Behind the Counter: C CASA’s Cure for Hunger
“I was born hungry!” That’s the sentiment that C CASA owner and Napa local Catherine Bergen shared when we recently sat down to talk about the inspirations behind her popular restaurant.
A part of the Oxbow Public Market for the last 14 years, this innovative taqueria is the culmination of owner Catherine Bergen’s passion for artisan foods, combined with her love of Mexican cuisine. The C CASA menu starts with the very best ingredients: sustainably harvested seafood, free range poultry, pasture raised beef, non-gmo white corn, and fresh fruits and vegetables. And don’t miss the fresh-made margaritas (available in non-alcoholic versions) and deep collection of top tequilas behind the bar. C CASA’S kitchen is also naturally 100% gluten-free. Recently, C CASA was recognized by Napa Valley Register readers as the best place for vegetarian and vegan dishes in Napa Valley. They are also a recipient of a 2023 OpenTable Diner’s Choice Award.
“I love, love, love feeding people delicious and nutritious food,” added Catherine. Nothing gets me more excited than hearing, “That was so good.”
Self-taught, Catherine has been in the food business for most of her career. Opening the taqueria fourteen years ago, Catherine says she was looking to feed her friends with good, nutritious food she loved. Today, Catherine’s C CASA business is not only feeding friends, but also employing more than 50 people, many of whom have been working with Catherine since the restaurant’s beginnings.
C CASA is backed by a notable team in the kitchen led by Kitchen Managers, Karla Ramos and Claudia Flores, who like Catherine, are largely self-taught. Karla has worked alongside Catherine since the opening of C CASA for 14 years. Starting at the tortilla station, Karla is instrumental in creating the seasonal dishes with Catherine. Also celebrating a long tenure, Claudia has been crafting dishes for C CASA for more than a decade. Together with Karla, Claudia helps run the bustling kitchen team.
How would you describe C CASA? What sets C CASA apart?
Karla: The creativity of the dishes that are always fresh.
Catherine: The core of the restaurant is about the freshest ingredients, sustainable meats, and house-made white corn tortillas. We are inspired by the fresh flavors of Baja, regional Mexican dishes, and global and Napa Valley influences.
C CASA is a gluten-free kitchen. Is this a conscious decision?
Catherine: Our primary focus is on delivering delicious, but for those with gluten sensitivities, the restaurant is a real relief. They don’t have to think about it. Actually, 14 years ago it wasn’t a conscious decision, but we realized with a few tiny substitutions (like soy sauce to tamari) we could eliminate gluten entirely from the menu, so we did!
If someone wants to really understand C CASA, what menu items would you order for them?
Catherine: I would start the meal off sharing the Frito Mixto, a delicious mix of calamari, as well as shrimp, kale, avocados, jalapenos, and more. The dipping sauce is addictive!
Claudia: I’d order one our C-Style Tacos, which are my favorite plates to make.
Catherine: Our Chile Relleno stuffed with Wagyu Beef shows how the best ingredients can really make the difference.
Your CASArita is now famous. Can you share your secret?
Catherine: Our CASArita starts with the best: Herradura Silver and Licor De Naranja, an orange liqueur. We only use fresh squeezed lime juice. The only sweetener we use is a small bit of organic blue agave syrup. The lime zest salt rim brings everything together.
C CASA is open daily
- 11:30am – 8pm: Monday – Thursday
- 11am – 9pm: Friday
- 10am – 9pm: Saturday (Breakfast served 10am – 3pm)
- 10am – 8pm: Sunday (Breakfast served 10am – 3pm)
Happy Hour is Monday – Friday: 3pm – 6pm.