Nestled in a deceivingly large, Mediterranean-styled space, Medallions may just be the perfect Downtown hotspot. With moderately priced, impeccably presented, mouth-watering meals and an attentive wait staff, there’s nothing not to love about the place.
A short introduction on the restaurant’s menu welcomes patrons to experience executive chef Juan Solorzano’s “love of food through his culinary expertise and exquisite use of spices and fresh ingredients.” Culinary expertise, indeed. With over 30 years in the food industry and a degree from the Arizona Culinary Institute, Solorzano knows his way around a kitchen. And although he’s been at Medallions for just three years, Solorzano spent 14 years at Jaxon’s and before that, he toiled behind the stove at Scottsdale, Ariz.’s prestigious Starfire Golf Club.
Medallions’ bill of fare is both eclectic and impressive, with appetizers like spicy mango shrimp canapés and battered sweet corn croquettes. The salad selection is far from ordinary, as green leaf and spring mix is topped with carrots, avocados, red onions, tomatoes, sun dried tomatoes, fruit and candied walnuts and your choice of either chicken, salmon, shrimp, Ribeye or Yellowfin tuna.
Among Solorzano’s specialties are his gourmet soups and French oriented sauces, which he says, are prepped “with [his] own special twist.” According to the chef, the lemon butter sauce is a fan favorite, although the complete list that make up “Chef Juan’s Signature Sauces” include everything from creamy ancho chile, balsamic strawberry, red wine demi-glaze and barbeque honey glaze. Each entrée comes with your favorite of these sauces. The lengthy entrée list is equally distinctive, featuring platefuls of basmati rice, sautéed veggies and toppers like grilled pork chop and grilled Yellowfin tuna, among others options. Pasta-lovers rejoice, as the fettuccine alfredo with chicken or shrimp is touted as delicious and the homemade tiramisu is an ideal complement.
For a lighter fare, Medallions offers an extensive variety of gourmet soups, sandwiches and wraps. Spicy cream of potato chile is a menu mainstay, while the soup du jour promises a pleasant surprise. Grilled chicken lettuce wraps, spinach tortilla wraps, and Yellowfin or Ribeye sandwiches can be topped off with green chile, bacon, chopped jalapeno, bleu cheese sauce, grilled onions, or portabella. And on one of the many trips you’ll be making to this Downtown gem, Solorzano suggests indulging in the Medallions bison burger. Here’s an insider’s tip: request the Red Snapper with spicy mango chutney. It’s tasty, but not overwhelmingly “fishy,” the presentation is tops and it’s Chef Solorzano’s favorite plate to prepare.
In keeping with the ever-changing Downtown, the restaurant has recently expanded their hours to serve breakfast from 7 – 10 a.m. and lunch from 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. At press time, the breakfast menu hadn’t been updated, but Solorzano promises crepes, Belgium waffles, pancakes and more. And although the eatery is closed on the weekends, it’s open for catering business over the weekend and after hours. In the near future, Solorzano and owner Sandy Munoz hope to expand the restaurant and add outdoor seating and as well as a liquor license to “take it to the next level.” The restaurant currently boasts and wide variety of wines and beer.
So whether you’re coming from Downtown business office or the far Eastside, it’s well worth the trip, where, with just one bite of Chef Solorzano’s grilled medallions of beef tenderloin, you’ll be transported to France on the Borderland.
Medallions is located at 501 Texas Ave. For more information, call 915.351.6023. Delivery and takeout are available, with catering on and off the premises offered after hours and on weekends.
