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Dining Out
Dallas
Pappas Brothers
The husband dines at Pappas Brothers often for business. Heís circled the Dallas steak house orbit and cooks a mean steak at home, so heís a good judge. And he loves Pappas Brothers. So what is it about the place that sets this steakhouse apart from others? Itís the high quality of everything from the dry aged beef to the wine to the service, and consistency, he tells me. On the most recent occasion he ordered the lamb and was pleased again. Visit and you will understand why Texas Monthly named them the best steakhouse in Texas. (Also located in Houston.)
10477 Lombardy Lane Dallas, TX 75220, 214.366.2000, www.pappasbros.com
5839 Westheimer @ Bering. Houston, TX 77057, 713.780.7352, www.pappasbros.com
Some Favorites
I've been gone from Dallas just long enough to miss those establishments that were once part of my regular rotation. Number one on the list would be Jimmyís (4901 Bryan, 214.823.6180), the Italian grocery in East Dallas, for their superb selection of cured meats. In a close second is La Duni, with their Cuban, South American and Spanish influences, and one of the best mojitos around.
The husband grills a mean steak, and some of the best cuts were purchased at Kubyís in Snider Plaza. I miss the hip, fast-casual Indian concept of Cafe Roti, where weíd often get takeout on Friday nights. (Can't beat a good beer coupled with spicy Indian food.) I miss tapas at CafÈ Madrid which where even better on a recent visit.
I miss the one-on-one time with my seven-year-old daughter over sipping chocolate at the Cultured Cup on wintry Saturdays. While we're on chocolate, Dallas is home to several chocolatiers ñ Morgen, Noka, Wiseman House (in Hico) that fed my habit and kept the chocolate scene interesting.
A cupcake freak, I anxiously awaited the opening of Sprinkles and theyíve got some fine offerings, but some of the best cupcakes around were across Preston at Panini Bakery. (Taste the wedding cake cupcakes.)
Urban Bistro
Avner Samuelís Urban Bistro features fine Mediterranean cuisine in a relaxed, sophisticated setting. Donít miss the Crispy Moroccan Beef Cigars -- crispy wrapped chopped beef fried and served with a creamy dill-cucumber yogurt. And the Assorted Mezza Plate reminds us of why we love this genre so ñ dolmas, hummus, cucumber salad, and more. The cumin-rubbed rack of lamb was cooked to perfection and devoid of any lamby-ness. The flash fried snapper was delightful and served with a lightly seasoned ratatouille. Pan-seared scallops over Israeli cous cous proved a nice light lunch. The kitchen at Auroraís casual cousin turns out Mediterranean cuisine with a deft touch. The tart tatin was a pleasant end to the meal, as was the check, which was less than expected for this dining experience.
7709 Inwood, 214.358.1100, www.urbanbistrodallas.com
Cafe Roti
Fast-casual Cafe Roti is where we go in Dallas to get our Indian food fix. I love the earthy, piquant smell of all those Indian spices. Known for their naan, the bread is nothing short of delicious. Request an extra order, you will be glad you did. We order the combo meals. Select vegetable, paneer (homemade cheese), chicken, lamb or shrimp. Then choose a sauce -- balti, a North Indian sauce; green curry, a cilantro curry sauce; the almond and cream Korma; masala; curry and more. A favorite is Chana Balti, chick peas in the spicy North Indian sauce. The lamb can be a tad strong.
4438 McKinney Ave, Dallas, TX 75205, 214.521.3655
6509 W. Park Blvd., Plano, TX 75093, 972.403.7600
www.freshindianfood.com
Cafe Toulouse
Jonesing for French bistro fare? From the red banquettes, mirrored walls and chalk boards to the frites and mayo and thoughtful wine list, Toulouse will satisfy. Some highlights - certainly the ambiance, but also the excellent mussels Portuguese style with chorizo in a yummy tomato-based broth. A side of sautÈed chard, tomatoes and olives shined. The bouillabaisse broth was thick but loaded with fresh seafood like clams, mussels, shrimp, scallops and salmon. As for wine, a white blend of Riesling, Pinto Gris and Gew¸rztraminer, available by the glass, paired perfectly with the bouillabaisse.
3314 Knox Street, Dallas, 214.520.8999
Cuba Libre Cafe
Cuba Libre Cafe is a fun place for a little Cuban-inspired grub. Indulge in plantain chips with three sauces -- chile garlic mojo, avocado ranch and mango barbecue. Salads are good as is the jerked chicken quesadilla, and the roasted pork sandwich. But clearly our favorite is the fries. Don't miss these jerk-seasoned spuds.
2822 N. Henderson, Dallas, TX 75206, 214.827.2820
www.cubalibredallas.com
La Duni Latin Kitchen & Baking Studio
La Duni is a favorite, a winning combination (in our minds) that includes a top notch mojito, great wines, fab offerings from the kitchen and of course Pastry Chef Dunia Borgaís to-die-for pastries, all in a casual, sophisticated setting. The Latin inspired menu features calamari with ali-oli, empanadas, South American style steaks and yummy sandwiches like the Slow Roasted Lomo. Expanding all over the place with locations at Terminal D in DFW and opening soon at Northpark Mall. Those frequent travelers outside of Dallas -- pray for a long layover at DFW! 02/2007
4246 Oak Lawn, Highland Park, TX 75219, 214.520.6888
www.laduni.com
Stephan Pyles
The Stephan Pyles website says that the famed Dallas restaurateur ìintroduces New Millennium Southwestern Cuisine with flavors from Texas, South America, Spain, the Middle East, and the Mediterranean.î As paella purists, we were a tad curious about the joja santa wrapped salmon atop crabmeat paella, but report back that it was de-lish and weíd order it again. (Besides, who are we to question a founding father of Southwestern cuisine. Darn us.) Love all the seafood at Stephan Pyles, especially the ceviche sampler. Never fear, meat lovers ñ thereís plenty of flesh on the menu ñ Chile Braised Osso Bucco, Coriander-Cured Rack of Lamb, Bone-In Cowboy Ribeye and more. As for dessert, still dreaming about ìCoffee and Doughnuts.î Donít miss it. SPís made a successful leap from 80ís style Southwestern. 02/2007
1807 Ross Avenue, Suite 200, Dallas, TX, 214.580.7000
www.stephanpyles.com
Zorbaís Greek CafÈ
Iím always thrilled to find a family friendly, independent, non-chain restaurant with delicious food. We found that in Zorbaís. Loved the Meze platter, especially the tzatsiki and taramosalata. So good I was having trouble showing restraint. Moussaka made with beef was excellent, as was pastitsio. The husband like the lamb. Zorbaís is BYOB. 02/2007
1501 Preston Road Plano, TX 75093, 972.250.0062
www.zorbasplano.com
Houston
Dining Notes
Locally-owned Gigi's Asian Bistro & Dumpling Bar (5085 Westheimer, Galleria II, 713.629.8889) is a refreshing alternative for a dining option at the Galleria. On more than two occasions, we've enjoyed the perfectly fried clamari with three sauces, our favorite a spicy mayonnaise; and the green chili curry....The Grove (1611 Lamar, 713.337.7314, www.thegrovehouston.com) is a beautifully designed restaurant at Discovery Green Park. We dined on deviled eggs topped with caviar and unctuous chorizo and a fisherman's stew rife with seafood, just wished there'd been more of that yummy broth. Returned the evening of an Astros game to see the place hopping....Tiny Boxwoods (3614 W. Alabama, 713.622.4224) is located in a lovely setting overlooking Thompson-Hanson Nursery. The ladies-who-lunch crowd dine on BLTs and salads at this delightful spot...We thoroughly enjoyed Brasserie Max & Julie (4315 Montrose, 713.524.0070). Rack of lamb with frites was thoroughly French and enjoyed with a lovely burgundy recommended by the sommelier.
Dolce Vita
I could not stop talking about the pizza at Dolce Vita after a recent visit. The tallegio pie blended the eponymous Italian cheese, pears, baby arugula and truffle oil on a perfectly crisp crust. What a great blending of flavors ñ this is why we go out to eat, to experience the creative, sublime blending of flavors from a top chef like Marco Wiles. (His high-end DaMarco is exquisite.) On our most recent visit, we sampled the pancetta and parsley, salad. A layer of Italian parsley and a few thinly sliced red onions are sprinkled with pecorino cheese. At table, thickly chopped pancetta (Italian bacon) and some tasty grease are spooned atop. Yum. Salads are fresh and delightful whether it is baby arugula salad with roasted tomatoes or the shaved Brussels sprouts with pecorino. Dolce Vita is cozy, fun and delicious.
500 Westheimer, 713.520.8222, www.dolcevitahouston.com
Rioja
Rioja has been at the top of our list for a visit, since moving back to Houston this fall. We'd tasted Nacho Fonseca's paella at the Houston Polo Club's International Paella Festival and it was tops. So one evening we settled in for tapas and paella. We were delighted that not much had changed in the 2 years since our last visit. Fonseca's paella, traditional in style and studded with calamari, shrimp and his housemade sausage, is richly flavored with perfectly cooked Valencia rice, and a crunchy soccorat around the bottom edge that disappeared quickly. We ate it our favorite way, with a squeeze of lemon over top and a little garlic tinged alioli on the side. Tapas were delightful -- shrimp in garlic and olive oil, a sublime tortilla. Nice wine list with helpful staff to guide diners through it. Rioja has flamenco on the weekends. Enjoy this taste of Spain in west Houston.
11920-J Westheimer Houston 77077, 281.531.5569, www.riojarestaurant.com
Sugarbaby's Cupcake Boutique
It's a happy place, Sugarbaby's. It's girly -- all black, white and pink -- and my daughters and I loved it. The cupcakes did not disappoint. My favorite of the bunch was the pink strawberry flavored cupcake made in honor of breast cancer month and topped with pink ribbon sprinkles. Usually I am a white cupcake or chocolate girl, but I am looking forward to returning to grab another Sweet Strawberry. Sugarbaby's features other pastries like bite sized tarts and cheesecakes and individual bundt and pound cakes, and serves tea and Dean and Deluca coffee. There's a party room, too.
3310 South Shepherd Houston, TX 77098
713.52.SUGAR
www.ilovesugarbabys.com
Reef
The first attempt to visit Reef was sidelined thanks to a sick kid, so we were anxious to schedule another visit. The babysitterís scheduled opened up on a Monday night, but we were hesitantóseafood on Monday night can be sketchy. But the full room of patrons didnít mind and Reef delivered. For starters, we sampled the ceviche which was fruity, slightly smoky and reminiscent of the real deal weíve nibbled beachside in Mexico. The thick crabcake with a delicate crust was served atop a sweet, sour and hot slaw. Weíd been to Bank under Caswellís reign and appreciated his exquisite blending of flavors. We ordered grilled redfish over brocolini topped with finely chopped green bell pepper. Grilled scallops over polenta with a mushroom ragu was a nice play on shrimp and grits. A delightful buttermilk pana cotta served with strawberry sorbet was the perfect end to this dining experience. The interior design of the place, specifically the cool colors (aqua and blue) and textures (polished concrete and pearlized table tops) are a metaphor for the fresh seafood found within. Reef is a rare, and welcomed blend of unpretentious atmosphere and food prepared by a chef who is at the top of his game.
2600 Travis Houston, TX 77006 713.526.8282
www.reefhouston.com
Ouisie's Table
So comfortable, so elegant, so unpretentious. That's Ouisie's Table. Elouise Jones' restaurant features regional flavors of Texas, the Gulf Coast and the South. You'll find southern favorites like CFS, but also lots of fresh fish on the menu and there's always a special with exciting flavors. This is where we get our oyster fix with the Fried Gulf Coast Oyster Lunch. If the weather's nice, dine on the patio. If you've got a big group, the wine room is fun.
3939 San Felipe
Houston, Texas 77027
713.528.2264
www.ouisiestable.com
Goode Company Seafood
Signature Texas style, but not in the big belt buckle, big hair sort of way. Subtle, excellent fare from the sea found here. We love the Campechana Extra, a plate of raw oysters, mesquite grilled flounder, shrimp with two salsas, shrimp and oyster po-boys, gumbo, the list goes on. Family friendly ñ itís loud and the kids love it too. Donít miss Goodeís famous pecan pie.
2621 Westpark Drive
Houston, TX 77098
713.523.7154
www.goodecompany.com |
