arts & life

eats

Calexico

W

Mary
Meldrun

Visit
Calexico
at 1040 Woodward
Ave., Detroit,
(313) 262-6361.

ith multiple restau-
rant locations plus
two food trucks
in New York and now one in
Detroit, Calexico has become
a favorite urban gathering
place. Calexico cuisine features
unique hybrid dishes from
California and Mexico.
Calexico’s humble begin-
nings began in 2006 with tacos
and burritos in a food truck in
SoHo. In 2008, it was awarded
the annual Vendy Award for
New York’s best street food.
Then, in 2013, it was voted one
of the top food trucks of the
year by Buzzfeed.
Calexico’s notoriety grew and
the popularity of the food took
off. A brick-and-mortar restau-
rant was the next step for Jesse,
Brian and Dave Vendley, the
three brothers who created the
concept.
Calexico opened the doors
to its new Detroit location
on Woodward Avenue in
mid-August. This is the first
Calexico location outside of
New York. Nestled inside the
One Campus Martius build-

ing in the 4,000-square-foot
corner space formerly occupied
by Olga’s Kitchen, Calexico is
bustling at lunch time with the
local professional crowd.
And what about the food?
The menu and flavors are
familiar, yet they have their
own unique twist because the
origins of the Calexico menu
combine traditional Mexican
food with a California influence
and heavier seasoned barbeque
from the Midwest.
Popular items include the
quesadilla, Baja fish taco and
loaded nacho. The weekend
brunch starts at 10:30 a.m. and
goes until 3 p.m. And in case
you were wondering, Calexico
has a full bar and features
house margaritas and a happy
hour from 3-6 p.m. on week-
days.
It would be careless to men-
tion Calexico without also
highlighting its somewhat
famous chipotle “crack” sauce.
Whatever you choose to order
from the Calexico menu, please
get some crack sauce on the
side to go with it. It has a little

Now or
open f h
lunc

1:30
M-F 1

HAPPY HOUR

kick and adds a dimension of
flavor to any dish. You won’t be
disappointed. I don’t even care
for spicy sauces; and I really
enjoyed this one, which com-
plemented my pollo and gringo
tacos beautifully.
Another notable menu item
is the carne fries. I watched an
order of them pass by and get
shared at a nearby table of two.
It caught my attention, and I
asked about that dish. Luscious
potato fries dressed up with
onions, black beans, cheese,

Kids
Eat Free
Monday

 /FF
7INE
7EDNESDAY

ZLWKSXUFKDVHRIHQWUHHV

9DOLG6XQ7KXRQO\'LQHLQRQO\
%HQVWHLQ*ULOOH&RPPHUFH7ZS  248-624-4100

0RQ7KXUVSP)ULSP
6DWDPSP6XQDPSP

ZZZEHQVWHLQJULOOHFRP

50 December 29 • 2016

With this coupon. Not valid with other offers or prior purchases.
One coupon per table. Offer expires 1-31-17

)TALIAN #UISINE

"UY ONE LUNCH OR DINNER ENTR£E
AND GET THE SECOND OFF

WKHSXUFKDVHRIOXQFKHQWUHHV

%HQVWHLQ*ULOOH&RPPHUFH7ZS  248-624-4100

2132620

 OFF

/F EQUAL OR LESSER VALUE

TOTAL FOOD BILL

Not good with any other coupons.

Not good with any other coupon.

Not good on holidays. One coupon per couple. Up to $30

Not good on holidays. One coupon per couple. Up to $30

Expires 12/30/16

Expires 12/30/16

Off

(QMR\2II

Valid M-F. Not valid with any other offers or promotions. Limit 1 per table.
Offer expires 1-31-17

2ESTAURANT

248.476.0044

)5(( DSSHWL]HU

248-624-4100

*

"UY  WORTH OF GIFT CARDS AND GET A  #OMPLIMENTARY GIFT CARD FOR YOURSELF

Mon-Fri 4pm-6pm & 9pm-close
+DSS\+RXU0XQFKLHV+DQGFUDIWHG&RFNWDLOV
2II$OO'UDIW%HHU2II$OO*ODVVHVRI:LQH

%HQVWHLQ5RDG&RPPHUFH7ZS
%HWZHHQ0DSOHDQG*OHQJDU\

pico de gallo, guacamole,
braised beef brisket and sour
cream. Think of nachos with
fries instead of chips and let
your mouth water.
Whether you choose to go for
lunch or dinner, enjoy the selec-
tion of seating and the upbeat
music at Calexico. If you are
hosting a party, check out its
abundant catering menu, which
features burrito boxes and a
build-your-own taco bar. The
uncommon Mexi-Cali flavors
suit almost any occasion.

&ARMINGTON (ILLS s #ORNER OF 'RAND 2IVER  (AGGERTY 2OAD
!UBURN (ILLS s   /2 MILES SOUTH OF THE 0ALACE OF !UBURN (ILLS

2053770

