One of the number one foods visitors to Texas want to sample is Tex-Mex, even if they don't really know what it is. The simple explanation: Tex-Mex is a combination of the flavors and foods of Mexico and America. It's hard to share a border with another country and not share aspects of your culture. Tex-Mex is a perfect example of the blending of these two cultures.

Key ingredients in Tex-Mex cooking include corn, rice, beans, cheese, meats (chicken, pork, and beef), chili peppers (especially jalapenos), tomatoes, avocado, onion, garlic, and cumin.

Growing up in Dallas, I've had more than my share of Tex-Mex. If I’m going to eat Tex-Mex these days, it has to be really good and freshly made; no canned refried beans or frozen spinach enchiladas. I want my Tex-Mex fresh and as close to homemade as possible.  I do get a hankering now and then for a good chicken flauta or tortilla soup, and I adore guacamole with crispy corn chips.

The best things in life are usually completely unplanned, and that's how I discovered El Rey del Grill. I had heard about it from one of my customers last week, but it's not exactly in my neighborhood. However, I happened to be in the area and decided to try it out. I was pleasantly surprised in more ways than one.

I arrived there just after lunch, so it wasn't too busy. There were only three or four other customers. I decided to play it safe and ordered two tostadas; one cheese and one chicken. While I was waiting, I checked out what the other diners were eating: tortilla soup, rice, a taco platter… my mouth started watering. I was beginning to think I should have been braver when I ordered.

My tostadas took a little longer than I expected, because everything is prepared on the spot. There’s nothing pre-made and waiting on a hot plate or under a hot light. The tortilla was freshly fried; crispy, but not oily, and piled high with lettuce, chopped tomato, and drizzled with a white queso fresco.

The chicken tostada had plenty of meat on it, and looked like it had been hand-picked from the bones, just like you would at home.

There's a small salsa bar where you can take as much salsa as you like. I tried the red, which was mild. I don't eat spicy food, but if you do, go for the green sauce.

I don’t have any photos of my tostadas - they were so good I ate them before I realized I hadn’t taken a pic!

Another visit - I had a margarita on the rocks - made to order - and my bowl of soup

Chicken mole. The sauce is house made. It was divine, tasted like a cherry cordial - no kidding! Delicious. 

You can also order off the menu, such as a modification of a taco or the cheese tostada that I had. When I was taking these photos, they were cooking up spinach tacos for a vegetarian customer.

Full bar and they have a good selection of beer

And that's another thing that made me like El Rey: the people. They were all friendly, and seemed like they truly enjoyed making your food for you. Even the owners were in the kitchen cooking! How often do you find that at a chain restaurant or the newest trendy place to eat?

As an interesting side note, I saw a guy come in off the street and ask them for money for a bus fare. Salvatore, one of the owners, gave him the money, no questions asked. There was also a customer whom I saw reaching for his wallet to help out. I tell you, if I'm ever in need of bus fare, I hope it's in that neighborhood.

Old storefront before the remodel

Update: August 30,2014
Since my first visit to El Rey, it has become the place I take friends and visitors from out of town - everyone loves it.

I've tried a few more dishes like the roast chicken, one of their specialities, and the guacamole, also very good. My favorite is the tortilla soup pictured here. Made with a chicken broth and loaded with fresh veggies, chicken, and topped with a dollop of guacamole and cheese, it is always savory and delicious,

El Rey has just updated the exterior and interior. The owner hopes in the future to offer wines by the bottle or glass and an sort indoor patio atmosphere.

It still gets my vote either way.

El Rey del Grill is located on the corner of Maple and Hawthorne, close to the medical district in Dallas, Texas.

4535 Maple Ave
Dallas, TX 75219
(214) 559-3668

Penny Sadler is the Style/Travel Editor for Wandering Educators. For more information on traveling in style, please see www.pennysadler.com and http://adventuresofacarryon.com/

All photos courtesy and copyright Penny Sadler