Bistro Latino By Jim White Just in time for the New Year, there’s a new Latin sensation from one of our most talented chefs: Bistro Latino in Preston Center from James Neel, owner of Tramontana. This cozy and friendly spot is just around the corner from Chef Neel’s much lauded original restaurant. He’s taking his classical French training and substituting Latin and South American spices and ingredients, and the results are very satisfying. Lunch and dinner specials compliment a well-rounded menu of favorites that is served all day long. Highly recommended appetizers include beef empanadas with grilled onion guacamole and, tasty Bistro nachos topped with margarita chicken and Chimichuri Beef. Chimichuri is a thick herb sauce made of olive oil, parsley, garlic and more that’s as common in Argentina as ketchup is in America. Exceptional soups and salads are great compliments to the menu. Brazilian black bean soup, as well as poblano and shrimp bisque are outstanding. The delicious house salad is made with a creamy cilantro dressing. You’ll keep coming back to try the entrées. Be sure you try the smoked shrimp and Jack Cheese stuffed chicken relleno with charred tomato sauce. Other menu highlights include lamb picadillo and three potato hash with pasilla pepper demi glace, the spinach and corn enchiladas, and the onion crusted snapper with risotto Latino. Great combination plates will let you try samples of some great menu options. The grilled meat trio is superb. It features Beef Churrasco—tender, marinated prime beef—spicy crusted pork—with mango demi—and margarita chicken, with a tantalizing roasted corn relish and Bohemia black bean sauce. It’s also served with melt in your mouth poblano mashed potatoes. Save room for the divine desserts, including a delightful Tres Leches with fresh banana slices, and a decadent molten chocolate tart. By the time you hear this, Bistro Latino should have its on premise license for beer and wine. Check beforehand just in case it’s still a BYOB situation. There’s plenty of street parking, although be careful to avoid the 4 or 5 spaces directly in front of Bistro Latino and some neighboring Preston Center Shops. I missed the sign designating them 30 minute parking one day at lunch and wound up sending a $30 "tip" to the City of Dallas for a parking ticket. Bistro Latino is open for lunch Monday through Friday and dinner Tuesday through Saturday. Call 214-360-0922 for reservations. The Restaurant is located at 6112 Luther Lane, about a half block from Preston Road. On The KRLD Restaurant Show Review Scale of One to Five Forks, Bistro Latino rates 3 and a Half Forks. Food is 3 and a Half Forks Service is 3 and a Half Forks Atmosphere is 3 Forks. Price is moderate. Lunch entrées range from $8.95 to $11.95, dinner specials are usually around $19.95 to $21.95 and the main menu prices range from $12.95 to $16.95. Bistro Latino is a labor of love from Lisa and James Neel. Visit for some handmade Latin cuisine. Send me an Email: jwdineline@aol.com