Chef Hector Hernandez inside the dining room at Monica's Nueva Cocina
I am beyond excited because today, famed restaurateur Monica Greene will open not one – but TWO – new concepts in the ilume building of Uptown's Cedar Springs area. I have worked with Monica on her marketing and pr for 10+ years and gone through all of her previous concepts with her from Monica's Aca y Alla to Ciudad to Pegaso to Main St. Deli. This is really her crowning glory. I can't wait for everyone to see how spectacular this place is!!
Monica's Nueva Cocina is a fine-dining concept (serving dinner only) showcasing the incredible culinary talents of Chef Hector Hernandez. Greene will bring Aca y Alla favorites like Queso Blanco, Mexican Lasagna and Greene Pasta with her to this new concept but diners will also enjoy a unique menu with a Mexico City flair; including street food, fresh seafood, game, and exotic dishes. The menu will reveal the true flavors of Mexico City with authentic house-made moles, fresh tortillas from stone ground corn and dishes made from seasonal produce.
avocado-chayote salad (right) Cuatro Leches Cake
“The Mexican food restaurants in Dallas today pay homage to the food of my country’s past. What I seek to do is to look ahead to our future,” says Monica Greene. “We will have great lamb that will melt in your mouth. You will see a lot of fresh fruits, spices and vegetables. We will have sustainable seafood; it will be really fresh food. We are making our own queso fresco here and our own sour cream. This is serious food.”
Lucha libra masks adorn ME Lounge
In contrast, ME Lounge will offer a more casual dining experience for lunch and dinner. The menu at ME Lounge will bring together flavors from many cultures resulting in a truly International menu. Tostadas, ceviches, nachos, tacos and tortas will pay homage to Greene’s Mexican heritage. The sushi bar will offer sushi rolls plus “Monica’s tower”. Traditional Wok entrees will take on a Monica-style twist with ingredients like pork belly and sautéed rib eye.Guests will enjoy cocktails, Mexican beers and sake along with live music in a comfortable lounge environment. Looking for a late-night dining experience? ME Lounge will serve until 1:00 am every Thursdays through Saturday.
Both concepts share a large patio that is split into two areas with one that is pet friendly. Both are cooled with mist to stay enjoyable year round and beat the Texas heat.
August 2nd,3d and 4th the doors will open at 5PM for a soft opening for dinner service. The restaurants will close August 5th and 6th to make final adjustments and on August 7th, both concepts will open for regular hours.
Monica’s Nueva Cocina and ME Lounge are located at 4123 Cedar Springs Rd., Dallas, TX 75219. 214-219-1639.
Monica’s Nueva Cocina will be open Tuesday and Wednesday from 5pm to 10pm. Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 5pm to 11pm. Sunday will offer brunch from 11am to 3pm. Reservations can be made through OpenTable.com.
ME Lounge will be open Tuesday and Wednesday from 11am to 11pm. Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 11am to 1:00am. Sunday will offer brunch from 11am to 3pm and dinner from 3pm to 9pm. Reservations not accepted.
Connect with Monica on Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/MonicasNuevaCocina
https://www.facebook.com/meloungedallas
