Panorama Of Pan-Latin Cuisine
Mexican Sugar Opens Secondary Location In Irving.
Front Burner Restaurants, known for eateries like Sixty Vines, The Ranch and Whiskey Cake, is continuing to expand. Now, it has brought one of its beloved brands closer to Southlake. Mexican Sugar opened its second location, right next to Las Colinas’ Whiskey Cake, in June for curbside and delivery and opened its dining room to guests late last month.
“We recognized a need in the market for a polished Latin-inspired experience and seized the opportunity to occupy the space directly next to Whiskey Cake for Mexican Sugar,” Front Burner Restaurants CEO Jack Gibbons says. “Our restaurants share a similar consumer, so we love being neighbors with our sister brands.”
The almost 11,000-square-foot restaurant features an indoor/outdoor bar, six dining rooms and three connected patios, providing plenty of space for those looking to escape to a divine dining destination. With its Spanish Colonial Revival aesthetic featuring white stucco and dramatic brick archways, guests are sure to feel swept off their feet thanks to Mexican Sugar’s design choices.
“When our guests walk in, we’d like them to feel like they’ve been transported to South America for a fine, Latin-inspired culinary experience,” Gibbons says. “They’ll be welcomed by vibrant colors, an open floor plan, touches of ornate patterns and a sultry vibe that’s perfect for date night, weekend brunch or special occasion.”
After making their way inside, guests are sure to be impressed by its tequila library that acts as the entrance’s focal point. But those bottles are for much more than show, featuring more than 100 tequilas and 30 mezcals just waiting to be served. Whether you enjoy a few with a tequila flight or in a signature cocktail, come thirsty.
Three of Mexican Sugar’s signature margaritas, the machete, classico and hibiscus, are also available in a flight for those eager to try something new. Fruity fanatics are sure to enjoy the hibiscus, made with a touch of sweetness thanks to its hibiscus-infused water, simple syrup, lime and orange liqueur. But for a refreshing drink with personality, the machete may be for you. Crafted with a slight kick thanks to its serrano-infused tequila, this balanced beverage is rounded out thanks to the cooling taste of cucumber and watermelon.
While there are several tequila-based cocktails to choose from, don’t discount its sangrias, perfect for those looking for a pitcher to order and share amongst the table.
“All of our cocktails and dishes are scratch-made, juiced and infused in-house, so you really can’t go wrong,” Gibbons says.
While sipping on a cocktail or two, guests can get a taste of the Latin flavors ahead with a few starters. Both the arepas, featuring barbacoa, slaw and cilantro crema, and the ceviche provide bright bites you may have to fight over. And the three cheese queso and roasted salsa offer deep flavors for those with a hankering for a cuisine favorite.
But be sure to leave room for the spread that awaits. Hungry appetites will be put to the test with the incredibly juicy Adobo Grilled Carne Asada fajitas, served with the works and hand-pressed corn tortillas. Spice lovers should seek out the habanero shrimp tacos for its fresh pico de gallo. Or, for another seafood favorite, order the paella, complete with scallops, shrimp, mussels, Spanish chorizo, heirloom tomatoes, peas and saffron rice, for the table.
The Pan-Latin influence rings true throughout the menu, even in its 7-ounce wagyu beef burger made with chile spiced bacon, roasted poblano, chihuahua cheese, pico, lettuce, avocado spread and adobo crema. After one bite of these bold flavors, you may just have a new go-to.
So whether you are looking for a new brunch spot, open-air patio or dinner destination, a trip down I-635 will get you there.