Guy H.
Yelp
Heading across DFW to catch a concert and wanted to try a new restaurant. I picked an area 1/2 way to my destination and settled on a restaurant that I've had bookmarked for a year or so. I made a reservation, although early at 5:30, I wanted to make sure I didn't have to wait so as not to throw my evening's timing off.
Arriving at the multi-use area of offices, hotels, and restaurants, I quickly found free convenient parking. A short stroll and I was at the hostess stand. Now, it had just come a big summer thunderstorm and the sun was back out. So, Humidity was outta sight and steamy. After telling the Hostess(plural) I had a reservation. They looked at the seating chart, whispered a little, looked, pointed then ask me, Do you want to sit outside? I had already determined that was not an option. Hot Sauna, Not! No one else was out there. It was then I looked around and realized the place was packed.
Finally, they led me to a less than desirable seat but, I was inside and ready to eat.
The place is really lovely. Well designed and interesting. Although, it is loud so, if you want to converse, maybe another place. I am never in a hurry when dining out. So, the speed with which a waitress/waiter shows up is inconsequential to me. Actually, I prefer a delay. A runner delivered some unique in-house made chips and salsas to our table as we perused the drink options. They have an emphasis on Tequila as evidenced by the extensive list of available shots and mixed choices. Occasionally im seduced by this but usually opt for the traditional margarita. One of my yardsticks for a restaurant is their basic drink. It should be stout, flavorful, and well prepared.
In the case of the house margarita, I ordered tonight it was none of those. On the weak side, not enough ice, and a little watery tasting. Strike one. In addition, I ask for no salt and was served with salt. This was a waitress issure which she didn't spot.
The waitress also did not bring my salad out with my entree, until I asked 1/2 way thru my meal. Strike two for service{or lack there of. Finally, the espresso ordered with dessert was fantastic but, there was no offer of sugar, etc with it. In addition, it was brought out way before the chocolate cake making it strike three for the server. She really isn't qualified to provide service at this level restaurant.
The food
Octopus a la Parrilla-Ancho marinated and wood-grilled Octopus. Roasted Pablano Mash, Grilled Red Onion Shells with Milpa Tomatillo Sauce.
Exceptional. Perfectly cooked and stunningly presented. A solid 4 stars from the appetizer menu.
Red Snapper- Skin on Pan Seared with Lump Crab Meat, Squash Blossoms, Chayote, Mango, and Fingerling Potatoes in a white wine Chilpachole sauce. Seductive. Perfectly prepared fish and understated but deliciously nuanced sauce.
Side Salad-They raised the bar on the side salad here. Tiny cubes of apple and cucumber made all the difference.
Desert-perfectly pulled espresso and cut above Quina Chocolate Cake heavy on the heavenly Ganache!
Over all I would say if you are in the area...Go.
Otherwise there are better options.