Monday, June 11, 2007
Urban Taco opens in Mockingbird Station
DALLAS — Upscale tacqueria Urban Taco finally opened last week at Mockingbird Station, in the storefront space next to Victoria's Secret. It comes from Markus Pineyro, a native of Mexico City who went to SMU and worked with Taqueria La Paloma, a small local chain that undoubtedly helped Pineyro refine his concept (although the direct competition is more likely to be Taco Diner).
Pineyro says his Dos Equis amber pot roast barbacoa taco -- with the meat braised in beer -- is already the hottest dish on a menu that includes ceviches, "Mexico City tortas," and a papaya-and-grapefruit salad. The bar offers a broad selection of bottled Mexican beers and tequilas from boutique distilleries in Mexico. Fernando Huerta, who was previously a sous chef at Stephan Pyles, is in the kitchen.
twisteddog says:
Finally. Can you eat a suburban taco while peering into the window of Victoria's Secret? NO.
Anonymous
2 years, 5 months agoLink to this comment | Suggest removal
DMBurrows says:
I hope this isn't one of those new corporate fusion things where they rename it "Victoria's Taco".
-DM
Anonymous
2 years, 5 months agoLink to this comment | Suggest removal
adee_sixx says:
How does Urban Taco compare in price and variety to La Paloma? You should be partial to the latter, by the way, because it started in your neghborhood.
Anonymous
2 years, 5 months agoLink to this comment | Suggest removal
Scott says:
Urban Taco is a very different animal from La Paloma, as a review of their menu reveals. I've eaten in scores of taquerias in this city and have yet to see a "butter lettuce wrap" as a tortilla-substitute in a taco. I haven't seen single tacos priced from $2.25 to $3.25. I haven't seen "white beans and brown rice" (and, if I had, I'm sure it wouldn't have cost $3 as a side). I haven't seen cups of salsa priced at $2/per.
Urban Taco's menu is conceived and priced for affluent gringos. Could be good, for all I know. But it's definitely not a conventional taqueria (whether by Dallas or Mexico City standards).
Anonymous
2 years, 5 months agoLink to this comment | Suggest removal
Monibaroni says:
I recently visited Urban Taco for lunch with colleagues.
Here is a quick run-down: -- Salsa's were disappointing at best (How does one actually make a salsa with absolutely NO flavor? It's like magic!) -- Tacos had a nice flavor. Tortilla had a nice texture. Too bad it only lasted about two bites. Don't get me wrong...I love little bites -- especially if we are talking about hors d’œuvre or amuses-bouche -- but not when I think of a taco I'm paying more for than a morning latte. -- White beans were disdainfully evocative of what I can only imagine (and dread) is being served in sub-par nursing home cafeterias.
-- Jamaica (hibiscus tea) was so sweet my teeth started to hurt. I guess they need to put a lot of sugar in to justify the high price. It also tasted as if it was made from a mix! I can see how labor intensive it might be to steep dried flowers in hot water, drain, mix in a LITTLE sugar. Silly me. -- The atmosphere was very nice. It's a walk up/order/take a number/food brought to your table kinda joint, but the decor was lovely. The lunch crowd seemed a little thin.
In summary, I will not be heading back to Urban Taco. I will head to Taqueria la Paloma or better yet, Tacos y Mas on Ross & Greenville or on Grand. No, they aren't as swanky or chic as Urban Taco, but what you trade in atmosphere you certainly gain in authenticity, quality, value, and a full belly.
Anonymous
2 years, 5 months agoLink to this comment | Suggest removal