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50 December 29 • 2016 e a t s arts & life Calexico Mary Meldrun W ith multiple restau- rant locations plus two food trucks in New York and now one in Detroit, Calexico has become a favorite urban gathering place. Calexico cuisine features unique hybrid dishes from California and Mexico. Calexico's humble begin- nings began in 2006 with tacos and burritos in a food truck in SoHo. In 2008, it was awarded the annual Vendy Award for New York's best street food. Then, in 2013, it was voted one of the top food trucks of the year by Buzzfeed. Calexico's notoriety grew and the popularity of the food took off. A brick-and-mortar restau- rant was the next step for Jesse, Brian and Dave Vendley, the three brothers who created the concept. Calexico opened the doors to its new Detroit location on Woodward Avenue in mid-August. This is the first Calexico location outside of New York. Nestled inside the One Campus Martius build- ing in the 4,000-square-foot corner space formerly occupied by Olga's Kitchen, Calexico is bustling at lunch time with the local professional crowd. And what about the food? The menu and flavors are familiar, yet they have their own unique twist because the origins of the Calexico menu combine traditional Mexican food with a California influence and heavier seasoned barbeque from the Midwest. Popular items include the quesadilla, Baja fish taco and loaded nacho. The weekend brunch starts at 10:30 a.m. and goes until 3 p.m. And in case you were wondering, Calexico has a full bar and features house margaritas and a happy hour from 3-6 p.m. on week- days. It would be careless to men- tion Calexico without also highlighting its somewhat famous chipotle "crack" sauce. Whatever you choose to order from the Calexico menu, please get some crack sauce on the side to go with it. It has a little kick and adds a dimension of flavor to any dish. You won't be disappointed. I don't even care for spicy sauces; and I really enjoyed this one, which com- plemented my pollo and gringo tacos beautifully. Another notable menu item is the carne fries. I watched an order of them pass by and get shared at a nearby table of two. It caught my attention, and I asked about that dish. Luscious potato fries dressed up with onions, black beans, cheese, pico de gallo, guacamole, braised beef brisket and sour cream. Think of nachos with fries instead of chips and let your mouth water. Whether you choose to go for lunch or dinner, enjoy the selec- tion of seating and the upbeat music at Calexico. If you are hosting a party, check out its abundant catering menu, which features burrito boxes and a build-your-own taco bar. The uncommon Mexi-Cali flavors suit almost any occasion. * Visit Calexico at 1040 Woodward Ave., Detroit, (313) 262-6361. Off &ARMINGTON (ILLS s #ORNER OF 'RAND 2IVER (AGGERTY 2OAD !UBURN (ILLS s / 2 MILES SOUTH OF THE 0ALACE OF !UBURN (ILLS 2053770 248.476.0044 2ESTAURANT )TALIAN #UISINE "UY ONE LUNCH OR DINNER ENTR£E AND GET THE SECOND OFF /F EQUAL OR LESSER VALUE Not good with any other coupons. Not good on holidays. One coupon per couple. Up to $30 Expires 12/30/16 OFF TOTAL FOOD BILL Not good with any other coupon. Not good on holidays. One coupon per couple. Up to $30 Expires 12/30/16 "UY WORTH OF GIFT CARDS AND GET A #OMPLIMENTARY GIFT CARD FOR YOURSELF /FF 7INE 7EDNESDAY Kids Eat Free Monday Now open for lunch M-F 11:30 %HQVWHLQ5RDG&RPPHUFH7ZS %HWZHHQ0DSOHDQG*OHQJDU\ 248-624-4100 0RQ7KXUVSP)ULSP 6DWDPSP6XQDPSP ZZZEHQVWHLQJULOOHFRP HAPPY HOUR Mon-Fri 4pm-6pm & 9pm-close +DSS\+RXU0XQFKLHV+DQGFUDIWHG&RFNWDLOV 2II$OO'UDIW%HHU2II$OO*ODVVHVRI:LQH ZLWKSXUFKDVHRIHQWUHHV 9DOLG6XQ7KXRQO\'LQHLQRQO\ WKHSXUFKDVHRIOXQFKHQWUHHV )5((DSSHWL]HU (QMR\2II %HQVWHLQ*ULOOH&RPPHUFH7ZS248-624-4100 %HQVWHLQ*ULOOH&RPPHUFH7ZS248-624-4100 With this coupon. Not valid with other offers or prior purchases. One coupon per table. Offer expires 1-31-17 Valid M-F. Not valid with any other offers or promotions. Limit 1 per table. Offer expires 1-31-17 2132620