An acclaimed Mexican restaurant has changed hands. Jalisco Norte, the authentic eatery known for its bold, authentic Mexican flavors and sophisticated cocktails, was acquired by Local Favorite Restaurant Group, the company formerly known as Firebird Restaurant Group.

Local Favorite owns El Fenix, Snuffer's Restaurant & Bar, Village Burger Bar, Meso Maya, Taqueria La Ventana, and TorTaco, for a total of 45 locations. The company also owns Sunrise Mexican Foods, which makes chips, tortillas, flautas and tamales for retail and food service operators.

Jalisco Norte founder Tim McEneny confirmed that he sold the restaurant to Local Favorites founder Mike Karns on March 6.

"When something comes to table, you do it if it makes sense," McEneny says. "I think he likes what it's about, and I hope he will be a good steward."

Jalisco opened in 2017 at Turtle Creek Village with a menu and style that felt fresh and good, and it has maintained a high standard in its two-plus years of operation.

McEneny went to great lengths to secure the employment of high-profile executive chef Jose Meza Arroyave, whose resume includes the famed NOMA in Copenhagen, Denmark, and Pujol in Mexico City.

The menu offers a crowd-pleasing variety of impeccable, sophisticated dishes ranging from osso bucco done "Cochinita pibil style," to vegan grilled cauliflower with hazelnut pipian and toasted almonds. For the quality, prices are extremely affordable, with the most expensive entree being carne asada made with an Allen Brothers rib eye steak for $35. You can also get a great taco for $5.

They've kept it fresh by introducing features such as a rotating monthly menu with specials such as suckling pig tacos and escamoles.

Jalisco Norte has been nominated for numerous CultureMap Tastemaker Awards including Rising Star Chef for Meza in 2018, Best Chef for Meza in 2019, and best bartender for Trevor Landry, who won the award for 2018's best bartender of the year.

A release says that Local Favorite "will continue the restaurant's celebration of Mexico’s people, culture, and customs through fresh, modern cuisine and craft cocktails," and that Jalisco Norte "embodies the characteristics and values that are recognizable among Local Favorite Restaurants, making it a natural fit for their family of brands."

OK, they just better not touch the cauliflower.

In November, McEneny opened Sloane's Corner, an all-day American bistro located in the inside the newly redeveloped Trammel Crow Center downtown Dallas high-rise at 2001 Ross Ave. It's already been nominated for a 2020 Tastemaker award for Best New Restaurant.