Kasalta's

upscale deli with outrageous prices

Food

Service

Atmosphere

Kasalta has morphed into a very unpleasant culinary experience over the short span of a few years. It's fine to get an overpriced coffee and pastry and while away the hours rubbing elbows with coastal San Juan's self-anointed aristocracy, but anything more substantial purchased here will really nail your pocketbook. Despite rough economic times, the management has taken a reverse approach that attempts to cash in on local snob appeal. A quick glance at the deli counter is revealing enough. The world's most expensive potato salad clocks in at  an alarming $15 a lb (elbow macaroni salad and health slaw are also $15 a lb). The cheese counter offers imports at $20 to $40 a lb. Sandwich prices have doubled in the space of one year. High-end meals inflected with the owners' Galician influences will run you about $50 per person. Service is generally surly unless you are an attractive female, a well-heeled regular or sport a Lacoste shirt with erect collar, in which case you will be greeted as "socio" (partner). For a more authentic meal try Café Aniska two blocks away on Calle Los Baños, or the Venezuelan Kasabe Café four blocks away on Calle Loíza