Hot Dish

I guess everyone has heard by now that D-Day--the day when Mario Leal's Chiquita will close--is almost here. Chiquita, pre-Matt, pre-Mi Cocina, was Dallas' destination Mexican restaurant and the special darling of those whose view of Mexican food went beyond the enchilada horizon. Tacos al carbon, queso flameado, chicken parilla--all were Chiquita specialties, and the menu included versions of traditional dishes, like steak Tampiquena, as well as Leal's own inventions, like Aztecs in a blanket. However, there's no need to mourn the loss entirely. The charming Travis Walk location may be closed, but there are plenty of pretty paper flowers and the identical menu at Mario & Alberto's, Chiquita's brother restaurant at Preston Valley. Still, technically, south of LBJ.

--Mary Brown Malouf

Mario & Alberto's, Preston Road and