Local food fans are undoubtedly familiar with the work of the large, extended Ibarra family. They opened their first El Cerro Grande restaurant in 1991. Since then, they’ve brought other Mexican concepts, including El Arriero Taqueria and Amanacer Cocina and Cafe, to Wilmington diners.
Lately, they’ve been experimenting with fresh, new takes on the familiar favorites. The newest of them, Casa Encanto, opened in April at 5120 New Centre Drive in the former Applebee’s restaurant space in Wilmington. Here’s a look at what to expect.
A little ‘Madalena’
The renovation has made the 5,500-square-foot space almost unrecognizable. A fresh white-and-black exterior greets guests and provides a blank slate for the lush, faux rainforest within.
General manager Andres Hernandez said the inspiration for the look is La Madalena Guadalajara restaurant in Mexico…