Do you remember the Mario and Alberto restaurant at 635 and Preston? It was a nice family Mexican restaurant that had been at that location for many years. Recently the construction on 635, caused their business to tank. (Do you dare to travel 635 these days? I for one do not). So good news for North Dallas Richardsonites. Mario and Alberto is now known as Real Maya, and it is located in the Promenade Shopping Center on Coit Road. Yes, it is the truth. They had to change their name, but the menu and people are basically the same.
When asked how long Real Maya had been opened at the Promenade location, the waiter answered, “Three months and two weeks.” (But who is counting?). I know this was a hard move for them to make, and I hope they do well.
A Mayan calendar graces the entrance.
Do you judge a Mexican restaurant by their hot sauce? I do, and first impressions can make or break my opinion of a Mexican restaurant. Real Maya passed the test. I think the hot sauce is house made. It had a sweetness to it with enough heat to satisfy. (Ignore the dribbles. That is just what happens when you eat hot sauce.) Chips are the other deal breaker. Real Maya’s chips were okay.
My enchilada dinner came with a puff taco and guacamole. When I order Mexican or Tex-Mex food, I generally look for a combination plate that includes guacamole. In my opinion, one should always get to eat guacamole with Mexican food. It was impressive that several of the dishes on the menu came with guacamole, and you did not have to pay extra for the guacamole. I liked that. The guacamole was good, but I do not think it was house made. Then there was the puff taco. Oh, yes! This taco was filled with meat, lettuce and tomatoes, and it was delicious. Chips, salsa and a puffed taco with guacamole would have made a fantastic meal. (I always eat too many chips. Maybe I should give up chips for Lent.)
Then the enchiladas (one cheese and one beef) were served, and they were very good. As you can see, they are plump and filled with cheese and beef goodness. I love the sauce with real cheese that covered the enchiladas. But…. By this time, I really was full. I ate a couple bites of the enchiladas, and brought the rest home for another day. (I realize some of you never eat left-overs, but we do. In fact, we plan to take food home.)
Ever-Lovin’s sour cream chicken enchiladas were tasty. I do not know why, but he did not get a puff taco. I felt sorry for him. Maybe the cost was less. They do not have a menu online yet, so I really do not know. He did get guacamole. That was a good thing.
The service at Real Maya was fantastic. They try hard to please.
To get to Real Maya, you go to the second level of the Promenade Shopping Center on Coit Road just north of Beltline. It is located at the far north end of level two.
Blessings to you and yours,