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Calexico has finally opened its much-anticipated brick-and-mortar location in Carroll Gardens. Dave Vendley and his brothers Jesse and Brian, who are first-time restaurateurs, found it wasn’t easy building the place pretty much on their own, using income from their two food carts. “You take one tile out of the floor and you realize the floorboards are warped and you have this new problem to deal with,” Dave told us. They’ll serve the items you know and love as well as crack-sauce–laden torta and salad versions, plus new dishes such as shrimp and grits and daily specials such as ribs and tamales (the base menu is still coming together). When the beer-and-wine license comes in, there’ll be micheladas too, but during the BYOB phase, expect Mexican sodas and daily aguas frescas. Vendley says the look of the place will be unique “but still your modest taqueria,” with a blown-up picture from their hometown of Calexico, California, as the centerpiece, and hand-painted Mexican folk art on the walls. The store will eventually be open from 11 a.m. till 11 p.m. (follow their Twitter page for updates about hours and the like), but rest assured the Vendleys are still invested in their carts. They’re hoping to add a third one by spring. — Daniel Maurer

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Recipes at Calexico Carne Asada

• Jalapeño-Cheddar Scones (2009)
• Caramelized Onion, Mushroom, and Goat-Cheese Frittata (2009)
• Cherry-Tomato Pico de Gallo (2009)
• Fruit Salad With Vanilla, Mint, and Cayenne Pepper (2009)
• Pumpkin Seed Granola (2009)
• Maple-Lime Yogurt (2009)