Britgirl Does Dallas....One restaurant at a time!

Square Burger (aka popping my burger cherry!)

2010-11-14T17:30:00.000-08:00

Square Burger-not for squares

Square burger refers not to the shape of the burger, as they are most definitely round, but to the location on McKinney Square.

True we are way up in the burbs here and this was not my usual Friday night debauchery but I had yet to try a burger....and I mean ever!!!

I started eating red meat just a few months ago and had yet to venture into burger land.
I sure as hell wasn't going to pop my burger cherry at McDonalds, so hearing Square Burger had seven varieties made from grass-fed, hormone-free meat made from McKinney's Genesis Beef.
I headed North in search of Burgertopia

For the record, they also have lamb, turkey and salmon but this time I was out for MEAT

Downtown Mckinney is cute and the glass walled windows at Square burger are inviting (though there is no real sign on the outside just a small etched burger insignia on the door).

The neon lit bar is inviting and with 30 beers on tap as well as all the usual alcohol libations this place is worth the drive

The waitresses (and waiters) are gorgeous and friendly, and the interior looks more like a nightclub but its certainly family oriented with parents, kids, oldies and teens all gathered at tables and booths

As this was my first burger, I steered away from the more creative variations and went for the stadium burger which had onions and a great spicy mustard aioli

When you have never eaten a burger before, its hard to write a review and compare but...Man oh man was it good. Tender and well cooked with rich meaty flavours. The fried pickle was a nice touch too

Stadium Burger

Hubby had the "high society Burger" (but of course) With layers of Prosciutto and field greens

High society Burger

We both got the sweet potato fries and the thin spicy onion rings. Despite the reviews on the potato fries they didn't blow me away though they did have good flavour to where they almost felt like dessert

Sweet potato fries and onion rings

This is not a fast food joint and at $9 - $11 per burger this is certainly not cheapeats. However, the burgers were huge, satisfying and well worth the $$.
I have been reading up on small farms, organic farming and grass fed cattle. I would prefer to support these methods of farming in my newly carnivorous life and Square burger fits that bill

Davids Dining

2010-11-14T16:13:00.000-08:00

Now for something different

My friend David Tittle has had no chef training, yet for years now we have been telling him how wonderful his cooking is. He is thinking about creating his own "mobile chef" company (where he travels to peoples home and cooks for them).
How lucky that we got to act as Guinea pigs while he practices...

Tonight's theme was Asian night

David preparing his Ahi Tower

Ingredients courtesy of Super H-Mart Asian store

Ahi Tower

Skewers (Beef, Chicken and liver)

Kampai..here's to a great dinner

Dessert-white chocolate seashell (made with a homemade silicone mold) and key lime puree

Im sure you will see more from David Tittle in the near future. Watch this space.....

Toulouse Je t'aime!

2010-11-02T17:22:00.000-07:00

A while ago I posted a question on Facebook asking people for their top 5 restaurants in Dallas and a friend posted Toulouse!

Of course, I instantly had their WEBSITE up and was salivating. I didn't get much further than reading about the award winning mussels and I know I had to get down there pronto.

TOULOUSE

During my travels in France, and more particularly Belgium I fell in love with the dish Moules Frites (Mussels and french fries) and since the sad closing of Jeroboam I have yet to find anything that is quite as delicious.

Toulouse had quite big boots to fill .

Located on Knox Street, Toulouse gave great first impressions. The patio was lively during this Saturday lunch time visit and inside I felt transported back to St Catherine's area of Brussels with the casual bistro decor. Golden yellow walls, hardwood floors and quirky French art posters and murals adorning the walls.

Some of the online reviews weren't too favourable about the food there so I kept my order simple Mussels and Pomme Frites (fries), escargot (snails) and a glass of wine..
I couldn't have been more happy. The Escargot Toulouse ($9.95) were already removed from their shells (as is common in the USA) and soaking in little baths of delicious garlic/butter sauce. A couple of my companions turned their noses up at my appetizer choice but when I persuaded (OK, forced) them to try it they soon changed their tune.
"Kinda like garlic mushrooms" said one.

Escargot

A+ so far and I waited with baited breath for the Mussels
They had five flavours to choose from and you could order then as an appetizer for ($13) or as an entree with Pomme Frites for ($19.95) I had chosen the traditional Mariniere- Garlic, White Wine, Butter & Shallots and they arrived in a steaming bowl with the Pomme frites alongside in their own freestanding iron dish with a side of their own mayo

Mussels Mariniere

The mussels were FAT and very tasty, the sauce had amazing flavour but subtle enough to not be overpowering. Perfect!
I thought the pomme frites could have done with having a little more "crisp" to the outside (as it traditional in the Belgium Fritkot) but that's just me trying to find any fault- which was hard to do!

Pomme Frites

Hubby ordered the Provençale version- Tomatoes, Kalamata Olives, White Wine, Garlic & Herbs. My other lunch companion got the

Thai ones- Coconut Milk, Yellow Curry, Tomatoes, Lemongrass, Ginger, Cilantro & Lime! Both also got a huge thumbs up but my preference was definitely for my own which had the most delicate flavour.
I'm adventurous with food, but I will have a hard time (on my most definite return) straying too far down the menu with these available
for my comsumption

Merci Beaucoup. Toulouse, je t'aime!

Parigi

2010-11-02T11:27:00.000-07:00

We were in Oak lawn strolling round on a blissfully mild fall day when I saw PARIGI tucked away off the pavement. I could have easily missed it, except on this warm afternoon the patio was full of pretty people looking relaxed and happy. Hungry? I was now

I had actually read about this bistro months earlier and was impressed with its claim for using sustainable foods and its partnership with local farmers, so i was intrigued.
Their website is actually very impressive with photos from various travels and farmers markets as well as personal notes about the Parigi owners and chefs.

The decor was rather plain which didn't matter too much as their waiters/waitresses were all gorgeous (so many pretty people down Oaklawn).
On first glance this restaurant feels like it has a personality disorder. Parigi (which is actually the Italian word for Paris) says it models itself on the "bistros of Paris, with a New York feel" HUH?
I didn't really get the feel of either of these locations from the decor (or the food) and thought Parigi would be better homing in more on its farm friendly side.

Anyway, we ordered from the Fall Friendly lunch menu.

Roasted and stuffed Acorn Squash

Hubby got the Roasted Acorn Squash stuffed with quinoa, peas,carrots, parsnips,spinich and Asiago cheese for $12

Presentation was stunning and it was true fall comfort food stuffed full of veggies and cheese! Hubby thought the cheese was too much but I thought it was great and such a simple idea executed so well

De constructed Cali roll

I ordered the Deconstructed Cali roll with sweet lump gulf crab, cucumber, avocado, nori rice, ginger soy and wasabi for $13

Again, the presentation was wonderful and I felt like I was tucking into art! Actually this dish looked more like an ahi tower than anything else

First taste and I wasn't impressed. The lump crab meat was lovely but flavourless. I began destroying the artwork of the dish by squishing it altogether, much they would in a sushi restaurant (the waitress had not suggested this) and suddenly the taste was transformed from blah to bammmmmm!
It was instantly a wonderful array of flavours all at once, creamy and spicy

So despite the confusing genre of this restaurant it still gets my seal of approval and I look forward to returning for more seasonal samples in the near future

Around the world in 40 bites

2010-10-24T18:32:00.000-07:00

Worldfest Addison

South American foods

This weekend Addison held its Worldfest

Slightly disappointed by the 89 degree temperatures (its October dammit..and I want to start dressing cozy) we drove up to"Village on the Parkway" which is basically a cluster of restaurants on Beltline road in Addison.

The parking lot had been transformed onto "The World" with craft and food stalls. Stages hosted Turkish dancers, African singers and Middle Eastern belly dancers and the food court featured food samples from many of the local, more exotic (not all..I did see a TGI Fridays) restaurants

With free entry and pay as you go (as opposed to the ridiculous coupon purchasing that festivals here are so fond of) this was a pleasant way to spend the afternoon.

The Latin American Zaguan Cafe had some delicious pastries as well as a Cacjapa ( or Cachapas) which I had never tried before. A soft sweet corn wrap filled with shredded beef and Queso de mano cheese popular at Venezuelan roadside stands

Bulgarian food

Amongst the Bulgarian foods was a long sausage called Karnache which had a wonderful crisp skin fresh of the BBQ

Next on our stop around the world was the Ethiopian stall from the QUEEN OF SHEBA restaurant.

Here we sampled the Bebeg Wott- spicy slow cooked chunks of lamb in a stew-like sauce served with injera-a large sourdough bread made from fermented teff flour. The bread had rubber feel (compared to our western wraps) but tasted fabulous. Ethiopians eat with their right hands, using pieces of injera to pick up their food. Needless to say this takes practice and our fingers will be stained Orange with the lamb curry for some time!

Our final stop around the world (before we exploded) was Poland for one of my all time favourite starchy foods Pierogis! Fried dumplings of heaven stuffed with cheese, meats, onions, cabbage or whatever comes to hand. My favourite is the cheese, onion and potato and then they are cooked and then fried to add a sear to the dumpling they are the best food ever.

Polish Pierogi

I didn't realize travelling the world would be this filling! BURP

Nova

2010-10-24T17:10:00.000-07:00

NOVA is another new restaurant in the gentrified Oak Cliff area, just a short distance from other greats such as Bolsa and Tillmans in the Bishops Arts district.

It has a casual 50s diner feel, I had heard it was an old dairy queen in years gone by and more recently Kavala which had closed before I got chance to visit.
However Kavala chef Kelly Hightower eventually replaced the spot with Nova and foodies have been talking about this "gastro pub" since it opened 8 weeks ago.

We had a birthday party of nine which would cause seating problems in this new and popular place thanks to the no reservations policy. (grrrrrr) However, the feisty Scottish co-owner, John, kept us entertained and in the loop throughout the wait..... the well stocked bar and impressive wine list helped a lot too.
I would return just for their Pimms cup. Yummy
Once seated the drinks kept flowing. Now a dj had set up playing quiet trance tunes whilst SKYY vodka girls handed out free samples and they could do no wrong.

happy!

Well not quite. There were a few blips on the landscape as appetizers threatened to dampen our initial buzz. First they were out of hummus,and the chorus of disappointed groans (we were hungry after our wait) attracted Scottish Johns attention. A moment later they had whipped up a fresh batch of hummus to calm the masses (and impress me).
But wait..next there were no Mussels either and our expectations for the rest of the evening started to plummet
We sat back, downed a few more SKYY infusions and expected the worst.

How wonderful it is to be proved wrong. Dish after dish of amazing (and I mean amazing) foods arrived making us all OOooOo and AhhhHHHhh throughout the remaining evening.
The appetizers that did arrive included the Blow Torch Salmon with Yuzu Miso Glaze ($9) which melted in my mouth and the House Smoked Salmon Potato Skins Horseradish Creme Fraiche ($7) putting the gastro well and truly into the pub!

Blow torch salmon and house smoked salmon potato skins

As for the entrees:
People who have travelled to Japan exclaimed that the Tempura Udon with Shaved Sirloin, Tempura Mushrooms and Vidalia Onions ($12) blew away even their culinary experiences in Asia. The
Grilled Center Cut Pork Chop with Tomato Sage Brown Butter and Stone Ground Heirloom Grits $21 impressed hubby into silence, bar the occasional lip-smacking
My Jamaican Beer Can Chicken ($14) was quite simple delicious.

Jamaican beer can chicken

The chicken was moist and tender, the jerk spice had a nice kick and the coconut rice and (fruit) salsa was the perfect accompaniment.
John checked on us throughout the meal and it felt like he genuinely cared that we had the best experience possible...which we really did!
I would recommend this new joint to anyone and I will most certainly return, especially as remodelling of the patio continues and seating will get easier, as I'm assuming the popularity of Nova will not lessen any time soon!

Seasons 52

2010-10-18T09:38:00.000-07:00

I entered Seasons 52 feeling skeptical. How could a restaurant provide great taste yet stick with its promise of only 475 calories per item. My dinner guest quizzed the waiter:
"Is that 475 calories for each food item..or per meal?".
" what about the sauce..does that count?"
"..and the bread?"
Could low calorie food really equal big taste..? Is this the old fashioned thoughts that keep me at the gym 3 times a week?

Lets start from the beginning.
Seasons 52 is new to Dallas and has been talked about since opening its doors just two weeks ago. This small chain (by the same people at Red lobster, Olive Garden and Capital Grille) this restaurant is the first in Texas and originates from Florida where light seasonal fare is more the norm than here in the Big D.
This is another new place for the Shops at Legacy and as Ive stated in previous blogs is an ideal restaurant location for us with its urban feel and ample parking.
So...first impressions were great. Walking in the restaurant was hopping, with an older elegant crowd. On this rarely pleasant Texas evening the outdoor patio was lively. The interior decor, soft with earth tones and dim lighting. Its been likened to Houstons and I get that. I fell in love with the bar and its big heavy chairs. Oddly the live music was a man on a piano behind the bar. A little loud and in your face yet I liked it
The drink menu is impressive with lots of choices for wines by the glass and some more unusual options, including organic wines and a "drink them before they are famous" category. The cocktail list was fun and fruity but drew complaints from hubby who would have preferred to see some less girlie options.
The bar staff were knowledgeable and friendly, quick to offer free pours and advice whilst we waited for our table.
This continued through to the restaurant, where our waiter made the evening memorable with personal banter, jokes and attentive (without being overbearing) service.
5 stars for the staff so far.
Once settled, appetizers started us on a good note with a wonderful chicken tortilla soup, flat bread and the most amazing goat cheese ravioli (thin delicate pasta around melted deliciousness). My mussels were cooked well but all the garlic and tomato broth in the world couldn't hide a slightly fishy after taste which led me to believe they were not as fresh as i expected.

Unfortunately, the entrees fell short in the taste department. My caramelized scallops were plentiful and tender but the pearl couscous alongside was bland.

Caramelized Scallops with Pearl Couscous

Hubby's artichoke stuffed shrimp didn't tantalize the taste buds either which was was unfortunate as the presentation had his mouth watering

I didn't try the Tiger shrimp pasta which our guest ordered but whilst it wasn't bad there was nothing to make it stand out either.

Seasons 52 is known for its mini indulgence desserts, so to make up for a disappointing dinner we loaded up on the tall shooter glasses filled with goodness; Chocolate peanut butter mousse (rich and decadent), Pumpkin pie with ginger snap crust (seasonal and flavoursome), key lime pie (a little bland), market fresh fruit (tasty) and lemon pie (unanimously voted the best on the table)!

I love the idea of Seasons 52 and it was a great night out even if some of the healthy fare fell short in the flavour department

Mini Indulgences

I'm sure I'll visit Seasons 52 again but I think I will stick with the starters and/or dessert and skip the entrees next time around.

I have a feeling Ill be sticking with my allotted gym time and forgetting about the "low cal" food from now on when I'm treating myself to a night out

Sea food..eat food

2010-10-13T09:28:00.000-07:00

We got a groupon to use at Coast Global Seafood which is in the lovely Shops at Legacy suburban (wanna be urban) development in Plano.
I happen to love this area in far North Dallas. Not only is it close by but it really does not feel like you are deep in suburbia here. Coast has an ideal location right by the fountains which can be seen through the huge glass windows or on the patio if al fresco is your dining choice.
This restaurant is decorated beautifully and I just feel instantly relaxed when i walk through the doors; from the art coral "growing" up from the hostess station to the art deco bar with its water bubble design Coast manages to fit an elegant theme without tacky kitsch.

The beautiful bar at Coast Global Seafood

This was my second visit and I find it a little sad that this restaurant is never very busy, say compared to Ra or Gordon Biersch which are both spitting distance from here.
On this occasion, the hostesses seemed stressed and the room chaotic even though it was no where near to capacity. We soon learned (from our bartender) that they were struggling with staff being off sick, and braced ourselves for a rough night.

Turns out our bartender, (Wade) ,was also our waiter and guardian angel as it turns out as he was all smiles and calm in the Coast global storm. He didn't let the chaos of the night reach us and was as grateful to us for our humour and patience as we were of his experience and genial manner. He even brought us over a free martini cocktail (alcohol always helps keep the masses at bay).
We had a false start with the appetizer, a creamy green chili crab dip, which had little flavour and was not served piping hot.
However, the Mains completely erased this disappointment.
The sea scallops at $25 were not cheap but cheaper than others I've had which didn't match Coast's tender deliciousness and these were served with an oh so tasty garlic roasted spaghetti squash; so kudos to them for making vegetables so appealing.
Hubby chose the Scottish salmon, which I shy away from in restaurants just because its something we make at home and never elicits that "rare treat" quality that I like from eating out. My bad!!! It was amazing, served with (the largest pearls I've seen) lemon couscous. Hubby couldn't stop carrying on about the greatness of his meal (may be directly related to the amount of alcohol at this point) but it was exceptionally good and worth the $22.

reserved lemon cous cous & citrus butter

Scottish Salmon with p

I certainly hope Coast Global seafood survives, it really is a beautiful restaurant with excellent seafood; but without a few tweaks here and there I worry about their longevity in the fickle Dallas market!

Posh Nosh

2010-10-05T11:52:00.000-07:00

We never made it to Aurora, the Samual Avner fancy smancy eatery in Oak Lawn because by the time we were ready to splurge it had closed down.
In its place Avner opened NOSH a self claimed Euro Bistro and looking at the menu it appeared cheaper and more relaxed that the original.
Given Dallas' fickle restaurant business we thought we had better pay it a visit before that too vanished.

Nosh is new (opened in September 2010) but already seems to have a steady following. The restaurant was busy, all tables taken and a steady stream of chatter resounding from the walls
Tonight was an older well heeled crowd. I'm thinking they are loyal diners from the Aurora era; given their age and their intimacy with Avner and his wife Celeste who worked the room greeting patrons as old friends.
The bar was fantastic... Thick old wood with heavy comfortable chairs. The barman was knowledgeable and friendly and best of all behind the bar there's a flat screen TV showing screens from the kitchen and the chefs in action. The voyeuristic appeal is high but the new chef they brought in (Jon Stevens) didn't appear to be as volatile as a Gordon Ramsey type making for tame watching. Even without the television its easy to see the goings on, as the kitchen is open to the restaurant with some key seats right there along the kitchen counter (I'm sitting there next!)
The boys started with a couple of Blueberry Collins (a take on the Tom Collins) whilst we waited for our table
A+ for first impressions Nosh

Nosh Euro Bistro

Now on to the food

The menu has a good mix of small plates -"To Nosh on"- as well as Mains. I'm not sure what really defines a menu as European/Mediterranean but being a fan of French cuisine (they have to have something good right??) I opted for the escargot fritters which didn't disappoint and for $5 quite a good price! A little easier on the American palate than regular escargot these are fried up with Parmesan and tasted decadent

Escargot Fritters

The other dish to Nosh on which my dinner companions ordered was the special. An egg custard type dish which sounded like it belonged on the dessert menu. Arriving at the table it looked more like the soft boiled eggs we eat in England (with soldiers) but the shell was stuffed with creamy egg and mushrooms...heaven!

Egg custard special

Service was impeccable. In fact our waitress saw that it ran like clockwork. A less keen eye would have missed a few minor errors that she quickly corrected with subtle flair
The MAINS continued to impress. Seared diver scallops so tender they melted in your mouth and better than I have tasted at other seafood establishments for a lot more than the $19 these cost. Expresso braised beef short rib served with the cheddar grits in an accompanying pan for $16. For my dish i chose the crispy duck confit ($15) which came with a side of cauliflower leek mash and never have vegetables tasted so good. The duck was beautifully presented and had a crisp skin with tender meat inside

Crispy duck confit

Expresso Braised beef short rib

With all that good food we couldn't possibly manage dessert so coffee it was til my greedy hubby spotted the apple tart on the menu and "just had to have it".

Apple tart tatin with Tahitian vanilla ice cream

Coming out looking more like a brownie a la mode with a dark rich crust the apple tart was delicious. Drizzled in caramel sauce the outside was crisp with a soft apple center.
Need I say more......
Nosh translates as a snack or light meal. Nosh Euro Bistro is a whole lot more than that.....I think Avner Samuel is on to a winner here!

Pass the steak...Im hungry

2010-10-04T09:29:00.000-07:00

This Blog will be a little different.

Not a review at all. Its more personal to me, a big dietary change I made in my life

After 23 years of not eating red meat I had my first steak. OK, honestly i didn't have a whole steak I just tasted steak, for fear of my body shouting "reject" and making life suck for that night. Baby steps dear readers..baby steps

Now after two decades I'm a fully fledged carnivore. Can you believe I have lived in Texas for over 10 years now without touching steak?

WHY NOW?

Well, here is my honest but politically correct answer..

* In college I was very much a hippy chick. I bought body shop products and stopped eating meat for my love of the little furry creatures on this planet. Basically its just what you did back then when you wanted to make a stand. Times have certainly changed since those balmy teenage days and choosing "ethically raised/Grass fed" meat is an option that I have been considering for some time.

I feel that buying sustainable meat purchased from small farmers is a form of activism in this new era—a modern way of striking a blow against the factory farming of livestock and I do feel strongly today about preserving small-scale farming

That is not to say I will only eat certain meats or I will ask in restaurants to prove documentation to support this; but I have and will buy my own foods this way in the future.

Dallas is moving forward and farmers markets, whilst small, are gaining popularity

However there are other (and much more selfish) reasons for my life changes

* Despite having a huge food restriction I have never been viewed as a picky eater.I love food and love trying new foods. Over the years I slowly introduced chicken and fish to my diet but red meat was still a no no. I basically wanted the freedom to eat whatever I wanted. To have the label "will try anything once". These days it goes better with my adventurous, travel side more than the hippy chick I was at 19.

* In Japan this year I felt rude and embarrassed to have to turn down food offerings from new friends. I hid food they gave me and passed it silently along to my happy carnivorous hubby. I wanted to fit in to their culture and be grateful of what they were presenting me with. But in reality I felt like a naughty five year old at her parents table hiding meats in my napkin

*Anthony Bordain. I have been addicted to his travel/food show "No reservations" and I decided i just didn't want reservations either. I wanted to be free to explore the culinary world of new countries. To stop worrying what might be in certain dishes and to be able immerse myself more fully into new cultures. Its really quite a new world that has opened up to me, and I'm excited by it! So Tony...your talk of pig ears and pig cheeks and crispy pig skin has a lot to answer for!

I never preached vegetarian ways or tried to encourage anyone else from not eating meat. My hubby was a fully fledged carnivore from the day i met him as are the majority of my friends so whilst my change may seem shocking to some who have never seen me eat meat, most I'm sure won't notice a difference

A little dutch courage

My first bite of steak in 23 years!

Except my Mum... who after 23 years can finally be happy that my vegetarian ways really were "just a phase"
.....and in answer to the question on everyones lips "Yes it tasted GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOD"

Greek Good Eats

2010-09-29T12:33:00.001-07:00

The Hummus salad plate

ZOES KITCHEN is a fast food chain cafe and this Plano Location opened recently along Preston road conveniently nearby my favourite store Nordstrom Rack!

Now I can combine guilt free shopping with guilt free lunching!

The menu leans heavily towards Greek though it calls itself Mediterranean with many "in house' made foods like the lovely creamy Hummus and everything I have tried there has been tasty and fresh
The cafe is casual with bright orange/lime decor and a plethora of choices for seating.
Feeling like a more intimate booth? They have that
A traditional cafe table? They have that. What about a stool along the window bar? yes they have that too. Even some patio seating to enjoy the cooler fall temperatures!
The staff are wonderful. Remember this is a casual chain cafe but the level of courtesy and attentiveness beat out many more fancier restaurants Ive dined at recently.
They even approached my table to take my plastic cup over to the soda fountain for the re fill. Now that's what I call service.

Arrive here around noon and the place will be heaving with the lunch time office crowd..sometimes service isn't so fast during these peak hours but the food never seems to suffer. The salads are always fresh, the hummus creamy, the raita chunky, the sandwich stacks were indeed stacked and the classic Greek salad had a lovely surprise under all the greenery- a tasty Greek potato salad!
This cafe is now a firm favourite for quick and affordable fresh food and they recently got their liquor license so if you are feeling like a nice glass of wine to wash down your meal you can do that too!

Texas State Fair 2010

2010-09-25T22:56:00.000-07:00

BIG TEX

Ah.... the Texas state Fair and all the wonderful and bizarre fried foods that come with it!
Thank god for Lipitor. I took my double dose and headed down there to see what crazy creations there were this year.....

Fried Margarita

The Fried Margarita- a new addition for 2010 but not a winner! Really this was just pieces of fried doughnut with tequila poured over it all topped off with a squirt of fresh cream and a slice of lime. Nothing special really and amusing that we had to show ID to buy one. I mean it was 14 coupons ($7) so who is going to bother getting wasted on this when just steps away from fair park there are bars selling better tequila for $1 shots!
Well it was worth trying and not bad!

Fried Beer???

The winner of 2010 most creative food was the FRIED BEER! Yes you heard it right and yes we did have to show ID for this too!!!
Basically this dish was like a fried ravioli with a burst of beer in the center.
"be careful" they warned us after checking our ages " when you bit into this the beer will go everywhere"
Well hardly...I spill more beer than what was in the center of these
And the taste? Disgusting..imagine bland deep fried Ravioli with a bitter liquid inside. Then to top it all off they add cheese.
Excuse me while I blow chunks

Fletchers Corn dog

A Corn dog is hardly unusual food, but it is quintessential State fair food. In fact the Corn dog was said to have been created for the Texas state fair back in 1942 by Neil Fletcher and so the Corn dog was born. A hot dog coated in Corn batter and deep fried!
My first ever corn dog too !!!

Fried Lemonade

I wasn't sure what to expect with the fried lemonade but was pleasantly surprised. Lemon doughnut cake deep fried andsoaked in a lemon syrup with powdered sugar on top
Dentists around Texas will be cheer for this cash cow !

Fearings

2010-09-18T20:08:00.000-07:00

Putting on the Ritz

http://fearingsrestaurant.com/

The Birthday girl and Dean Fearing

A visit to Fearings is a treat all round. First its located in the Ritz Carlton hotel so walking through the lobby foyer is an experience in opulence right there. The rattlesnake bar comes next.. dimly lit with a mix of "old money", "new money" and "would do anything for money" types. How I love to people watch here!

There is a a really nice patio bar too called "The Live Oak Bar" named after the large oak trees providing shade, but on this 100 degree night Oak trees weren't going to cut it, so we remained indoors until it was time to eat.

The Birthday girl on her Birthday throne

Dean Fearing oozes Southern charm and having the owner/chef visit your table and chat during dinner is just one of those touches that i like. This was my third visit to Fearings and each time he has approached the table for small talk and photo opportunities. Dean knows how to work a room, and what a room it is.

Fearings has to have my favourite decor in Dallas with several uniquely designed rooms and impeccable service on each and every visit.

This time was no exception.... Our birthday girl guest of honour was even given her own throne chair at the table which was a lovely touch.

We had arrived just in time for a few new "fall menu items" which I was excited about.

For appetizer I ordered the "yellow tail two ways" which jumped out at me on the menu as it said it came from the Tsukiji fish market which was the exact place in Tokyo we had visited. After eating it months earlier in the Japanese fish market I should have been prepared for disappointment. It wasn't bad....at all...but how could I have thought about matching that experience. My bad!

Roasted Van Vooren Ranch Pheasant

For the main i opted for the brand new Fall addition of the Roasted Van Vooren Ranch Pheasant which was wonderful. The dish was actually pheasant done two ways; one part was more simple in a gravy whilst the other was fried into tenders. Both were great but the fried pheasant blew away the gravy pheasant making it taste bland in comparison.

Hubby ordered the Broken Arrow Ranch NilGai Antelope and this had a lovely flavour, whilst the birthday girl tried the chicken fried lobster which was particularly decadent.

Fearings isn't cheap but it is a treat and you will be treated well. So if you are going to blow big $$ on a meal this is a good one to chose

THE OCEANAIRE

2010-08-21T22:12:00.000-07:00

Oceanaire

We have been to Oceanaire many times as the seafood (in my opinion) is some of the best and freshest in Dallas. However we haven't been since they got bought out by Landrys so i went with baited breath hoping it hadn't brought about changes for the worst.

Oceanaire is an upscale seafood chain (though it does have good steak offerings too) located in the Wesern Hotel -Gallerea Mall. They modelled the restaurant on a 1930s ocean liner and I love the elegant feel as you walk in from the hustle of the mall.

fish and plantains

fresh oysters

As always the menu is printed daily with fresh flown in fish and the oyster bar is a must, where you can chose different oysters from various location in America for $2.20 each...Fun if you don't have a favourite type or taste and you want to try a mix. I'm no oyster connoisseur and find it surprising how different they all taste depending on the ocean and bay they are from.

On this occasion our waiter was an very flamboyant older man, obviously gay and very entertaining... At least for a while. Over time his extrovert theatrics got a little tiring and made me avoid eye contact in fear of encouraging another session. I really wouldn't have minded but in entertaining the table he made mistakes..bringing wrong orders and forgetting what we had asked for.

Ahi Tuna

Also as I was undecided about what to order between the Ahi tuna and the Maine scallops he suggested I pick the tuna as it had flown in that day and "looked divine" and he would let me have a scallop on the side so i got the best of both worlds. On getting the check I realized I had been charged $6 for the one scallop on top of my tuna price. I don't mind being charged but I would rather have been told it was going to happen instead of feeling like he was just being accommodating.

Fresh Oysters

The food at the Oceanaire is wonderful and was so this night too, but it is expensive (tuna- $39, Scallops- $36). In times like this I expect alot if I'm paying that much for seafood and whilst i can't fault the food i didn't feel the whole experience was up to par from what I've had in the past.

Shrimp

The sides were always infamous for their size (asparagus like tree trunks yet still delicious) and this visit the sides just seemed like any regular steakhouse..nothing special at all

Overall I still love Oceanaire but its rating has slipped from an A+ but an A- now.

http://www.theoceanaire.com/locations/dallas

Tei An

2010-07-10T09:26:00.000-07:00

Tei-An required two visits, and by no fault of its own !

The first time we treated this random find like any other sushi joint in Dallas by ordering tempura, sashimi and sushi. Whilst these were all fabulously good eats; the next day we realized our mistake when we saw the website and the reviews crowing over the amazing house made soba noodles

Hmmmmmmm...It took no persuading each other to return the following weekend

Tei-An is located in One Arts Plaza which is home to other culinary delights such as Screen door yet walking through the doors here is like entering a peaceful oasis. The larger tables are dimly lit and atmospheric, separated screens for privacy. The other area to eat is rounded like a sushi bar with a fountain in the center casting a zen feel around the diners

As Im discussing decor, this blog cannot go by without the mention of the "powder room". Who writes about the toilets in a culinary blog? Well, If you have read my other (travel) blogs you will know about my love affair with the Japanese toilets. Here at Tei-An they installed the same porcelain Gods. Its truly like a religious experience being greeting by a pre warmed TOTO robotic toilet makes my night.

Oh how easy it would be to spend all night in the ladies room cleaning, spraying, drying. Anyway...arhhh hmmmmm I digress !!

Luckily the food is wonderful and bathroom breaks are kept to a minimum time limit.On that note-the food.
The menu sets the mood when you first sit down.Its scroll like and you need to unravel it to read which somehow makes me feel very important.
As I stated we focused on the sushi/sashimi on our previous visit and everything was fresh and delicious. The tempura was particularly good. We have recently spent time in Japan and one thing they do to perfection is Tempura. Tei-An got this spot on too but serving it piping hot so it melted in your mouth.
Most Japanese restaurants in Dallas to focus on sushi and what i found in Japan was that sushi is such a small part of their daily diet. What I liked most about Tei-An is that it ventures into other sides of Japanese cuisine and their menu is extensive and full of authentic Japanese dishes.

They are most famous for their Soba (both hot and cold) and so this visit I ordered this only and was not disappointed. The dish I ordered was a sampler with various sauces to pair with them.
They were fantastic. I was doubtful of the "western" sound to some like "Texas Pecan sauce". It actually wasn't my favourite but it wasn't bad either.
Being English I found it a culture shock in the Japanese noodle bars of Tokyo to hear a constant slurping as locals eat...I think here I almost SLURRPPPED! So very good
Soba here is NOT however the same price as in Japan. This Dallas soba house is not cheap but I think you will find, as I did, that the food, atmosphere and service is well worth the indulgence!

Baileys Prime Plus

2010-06-12T08:59:00.000-07:00

A DALLAS STEAKHOUSE WITHOUT ALL THE TESTOSTERONE

"Baileys Prime Plus" didn’t get the most glowing review by D magazine. Something about it being more Vegas glitz than quality food.
"Perhaps I’m not a big fan of Bailey’s because Ed Bailey seems to care more about the atmosphere than the food or service"
I beg to differ. I actually thought the décor was subtle and classy in this Park lane eatery.
You have to respect a man who started with a McDonalds Franchise and then later went on to sue the very company that made his first millions. That alone is almost worth a Baileys Prime Plus voyeuristic visit .
We arrived purposely early to dinner in order to sample one of the signature cocktails in the adjoining bar and we were surprised to see there was a reverse Happy Hour about to begin (half price off all cocktails, house wines and domestic beers…and on a Saturday night. Sweet)

The bar itself was elegant and lush with reds and gold rich colours. The bar staff were friendly and the welcoming without being too gushy.

My drink (cucumber Martini) was made perfectly without and fancy trimmings and the bargirl actually used a straw to taste test the cocktail before handing it to me. A quality control I find sadly lacking in most places.
The restaurant itself is beautiful. Its touted as being a steakhouse without the usual testosterone hunting dark wood walls. The walls were pale and chandeliers kept the rooms light and elegant.

Running down the middle of the restaurant is a marble lined reflecting pool framed on both sides by trees.
As far as first impressions go this place has it spot on.
Our waiter was as pretty as the surroundings and helped us through the menu making suggestions along the way.
The food did not disappoint.
For an appetizer the insanely decadent chicken fried and lobster stuffed avocado was as good as it sounds ($15). I don’t eat steak (I know….I know..) so I opted for the seafood entrée and the Jalapeno onion crusted Bass ($25) was fabulous with a tequila and chile cream sauce making the dish extra special.

My dinner comrades did have steak and no complaints there either.
Hubby had the prime strip steak ($35) and my girl friend tried the waiters recommendation the "Steak and Cake" which was a personal twist on surf and turf only this was steak and crab cake!
There ARE better steakhouse in Dallas (Bobs!) but for a good food experience in gentile, pretty surroundings this one has my vote.
Rock on Ed Bailey!

http://www.baileysprimeplus.com/

Sushi Sake

2010-06-04T20:45:00.000-07:00

SUSHI SAKE in the suburb of Richardson has been touted as "best of.." by the Dallas Guide (alongside such names as Nobu) for as long as I remember, and yet last night was the first time we made it to this sole-location family owned spot.

In this case Location does not determine popularity, as SUSHI SAKE is a stand alone restaurant hidden from highway 75 on Collins and Campbell but don’t let this fool you. Word of mouth has ensured that you will have a small wait on weekends here.

They don’t take reservations here unless you want the private Tatami rooms in the back for 6 or more people so the wait can be long on popular nights.

The rather plain exterior was reminiscent of restaurants in Japans suburbs ..Plain brown with simple hanging curtains above the doorway.
On entering the doors I was taken aback with how busy this place was and the simple elegance of the décor.

Modern yet traditional seems an oxymoron yet SUSHI SAKE managed to fuse those two styles perfectly from the large curved sushi bar flanked by bright coloured sake barrels and (to my amusement) porcelain lucky cats smiling moronically from above.
The rest of the tables were bench style with cushions on the seats. Designed to seat four or six, so be ready to share a table with another couple during busy times.
If you do opt for the back Tatami room rest easy in the knowledge that the floor has been "scooped out" allowing for easier seating for our less flexible western legs!

The lighting was candlelit and romantic and the waitresses all dressed in traditional Japanese dress (even though our waitress was Chinese)
Ambience alone scored this place brownie points in my head so I waited with baited breath hoping the food wouldn’t let it down.
It didn’t disappoint !

The menu was noticeably absent of most pimped out rolls you find at more Western geared joints and its focus was on more simple and traditional foods.
The Sake list was impressive and served in the wooden box (typically overfilled) style. We started with edamame ( $3.50) and gyoza (pork dumplings..$4.50) which I didn’t eat but apparently they were very good as our dinner mates promptly ordered another plate of the same dumplings

My Sashimi mix was fresh and fleshy and presented beautifully ($15). Hubby had the tempura and cold soba ($13.50) and whilst good couldn’t compare to the same dish eaten in Tokyo recently.
Our friends ordered a selection of sushi from the separate menu and all of it was fresh and delicious. This included the stunning rainbow rolls and a hand rolled (ice-cream cone looking) sushi roll.
To finish we shared a black sesame ice-cream (tasted rather like peanut butter)
We sat back fat and happy looking up at those Lucky Japanese cats realizing we were now smiling BIG just like them!

www.sushi-sake.com/