Casa Borrega, the former Mexican restaurant on Oretha Castle Haley Boulevard, will reopen for a Friday night Latin music series, says owner Hugo Montero.
The series kicks off Friday, Oct. 14, with the Latin jazz group Trio Colombia. The band will be set up in Borrega's large back patio or inside depending on the weather. There is a full bar and Latin tapas. Admission is free for the first two events. On Oct. 21, Rivotrio will play Brazilian music.
Montero is hosting a Day of the Dead party on Oct. 28. It will feature the psychedelic cumbia-based band Tremolo Kings, and the Afro-Cuban jazz group OTRA. Admission is $20, or $10 with costume. (Montero usually builds a Day of the Dead altar in the New Orleans Botanical Gardens. This year, he'll create one there and another at the New Orleans Jazz Museum.)
Casa Borrega is not reopening as a full restaurant, and there won't be table service. Patrons can order from a limited menu of Latin small plates at the kitchen.
Casa Borrega originally opened in 2013. Montero renovated the 1891 Greek revival home at 1719 Oretha Castle Haley Blvd., and filled it with folk art, and there are murals on the side of the building. He closed the restaurant in May.
The space also is available for private events, Montero says.
The cafe serves a scratch menu of breads, granola bowls, breakfast items, pressed sandwiches and salads.