Where The Locals Go
SL WHERE LOCALS GO:
Baja’s Bar & Grill
Baja’s Southlake location was once occupied by Michael’s, which attempted suburban fine dining. Though Michael’s is long gone, some of its steak and champagne finishes still remain and seem to have rubbed off on everything from the service to the plating. It’s as if this location takes itself a little more seriously than the others. And while we’re not talking “precious” serious, enough unexpected flavor profiles pop up to give this location a bit more gravitas.
Not that they need it, nor do the diners seem to have it on their minds. On a random Wednesday night the dining room was lively. On a random Friday afternoon—buzzing. On Father’s Day for weekend brunch—slammed.
Of course it’s easy to let down your guard when you’re plied with crunchy, complimentary carbs, especially when the salsa’s exceptional and the guacamole comes with a show (prepared tableside in a molcajete).
I made certain I had room enough for fish tacos, the quintessential Baja peninsula street food. When done right, you can practically hear the pounding of Pacific surf. At Baja’s you can order it with batter-fried or grilled mahi-mahi. I ordered mine grilled to carry on the virtuosity of a fresh and fruity salsa and crunchy shredded cabbage. It’s a dish with acidic and textural complexity—and relatively good for you.
Clearly I view gluttony as a mere obstacle, not a vice, because I also walked away with another dish I barely touched— the exotically titled salmon Tikin-Xic – a salmon fillet coated with achiote, bitter orange and presented on a banana leaf.
Despite the appearance of aggressive seasoning, it’s a subtle dish. I reheat the fish wrapped in the banana leaf and only for a few seconds in the microwave. Somehow it stays very moist. Wrapped in corn tortillas and garnished with the pickled onions it came with—it becomes a very different take on the fish taco. ¡Viva la leftovers!
These homespun concoctions only turned out as good as they did because of Baja’s primary efforts, and in a way it’s why the restaurant enjoys the locals’ friendly vibes. Simply said—it leaves a good taste in people’s mouths, sometimes days after the bill is paid.
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2750 E. Southlake Blvd. | Ste. 140 | Southlake 76092
(817) 748-0022 | www.bajamexgrill.com



