Issue link: http://papercitymagazine.uberflip.com/i/1162043
76 A round this time last year, I was in Tequila, Mexico, taking in the colorful town square, sun-drenched fields of agave, and endless tastes of the city's namesake spirit. When I entered the massive wooden doors to Te Deseo, I recognized the same spirit of excitement and jubilance I had felt in Jalisco — but instead of being south of the border, I was in the middle of the bustling Harwood District. While Harwood Hospitality Group's newest restaurant and bar cites Mexican influences — including its menu of more than 100 varieties of tequila and mescal, and the Chupito de la Casa, a signature house shot of reposado served with a refreshing sip of sangrita — it has lovingly pulled in authentic flavors from Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, and Peru for a robust Latin American-inspired experience. From the La Calena cocktail, stirred up with Colombian Aguardiente Antioqueño and served in a chilled clay cup, to the tuna and yellowtail tiraditos — Peruvian- style sashimi that can be traced back to the country's early Japanese immigrants — the menu, by executive chef Ty Thaxton, manages to give a taste of each culture, while reinterpreting dishes in a modern way. The same can be said for the interiors. On the first floor of the 14,000-square-foot space, several bars and semi-private dining areas are wrapped seductively around the main dining room, which is made to look like the charming courtyard of a private home or provincial café. It's accented with tile floors, Jan Barboglio votives, and bougainvillea that climbs to the ceiling, which is retractable and can be fully opened to the night sky. Upstairs, a rooftop bar overlooking the city and separate cigar lounge have already proven to be lively after-dinner destinations. The restaurant's four bars are open until 2 am, Thursday through Saturday with live entertainment on weekend nights, alternating a salsa band and DJ. Before opening in August, the wait staff took salsa lessons as part of their training. In addition to extensive knowledge of the menu, they can salsa your reposado right to you. Te Deseo, 2700 Olive St., 214.646.1314, tedeseodallas.com. BY LAURANN CLARIDGE BY LISA COLLINS SHADDOCK. PHOTOGRAPHY REBECCA ADLER, ROB UNDERWOOD. SOUTH OF THE BORDER SERENADE Charred octopus