Dallas is known to be a booming city with plenty of restaurants, happy hours like no other and a festive night life. In Dallas, we brunch on Sundays in Hardwood, two-step on Thursdays at Cowboys and sip on mojitos in Uptown almost any day of the week. But what about people who aren’t from Dallas? People that appreciate everything it has to offer but may get a little homesick because home is thousands of miles away. International girls from Mexico, Venezuela, Colombia, etc. studying at universities in Dallas often face that problem. Where do they go when they’re craving pan dulce with café con leche or paisa? Or what about when they want to go salsa dancing or to a lively latin club? After talking with girls from Mexico and Latin America, we’ve come up with a list of recommended dishes to try and places to go that will ease your homesickness blues.
For starters, Dunia Borga is from Colombia and Taco Borga was born in Madrid, Spain, his father is Venezuelan and his mother is Mexican. Do you see where I’m going with this? La Duni excels in mixing the colors of each culture and generating their very own for a unique experience. Whether you’re enjoying dinner with your family, having a glass of wine at the bar (try anything red from Argentina and you won’t regret it!), or stopping in at their coffee and bakery studio, you’ll always win with La Duni.
“I always go to La Duni with my family,” said Daniela Rios, a student at DBU and lifestyle blogger from Mexico City. “My grandfather always gets the pan de dulce sampler which is such a Mexican tradition. We really love their chilaquiles, a Mexican breakfast dish, and also the Cuban sandwich which is very common in Mexico City.” She also loves their empanadas de guayaba and their limonado with sparkling water (it’s a go-to drink in Mexico!)
La Duni has it all! Locations include Mckinney Avenue and NorthPark Center.
Another hidden Latin American treasure is Zaguán. They are a symbol of authenticity and you might even think your mom or abuela is back in their kitchen cooking. I often find myself here with Colombian and Venezuela friends – all of whom have their own favorite dish that reminds them of home.
“It’s the closest thing to authentic for my family,” said Maria Murillo, UT Arlington senior . “We love their cachapas and malta!”
Zaguan even has tango night so when you stop by for a cup of their Colombian coffee or a South American dish, ask them about it! Locations include Uptown on Oak Lawn and downtown on North St. Paul Street.
“There’s this cute little store on Henderson Avenue that reminds me a lot of Mexico,” said Camila Ricaud, a senior at Ursuline High School who’s originally from Mexico. “When you walk in, the owner, who’s been there for 40 years, is always wearing an authentic Huitchol embroidered shirt. There are artworks from the most important cultural centers in Mexico. So, you become immersed with the vivid memories of trips to several Mexican towns. It’s still a far cry from Mexico but nevertheless it brings me back.”
La Marisposa delivers when it comes to fashion, art and décor. If you’re looking for original folk art like something for Day of the Dead or looking to take your party to the next level, stop by! You’ll find everything you need from Puebla dresses to pinatas and cascarones. They are located on Knox/Henderson a few doors down from Victor Tangos.
Located in Carrolton, this is true Colombian cuisine that you can’t find anywhere else.
“La casa vieja has traditional decor, imitating the style of a ranch-we call them fincas and there’s Colombian artisans hanging on the walls,” said Valery Mozo, a TCU sophomore who’s originally from Colombia.
Her favorite dish is called La Badeja Paisa, a traditional Colombian dish that comes with rice, beans, sweet plantains, avocado, an arepa, fried egg, beef, and sausage. “Paisa” is what you call the people from Medellin. So if any of this is hitting home for you or making your mouth water, then go now! They’re open until 8 p.m. during the week and 10 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays.
SISU Uptown Resort is known for its epic outdoor parties every Sunday throughout the summer that boast world renowned DJs and live performances. But every Thursday this place turns into Miami Beach for Latin night in the city. The wet deck is open, so you can grab a drink and dance by the DJ outside or go in whenever you’re getting a little chilly to dance salsa and bachata.
“Whenever I want to go dancing, meet a cute boy and have a drink, SISU is my place,” said Maribel Morales, a UNT grad who’s originally from Mexico. “It’s so much fun, I love the music and wish more people appreciated this place!”
So get away from Avenu and Trophy Room for once and come show us your moves. We’ll see you there!