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Legacy Hall

Apr10

Plano, Texas

If you have indecisive family and friends when it comes to choosing an eating place, Legacy Hall may be just what you need. Located just off the Tollway in Plano at Legacy West, Legacy Hall is a spacious food hall with 22 casual eateries and 8 bar areas. It is a sprawling, three-story, foodie’s dream!

Legacy Hall is this area’s first food hall and is currently the largest in the U.S.  The purpose behind Legacy Hall is to replicate the food halls that tend to be so popular in Europe. Most European food halls are public gathering places for all ages to enjoy a lively atmosphere, great drinks, and fresh foods from many local cultures – all under one roof.

Plano’s new Legacy Hall houses over 55,000 sq. ft. of food stalls, bars, breweries and seating areas.  Each food stall and bar has its own unique personality and specialties, and many are run by award-winning local chefs. There is also a Box Garden currently under construction, next to the main building, that will provide a stage and open area for outdoor entertainment. There will also be three shipping containers transformed into a BBQ restaurant, a margarita bar and a tiki bar for the outdoor patrons. 

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When I first stepped into this huge building with so many dining options, I was instantly overwhelmed! I highly suggest wandering around, taking a lap or two, and checking out all three floors and the food choices before deciding what to order. It is so easy to want that first yummy thing you set your eyes on, but just around the corner may be something much better!

The next suggestion I would like to pass along is to not bring cash. Legacy Hall only takes debit or credit cards. It makes it much easier for the cashiers at each food stall and does seem to help speed up the ordering and checking out processes. After ordering your food and drink, grab your cup (if not drinking alcohol) for your self-serve beverage. Head to one of the two huge drink stations on the first and the second floors to fill your cup with water, soft drinks, and some rather unusual specialty sodas. Finally, while waiting for your food order, go find a seat. The crowds can be pretty thick on the first floor during peak times so head upstairs to the second and third floors where tables and chairs seem to be more plentiful. The second floor has some really nice outdoor patio tables that give you great views over the Box Garden and areas below. On a day with nice Texas weather, the patio option is hard to beat!

The food choices here at Legacy Hall are too numerous to name. Let’s just say, there is something for everyone! Each food stall, the signage, and employees’ dress fits the culture or food-type being served. It is a sensory overload for your eyes, ears and nose. Here are a few of the ones that caught our attention:

Shawarma Bar (Mediterranean street food) – Sea Breeze Lobsta’ & Chowda’ (lobster and shrimp rolls) – Freshfin Poke (poke bowls) – FAQ’s (flautas and quesadillas) – Enter the Bao (dim sum and bao) – Detour (charcuterie and wine) – Bar Main (alcohol) – Berrynaked (frozen fruit popsicles) – Blist’r Naan Wraps (Indian) – Bravazo Rotisserie (Latin) – Carlton Provisions (BBQ) – Degenhardt’s Brat Haus (German) – Knife Burger (specialty burgers) – Red Stix Yakitori & Banh Mi (Vietnamese) – Press Waffle Co. (sweet & savory) – Whisk & Eggs (sweet & savory crepes) – Stillhouse (cocktails)…to name a few.

While walking around checking out food vendors, be sure to notice all the cute signs throughout the building. “Count memories, not calories” (I agree!) and “East, Slay, Love” were two of my favorites.  The restroom doors actually made me pause for a few seconds. I had to do a double-take to make certain this was the restroom and not service entrances for meat and produce. I stood there perplexed, deciding between “Bananas and Sausages” or “Eggs and Peaches” when it finally hit me! Kudos to whoever had a sense of humor when designing this area. You did well.  🙂

Legacy Hall is open 7 days per week. I do hope you get a chance to visit in the near future. My last words of advice – go hungry – and save room for dessert!

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Parigi Restaurant

Mar7

Dallas, Texas

I first discovered Parigi several years ago and  remember thinking “how have I not heard of this place sooner?” I think foodies and the neighborhood locals have purposely kept this small restaurant one of their best-kept secrets!

This quaint little gem is tucked away on Oak Lawn (between Lemmon Avenue and Cedar Springs) and has been in this same location for more than thirty years. Their menu can best be described as creative New American cuisine with strong French and Italian accents (“Parigi” is the Italian word for “Paris”).

Chef/Owner Janice Provost wanted Parigi to be like “a bistro in Paris with a New York feel”  and she succeeded. The cozy interior setting is chic, intimate and comfortable. There is a lovely little outdoor patio in front complete with cafe tables and beautifully lit trees. The ambiance can be perfect for a brunch with friends, a date night dinner, cocktails with girlfriends, or a casual business meeting.

I have had Parigi as one of my “go-to” restaurants for years now because they always seem to be at the top of their game. I have dined here for special occasions with family. I have had some romantic evenings with my husband and have also grabbed a casual meal before a play or sporting event. I have also invited and dined with friends wanting to introduce them to Parigi’s wonderful fare. 

Escargot
Caesar salad
Brussels Sprout salad
Crab beignets

I have always found the staff and service to consistently be friendly and attentive. The restaurant has a very chic, but casual, dining atmosphere without any “snooty” pressure. Drinks are always refilled and dirty utensils and plates are whisked away. Quite frankly, the main reason I keep returning to Parigi is because the food steals my heart every time. The creative menu changes twice a month and I love that! It gives me something to look forward to each visit. I never know what new dish I might fall in love each time, so each visit is a new and exciting experience.

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Lobster BLT Trio with guacamole sidecar and a balsamic Eiffel Tower

Chef Provost sources their produce from local farmers, their cheese from small-batch cheese makers, and their seafood from sustainable fisherman. This is the main reason the menu changes frequently. They prepare their delicious entrees with whatever is fresh and in season at the time. Menu staples such as the Pappardelle, Gnocchi, Risotto and Fish are always featured – just with different ingredients and flavors depending on the growing season. 

Sea Bass and Asparagus
Bay Scallops
Beef Tenderloin Risotto
Salmon and Brussels Sprouts

Some of the standout dishes that I have enjoyed over the years include their award-winning Caesar Salad, a Shaved Brussels Sprouts Salad with Watermelon Radishes, a Lobster BLT Trio, Beef Tenderloin Risotto, Crab Beignets, Grilled John Dory Fillet, Peppermint Red Velvet Cake, and a Chocolate Glob for dessert. Every item I have ordered has been beautifully plated, perfectly seasoned, and very tasty. That is why I keep going back!

Chocolate Glob
Peppermint Red Velvet Cake

If you are a true foodie or would just enjoy a great meal out – I highly suggest dining at Parigi. The restaurant has been voted one of the “Most Romantic Restaurants”  in Dallas and Chef Provost has been voted a “Dallas Chef Favorite.”  You will most likely see her working in the open kitchen or meet her when she frequently steps out to personally greet patrons at the tables.

I hope to see you at Parigi soon. Look for me! I’ll be the one dining on the patio, under the lights, with a martini and a nice grilled fish  🙂

 

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The Grape

Jan12

Dallas, TX

One of my favorite all time “go-to” restaurants is The Grape. Located on lower Greenville in Dallas, this restaurant was opened in 1972 and my husband and I have been patrons since the early 1980s. We have seen several chefs come and go  – but the service and food has remained impeccable throughout these past thirty years.

The Grape is a little difficult for me to describe. It is a great place to take the family for a weekend brunch. It can be the perfect spot for a romantic dinner and a couple’s night out. It also fits the bill when dining with friends before a play or event in downtown Dallas. The cozy interior dining area is very charming and can take on a romantic vibe without feeling stodgy. The covered patio is perfect for brunch or a more casual happy hour visit.

Belgian waffle
the Haystack

The menu changes monthly, though some of the long-time featured items remain. Food selections range from European bistro, to New American innovative, to down-home style. A couple of their signature specialties are the Mushroom Soup (the best ever!) and the Brunch Burger (voted one of the best in Dallas).  The Cheese & Charcuterie boards are always unique and tasty. Their featured fish dishes have been some of the best I have ever had. The various steaks, Shrimp & Grits, Portabella Wellington, and Coal Miner’s Pasta are just a few of the “stand-out” dishes that I can remember. For those with smaller appetites, you may order small (or half) portions of many salads and entrees on the dinner menu. The wine selections and cocktail lists are always impressive.

Mushroom soup
Brunch Burger

On our last visit to The Grape with friends, I had a Pear Prosecco cocktail – which was a great start to a wonderful meal. I then had a small cup of Mushroom soup, because it is just too hard to resist! Next came the Courtney Salad which is another one of my favorites – with fresh butter lettuce, sunflower seeds, carrots, cherry tomatoes and blue cheese vinaigrette dressing (served with a warm bread basket and fresh butter). My entree choice was the Red Wine Braised Short Ribs with Lemon Parmesan Risotto and Broccoli Rabe. I then chose the Banana Fosters Bread Pudding for dessert.  Other members in my party had the Bacon Cheeseburgers, the Mustard-Crusted Salmon entree, and a Brandied Cherry & Dark Chocolate Terrine for dessert. Everything was flavorful and delicious! The wonderful ambiance, the great service, and the exceptional food and drink made for another perfect evening meal at The Grape.

small Courtney salad
Braised short ribs
Banana Fosters bread pudding

The Grape’s Saturday and Sunday brunches are highly rated and offer more wonderful food options. I hope you get the opportunity to dine here in the near future for either brunch or dinner. Both menus are hard to beat. A final selling point – there is complimentary valet parking at the front door! 

salmon
bacon cheeseburger
cherry & chocolate terrine

All of this reminiscing about 30+ years of great meals at The Grape now has me ready for an encore. I hope to see you there!

Bon appetit!!

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Lavendou Bistro

Nov28

Plano, Texas

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When you write dining and travel blogs, your friends start giving you all kinds of great advice and suggestions on places to try. I am so glad that they do! Two different people had mentioned Lavendou Bistro for me to try. After a little research, I was intrigued with this little French restaurant. It was time for me to check it out on my own. Date night!

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Let me first alert you to Lavendou Bistro’s “unusual” location. It is located in a strip center just a few doors down from a condom shop, a massage parlor and a vape shop (I guess this would make a great date night for some people!). This was not at all what I expected from this highly-rated French restaurant, but I was keeping an open mind. Thankfully, this questionable locale did not deter us and we walked in to a quaint little European-style restaurant with inviting decor and French charm. The interior, with exposed brick walls, was very warm and welcoming. The blue, yellow and white color theme was authentic French country-style. The ambiance, decor and lighting were romantic and unpretentious. 

 

Lavendou patio
bread, butter & oil
interior dining
roasted chicken

The service we experienced was friendly and attentive. Our French-speaking server was very helpful with both wine and meal choices. She suggested a French red wine for us that turned out to be an excellent choice. A bread basket was quickly brought to our table  – complete with fresh butter and an olive tapenade dipping oil that was most enjoyable.  We both enjoyed our salads. My salad was the Croquant de Chevre Chaud sur son Lit de Jeennes Pousses, otherwise known as mixed greens with goat cheese balls, parma ham and pine nuts. The breaded goat cheese was delicious! My husband had the Crevettes en Feuille de Brique salad which had the mixed greens with shrimp (stuffed with spinach and pine nuts) then wrapped in phyllo pastry. The house-made vinaigrette salad dressings were full-bodied and flavorful. 

Goat cheese salad
Shrimp in phyllo salad

So far….so good. Now we were on to the main course!  I ordered the Dover Sole with Lemon Sauce which turned out to be one of the best fish dishes that I have ever been served in a restaurant. The sole was lightly browned on the outside and literally “melted” in my mouth. The lemon, butter & wine sauce elevated it even more. The fish was served with roasted potatoes and mixed vegetables and was beautifully plated. My husband ordered the Blackened Grouper (an evening special) and it was cooked to perfection with with just the right amount of seasoning.  The grouper was served with micro greens, poached pears and mixed vegetables. The portions were quite large and I actually had leftovers to take home and enjoy the following day. 

Dover Sole
Blackened Grouper

The highlight of our evening was the dessert portion of the meal. I ordered the Chocolate Souffle and my husband ordered the raspberry version. These souffles were perfection! They were light, airy, and perfectly cooked. The accompanying sauces were thick and full of flavor. We both commented that these souffles were some of the best we have ever eaten. It was the perfect ending to a wonderful meal.

David enjoys his wine
Raspberry souffle
Chocolate souffle

If you find yourself in the mood for casual, country-style French cuisine, look no further than Lavendou Bistro. There is no trendy “fusion” food here – just excellent wine, gracious service, exquisite food and perfect ambiance. I hope to be returning soon, so maybe I will see you there. There is a chocolate souffle just waiting with my name on it!

 

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85°C Bakery Cafe

Sep28

Richardson, TX

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I am lucky enough to have a very diverse group of  “foodie” friends who love trying new foods and eating at new places. One of my friends recently introduced us to a Taiwanese chain of coffee shops and self-serve bakeries that she was familiar with in California. A new location of 85°C Bakery Cafe just opened three months ago in Richardson and it was our choice for a ladies’ lunch – and what a GREAT choice it was!

This location in Richardson is part of a new strip mall dedicated to Asian stores and eateries. The huge statues of warriors, poets and philosophers that line the entrance are pretty good indicators that you are in the right place! If you can locate parking near the statue of Confucius, you will be close to the bakery. 

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Confucius say…….

As we stepped through the doors of 85°C Bakery Cafe, I noticed this place was approximately twice the size of a Starbucks, but with the same relaxed coffee house vibe. The left side of the bakery was dominated by numerous self-serve cases of baked goods.  The right rear area housed the counters where you order drinks and check-out.  Various sizes of tables and chairs were scattered throughout. The entire place was casual, bright, modern, and extremely clean. The staff was extremely helpful and friendly.

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This location serves tasty breads, cakes, pastries, teas, slushes, smoothies, and coffees. The “bakery & cafe” combination is certainly not a new idea, but at 85°C Bakery Cafe, this seems like a very new and fresh concept – and they do it quite well! I really loved the self-serve aspect. (The name is a nod to the ideal temperature of brewed coffee.) 

After I walked through the door, everything was very visual. I grabbed a tray, a sheet of waxed paper and a pair of tongs and let my eyes dictate my choices. Each item was well-marked with signage indicating name, price, and what ingredients were used. Nothing was over $3 (most were $1 to $2 each) and the portions were not small! There were savory breads & rolls and sweet pastries. I actually picked out three savory rolls – a cheese dog, a potato & cheese croissant, and a ham & cheese roll and I could not finish all three. Other savory choices included: Hawaiian chicken rolls, Teriyaki chicken rolls, egg tarts, cheese tarts, salty butter rolls, red bean bread, squid ink rolls, taro rolls, and calamari sticks (for those more adventurous that I am!). Sweet pastries included: cinnamon rolls, fruit turnovers, chocolate croissants, cookies, brioche bread, coconut twists, mango tarts, sweet snow bread, cream puffs, fruit panna cotta, mocha rolls, etc. There were also prepackaged displays of cookies, macaroons, sliced egg bread and moon breads. As we were making our selections and placing them on our trays, staff members were periodically restocking items shouting “Fresh bread! Fresh bread!” as they brought out warm trays or more baked goods. Decisions, decisions……

Located near the checkout counter were refrigerated cases (not self-serve) that contained full-sized cakes, individual custards & tarts, mousse, and all types of single cake slices. I saw a range of flavors including: black forest, cheese cake, red velvet, creme brulee, chocolate, taro, lemon, almond, mango, vanilla, etc. They were all decorated beautifully and were well-packaged for eating in-house or taking out. (check out all the photos for more details)

We made our choices, paid, then sat and ate our savory selections. They were all light, flaky and delicious! We then wrapped up what we couldn’t finish (in clear cellophane bags that are provided) and took the leftovers home. Dessert came next! Once more, we grabbed a clean tray and pair of tongs to choose our “sweet” selections – some to eat while there, others to take home. Needless to say, every sweet pastry was fresh and tasty. This may be a Taiwanese bakery, but you will swear you at eating dessert in a very fancy French patisserie. (Note: the staff does a great job of wrapping bakery items for carry out and placing in small individual boxes, bags, or cardboard boxes.)

I would highly suggest checking this place out if you are in the mood for something different! We had a great experience and truly enjoyed all the food here – nice quantities, top quality, and good value. What’s not to like?!

Note: This is a chain restaurant and other nearby locations are in Carrollton and Plano.  85°C Bakery Cafe was started in Irvine, California in 2003.

After dining here, be sure to walk a few doors down and check out the Good Fortune Market, a Chinese supermarket. There are produce items, seafood, and boxed goods that are well worth viewing. I saw things that I have never seen before!

durian
jackfruit
Chinese okra (2-3 feet long!)
taro root
live blue crabs

 

Abacus

Aug24

Dallas, Texas

I look forward to August every year because that means Dallas Restaurant Week is here! For a certain week(s) during August, many prime Dallas restaurants will offer a price-fix menu and give proceeds to the North Texas Food Bank. It is a great way to try new places and sample their menus (at a considerably lower cost) and it helps benefit a very worthy cause .

One of my restaurant choices this year was Abacus. I have heard about this high-end restaurant for years but never had the opportunity to dine there. Luckily I got reservations on a weekend evening and anxiously looked forward to our visit.

From the moment we stepped into the foyer, I was impressed. Two friendly hostesses greeted us and we were seated at a romantic table for two with a white tablecloth and napkin, candle, fresh flowers and a beautiful place setting. The noise level was energetic, but not too loud, as most of the sounds were coming from the open kitchen and bar area. Our waiter was very professional, friendly, and provided just the right amount of attention. I was very impressed with his knowledge of the menu and the wine list.

The restaurant’s ambiance is sophisticated and romantic. The upscale decor, music, lighting, and art all spell out “fine dining.”  There were many couples dining out this particular evening as well as large groups and a few families. It was perfect for a date night but not too stuffy for a business dinner or a nice dinner with friends or family. 

We began with a couple of the Abacus signature cocktails. The Lucy in the Sky was a fruity, champagne drink and I thoroughly enjoyed it. The Gin Basil Gimlet was very tasty and refreshingly good. We were brought a nice bread basket with 3 choices of freshly baked breads and seasoned butter. All were delicious, especially the raisin & nut bread!

Crispy Coconut Shrimp
Texas Melon Plate

Our menu for Dallas Restaurant Week offered a choice of a small plate or appetizer, an entree and then a shared dessert. We opted for the Crispy Coconut Rock Shrimp and Texas Melon plate for our starters and both were great choices. The rock shrimp had a crispy tempura batter and was served with sliced jalapenos, toasted cashews and a mango and red curry sauce. The Texas Melon appetizer was a tasty as it was colorful. Chunks of watermelon, cantaloupe, and honeydew melon were arranged in a circle around shaved hearts of palm. It was topped with queso fresco, red onions and a cilantro and lime vinaigrette dressing. This was my favorite dish and the combination of colors, textures and tastes was sheer perfection. Delicious!

Next, our server brought over a complimentary Watermelon Mojito Mint Shooter to clean our palates between courses. It was served in a shot glass and tasted like watermelon juice with minty tapioca balls. Loved it!

Watermelon Mint Shooter
Corn Chowder
Fantastic Merlot!

We both ordered the Blackened Sockeye Salmon for our entree and it was cooked to perfection. The portion was quite large (2 fillets per plate) and the salmon was well-seasoned, but not overly seasoned, as I prefer for blackened dishes. Each entree was beautifully plated with the fish being served over blue corn grits and a red pepper butter sauce. Once again, the dish was visually appealing as well as being satisfying to our taste buds. Our server had suggested a perfect Merlot wine-pairing for this dish and it was spot-on. 

Blackened Sockeye Salmon
Citrus Glazed Salmon

Dessert consisted of a shared plate with small servings of a chocolate and caramel torte, a scoop of chocolate chip mint ice cream and a fruit tartlett. Each one was enjoyable and ended up being a perfect end to a perfect meal.

We had a most pleasant dining experience this particular evening. I am always impressed when you get high quality food, top shelf spirits, innovative dishes, unique flair, and stellar customer service all at one time and in one place. Dining here is certainly not cheap but when all expectations are met, the cost seems justified. 

If you are interested in dining at Abacus, check out their diverse menu on-line. They have a wide variety of menu choices including fresh sushi, lobster shooters, buffalo tenderloin, and black truffle risotto. Monday through Thursday evenings they offer a 5 or 8 course Chef’s Tasting Menu with or without wine pairings. I hope you get to check it out!

Abacus is located in the Knox-Henderson area on McKinney Avenue. Complimentary valet parking is conveniently located out in front of the the restaurant.

Crumbzz

Jul11

Forney, Texas

This little European-style bistro is located in the heart of historic downtown Forney.  Open since 2011, my girlfriends and I have made several visits to Crumbzz for breakfast and lunch. I recently took my husband David there for brunch and decided it was time to let other foodies know about this little hidden gem.

The interior resembles a little chic, uptown Dallas cafe. There is seating along the Italian marble bar where you may sit and watch the live action in the open kitchen. The front area has several cozy round-topped aluminum tables and comfy leather chairs. The decorative ceiling, slate floors, succulents on the tables, and stage lighting add to the ambiance. The walls are usually lined with nature photographs or colorful paintings by local artists. 

I highly suggest that you not be in a “fast food” frame of mind when you dine at Crumbzz. All of the food is made to order and takes a little time. Order a cup of their delicious custom blend coffee or iced green tea and sit back, relax, and chill for a few minutes. Chef J Stephen Sadler will proudly tell you that every item is fresh, prepared on site and made from the finest natural ingredients. Most of his butter, eggs, dairy products and produce comes from local producers. Many of his spices and flavorings are imported from all over the world.

Ham & Egg sandwich
lemon ricotta pancakes

When David and I dined here for brunch a couple of weeks ago, we started our meal with a delicious, very smooth, vanilla latte (notice the cool asymmetrical coffee cups). Our first order was the Taylor Ham & Egg Sandwich which was delicious. Taylor Ham comes from New Jersey and is similar to the country ham I grew up eating in Mississippi, just not as salty.  The eggs were cooked to perfection and the fresh ciabatta roll and melted Gruyère cheese made this breakfast sandwich a hit.

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Gaufre Liege Waffle with Cinnamon Streusel Butter

Next up was one of my favorites – the Gaufre Liege Waffle. This is not your normal waffle-maker waffle! This is a dense and rich waffle that is made from caramelized brioche-based dough. It is chewy, tasty, and no topping is necessary – but  fortunately, it is served with a cinnamon streusel butter that melts as your spread it on the waffles and elevates this dish even more. Yum!

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Gruyere Egg Souffle

The entree that keeps me and my gal pals coming back to Crumbzz is the Gruyère Egg Soufflé. It takes a little longer to cook, so order this first thing. This soufflé is a light and airy, golden-colored delight. The Gruyère cheese gives it a rich saltiness and parmigiano-reggiano enhances the flavor. The fluffy, cheesy bites literally melt in your mouth. 

Crumbzz 4

Tomato Basil  Soup & Sandwich

If you are not in the mood for breakfast foods, try one of Crumbzz’s house made soups. The Tomato Basil and the French Onion are standouts. I have also enjoyed their Tuna Salad and Fribourg Grilled Cheese. There are several lunch specials that include soup, half of a sandwich or salad. The menu seems to have something for everyone.

small Crumbzz cakes
Large Crumbzz cake

Chef J Stephen, owner and executive chef,  frequently comes out of the kitchen and visits with patrons. He seems to enjoy his customers and is a joy to talk to.  He has made a name for himself and gained notoriety for his crumb cakes. These tasty cakes are made to order and ship nationally and internationally. This crumb cake recipe is a 400-year-old Sadler family recipe! When dining at Crumbzz, there are usually five flavors available each day: cinnamon, raspberry, apricot, chocolate, and a “flavor-of-the-month.” The fresh crumb cakes come in several sizes, so save room for one of the small individual sizes for dessert before you leave. Or better yet, take home one of each flavor to sample!

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Ladies enjoying lunch with Chef J Stephen Sadler

 

 

Sixty Vines

Jun22

Plano, Texas

front of Sixty Vines
entry tile

I had the opportunity to dine here for a friend’s birthday brunch and we had an amazing time and a delicious meal. How had I not heard about this wonderful place? Sixty Vines is located in Plano off the tollway next to Whiskey Cake. I would describe it as a “casual American / Italian kitchen meets wine bar meets Farm-to-Market.” Now that I have you totally confused, I will try to describe it more accurately!

dining area
communal tables
side greenhouse seating
bar & kitchen area

When I first walked in, I noticed how welcoming the interior was. There are high ceilings, many windows and lots of greenery. It is very spacious, clean and modern and I would describe it as “fun, vibrant and chic”. The entire place (and menu) remind me of  the Northern California wine country and that local cuisine. The decor works perfectly with the wines and style of food they serve. The kitchen, wood-fired oven, and charcuterie bar are all open-viewing.

line drawing cat & farmer
wall of spigots

The centerpiece of Sixty Vines for me was the entire back wall. There is a huge line drawing (made with one line!) depicting the farmers, the grapes, wine making, farm animals, etc. The more you look at it, the more items you see. Underneath the drawing are 60 spigots – each labeled with the 40 wines and 20 beers they serve on tap…hence the name “Sixty Vines.” The slogan on their wine menu is “C’mon, get tappy!” 🙂

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There is quite a variety of seating options. Choose from communal tables, high tops, secluded sectionals, greenhouse, patio, bar or the charcuterie bar to dine in or out. I can imagine dining here on a date, for a business dinner, for a family meal or with a group of ladies enjoying brunch – like we did. I would like to note here, the food is a little “adventurous” and maybe not for the picky eater (leave them home this time)!

Bloody Mary
roasted cauliflower
beet salad

My group of ladies started our meal off with Mimosas and Bloody Marys – both were made with wine and tasted quite delicious and refreshing. We enjoyed the Wood Fired Cauliflower, an entire head with pesto, parmesan and a lemon dill yogurt dipping sauce…yum! We had the Roasted Beet Salad with gorgeous red, pink, and golden beets. Next up was the Butcher’s Brunch Pizza with prosciutto, provolone, mozzarella, soppresseta, and over-easy eggs (one of my favorites this day). The Egg White Frittata with goat cheese, mushrooms and spinach was also enjoyable.

egg white frittata
brunch pizza

Next came the desserts – my favorite part of the meal! The Pineapple Upside Down Pancakes were AMAZING. Words cannot describe how fluffy and delicious they were. (There is no photo because we devoured them so quickly.) The Angel Food French Toast with fresh berries and whipped cream was light and sweet. The Texas Olive Oil Citrus Cake was our birthday girl’s choice and she seemed to enjoy it.  The Sweet Board was another favorite of mine. It had sea-salt shortbread cookies, chocolate ganache, pistachio cookies, brie, walnuts, pear butter, and matcha cake. There was not one bad dish our entire meal – everything, and I do mean “everything” – was eaten in its entirety!

sweet board
angel food french toast

I felt that I would do a disservice to Sixty Vines without trying some of their wine. I had watched other patrons tasting their wine flights and enjoying their wines by the glass, so I gave in finally and ordered a “Vine Hugger” (their house brand) rose’. The glass of rose’ was served at the perfect temperature and was crisp and delicious. I plan to return soon for dinner and give some of those other wines a try. (Only 39 left to sample!)

making pasta
wine wall

From beginning to end, we had a wonderful experience at Sixty Vines. The service was very attentive. The quality of the food was perfect. The food selections were plentiful. The ambiance was most enjoyable.

Anyone up for a night out? I know just the place!

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Fun birthday brunch!!!

Kenny’s Wood Fired Grill

May8

Dallas, TX

Menu logo
Tenderloin Crostini

This restaurant is one of Dallas’ best kept secrets. It is located in a commercial strip mall next to a Jason’s Deli and you would never guess from the outside what a little jewel this is on the inside.

You walk in the front door into a “chophouse” setting – well-lit bar, dark woods, cozy booths and tables, and low lighting. It is a classy, warm, and relaxed atmosphere. Kenny’s offers a very nice setting without being the least bit stuffy.

interior dining
bar area

There are three things that make Kenny’s one of my favorite places to dine. Number one: when you make reservations, your server promptly addresses you by name…”How are the Brysons this evening?” I was impressed! Number two: you can order anything on the menu in any amount. You want to try just two coconut shrimp appetizers instead of six? You may.  Do you care for only one grilled oyster to taste? Just ask. I love this idea! Number three: When you are halfway through drinking your martini, your waiter comes by and pours the remainder of your drink into a new ice cold glass. Are you impressed yet?

martini
brunch menu

We have dined at Kenny’s for both brunch and dinner and both are equally good. Our very first visit was for dinner. After our waiter discovered that this was our first time to dine at Kenny’s, he brought us two artichoke wontons, two coconut shrimp, and two tenderloin crostini as free appetizers. What a great way to get a customer hooked! Next we were served their fresh popovers with butter. These big warm rolls are certainly not the most attractive things but they are light, airy and delicious. Ask for two!

popover
tenderloin crostini
wedge salad

There have not been any dishes that we did not enjoy at Kenny’s. The Grand Marnier French Toast and Eggs Benedict were both delicious brunch dishes. The Eggs Benedict entree is served with either salmon, steak or a crab cake. For dinner, the French Onion Soup and Wedge Salads were both very good choices for appetizers. The Wood Grilled Oysters were fantastic – smoky and well-seasoned. The Pork Ribs were PERFECT – meaty and fork-tender with a great BBQ sauce. We are not usually huge meat fans, but the large pork chops and thick steaks being served all around us looked quite appetizing. The Brussels Sprouts and Bubbies Potato Cakes were great sides.

Eggs benedict with bacon
Grand Marnier French toast
Pork ribs

This is one of those restaurants that keeps you coming back. The impeccable service, the great food, and the friendly and attentive servers make for a perfect combination. Check it out!

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Toulouse Cafe & Bar

Apr14

Dallas, Texas

Toulouse Cafe & Bar
Patio dining

If you are anything like me, when you hear the words “French restaurant”…..it conjures up thoughts of snooty waiters, expensive wines, and icky snails floating in a butter sauce. That is what I always thought until I found Toulouse Cafe and Bar in Dallas. Luckily, after dining here I have a whole new appreciation for French cuisine.

Toulouse is a French bistro located in the trendy Knox-Henderson shopping area. There is convenient valet parking located right across the street from the restaurant. Once you enter the main doors, you can choose to sit in the covered patio area or inside in the casual dining room. The patio area is all draped with bright red fabric and was very quiet and relaxing – that is where we chose to dine on this particular evening. The cane-back chairs, the black & white floor tiles, the small table candles and the patrons with their dogs table-side all enhanced the feeling of dining in a cafe in Paris.

Cheese Board
French Onion Soup

Service was really attentive and we felt like we were well taken care of this entire evening. We started with a couple of  featured cocktails – a Chanel No. 6 Champagne Cocktail and a Mint/Cucumber Gimlet. Both were very nice and quite refreshing. We ordered the Cheese Board as an appetizer and it was exceptional. There were four types of imported artisan cheeses, fresh honeycomb, fruit, prunes, candied walnuts and grilled baguette slices. We followed up with French Onion Soup which was one of the best I have ever had. The Gruyère cheese was thick and lightly toasted and the overall taste was delicious – good to the last drop. 🙂

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Short Rib Bourguignon with noodles

We were almost too full to eat more at this point, but decided to keep going….the food was just too good not to! My husband ordered the fish special which was an Alaskan Halibut with Beet Risotto and Brussels Sprouts. The fish was very nice and cooked to perfection. I ordered the Short Rib Bourguignon which was absolutely “mouthwatering” delicious. I am not a huge fan of meat and I honestly ordered this dish for the carrots, onions, mushrooms and wide butter noodles. I was really surprised; the ribs were red wine braised and cooked for hours until fork tender – great taste and great texture. I ate what I could and had the remainder for a really fancy lunch the next day!  

Chocolate Souffle
Grand Marnier Souffle

Though being completely full and satisfied at this point in the meal, we had souffles served to us. We had ordered souffles for dessert at the beginning of our meal since they take some time to cook. Who cannot make room for dessert….right?!  The Chocolate Souffle and the Grand Marnier Souffle were both extremely light in texture and in taste, the perfect finale to this excellent meal.

Overall we had a most enjoyable evening with good service, delicious food and drinks, and a nice ambiance. If you would like to dine at Toulouse, they are located at 3314 Knox in Dallas, just a couple of blocks west of Central Expressway. This is a great place for a date night – casual but very nice. Bon Appétit!

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What have you got “to lose?” Get it?!

Please feel free to leave comments and suggestions about this post. I would love to hear of your experiences if you have dined at Toulouse. Also, please subscribe to my blog if you enjoy reading about my dining and travel experiences. I appreciate it!