New restaurants come and go in the Upper Valley. It becomes evident when soul and passion are present in every part of a fine dining experience, something not every eatery can boast.
Even before an order is taken at Palominos, the difference is clear. Guests are transported to Sonora, Mexico, where both the flavors and interior design originate.
Sonora is a large state in western Mexico, known for its beautiful desert vistas and plates of sizzling grilled meats.
The menu at Palominos in McAllen is centered around prime cuts of steak, either in tacos or as steaks, but is augmented with unique appetizers and finely crafted cocktails.
“The meats and steaks from Sonora are recognized around the world,” Jesus Obregon, lead designer and partner with Palominos Restaurant, said. “If you know steaks, you know that this region produces some of the best and most known in the world.”
As a classically trained architect, he knew that bringing the location to the Valley wasn’t just about the food, but also about the experience when sitting down to enjoy a meal.
Obregon built locations across Mexico, including his hometown of Hermosillo, Sonora.
“I loved the food and the experience,” Obregon said. “I fell in love with the business after working closely, so I became one of the partners.”
It was Obregon who played a huge part in bringing the experience north of the Rio Grande.
“The market here is very Latino,” he said. “They are looking for something similar to Mexico, and we decided to bring our version of that here.” Sonora has some slight differences from Nuevo Leon and Tamaulipas, where many RGV residents can trace their lineage.
The cuts of steak speak for themselves. In just a few short months, the restaurant has risen up the list for date nights and special occasions in the RGV.
“The food is simple,” Obregon said. “Salt, meat, and charcoal. It’s a complete culinary experience from Sonora, from the starters and appetizers to the meats to the dessert.”
What is not so simple is the beautiful design inside the establishment. That is where Obregon, who earned his degree in Mexico and holds licenses in the U.S. and Mexico, shines.
He has 15 years of experience in the field, with designs in Arizona and across Mexico, working on projects ranging from homes to commercial buildings, dental offices, and now restaurants. “I think I was a great match with Palominos because they could feel what I wanted them to feel. I don’t just work in making something look good, I want them to feel good too,” he said.
His attention to detail is evident in the materials he selects. He worked to combine the culture of Texas with Sonoran elements from his and the restaurant’s home.
“This mix of culture is important to make the patron receive us, we want to have success,” he said. “So I want to make the local people feel good and at home. We want people in this area to receive us, not the other way around.”
