1418 Game Is On--Week 5

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September 9th, 2011 El Norte, Plano, TX
the "unchained" tex-mex alternative

It was with great anticipation that I went to El Norte with my husband and son. It had won an award in D magazine and as a family-owned business, its website claimed that the menu was so traditional as to be radical. They supposedly buy their meat locally.

I realized half-way to the restaurant that I forgot my camera! Everyone in the car was starving and thus refused to turn around. Perhaps this was the first prophetic sign.

The decor was shabby-hip, peeling paint with some faded murals. The food was an adventure in mediocrity. Who needs pictures, when the food looked better than it tasted? The super-nice server was the best part of the evening.

Guac--passable
Bean & Cheese Burrito--lackluster. described as grande--but too small. pinto beans lacked flavor
Texas Brisket Tacos--a signature dish. hubby described it as prepared well with low quality meat. difficult to chew.
Chicken Mole Enchiladas--mole lacked depth. not enough chocolate or chilies.

Give me chain any day--especially when it's predictable. :(