Taco News

Michelin-starred taqueria from Mexico City to do pop-up in Dallas

El Califa de León

A legendary taqueria from Mexico City will come to Dallas in pop-up mode: El Califa de León will come to Texas for a limited-run 14- day, culinary pop-up at 6501 Hillcrest Ave. from October 15-28.

UPDATE 10-21-2025: El Califa de León / Authentic Taco Holdings, LLC, has terminated their stint effective October 21, because their partner, GrinGO, LLC in Dallas was unable to execute the pop-up properly. In a statement, Authentic Taco Holdings CEO José Andrés Hernández said, "Our brand is built on authenticity, quality, and respect for Mexican culinary heritage. Unfortunately, the execution of this program did not meet the conditions we were guaranteed. To protect the reputation and integrity of El Califa de León, we have chosen to discontinue our participation.”
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The Dallas installation follows a similar successful pop-up in Arizona in May.

Recently honored for a second time this past June by the Michelin Guide as the world’s first and only Michelin-starred taquería, El Califa de León will bring its Mexico City authentic flavors, including its signature Taco Gaonera, featuring marinated grilled tenderloin served on tortillas with onions, cilantro, lime, and salsa.

As described by the Michelin Guide: “There is a reason why El Califa de León has endured for more than half a century. This taqueria may be bare bones with just enough room for a handful of diners to stand at the counter but its creation, the Gaonera taco, is exceptional. Thinly sliced beef filet is expertly cooked to order, seasoned with only salt and a squeeze of lime.”

This activation celebrates a new partnership between GringoApp.com and Mexico City, highlighting the promotion of Mexico City tourism through gastronomy—where taco tours rank among the city’s most popular cultural experiences.

To preserve the authenticity and quality of the CDMX Michelin-starred experience, the pop-up primarily offers a to go, eat-on-the-spot format. But a very limited number of Michelin Star Chef’s Tables are available for reservation for those who want to dine on site with no wait.

The local partnership is with Melinda’s, celebrating their renowned sauces crafted in Mexico City, which will be available for purchase at the pop-up—so guests can bring the authentic flavors of Mexico City home with them.

“For 56 years, El Califa de León in Mexico City has been a coveted local secret,” says Gringo founder Brian Krupski. “And for basketball fans who will miss the opportunity to travel to Mexico City for the upcoming NBA Mexico City Game on November 1 between the Dallas Mavericks vs. Detroit Pistons, this pop-up will offer a delicious taste of CDMX right here in Dallas.”

Set in the former Red Stix space, one block south of Snider Plaza, the pop-up invites guests to experience the essence of Mexico City right in Dallas. Operating hours and reservations are listed at: www.TacoBoutDallas.com.

Pop-up details: 6501 Hillcrest Ave. Dallas, October 15–October 28.

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Omakase News

Downtown Dallas restaurant Sauvage expands with new dining twist

Sauvage

A downtown Dallas restaurant famous for its multi-course tasting experience is letting its hair down: Sauvage, the high-end mom-and-pop restaurant near the Statler Dallas hotel, has a new dining option that gives a smaller, more casual taste.

The restaurant opened in September with a set menu featuring 16 to 18 courses — wild game, seafood, vegetables, and dessert — all cooked via grill and smoker.

While 16 courses might sound like a lot, the courses are mostly small bites. However, owners Casey and Amy LaRue received feedback from diners wanting a smaller option.

"We were getting a ton of messages from guests who want to stop by just to try one dish, a bite, or a specific pairing without committing to the full tasting — so we built something for exactly that," Casey says.

They've introduced a new three-course "Cocktails & Bites hour" featuring three dishes, each paired with its own cocktail, served from 5–6 pm on weekdays.

Last week’s menu consisted of:

dry-aged red snapper crudo with La Chinola Way, a cocktail featuring passionfruit, mezcal, lime, and ginger
foie gras & truffle on house-baked croissant with Pendennis Club, a gin sour with apricot liqueur bitters
jerk-spiced shrimp with Clarified Paper Plane, a bourbon cocktail with Aperol, Amaro Nonino, and lemon juice

The new offering continues their pattern of pairing courses with cocktails rather than wine — an approach they've embraced since opening. "Limiting pairings to wine can get boring — it so often ends up being one expensive red after another," Casey says.

You can make a reservation on Tock, or just walk in and grab a seat.

Caviar
They've also added a new version of their classic menu: no caviar.

"Some love having caviar integrated into the menu, but others prefer to skip it, whether for taste or dietary reasons, but still want the full value of the experience," Casey says. "With such a small counter, this put us in a strange position: do we give everyone caviar whether they want it or not, or do we remove it entirely and lose a core part of our menu?"

Thus, a new menu without caviar, priced at $195, with an optional caviar course available for those who want it for $245.

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