Marie Cucas manager says family touch, fajitas and fresh lime margaritas define Keller restaurant

Nicholas, general manager and co-owner of Marie Cucas in Keller, told the meeting that the restaurant aims to make patrons "feel welcome" and part of the family, and described menu standouts and a fresh margarita recipe during a brief presentation.

He said the restaurant's most popular dishes include fajitas and carne asada. "Some of the most popular dishes are definitely the fajitas," Nicholas said. "The beef is very tender. Fajitas are always sizzling hot. They burn your tongue sometimes. The carne asada is an excellent piece of steak." He described the carne asada as "very lean tenderloin" that the kitchen "butter fry[s]" and tops with vegetables and Monterey Jack cheese.

Nicholas also described the restaurant's margaritas and preparation. "We actually make the lime juice here, so there's no pre mix at all," he said, adding that the drink uses Grand Marnier, a choice of Top Chef tequila and "the fresh squeezed lime juice." He called the margaritas "some of the best around town."

Nicholas emphasized the restaurant's family-oriented culture and community ties. "One of the main things that make us stand out is really just the family touch," he said. "When you when you come inside, you really feel that family vibe inside here. We love the fact that we can bring our own families in here." He said he has lived in Keller since third grade, "since 02/2001," and added, "they've really had our back since day 1... and we plan on being here for a long time."