Sometimes a new twist on something familiar can spice up an already well-known eatery. In February 2008, the popular contemporary Mexican restaurant Brioso closed for a few days, and then reopened as the new modern Southwest grill Jack Rabbit, offering dishes that are distinctly more American Southwest than Mexican. The atmosphere is still intimate and chic, with brightly painted walls and muted lighting providing the perfect backdrop for a date night. Due to the small size of the dining area, and the draw of the tasty food, there can sometimes be a wait on weekends.
With delectable dishes like Three Little Pigs (an incredibly tender pork tenderloin wrapped in bacon and resting on a bed of garlicky spinach between two pork taquitos) and the Real Fajitas (skirt steak, free-range chicken breast or grilled portobello mushroom), this place knows how to serve up stylishly designed meals, while still ensuring that they taste as good as they look. For the vegetarian, there's also the impressive goat-cheese enchilada (a holdover from Brioso), as well as a roasted beet salad.
Standard complimentary chips and salsa come out before the meal. The chips have a definite home-made taste and the salsa is better than most. The drink menu is large enough (though a bit pricey), but if you're drinking, don't miss out on the Jack Rabbit cocktail (Ketel One Citroen, prickly pear juice, key lime and cointreau). The desserts are fairly standard and the waitstaff is friendly and prompt.
Centerstage Reviewer: Zach Freeman
