We had company in town last week - my sister and her husband were here from Atlanta where they've lived for many years now.  My sis and I are born & bred Texans, raised in Fort Worth and we've always been around Mexican food. It's like a staple- a day without Mexican food is like a day without sunshine Well, maybe I don't have it everyday, but I DO like it.

When my sis & b-i-l told us they were coming, I asked for a list of places they might like to go to while here- they were only going to be able to stay in Dallas for 2 days, then they'd head off to Austin and Houston. Well, the 'list' I got was all restaurants and all Mexican. They don't have a big selection of quality Mexican restaurants in Atlanta. Oh boy, this would be fun!

First stop was at lunchtime on Monday. They were going to drive over to our home and remembered a nearby place we'd taken them to before- Casa Milagro, at Plano Rd and Campbell Rd in Richardson.

Casa Milagro always has a crowd. They have a great patio that's a perfect place for having appetizers and drinks and inside is decorated with a sort of retro Spanish feel. I love the flat screen tv's on the walls that constantly show old, campy black & white Mexican movies.  The food is outstanding. Everything RJ & I have ever had there is first rate and the staff is super friendly. The manager has made a point of stopping by our table (as well as everyone else's) to see how we're doing.

On this visit, my sister and her husband both ordered El Once - a sour cream chicken enchilada, a cheese enchilada, a beef taco, a pork tamale & rice & beans- a veritable smorgasbord!

I got the El Diez - two brisket tacos served 'quesadilla style' with rice & beans. Their brisket is always consistently tasty, tender and moist.

Casa Milagro
1403 East Campbell Road, Ste 110
Richardson, TX 75081
http://www.casamilagrorestaurant.com/

When they are in town, my sister & family always stay in Plano at a Courtyard by Marriott that's conveniently located across the street from our second stop, Luna De Noche. RJ and I have been to several of their locations on many visits and love their food. My sis & b-i-l discovered Luna all on their own one time while they were here and have been hooked since.

Last time they were here, I met my sis there at lunchtime. We each ordered their Xochitl soup - wonderful chicken broth with chunks of chicken, tortilla strips, rice, avocados, tomatoes, onions, cilantro & jalapenos - and their made-tableside guacamole which has a nice twist on the norm with the addition of pecan bits. It is heavenly!

This time, we met for dinner and I tried something different - their Sour Cream Chicken Enchiladas, which came with beans, rice and a bit of guacamole. Another excellent choice and it's touted as Luna's #1 seller. The enchiladas were stuffed with perfectly spiced shredded chicken and covered with a sour cream and Monterrey Jack. It was delicious.

My sister and her hubby ordered the Spicy Enchiladas (served with rice & beans and a cup of tortilla soup). I know they went absolutely bonkers over their meals.

RJ got Rudy's Request - three pork tacos that came with rice beans, cilantro, onions and salsa.....another winner!

Check out Luna De Noche at: http://www.lunadenoche.net/   All of their locations are beautiful.

The third Mexican restaurant we went to on our two day whirlwind tour was Desperados in Garland (Campbell Rd @ Jupiter). This place is very close by our house so we've been many times. They are noted for their award-winning guacamole. I don't know how they do it but it tastes the same- always great- no matter what time of year it is. The avocados they use are always nutty & creamy and they leave their guacamole slightly chunky.

My fav on the menu is under the "Tex-Mex" you can select any two or any three items and I always go for two guacamole tostados, smeared heavily with that fabulous concoction and served with rice & beans. I've also tried the tortilla soup, enchiladas, ceviche and more - everything gets a big "A".

Desperados
3443 W Campbell Rd Ste 550
Garland, TX 75044-8146
Phone: (972) 530-8886

Surprisingly enough, I had my fill of Mexican food - at least for the rest of the week. Different story for my sister and b-i-l who have to get the good stuff while they could! They managed to finish their trip by eating their way around the state

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