By: Gina Lanaux

After having lunch at Catrinas de Rosy in Silverhill, I had to do some serious googling. It is an authentic Mexican restaurant, and the menu had items I needed to familiarize myself with. So I started with the place’s name. Catrinas are clay skeletons, also known as Day of the Dead figures and Rosy is Rosy Gallardo, who opened the first taqueria in Baldwin County in 2020. She has three locations now, Mobile, Daphne, and Silverhill.

As you travel East from Fairhope, or West from Robertsdale on Highway 104, the landmark to find Las Catrinas is a local bar called Alley Cat Alley. The eatery is in a small blue building next door. When we arrived on a Sunday, the 8 tables were full of patrons, and several others were getting to-go orders.  

The menu is posted on a board and orders are taken at the counter window.  The first item under “Especiales' ' was Famous Rosys Kesabirria (Quesabirria) so I decided to try it, not knowing what it was.  According to Wikipedia, Birria is a meat stew or soup made from goat, beef, lamb, mutton, or chicken. The meat is marinated in an adobo made of vinegar, dried chiles, garlic, herbs, and spices before being cooked in a broth. 

Kesabirria at Rosy's is slow-cooked beef covered in melty cheese and wrapped in a warm homemade tortilla that is seared flat-top style. Rich signature consomme comes on the side and is used as a dipping sauce. I also ordered re-fried beans and they were creamy and topped with cheese. It was a great choice, flavorful, not too spicy, and satisfying.

Martin, my husband, went a more traditional route and had a seasoned beef quesadilla with rice and beans on the side. He enjoyed his and even finished my leftover consomme. A well-dressed young couple recommended the puffy tacos and said “poofy” telling me that is how it is pronounced. I will try them next time.  

I tried not to stare at all the other dishes customers were eating, but couldn't help myself because they looked so delectable. I heard a man order Barria Raman as take-out so I quickly googled it and it sounded fabulous, too.  Everything is made to order and prices are very reasonable. Many of the customers were Spanish-speaking, lending another element of authenticity.

Having a craving for genuine Mexican food, Las Catrinas de Rosy is the place to go. Find it at 14835 Highway 104 in Silverhill, Alabama.