Never tried tapas? Think again. Chances are you have. After all, tapas by definition are simply small snacks or appetizers enjoyed in between meals. In Dallas we typically tie the tapa to Spanish cuisine — but Spain doesn’t have a monopoly on this fun fare. Aló’s executive chef Julia Lopez whips up appetizing bites such as ahi cebiche and Peruvian potato causas, and it’s all served in a sassy setting. You see, a certain attitude accompanies the experience of eating contemporary Peruvian street food, says Duni Terselich, who owns the eatery along with her husband Espartaco (call him Taco). Envision vigorous college students on the streets of Peru ordering from street vendors and sharing with friends. “That’s what it’s like,” she says. And that’s the vibe they aspire to at Aló as they serve up delightfully shareable sips and bites.
Aló
4447 N. Central Expwy.
214.520.9711
$$
Hours:
Mon- Fri 11 a.m.-5 p.m., lunch
Sun-Thurs 5-9:30 p.m. & Fri-Sat 5-10:30 p.m., dinner
Sat-Sun 10:30 a.m.-5 p.m., brunch
Daily 3-5 p.m., coffee/dessert
***
Five more takes on tapas
1 TAPAS TO TUNES
This cozy neighborhood spot features live music Friday nights. Try the Crab and Artichoke Soufflé, a favorite of café regulars.
Café Lago
9219 Garland
2 FARE TRADE
Jazz tunes and outdoor dining make it a cool hangout — until summertime, that is — to share Greek and Italian-inclined fare, such as the Drunken (goat cheese) Mushrooms.
Ziziki’s
4514 Travis
3 ORIENTAL EXPRESS
Asian restaurants are not resistant to the tapas trend. This Lower Greenville hotspot offers sushi and tiny Thai food fit to enjoy within the restaurant’s trendy digs or to take home in a hurry.
Nandina
5631 Alta
4 IT’S ALL IN THE NAME
This one lives up to its name, offering bottomless sangria during Sunday brunch, and plenty of tapas to choose from all week, such as crispy chicken empanadas or shrimp and crab croquettes.
Sangria Tapas Y Bar
4524 Cole
5 TAPAS TUESDAY
Discounted tapas every Tuesday with free sangria from 6-7 p.m. Try the piroshkis, small meat pies, and garlic-free “date night” hummus.
Café Izmir
3711 Greenville
