Join Modern Luxury and Hornitos Tequila as we highlight Dallas’ most talented multicultural restaurateurs, chefs, bartenders and business owners.
Javier’s Gourmet Mexicano has been serving up continental Mexico City cuisine since 1977, establishing itself as a Dallas mainstay, and one of the most iconic restaurants in the city. From the suave service to the beloved cigar hideaway where Park Cities residents flock to for after-dinner drinks, anyone who’s anyone is a regular at Javier’s. And you definitely know Francisco “Paco” Gonzalez, the General Manager whose been with the Javier’s family for over 28 years. “I started as a waiter, worked my way up to Assistant Manager for 12 years, and now I’ve been GM for 11 years,” shares Paco. “And I love my job!” Originally from Santiago Maravatío, Mexico, Paco moved to Dallas when he was only 16-years-old, and immediately found himself in the hospitality industry, where his positive attitude, endless reserves of energy, and love for the business helped him build a career he can’t get enough of. “I am supposed to be here at 2pm, and here I am at noon every day,” he laughs. “I am proud of my job, and I love to be here.” As for the infamous cocktails, Paco himself can post up behind the bar and make you every single one. His two favorites happen to be some serious crowd pleasers. First, the Mexican Martini, a cocktail so popular, they make thousands of them a month. “One time, I walk by to see a bartender making 25 of them—a private party of 25 had all ordered one,” says Paco. “The group had 75 in less than two hours; poor guy almost got killed by the order, dinner on the house for him that night!” The other is Javier’s Favorite, a margarita mishap that ended up being one of the most ordered drinks on the menu. “The bartender accidentally put Grand Mariner in the margaritas and the customer told me this tastes like orange liqueur, so he adds some Cointreau—now it comes with both.” Cheers to the happiest mistake ever made!
Javier’s Favorite
Hornitos Plata Tequila with Cointreau, Grand mariner, and fresh-squeezed lime juice.
Serrano Spicy Margarita
Hornitos Plata Tequila infused in-house with Serrano peppers, Cointreau, sweet and sour, and fresh lime juice. A spicy take on a classic margarita that Texans love.
Skinny Mexican Martini
Hornitos Plata Tequila, Cointreau, and fresh lime juice.
Hornitos® Tequila, 40% alc./vol. ©20__ Sauza Tequila Import Company, Chicago, IL
Photography by: Beam Suntory