Añejo Unleashes Its Vision of Elevated Tex-Mex This Month

Since taking over the space last occupied by Arturo's Uptown Italiano a week ago, Lasco Enterprises has been aggressively renovating the Uptown Park property for its newest concept. The group behind MAX's Wine Dive, The Tasting Room and Flow Juice Bar has worked non-stop on its upscale Tex-Mex eatery, Añejo. It looks like their progress will pay off soon. Añejo is set to open Tuesday, March 24.

When details first emerged of the concept, which billed itself as a high-end restaurant serving elevated Tex-Mex fare, many where left scratching their heads as to what exactly that would entail. With the opening drawing near, a clearer picture of the forthcoming menu is coming into focus. Executive Chef Michael Pellegrino (MAX's Wine Dive) pays homage to Texas and Mexico's culinary heritage of the past and present.

Here's a preview of a few dishes that will grace the menu:

Grid View

• Queso Fondue with Asadero-Oaxaca- Chihuahua cheese [Photo: Julie Soefer Photography]
• French Pressed Chicken Tortilla Soup [Photo: Julie Soefer Photography]
• Añejo Rack of Lamb [Photo: Julie Soefer Photography]

Fusing cuisines specific to Southern and coastal Texas along with various regions of Mexico, the menu will provide unique takes on traditional dishes. A sampling of the entrees expected to be included:

• Queso Fondue - Asadero, Oaxaca, Chihuahua cheeses, charred serrano, hot house tomato, onions, habanero salsa sidecar, white corn chips
• 
  Tequila Butter Poached Snapper Nachos - poached snapper, spinach a la Mexicana, queso fresco, lime-cumin crème
• 
  Venison Tamales - slow mole braised venison, borracho masa, Mexican spiced crème, pomegranates
• 
  Ribeye Tampiquena - classic fajita marinated prime ribeye, roasted salsa molcajeta
• 
  Añejo Rack of Lamb - pecan encrusted, sweet corn emulsion, jalapeno-cilantro jelly
• 
  Wild Boar Burrito - wild boar carnitas, refried beans, crème, tomatoes, onions, Asadero & Redneck cheddar, guajillo salsa

.Once open in the coming weeks, Añejo will offer its dinner and bar menus, along with a bar program boasting over 100 tequilas and mezcals. Brunch, lunch and happy hour will be available at a later date.