Tag Archive | Foodblogger

Magnolia Table

Jun12

Waco, Texas

On a visit down to the Magnolia Market and Silos in Waco with a friend a couple of weeks ago, I didn’t think a “Chip & Joanna Gaines / Fixer Upper” excursion would be complete without a visit to their newest endeavor – the Magnolia Table.

Waco’s old Elite Cafe is now the Magnolia Table and the latest money-maker in the Fixer Upper empire. Built in 1919, the Elite Cafe was a very popular stop for people driving to and from Dallas and Austin for many decades. It was famous for being the first air-conditioned building in Waco and was rumored to be where Elvis dined with friends on his way to Fort Hood. Elite closed its doors in 2016. Many Waco residents, including Chip and Joanna, hated to see this designated historic landmark fall into disrepair and ruin.

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Chip Gaines had always dreamed of owning a “breakfast joint” and the timing seemed to be right. This location, only 10 minutes from the Magnolia Silos, became the couple’s next big investment. They were beginning to film the last season of their show and were figuring out their next move.  They purchased the Elite and began renovations. Magnolia Table ended up being a two-year, two-million dollar project when all was said and done. They opened the doors on February 26, 2018.

All renovations had to comply with Texas Historical Commission guidelines due to the building’s historic landmark status. Joanna needed to design a plan that preserved the building’s history while giving it a fresh start – I think she did a great job!  The restaurant’s new interior has clean lines, stunning natural light, black & white tile floors, shiny subway tiles, stylish lighting fixtures, beautifully vaulted ceilings, and redwood beams. Joanna Gaines did not try to reinvent anything – she just came up with a great, open design and put thought into every small detail (I particularly liked the hooks for your purse and leather pockets to stash your phone in that are at each table). Old black & white Elite Cafe photos, mirrors, decorative water carafes, vases with greenery, and fresh flowers add to the ambiance and the farmhouse charm. Metal signage reminds you “the good ole days are still to come” and “everyone has a seat at the table.” 

 

Magnolia Table is only open for breakfast and lunch. They do not take reservations so be prepared to come and chill for a while. Fortunately, there is a nice outdoor waiting area with a covered patio, an open patio, a coffee and pastry bar, a kid’s play area, and a takeaway market and gift shop on site. When you check in, you are given a phone app that updates your place in line and is very handy. It is all very efficient and the staff is super friendly.

Once you get into the restaurant, the menu is simple. Magnolia Table serves old-fashioned, down-home cooking – think diner food. They advertise that they try to use only fresh, homegrown ingredients and state that most of the produce comes from Joanna’s farm or from local vendors. My friend and I dined here for brunch/early lunch and wanted to split some choices. We ordered the Silos Baking Co. Bread Basket (butter croissant, chocolate croissant, zucchini bread, blueberry muffin and lemon poppyseed bread) for starters. This fresh pastry basket was well worth the $10 cost and we had leftovers!  I then had the Avocado Toast for my meal and it was delicious. The creamy avocado was spread on multi-grain toast, served with microgreens and a side of sea salt and red pepper flakes ($8). My friend ordered the French Toast Breakfast that came with two slices of toast, strawberry butter, two eggs, peppered bacon and tater tots for $12. The Alabama Sweet Tea was the perfect addition to our meal and everything tasted fresh and delicious. It was most enjoyable and inexpensive for the quantity of food served. Other menu items include burgers, sandwiches, salads, desserts, etc.

Now for the honest part of this dining and travel blog.    Did I enjoy my visit here?  I did, very much so.   Am I a fan of Fixer Upper and Chip & Joanna?  Most definitely.   Did I mind an hour wait for a decent meal?  Not really, since it was my first visit. I enjoyed exploring the TakeAway Market and the grounds.  Would I want to rush back anytime soon for the same experience?  Probably not.  Would it be worth the 2-3 hour wait that we heard was normal on the weekends?  No way. Not ever.  Would I suggest that you visit the Magnolia Table?   You bet! Especially if you are a fan of Fixer Upper, Chip and Joanna Gaines. It is a must see. A visit to Waco and the Magnolia Market and Silos wouldn’t be complete without a stop here for a meal.

Will I go back anytime soon? Maybe when friends or family come to visit and want to make a trek down to Waco in the far-off future. I learned a long time ago – never say never!  After all, if the Elite Cafe/Magnolia Table was good enough for Elvis…..it is good enough for me…..again!

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Rapscallion

May10

Dallas, TX

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I tend to get asked about brunch recommendations more than anything else that I blog about. Here is one of my recent favorites to pass along to you – Rapscallion.

This little neighborhood bistro is located on Lowest Greenville Avenue in the same strip center as Trader Joe’s. Rapscallion is the brain-child of three local chefs, one being Nathan Tate (Chef Tate is a Rockwall native and may be familiar to you from his co-ownership of Ava in downtown Rockwall). They have developed a very creative menu that I would describe as “modern Southern comfort with a Texas flair.”

Rapscallion’s decor is modern and rustic with both indoor and outdoor seating. Indoor seating is bright and open with a well-decorated bar area and open kitchen. Choose from cozy booths, high-top tables, regular tables or bar seats. One of my favorite things about this restaurant is the absence of televisions. Imagine that!! People can actually talk and visit with each other for a change. This makes for a very friendly, lively and enjoyable atmosphere.

Rapscallion’s latest brunch menu has a nice selection of drinks and cocktails. Pick your poison – I suggest a Mimosa, Peach Bellini, or Bloody Mary.  Next on the agenda…what to order? This is the most difficult part for me! Start with an order of Grammy’s Monkey Bread (cinnamon pecan sweet rolls baked in a cast iron skillet) or a Biscuit and Gravy. These are both great dishes for sharing. Let me stop here and say – Rapscallion KNOWS how to make biscuits, real Southern-style biscuits. Their square-cut biscuits are big, fluffy, and light – just the way they are supposed to be. And the gravy is thick, creamy and salty and exactly like my grandmother used to make. 

Aperol Spritz & Bloody Mary
Monkey Bread
Biscuit & Gravy
Rapscallion Bloody Mary

There are so many great entree choices on the brunch menu that it makes choosing ‘just one” very tough. Breakfast? Burger? Noodle Bowl? This is a tough decision! One of my favorite menu items is the Hot Brown, made famous at the Kentucky Derby.  This dish comes with thick slices of peppered turkey breast, crispy bacon, and sliced tomato served over toasted bread that is topped with a pimento cheese mornay sauce. Delicious! My other favorite brunch item is the Pulled Pork Benedict. This dish has an open-faced biscuit, mounds of lean pulled pork, poached eggs and a smoked peppadew hollandaise sauce. Both of the sauces on these two dishes are unique and dee-licious. I could eat the sauces, by themselves, with a spoon!

Hot Brown
Pulled Pork Benedict

I haven’t made it back to Rapscallion for dinner but plan to in the very near future. Their Nashville Hot Chicken, Collard Greens, Macaroni & Cheese, Cornbread, Pickled Shrimp, Pimento Cheese and Shrimp & Grits are now on my radar and all sound quite intriguing. I also hear the Spicy Chicken & Biscuit and Sweet Potato Hash calling my name for another brunch!

Farmhouse Breakfast
Chicken Fried Steak Breakfast
Old Soba
Big Biscuit
Spicy Chicken Biscuit

I hope you will take the time to give Rapscallion a try for brunch or dinner sooner rather than later. When you get in the mood for inventive Southern food and cocktails in a casual, laid-back setting with friendly service – this is the place to go. Rapscallion certainly checked all the boxes for me! I hope to see you there.  🙂

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
Beef Tenderloin Risotto
Bay Scallops
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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