Café Madrid - Dallas, TX

Tapas, tapas, tapas, Spanish tapas! For our readers who not sure what tapas are, let us show you a new world of amazing eats! For the most part, “tapas” now simply means snack or small plates with small portions. Restaurants have tapas for patrons in order to sample several delectable appetizer-size dishes of their choice. This way everyone can taste entrée samples to ensure a completely satisfactory eating experience. Tapas can be served cold or hot, just depends on the dish and the culture serving the plates. The most authentic ordering of tapas comes straight from the original--the land of España. In Spain, dinner is customarily served between the hours and 9pm and 11pm which means there is plenty of time to snack while you relax after your hard day of work. So Spaniards go tapas hopping! Tapas encourage socializing for those not focused on a full meal, and some cultures even stand while eating so it's easier to move around and talk. Instead of happy hour, the Spanish have tapas hour!

http://www.cafemadrid-dallas.com/
4501 Travis St.
Dallas, TX 75205
214-528-1731
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The origin of "tapas" from old world Spain is derived from the verb "tapar", which means "to cover", and Andalucían drinkers would use pieces of meat or bread to cover their drinks in between sips. And of course, the more they drank, the hungrier they got, so tavern owners began to create dishes to satisfy their patrons. This has evolved over the years with the integration of other cultures farming methods, crops, and spices. Now many restaurants in Spain offer a complimentary tapa with your drink order or have a buffet-style serving of different appetizer options that you serve yourself. From that original slice of bread used to cover a drink of sherry, to the ever-changing tapa cuisine of today, the century-old tradition still stands and has become a defining piece of the Spanish culture.

Matt's Rancho Martinez - Garland, TX

Head to Matt’s Rancho Martinez for some home-cooked traditional Mexican cuisine with that Tex-Mex flair we all love. Matt Junior, AKA Chef Matt, and his family have one goal in mind when it comes to their mission of food-- to preserve the Martinez family customs of excellent food, service, family atmosphere and fun. Visit their locations in Dallas, Allen, Cedar Hill, or Garland, TX to experience a meal filled with love of family and delicious Latin flavors.

www.mattstexmex.com
5085 N. George Bush Fwy
Garland, TX 75040
972-675-8600
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Matt’s whips up first-class, tasty Mexican dishes made with heart from age-old traditions of the Martinez family. Fried and warmed chips and homemade chunky salsas are just starters. Get the party started with a Fried Avocado Lettuce Wrap; avocados quartered, dipped in light batter, fried golden brown are wrapped in a freshly cut romaine lettuce leaf and topped with bell peppers, jimaca root, carrots, cilantro, and served with rich chipotle ranch dressing. And that should be just the start of your feast! Order up one of the house favorites, Chile Relleno; a hand-battered Anaheim pepper stuffed with slow-cooked pulled chicken or ground beef topped with spicy tomatillo sauce, sour cream, cheese, and Texas pecans and raisins. The mixture of spicy, salty, and sweet brings an eclectic and unforgettable taste that truly highlights the culture and flavors that coalesce in this traditional Mexican menu item. However, if that is too spicy for you, you can substitute the spicy tomatillo sauce for a milder ranchero sauce without changing the flavor. Also, there is an Al La Carte Menu available for the lighter eaters, choose a crispy beef taco or pork tamale smothered in Matt’s famous chili. From the Tex-Mex menu comes Matt’s famous Chicken Fajitas, Traditional Red Enchiladas, Tacos Al Carbon, Stuffed Zucchini, seafood items galore, and mouth-watering Pork Carnitas too. Go with your gut, and make the best choice for your palate!