Earlier this month we reported that long-time Dallas restaurateur Monica Greene, who originally opened Monica's Aca y Alla in Deep Ellum, split with the recently opened Monica's Nueva Cocina. A message via the restaurant's Facebook page announced that while the spot still carries her name, she was no longer a part of it.
Then, on the last Sunday of 2012, a message on the BEE's (Best Enchiladas Ever) Facebook page announced the closing of that restaurant.
To All Dear Friends and Patrons: Bee closed it's doors for business today. Thank you for your support for the past two years. Love to all.
It's been a busy time for Greene the last half of 2012. To recap:
In May, Scott Reitz reported that Greene was parting ways Monica's Aca y Alla in Deep Ellum, although the kitchen staff and menu remained the same. Other than Greene's departure, the most significant change was the new name: Maracas Mexican Restaurant.
In August, Monica's Nueva Cocina and ME Lounge opened on Oak Lawn. In October Reitz penned a review on the new spot, summarizing, "While the menu has some quirks that need to be refined, the service is generally good at her new restaurant, which brings a style of dining desperately needed in the Oak Lawn neighborhood, and the locals look happy -- even that couple sharing sushi rolls with chopsticks and lime-green margaritas."
Then, in December Greene announced her split from the restaurant.
Now, the BEE is shut.
All of this was preceded by the legacy of Ciudad, which had a steady run at Observer's Best Mexican Restaurant in the first few years of this millennium. One Best of summary extolled, "... no one in Dallas creates Mexican cuisine with the dazzle and verve of restaurateur Monica Greene..."
We've contacted the BEE for some insight. If we hear back, we'll update.