NEW RESTAURANTS 2010: Alhambra

Alhambra makes a serious case for best-looking restaurant in town. It’s a sexy, sexy place. The design smacks of the same Mediterranean flare as the bountiful menu. The night spot, located at the intersection of South 17th Street and Fresno Avenue, also includes open-air seating.

The restaurant also takes special steps to be environmentally friendly, said executive chef James Canter, who has operated restaurants in California and Florida. Alhambra uses biodegradable carry out materials, energy-saving equipment and organic ingridients. Canter calls it cuisine with a conscience. He plans to eventually use Valley-grown produce in most dishes.

Among nightlife destinations, Alhambra distinguishes itself from other venues with a hookah lounge. The after dinner crowd can enjoy a relaxing, flavored hookah while watching Alhambra’s live entertainment. Also, during the past month Alhambra has featured belly dancers on the weekend. It has been a smash hit.

WHERE: 519 S. 17th St., McAllen
CALL: (956) 772-4252
ONLINE: www.Alhambraon17th.com
TYPE: Mediterranean with heavy Spanish and Moorish cuisine influences
COST: $$$ out of $$$
HOURS: 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday; 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday for dining, and 5 p.m. to 2 a.m. for the lounge.

TRY THIS: LOBSTER PAELLA – Lobster Paella marks this elegant restaurant’s finest dish. It includes lobster, black mussels, gulf shrimp, clams, calamari, peas, chorizo, peppers, saffron and rice. Lobster Paella costs $38. Alhambra can also cater large gatherings. This dish is one of three paella selections. Alhambra also offers chicken and artichoke paella and a vegetarian variety. All paella dishes use ingredients from Spain.