Lalo's Fine Mexican Cuisine A Mi Cocina vet gets his own digs

Keeping it in the family can get you on Springer, or it can hatch a restaurant like Lalo's, now open in FND. Headed by a guy who worked his way up from dishwashing at places like Mi Cocina and Cristina's, backed by relatives, and employing his wife, son, brother, and nephews, the minimally appointed, part Mexican, part Tex-Mex brasserie gets things rolling with brisket sopecitos in queso Mexicano, and a salmon salad with jicama, mandarin, strawberries, pineapple, cucumbers, and baby spinach, which should probably eat its spinach.

If you can't decide between enchiladas and tacos, platter it up with El Famoso, or go with pollo like the Oaxaca (simmered in Oaxaqueno mole) and grilled Pechuga ( w/ diced tomatoes, capers, black olives & tomato sauce, naturally served w/ mashed potatoes). If you like shrimp but aren't one due to the aforementioned difficulty deciding between foods that make you huge, get bacon-wrapped jumbos stuffed with jalapenos & cheese, served over Mexican rice, avo, sopa de frijol, and pico.

Beat the heat with a pina colada-like Chana Tini, or frozen & rocks 'ritas including the strawberry-mango Twister, a game that, if you've been on Springer, you've probably played with your family.