La Casa de Isaac, Highland Park

###Five Things to Know About La Casa de Isaac The bright colors, traditional art, and zesty aromas inside La Casa might make it appear similar to any other Mexican eatery, but that would be an illusion. At their restaurants, brothers Isaac and Moishe Nava do create homestyle Mexican cuisine with authentic recipes, but they toss in a few notable exceptions. Read on to discover why La Casa de Isaac is so unique: * **You won’t find carnitas burritos or shrimp fajitas on the menu.** The Nava family is Jewish, and maintains an entirely kosher kitchen. While there’s no pork or shellfish here, more unusual recipes, such as the lox-and-cream-cheese-filled King David’s quesadilla, more than make up for it. * **Cultures collide most notably at breakfast.** The larger First Street location also serves breakfast and lunch. Diners can go for Mexican flavors, as in the huevos rancheros and the chilaquiles aztecas, or Jewish heartiness in the form of challah french toast and fruit blintzes. But perhaps a blend of both is best: the migas subs fried matzo for the dish’s traditional tortilla strips. * **The restaurant’s most popular dish came from the Navas’ mother.** She visited from the brothers’ hometown of Huitzuco, Mexico, within the first few months of the restaurant’s opening to lend her culinary expertise in the kitchen. Mama’s Favorite Enchiladas were one result of that trip, and though Florencia has since passed on, it continues to be the most requested dish. * **You can have a meal, and then pick up some groceries.** In addition to their second Highland Park location, the brothers have also opened a deli and produce market nearby. The market’s close relationship with the restaurants proves to be a benefit, as supplying the restaurants results in a high turnover of fruits and vegetables, and therefore fresher produce. * **There are no Friday night reservations.** True to their Jewish faith, the family closes the restaurants at 3 p.m. on Fridays and doesn’t open again until after sundown on Saturdays to observe the Sabbath.