Happy New Year!!!
On the way back from dinner tonight, Z and I were trying discussing the pros and cons of what we ate. Jokingly, I suggested that we should start a blog. Fast forward 40 minutes and here we are. Unfortunately, because we decided after dinner to blog about it, there are no photos or video of it.
Luna De NocheWe visited the LDN on Preston and Plano Parkway in Plano. Originally, the plan was to go Zorba's in the same shopping center, but as it is New Year's Day, it was closed.
Upon arrival, we noted that the decor did not seem to match the menu. The dark and trendy atmosphere tends to clash with other patrons as well. The crowd was comprised of sweatsuit and basketball short clad families trying to watch the bowl game, some older couples and a few woo girls past their prime. I would like to note that the lack of any Latino patrons should've given us an idea of what to expect food-wise.
The other thing to note is that judging based solely on the decor, one would expect the prices to be significantly higher. Most of the entrees were in the $10-$20 range with only a couple of the plates priced any higher.
Service was prompt and attentive. The waiter took our drink orders almost immediately upon being seated. Warm chips and salsa came out with the drinks.
The salsa was reminiscent of chunky ketchup. It was syrupy and more sweet than spicy.
Z started his meal with a cup of the tortilla soup. He describes it as tomato soup with debris. He comments that it was bland and under-spiced.
I passed on the appetizers. I ordered "El Dos." It was one cheese enchilada, one taco (I chose shredded beef, but there was also the option of shredded chicken or pork), rice and beans. The beef in my taco was surprisingly good, it reminded me a little of something my mom used to make when I was a kid. I only wish that it came in a real tortilla and not a taco shell. The cheese enchilada with chili con carne sauce was bland. I was not expecting it to taste like my grandma's home cooking, but I was hoping for a little more spice or flavor of any kind.
My rice was over-condimented and tasted almost bitter. The beans were half a step above canned.
Z ordered the breaded fish tacos and they were served with white rice, beans, poblano cream tartar sauce and a decorative salad. Z wishes the plate were more focused. He was served so many of the awful refried beans that they came on a separate place. The tacos were orange roughy, lightly fried in a soft corn tortilla. They were a bit stingy on the fish. Given its fragility, orange roughy is probably not an ideal fish for fish tacos. The white rice was bland. The tartar sauce needed more poblano.
Z mentions that there should've been less of an emphasis on filling the plate and more of an emphasis on refining the entree.
For dessert, shared an order of sopapillas. We were each brought a hot, fluffy and crisp pillow of fried dough sprinkled with cinnamon sugar. Along with those reminders of childhood on a plate, the waiter brought out a small jar of honey to add on top. This was a great way to end a meal and the best thing I had to eat tonight.
If I were to go back to LDN, I'd order a plate of those shredded beef tacos and I would not skip the sopapillas. Z said he'd probably order the same.
