By Laura Muensterer
Don't get thrown off by the “Mexican” in Mexican Sugar Cocina Y Cantina. The Plano eatery, nuzzled in the Shops at Legacy, has a lot to show for itself as it serves up Latin-inspired fare worth the drive. With more than 600 online reviews and stellar ratings, you know this place must be worth a visit.
“The experience of coming to Mexican Sugar is like being transported to your favorite vacation getaway,” says Alexandra Gastelum, the restaurant's manager. “When it comes to our Latin music and fresh aqua fresca, the experience of Mexican Sugar is not quite like other Mexican restaurants.”
We wholeheartedly agree. The classic Latin restaurant offers guests an extensive tequila and mezcal collection, as well as to-die-for craft cocktails blended with high-quality hand-pressed juice. “Everything we make is from scratch,” says Gastelum. Simply put: Mexican Sugar's traditional ingredients and culture-centered methods triumph other eateries in the area.
When you enter the Latin-inspired restaurant, you're immediately welcomed by a beautiful, romantic décor that sets the scene for the perfect date night. What seems like hundreds of candles are lit behind the seating, taking you to another place in time. The dreamy ambiance will be sure to make your dining experience one to remember.
For brunch, start with some addictive queso mole, complete with chorizo, mole negro, pico de gallo and queso fresco. It'll be one of the best quesos you'll find in the DFW area. Feeling adventurous? Try the refreshing mango napa chicken salad, heavenly vanilla cinnamon pancakes or pan-roasted snapper, a customer favorite.
Want an equally amazing drink to go with your masterfully executed meal? Mexican Sugar has a make-your-own mimosa bar that includes a glass of champagne and fruit juice of your choice. “There is something about coming to brunch on a relaxing Sunday morning and getting the Benedictos Rancheros with a mimosa,” says Gastelum.
Other beverage selections include classic margaritas, sangrias and an assortment of beers and wines. Looking for a tasty nonalcoholic drink? Try the horchata, a sweet, rice-based milk infused with cinnamon that you will happily enjoy 'til the last drop. On Fridays and Saturdays, visit the bar for happy hour from 10 p.m. to midnight and enjoy refreshing $4 margaritas.
Because the Plano restaurant is so popular, reviewers suggest dining during lunchtime, but that doesn't mean the wait isn't worth it. The shrimp/crab/avocado cocktail makes a great appetizer to kick off a belly-filling midday meal. Lunch entrees include the grilled romaine and skirt steak salad; brisket, pork and chicken tacos; and irresistible lump crab enchiladas, among others.
For those feeling extra hungry, order a side of the cilantro fingerling potatoes or Latin corn succotash to complement an already lavish lunch. No matter what you're craving, we're certain you'll find a plate that'll blow your taste buds away within the first couple of bites.
And we can't forget everyone's favorite meal of the day: dinner. For a starter, you can't go wrong with the grilled pardon peppers and squash blossom quesadilla. The smoked salt and citrus glaze on the peppers amp up the flavor, and the spiced mushrooms, salsa and grilled onions in the quesadilla will hold you over as you anticipate the palate-pleasing grub to come.
If you're in the mood for tacos, feast your eyes on the spicy habanero chicken tacos and the carne asada, complete with wood-grilled skirt steak, pickled radish and other lip-smacking additions. Craving enchiladas? Order the roasted chicken enchiladas, filled with manchego cheese, queso blanco and heirloom black beans.
For those with a robust appetite, Mexican Sugar offers Chilean sea bass, pork chops, grilled salmon and even duck breast mole accompanied by sweet Latin potato hash, chimichurri, herb oil and toasted sesame seeds. Couple your ingredient-loaded entre with street-style elote or hearts of palm citrus salad and you'll be sure to have a dinner you won't find anywhere else.
If you're one of the few who saves room for dessert after eating such tantalizingly good food, complete your meal with some unbelievably moist chocolate avocado cake, featuring cinnamon meringue, chocolate avocado mousse and savory ganache. Pair that with some Mexican hot chocolate and you will never want to eat again (in a good way).
In the Lone Star State, there is definitely no shortage of Mexican restaurants. However, for those tired of the same old Tex-Mex, Mexican Sugar offers a vast variety of brunch, lunch and dinner fare that stays true to the eatery's Latin-inspired roots. Mexican Sugar is truly a hidden gem that begs to be noticed among an array of expected Mexican establishments. Why settle for less when you can get the whole enchilada?