Here's a quick look inside El Bolero, the new Mexican concept from Apheleia Restaurant Group (Oak, Pakpao) that made its Design District debut over the weekend.
The funky, stylish design complete with tile mosaics of famed Mexican artists is courtesy of partner John Paul Valverde's Coeval Studio. Manning the kitchen is chef Hugo Galvan, who previously cooked at the now-shuttered Hacienda San Miguel in Fort Worth and Cafe San Miguel on Henderson Avenue. (Following Galvan's cooking and eating exploits on Instagram is highly recommended.)
As for the food: Expect legit tacos al pastor carved from a spinning trompo of meat alongside refined takes on Mexican classics, like chili-rubbed skirt steak served with blue corn shrimp quesadillas, shrimp ceviche, and chile relleno that's never seen the inside of a deep-fryer.
There's also a back patio that looks ripe for margarita-sipping and taco-eating. El Bolero is open today and Tuesday for dinner (5 to 10 p.m.) with a limited menu; beginning Wednesday the full lunch and dinner menus will be offered daily 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. Then starting Monday, May 4, they'll serve breakfast, lunch, and dinner daily.
Scope out the full menu: