Meso Maya in Dallas, TX has a large menu that pays homage to Mexican and Mayan food, techniques, and methods. The chef uses herbs and spices for homemade adobos and salsas, makes hand-ground tortillas, and features scratch-made entrees prepared with a reverence to the states of Mexico—glorious places like Yucatan, Vera Cruz, and Chiapas.
We ate here for lunch and the atmosphere was vibrant and full of light. The tomatoes in the house salsa are cooked on a wood-burning grill, and made an addictive starter with the fresh tortilla chips. I opted to try the
Avocado Margarita made with fresh muddled avocado, freshly squeezed pineapple and lime juices, triple sec and casa noble crystal. The avocado gave a creamy texture to the drink, but the pineapple and lime were sweet and tangy. Keith tried the
La Flaca made with patron silver tequila, triple sec, freshly squeezed lime juice, and splenda served on the rocks. Both drinks were tasty, but I would not order more than one.
For my meal, I ordered the house specialty -
Pollo Budin Azteca. Sauteed white chicken, black beans, arugula, and queso fresco were layered and then topped with a zesty roasted creamy tomatillo sauce. This dish was so unique and flavorful - I adored it. Even Keith stole a handful of bites.
Keith ordered the
Mole Poblano made with adobo chicken breast, caramelized onions, cilantro, roasted poblanos, monterrey jack cheese, blue corn tortillas, mole poblano, served with white rice and black beans. The chocolate used in the mole sauce is made from specialty cocoa beans that are ground in house. The sauce was a bit spicy and sweet, but the chicken was plentiful.
Overall, we had a really great lunch for our first meal in Dallas. The restaurant appeared to be very popular as all the tables were filled, and there was a large wait outside. I appreciated the authentic Mexican flavors and techniques that were highlighted throughout the menu. Next time I visit Dallas, I would definitely come back.
Total Rating:
4.33
Food: 4.5, Price: 4, Service: 4, Ambience: 4, Accessibility: 5
