Maximo's brings a taste of Mexico City to North Dallas

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With a high-profile location in the shadow of Galleria Dallas, decor that evokes a Mexico City villa and pedigree that includes some of the most respected names in the local restaurant scene, it's clear MAXIMO COCINA MEXICANA AND MARGARITA LOUNGE isn't your typical neighborhood Tex-Mex joint.

Co-owner Mark Maguire, best known for his all-American namesake, Maguire's, and the soufflé- centric Rise No. 1, is excited about the new concept, which debuted in the former BLT Steak space in late January. But he's also a realist. "People in Dallas are really particular about their Mexican food," he acknowledges. "You can put whatever name you want on a restaurant, but if it has the word 'Mexican' in it and somebody walks in and they don't have chips and salsa and queso and enchiladas ... they're going to look up and say, 'This isn't a Mexican restaurant.' "

Still, don't expect a typical menu of combo plates and sizzling fajita platters. Chef-partner Amador Mora, a native Mexican and 23-year Mansion vet, hooked Dallas on his upscale contemporary Mexican fare during a stint as executive chef at Trece. At Maximo, his vision includes such savory offerings as California Salmon Cocido al Vapor, which is steamed in a bath of tequila-lime-chile aromatics, and Alberta's Enchiladas, stuffed with spinach, chicken and onions and named for Mora's wife.

"Really, what we've done is to bring in a little Tex-Mex to a Trece or Javier's," says Maguire. Or in fashion terms, tossed a sporty Gap sweater over a sexy Saks dress.

Maximo Cocina Mexicana and Margarita Lounge, 5301 Alpha Road, 972-233-5656