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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Shopping news

Galleria Dallas adds 8 new stores and restaurants to lineup for 2026

Facebook/Aritzia

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There's a lot of action at Galleria Dallas these days - new stores are replacing old ones, new concepts are moving in, places are on the move, and long-timers are renovating. There are even new restrooms.

“We’re giving guests many more reasons to choose Galleria Dallas as their go-to shopping and entertainment destination,” says Galleria Dallas general manager Angie Freed in a release. “We’re looking forward to sharing these new experiences with both our returning shoppers and new visitors.”

Here's what's going on, in list form:

Newly opened:

Rolife: Diverse store offers DIY kits, trendy IP toys, 3D wooden puzzles and mechanical models. A hot spot for hobbyists, collectors, and shoppers looking for unique gifts. Now open on Level 2 near Zumiez.

Helzberg 1915: Fine jewelry store that's existed since 1915, focuses on bridal and custom jewelry, with a custom bar staffed by certified experts. Offers an assortment of fine jewelry and a demi-fine jewelry collection. Now open on Level 1 near A|X Armani Exchange.

Urban Planet by Charlotte Russe: Declared one of the fastest-growing fashion brands in Canada, the store caters to young men and women aged 16 to 24. It offers the latest fashion, footwear, and accessory trends with affordable prices. Now open open on Levels 2 and 3 near Nordstrom.

Watson: Known for its streetwear for stylish men - sneakers, button-downs, T-shirts, shorts, denim and hats - the brand features urban twists on classic items in bold colors. A North Texas debut. Now open on Level 3 near Old Navy.

Le Petit Chef. Dining experience featuring "the world’s smallest culinary master." The release explains that "Through stunning 3D projection mapping, storytelling and fun dining, Le Petit Chef leads guests on a multi-sensory journey that blends art, flavor, and a touch of Lone Star charm." Reservations can be booked online. Now open on Level 2 of The Westin Galleria Dallas.

Coming soon:

Aritzia: Vancouver-based design house that touts its "Everyday Luxury" aesthetic, blending effortless appeal, a focus on fit, and an of-the-moment point of view. Fans include celebs like Bella Hadid, Jennifer Lopez, and Sabrina Carpenter, they say. It will be Aritzia's fourth location in DFW, after stores in Legacy West, NorthPark Center, and Southlake Town Square (a store at The Shops at Willow Bend has closed). Opening this fall on Level 1 near Sephora.

Kids Foot Locker: It's Foot Locker, but for kids. Centered on kids’ sneakers and sportwear from Adidas, Nike, Champion, Vans, and more. Shoes come with a 100 percent fit guarantee. Opening in March on Level 2 next to H&M Home.

Patissery: First retail location for the French-inspired bakery that is well known around Dallas for supplying La La Land Kind Café locations with croissants and pastries. Opening in April on Level 1 near ALO.

More happenings:

Macy’s has added a new petites department on Level 2, featuring styles from DKNY Jeans, Democracy, Anne Klein, Jones New York, Kasper, Style & Co, And Now This, and INC.

Foot Locker recently opened its new location on Level 2 next to Fossil.

Intimissimi will move one storefront down on Level 1 near Alo in March.

Lane Boots will reopen in May on Level 1 near Lucky Brand Jeans in an expanded space that will add children’s boots, leather goods, and boot bar customization services to its women’s boot collection.

A|X Armani Exchange has reopened in its renovated space on Level 1 near Victoria’s Secret.

Cotton On is expanding its Level 2 store near Uniqlo, with construction expected to finish in June.

PacSun has begun construction on its Level 3 space, with completion expected by the end of June.

Restroom remodels on Level 3 North and at the Galleria Dallas Ice Skating Center on Rink Level have been completed.

A new entry corridor between The Westin Galleria Dallas and Bachendorf’s Jewelers has opened, adding public restrooms on Level 1 for the first time.

New party rooms are now open on Rink Level, available for birthday parties, community events, and business meetings.

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