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Disclaimer: I was provided a complimentary experience at Cubiertos for purposes of this review. However, the comments and critiques are all mine.
I’m picky when it comes to Mexican food.
I mean real Mexican food, not the difference between Taco Cabana and Rosa’s Cafe (although I have been known to frequent either, especially on Taco Tuesday.)
But after spending much time in different regions of Mexico, I’ve learned, just like Texas, there are different flavors, different cooking methods, and totally different ideas of what is Mexican food. Thankfully here in Texas, you can experience the flavors of Mexico – beyond the world of chips and salsa – without any traveling at all.
This week my “travel” took me to Cubiertos Mexican Kitchen and Margarita Bar in North Dallas. Found in a location that has seen other restaurants go down in flames, after my experience, I can only hope that Cubiertos can find a home here, despite the poor entrance issues made by poor road planning well before them. However, once you find your way inside the almost 8,000 square feet of Mexican opulence and four-star customer service, you’ll forget about everything its doors and be transported to a little bit of Mexico, right here. The interiors were beautiful with a large dining room centered by a stunning chandelier with another area for live music and an attached patio area. The place was quiet for the lunch period, but I can’t decide if the design seems to repel quick lunch goers who are looking for something more in and out or if the upscale crowd doesn’t think such a nice establishment can be found in this odd neighborhood between the Addison-Carrollton-Plano corridor.
Either ways, the comfy booth became my home as my dining partner dove into a lovely appetizer plate as we sipped some delicious cocktails including the house sangria and the blackberry mojito. At this point we could have thrown the towel in and been happy and full as can be, we came on a mission of tasting a little D.F.
While many dishes caught our eye, like Tacos de Camarones with sautéed shrimp, onions, peppers, avocado and Oaxaca cheese and the Seared Blackened Ahi Tuna Steak, it was fitting we try something more to the region and a little harder to find like the Cochinita Pibil. The traditionally prepared slow roasted pork marinated in Mayan spices was flavorful and rich, although a little more heat could have provided another layer than a “hot-head” like us would enjoy. Our other dish, the Camarones al Tequila, didn’t disappoint. While we weren’t going to get drunk off the dish, I did feel a little warm as I continued to slurp down the creamy, cheesy concoction coupled with white rice and perfectly cooked shrimp. Too full to enjoy dessert at this point, we ordered coffee as we continued to tug on our pants to hopeless find release in how full we were now.
While there are several things to order that are healthy and light on the waistline, it’s difficult not to want to dive into the many enchiladas dishes, especially their signature Crab Enchiladas al Jerez with Jumbo lump crab meat sautéed in shallot butter rolled in a corn tortilla topped with dry cranberries and sherry reduction sauce. That dish alone is another reason to come back. And possibly to sip down that blackberry mojito. And Mexican brunch, you can always count me in for too.
There’s lots of things to enjoy at Cubiertos in addition to its menu. Just check out a few highlights for June:
Father’s Day (June 15):
Cubiertos is hosting a Father’s Day celebration with two live music acts, their regular and special brunch menu and a complimentary ‘Cubiertos gold margarita’ for all dads who join them on Father’s Day. Cubiertos ‘Gold Margarita’ is crafted with 100% Blue Agave tequila, premium orange liquor, fresh citrus and garnished with salt and a slice of lime.
11 pm- 3 pm: Brunch and regular menu is served and talented students/graduates of Booker T. Washington School for the Performing and Visual Arts will perform between 11 am- 6:30 pm including a set by Eric Vazquez— a frequent House of Blues performer.
6:30 pm- 10 pm: Nuevo Flamenco sensation Russ Hewitt performs.
12 pm- 10 pm: All day happy hour featuring $5 chicken flautas, fish tacos, beef tenderloin sope, spinach and mushroom quesadillas, Cubiertos gold margarita, select wines, house martinis and $3 draft beer.
World Cup Watching Party (June 17 & 23):
When Mexico plays in the 2014 World Cup Cubiertos will host a game watching party. Each time Mexico scores a goal Cubiertos will offer a complimentary tequila shot to each of their bar guests. A special World Cup bar menu is also offered while the games air: $3.50 draft beer, margaritas and house wine; $3.50 chicken wings on chile de Arbol, tostada de ceviche, beef tenderloin nachos, frijoles charros and guacamole.
$1 Tuesday Taco Night:
Every Tuesday in June is $1 taco night- guests have the option of chicken or beef tacos served with pico de gallo, queso fresco and avocado cream for $1.
Sunday Brunch & Live Music:
Every Sunday the Cubiertos brunch menu and regular lunch menu is offered from 11 am- 3 pm. And each Sunday this summer the talented students/graduates from Booker T. Washington School for the Performing and Visual Arts will perform throughout brunch and dinner.
Cubiertos Mexican Kitchen and Margarita Bar
18020 North Dallas Parkway (close to the Frankfurt and the Tollway on the access road)
Dallas, Texas 75287
972.381.7779
www.cubiertosdallas.com
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