A new Mexican restaurant from Dallas-based Local Favorite Restaurants has debuted at the West Village: Called UnaVida, it's at 3699 McKinney Ave #307 in the former Taco Diner, with a menu created by Executive Chef of New Concept Development, Chef Matt McCallister.
UnaVida is the next step following Mexican Test Kitchen, a temporary concept that opened earlier this year from McCallister and Local Favorite Restaurants founder Mike Karns.
"The development of this concept embodies our passion and commitment for culinary creativity while lending itself to the continuous evolution and expansion of Local Favorite Restaurants," Karns says in a release.
McCallister has created a menu inspired by traditional Mexican flavors but are intentionally innovative.
UnaVida (One Life in Spanish) - is committed to celebrating reimagined yet familiar, fresh flavors and recipes that are also “good-for-you-food” rooted in responsible sourcing and recipes that meet a variety of potential dietary desires.
Karns says, “ We only have One Life, and we’re meant to enjoy it fully. That means to us - eat the best foods made from the highest quality ingredients to fuel you to live your best life. We believe in eating all of the good things - and drinking tequila too - because most good stories don’t start with ‘that one time I ordered a salad.”
"We believe in letting the ingredients take center stage, telling their own story on the plate," McCallister says. "It’s not just about serving great food. It’s about how food can bring people together, creating lasting memories around the table.”
For the all-day lunch and dinner options one might choose from starters such as Street Corn Fritters, Casa Guacamole, Heartcakes - hearts of palm cakes, avocado, salsa veracruz, cabbage slaw, lime aioli or Crudo de Atun - ahi tuna, mancha verde, jugo verde aguachile and more.
“Platos de la Casa” include:
- Smothered Burrito - Tri-color quinoa, refried lentils, black beans, melted peppers & onion, criminis, zucchini, cashew queso, pico de gallo, guacamole
- La Hamburgesa - Signature blend of grass-fed ground beef & heirloom mushrooms, rajas con crema, romaine, lime aioli, queso Oaxaca crusted Brioche Bun
- Open Faced Enchilada Verde - Choice of steak or chicken, chihuahua cheese, zucchini, peppers & onion hash, marinated mushrooms, salsa verde
Bowls with your choice of Mexican cauliflower rice, cilantro rice or quinoa base include options such as:
- Enchilada Verde refried lentils, crispy yukons, zucchini, lacinato kale, avocado, peas, whipped queso fresco, cashew crema, roasted salsa verde, crispy corn tortilla
- Sedona black beans, sweet potato, pickled golden beets, roasted corn, purple cabbage slaw, jicama, jalapeno ranch, queso crema, chili-dusted tortilla strips, ginger pepita
- Fajita melted onions & poblano peppers, grilled broccoli, guacamole, romaine, pickled jalapeno, poblano and cashew queso, chili-dusted tortilla strips, cashew sour cream
Salads, soups, vegetable sides and an array of creative tacos are also available.
The weekend brunch menu delights with Heartcake Benedict made with masa sope, veracruzana sauce, cashew crema, smashed avocado, cabbage slaw, two eggs cooked your way; Chilaquiles - sweet potatoes, corn tortilla chips, asadero and cotija cheese, salsa verde, two eggs cooked your way; Hotcakes two pancakes, banana, creme fraiche, candied peanuts, dulce de coco caramel; or Veggie Hash with crispy yukons, seasonal vegetables, creamy ranchero sauce, two eggs cooked your way, cotija cheese, pico de gallo and more.
The Bar Menu includes a signature Toreados Margarita with grilled serrano, tequila, gran gala, lime; Cantarito with tequila blanco, grapefruit, Jarritos, lime, orange; Guava Cooler made with vodka, lime, grapefruit, pineapple guava; Cactus Caipirinha with cachaca, kiwi, jugo verde, lime, agave; the Caramelized Pineapple Margarita Tequila reposado, agave, lime and more. A full selection of wine and ice-cold Mexican craft or domestic beers are also available.
