September 22, 2022

What To Look for in a Great Mexican Restaurant

Texas is full of Mexican restaurants. Approximately 45,139 restaurants serving Mexican food are found all over the state, the second-highest in the entire nation. It’s one of America’s all-time favorite cuisine. But with so many options all over Texas, patrons have started becoming more discerning about where they get their Mexican food fix.

Baja Mex Grill, as a top Mexican restaurant in the area, takes pride in ensuring that we continue to serve delicious, flavorful meals to our customers. And customers are always looking for the next great restaurant to try.

What Makes a Great Mexican Restaurant?

Creative Options

One sign of a great restaurant is when they’re willing to take a classic and make it their own. Tex-Mex and Mexican cuisine have a lot of staples and familiar recipes. But an excellent restaurant will find a way to add a new and delicious twist to it, making the dining experience more interesting.

A good indicator is when they choose local food and combine it with authentic Mexican ingredients. It caters to local tastes while maintaining the flavors of the original.

Trust in the Classics

At the same time, the menu should also feature the gold standard for Mexican cuisine. While creativity in the menu is welcomed, having tried and tested recipes and flavors is what draws people to the food in the first place.

It’s part of what makes the restaurant characteristically a Mexican restaurant, not a fusion one. Look through the menu for reliably delicious Mexican food that will make every palate happy, not just those who want something new.

The Chips & Salsa Test

Chefs recommend doing this test to see what kind of an establishment it is. Chips and salsa may simply be an appetizer, an easy one-off left at the table while the customers wait for the main course. But it can show the amount of effort the kitchen puts into its food and, therefore, its customers.

You can tell a lot about the restaurant’s quality from the kind of chips and the taste of the salsa they serve. Store-bought appetizers may show a lack of interest. But in-house salsa will always be a winner and is an opportunity for the restaurant to throw in some added creativity.

A Well-Rounded Experience

Beyond the food, consider the restaurant itself and the atmosphere. It’s part of what makes the Mexican food experience so enjoyable. The setting, the people, and the area’s vibe improve the dining experience.

Seeing many people coming in and genuinely enjoying their surroundings and food is a sign that the restaurant is a winner. And it’s likely one that keeps people returning for the good stuff.

Find Delicious Food Paired With Great Atmospheres

Mexican food is a blend of bold, rich flavors and spices, with plenty of room to explore added local favorites. Best of all, they’re paired well with a good drink and the company of great people.

Baja Mex Grill is always looking to bring our customers the best Mexican dining experience possible in Grapevine, Texas. Check the directions and stop by for a great experience and meal.

August 18, 2022

Tex-Mex VS Mexican: Two Legendary Eats

Tex-Mex is a popular term for a lot of Mexican food, but it was first used in 1877 as a name for the Texas Mexican Railway in South Texas. The term gradually evolved to describe Tejanos, Texan descendants of the original Spanish Settlers of Coahuila. Eventually, the term evolved to describe Tejano cuisine.

Baja Mex Grill, famous for serving up flavorful Tex-Mex food, is often called a Mexican restaurant. But is there a real difference between them? While some people use the terms interchangeably, there’s a marked difference between Tex-Mex food and authentic Mexican cuisine.

The Line Between Tex-Mex & Mexican

The terms Tex-Mex and Mexican cuisine began to evolve with time and started to blur with one another. It’s not strange to find foods considered Tex-Mex on the same menu as traditional Mexican dishes. But each side has distinct characteristics that make it obvious which a dish would fall under.

Tex-Mex

First introduced in Texas in the late 1800s, this is what the state’s residents enjoyed and began making at home using the available ingredients to them at the time. It also accommodates more American tastes in food, changing some of the spices and flavors.

Deeply rooted in the Tejano Culture, Tex-Mex cuisine derives from authentic Mexican food but uses very characteristically American ingredients. Beef, yellow cheddar, wheat flour, and black beans are less common in authentic Mexican cuisine.

Mexican Cuisine

This type of cuisine dates back to Mayan Indian times and the Aztec empire. These two cultures fused to create foods that incorporate corn tortillas, chili peppers, wild game, and more. Pork and other kitchen ingredients such as dairy, herbs, and garlic are now characteristic of Mexican food.

Authentic Mexican cuisine is usually cooked in iron skillets, steamed, or fried. Salsa, tomatillos, tamales, and enchiladas are classic Mexican foods.

Which Is Better & More Popular?

Neither one is better than the other; both types of cuisine are still much enjoyed by people throughout North America. Some people simply have a preference. For example, authentic Mexican food is spicier than its Tex-Mex counterparts. But for people who prefer bold flavors and more familiar ingredients, Tex-Mex is the answer.

Today, fajitas, nachos, and other yellow-cheese heavy dishes considered Tex-Mex are inextricable from association with Mexican culture. At the same time, more people continue to seek out traditional Mexican dishes for a flavor experience. But at the end of the day, Americans with Mexican heritage and without continue to enjoy both cuisines.

Two Sides to the Same Great Flavors

There’s no real winner between the two—both cuisines are a flavor adventure worth exploring. And depending on the geographical location, subtle differences make these dishes more palatable or interesting. Finding out the differences between them helps you appreciate the other.

Baja Mex Grill is proud to continue serving great flavors and meals for everyone looking for Tex-Mex foods or Mexican dishes. Contact us today to ask about reservations or see what we offer at the bar.

Visit Baja Mex Grill Today!

Texas is full of Mexican restaurants. Approximately 45,139 restaurants serving Mexican food are found all over our big state, the second-highest in the entire nation! It’s one of America’s all-time favorite cuisines. But with so many options all over Texas, patrons have started becoming more discerning about where they get their Mexican food fix.

Baja Mex Grill, as a top Mexican restaurant in the area, takes pride in ensuring that we continue to serve delicious, flavorful dishes to our customers.

July 21, 2022

Great Mexican Margarita Recommendations

Invented in 1945, the margarita was the creation of Mexican-American Francisco Morales. He named it after his restaurant, which was named after his wife. And while the margarita is famous in its own right as such a ubiquitous drink, it was also a vehicle to boost the Mexican tequila industry, which continues to boom in the USA.

Baja Mex Grill considers margaritas and our very own bajaritas as some of our most popular offerings at the bar. Few people know that the margarita, with all its modern varieties and customizations, was initially a simple concoction of tequila, Cointreau, and lime, with a rim of salt around the glass. This combination spawned hundreds of different variants enjoyed around the world.

Now with summer in full swing, it’s only fitting to use this season to celebrate a true, refreshing Mexican-American invention by finding some great Mexican margarita recipes to try.

The Authentic Margarita

There are so many varieties of margarita that it’s difficult to pinpoint what is considered an authentic one. Hispanic food experts offer a simple but classic Mexican margarita mix so you can enjoy it in its best form.

The recipe calls for Blanco tequila, orange liqueur (or Cointreau), a good amount of freshly squeezed lime juice, and agave syrup for sweetening.

Though every recipe will offer a proportion, you’re always invited to mix it to your tastes. You can add as much tequila or orange liqueur to your liking. And remember that traditionally, the drink should be served in that eponymous, salt-rimmed margarita glass.

Coconut Margarita

The recipe starts with coconut water sugar syrup, a 1:1/2 ratio of coconut water to granulated sugar that is heated, mixed, and cooled before mixing the drink. Then, you’ll need tequila, Goya crema de coco, and two limes’ worth of juice.

When some people think of Mexico, they think of beaches. This margarita is the ideal callback to that. It has the sourness of the traditional margarita’s limes paired with coconut water’s natural sweetness and creaminess. You can serve it in a glass rimmed with salt or sugar, depending on your preference.

Mango Margarita & Chamoy

This margarita is ideal for the celebrations of Cinco de Mayo as it has so many components that it’s like a party on its own.

It calls for three large mangos, sugar, Tajin seasoning, Silver tequila, Triple sec, water, and chamoy. The sugar is mixed with the Tajin seasoning, which is then used to create the rim around the glass. It’s topped off with tamarind straws.

The result is a fruity, spicy, and tart concoction to get the celebratory mood going.

The Perfect Margarita

The Perfect is a classic recipe combined with premium ingredients, creating a strong upgrade from the original combination. Using Silver Patron tequila, Cointreau, Patron Citronge, and sugar syrup, you can make a margarita that showcases the original mix in its most refined form. And best of all, you don’t have to make it yourself. Baja Mex Grill offers it right at the bar.

Our menu features some of the best Mexican flavors right in the heart of Grapevine, Texas. Our bajaritas are new twists to the classic cocktails. And they cater to all flavor profiles.

Come by for a drink and a meal or see what we’re serving up.

June 23, 2022

What Makes the Best Fajita?

Nothing beats the taste of good old authentic Mexican or Tex-Mex food. Savory and filling, dishes like tacos and enchiladas are a hit among different demographics. Another dish that gets a lot of love? Fajitas.

Similar to tacos, fajitas are made with strips of grilled meat, peppers, and onions served on flour or corn tortilla and with side dishes. Grilling the strips of skirt steak, as well as the peppers and onions give this Tex-Mex dish a distinct smoky and savory flavor.

What Makes the Best Fajita?

“Fajita” comes from “faja,” the Spanish word for “strip” or “belt.” This refers to the thin cuts of skirt steak the dish was originally made with. As the main ingredient – the quality of steak you choose can make or break your fajita.

The Meat

Skirt steak is a juicy cut of meat with marbled fat content. It’s also one of the most flavorful steak cuts. Because of its ability to soak up marinade well, skirt steak is the cut of steak that the best fajita wraps are made with.

But you can use not just skirt steak for this Tex-Mex dish. In fact, you’re not even limited to steak as the choice of meat for fajitas. Here are other steak cuts and meats you can use to make flavorful fajitas:

Flank steak – Similar to the skirt cut, this part is a bit thicker and requires more cooking time. Seared on a hot skillet, the outside of the strips of flank steak will caramelize and lock in more flavor.

Hanger steak – Cut from the upper belly of the cow, this type of meat is tender and flavorful, making it perfect for slicing into strips for fajitas.

Chicken – Strips of marinated chicken breast seared on a skillet make for lighter and easier-to-prepare fajitas that are just as tasty and flavorful as the steak variety.

Vegetables – If you don’t eat meat, then perfectly seasoned and grilled vegetables make for a great alternative, too!

The Marinade

The marinade is another component that can turn your fajitas from so-so to savory. You need to let the meat soak overnight so it can fully absorb the flavors from the marinade.

These are your must-haves for a great fajita steak marinade:

Beer
Lime juice
Worcestershire sauce
Hot sauce
Cumin
Canola oil
Freshly ground black pepper
Kosher salt
Chili powder
Onion and garlic

Mix these ingredients together, coat the meat with it, and let it sit overnight. Trust us: once the fajitas are cooked, every bite will be an explosion of flavors.

Best Fajita Side Dishes

Fajitas are good on their own, but when served with some side dishes, they become outright phenomenal. Try these side dishes the next time you make fajitas:

Guacamole – A staple in Mexican cuisine, guacamole goes well with every dish, including fajitas! It’s easy to make, and a spoonful added on top can take your fajitas to the next level.
Fresh salsa – Make salsa from only fresh ingredients, including sweet onion and freshly squeezed lime juice, and you’ve got a refreshing appetizer for any fajita dish.
Refried beans – Rich and creamy, this dip makes for a great addition to your fajita wrap. You can spice it up with some cumin or add the flavorful goodness of cheese.

Fajitas are one of the most versatile dishes you can make. It’s perfect for any time of day. What’s more, you can get creative with the ingredients, so you have a variety of flavor combination options!

Reward yourself with the best fajita from Baja Mex Grill!

May 19, 2022

6 Mexican Foods You Should Try at Least Once

If you aren’t well versed in Mexican food—the authentic kind—you’re missing out. It’s hailed as one of the top 10 best cuisines in the world by CNN, thanks to its rich flavors and versatility.

Mexican cuisine is also steeped in history and reflective of Mexico’s lavish traditions and culture. So it shouldn’t be surprising that there are a lot of Mexican dishes to try beyond the tacos and burritos served at fast-food restaurants.

Below, we listed six Mexican dishes you should label as ‘must-try:’

1. Chilaquiles

A popular breakfast food, chilaquiles is a savory and filling dish made from deep-fried tortillas layered with a ton of toppings. You can add shredded chicken and beef, chorizo, and eggs. This dish is made even more mouthwatering with the addition of salsa or mole.

You can top chilaquiles with cheese and eat it with a side of refried beans to start your day right.

2. Tamales

One of the most iconic Mexican dishes, tamales date back to 8000-5000 BC Mesoamerica. The name comes from the Spanish word “tamal,” which means “wrapped.”

Tamales are made by steaming corn dough wrapped in dried corn husks or banana leaves. Before steaming, the corn dough is filled with different ingredients, like meats and vegetables, as well as peppers or yellow corn kernels. The result is a delicious corn crust with juicy fillings.

3. Mole

Described as Mexican curry, mole is a family of dark sauces served over meat. Though mole comes in different varieties, it is typically made with chiles, tomatoes, dried food, and spices. Some even add chocolate to offset the heat from various peppers.

4. Birria

Birria is a spicy stew traditionally prepared with mutton or goat meat. The meat is simmered slowly in a sauce rich with spices and served with chopped onions, cilantro, and a squeeze of lime.

In Mexico, birria tacos are commonly sold at roadside stands. Instead of eating the savory stew straight up, people use corn tortillas to sop up the spicy broth. Either way, you get to enjoy soft, slow-cooked meat rich in the flavor of different spices.

5. Carnitas

Carnitas in Spanish means “little meat,” which makes sense for this delicious Mexican dish. Like pulled pork, carnitas is made from slow-cooked pork, cooked to such tenderness that it can be shredded into tiny pieces using a fork.

The meat cooks for hours in lard or oil and is then fried before serving. This gives the shredded pieces a crispy texture on the outside while keeping them juicy and tender on the inside. It’s the perfect stuffing for tacos or sandwiches.

6. Arroz con Leche

This list would not be complete without something sweet for dessert, and Mexican cuisine has plenty of them. One of the most beloved desserts, though, is Arroz con Leche. The name translates to “rice with milk,” but this dish is much more than that.

This type of rice pudding is made with condensed and evaporated milk, rice, sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla. Other variations use egg yolks, orange zest, butter, and nutmeg for added texture and flavor.

Mexico has a lot more to offer when it comes to food, and Mexican dishes aren’t hard to find either. So if you haven’t yet, now’s the time to get a taste of one of the best cuisines in the world.

Visit Baja Grill in Grapevine for the best Mexican food in Grapevine Texas, and try out a few of the rich country’s most iconic flavors and dishes!