium Spanish fine dining, though presented with a focus on quality over ostentation.
Notable Moments
Nobody grills fish like we do in Spain.
This fish is astonishing. Cannot be more simpler, but nobody grills fish like we do in the Spain.
I cannot believe we're charging for those because... we should give them for free because our moms will make these out of the leftovers.
The Verdict
Casa Teresa represents authentic Spanish cuisine executed at the highest level, where simplicity meets technical perfection. The restaurant is ideal for those seeking genuine Spanish flavors prepared by a chef who understands the deep traditions of Spanish cooking. For anyone visiting Washington D.C., Casa Teresa deserves a place on their dining itinerary, particularly for those who appreciate the philosophy that the best food often comes from the most straightforward ingredients prepared with love and skill.