Page 1 Page 2 Page 3 Page 4 Page 5 Page 6 Page 7 Page 8 Page 9 Page 10 Page 11 Page 12 Page 13 Page 14 Page 15 Page 16 Page 17 Page 18 Page 19 Page 20 Page 21 Page 22 Page 23 Page 24 Page 25 Page 26 Page 27 Page 28 Page 29 Page 30 Page 31 Page 32 Page 33 Page 34 Page 35 Page 36 Page 37 Page 38 Page 39 Page 40 Page 41 Page 42 Page 43 Page 44 Page 45 Page 46 Page 47 Page 48 Page 49 Page 50 Page 51 Page 52 Page 53 Page 54 Page 55 Page 56 Page 57 Page 58 Page 59 Page 60 Page 61 Page 62 Page 63 Page 64 Page 65 Page 66 Page 67 Page 68 Page 69 Page 70 Page 71 Page 72 Page 73 Page 74 Page 75 Page 76 Page 77 Page 78 Page 79 Page 80 Page 81 Page 82 Page 83 Page 84GoodLifeFamilyMag.com JULY | AUGUST 2016 73 goodEATS KENNY’S WOOD FIRED GRILL EveryonelovesKenny’srestau- rants, including the Burger Joint, Italian Kitchen and Smoke House. What makes the Wood Fired Grill location perfectfordatenight,though, is its classy supper club décor and simply put, the food. Steaks, chops, burgers and fish are all perfectly prepared. Every meal starts with Kenny’s famous popovers and in our humble opinion, should include theirhalf-poundjumbolumpcrabcake.TryaGreyGoosemarti- ni – their vodka is kept on tap at 28 degrees. Smooooth. 5000 Belt Line Rd., Ste 775 | Dallas,TX 75254 (972) 392-9663 kennyswoodfiredgrill.com CRÚ FOOD AND WINE BAR (PLANO, ALLEN, DALLAS) All three of the Crú locations offer tasty little bites to share (tapas style), stone fired pizza, big plates (steaks, chicken and fish) and a very nice selection of cheese. Bartenders are knowl- edgeableabouttheextensivewineselection.Weenjoyordering aflightofthreetwo-ouncewinesrelatedbygrapevarietal,geo- graphic region or style. Flights are a nice way to try something new without breaking the date night bank. Plus, they encour- age lingering. SHOPS AT LEGACY 7201 Bishop Rd., Ste E2 | (972) 312-9463 WATTERS CREEK 842 Market St. | (972) 908-2532 cruawinebar.com JAVIER’S (DALLAS) A Knox-Henderson “insti- tution”, Javier’s is still the go-to place for a guaranteed good time with its bustling crowd of beautiful people and a swanky (just ignore the smoke) cigar bar. NoTex-Mex here. This is authentic Mexico City dining. Don’t miss the Filete Cantinflas – tenderloin beef filet stuffed with Chihuahua cheese and topped with mild chile mulatto sauce or the Barra de Navidad – giant shrimp in a de- lightful diablo sauce. Olé! 4912 Cole Ave. | Dallas,TX 75205 (214) 521-4211 javiers.net THE THEODORE (NORTHPARK CENTER) The latest crown jewel from award-winning ChefTim Byres and Turn theTables Hospitality (Smoke, Bolsa,The Foundry, Chicken Scratchandmore)isTheTheodore.InspiredbyTeddyRoosevelt’s adventurous spirit, it’s the perfect spot to enjoy cocktails and appetizersbeforeamovie,orlingerforasumptuousdinner.The menu contains the sort of rustic/sophisticated and shareable twists we’ve come to expect (and love) from Chef Byres. NorthPark Center (near Nordstrom) 8687 North Central Expressway | Dallas 75225 469.232.9771 thetheodore.com YAO FUZI If there’s such a restaurant genre as “upscale, Chinese comfort food,servedinaromanticsettingwithgreatcocktails,”thenYao Fuzi has nailed it. From Shanghai-style soup dumplings to Pork Steamed Buns and Ma Po Tofu to Kung Pao Chicken—every- thing is freshly made and utterly delicious. Some delightfully unexpected twists also make an appearance, like Summer Rolls with Spicy Ahi Tuna and Asian Pear, Lamb with Scallions, and Jalapeno Chicken. Yao’s extensive menu of Special Martinis is a refreshing departure from most Chinese restaurants: don’t misstheOrangeCrush-tiniwithAbsolutmandarinvodka,fresh- squeezed orange juice, and Grand Marnier. 4757W. Park Blvd., Suite 108 | Plano,TX 75093 yaofuzi.com RICK’S CHOPHOUSE (MCKINNEY) Located in the beautiful Grand Hotel & Ballroom in downtown McKinney,Rick’sisabsolutelyadatedestinationforlunch,cock- tails and dinner. Comfy leather couches, live music from local artistsThursdaythroughSaturdayandhandcraftedcocktailsare just part of what makes Rick’s so popular. 107 North Kentucky St. | McKinney 75069 214.726.9251 www.rickschophouse.com AMBERJAX (DALLAS/TRINITY GROVE) This light and spacious Louisiana-style eatery has plenty to offer. Not only is it smack-dab in the middle of one of Dallas’ hottest dining destinations for date night and more, the freshly prepared seafood is tough to beat. Whether you’ve got a han- kering for Down Home Shrimp and Grits, Lobster Mac & Cheese or maybe something lighter like Seared Yellowfin Tuna with Wasabi, Ponzu and Ginger, Amberjax will not disappoint. 3011 Gulden Ln., Ste 107 | Dallas,TX 75212 (469) 513-9088 amberjax.net SAINT ANN RESTAURANT AND BAR (DALLAS) Althoughtheinsidespaceisgorgeous,it’sthepatiooverlooking the Arts District that’s the real draw at Saint Ann—the perfect spotforacocktailorweekendbrunch.Thefoodisfairlystraight- forward: salads, sandwiches, steaks and fish.We like ordering a few appetizers (the bacon wrapped Medjool dates and spinach artichoke dip are nice) and kicking back while taking in the hip- ster crowd. 2501 N. Harwood St. | Dallas,TX 75201 (214) 782-9807 saintanndallas.com CAFÉ MALAGA (MCKINNEY) Another great pick for tapas and maybe a lovely glass of rosé. Just off the beautiful downtown historic square, Café Malaga’s secluded back patio is a bit of a hidden gem but well worth a visit. Tapas standouts include the Lamb Lollipop Chops and gooey Fondue with five different types of cheese. 107 S Church St. | McKinney,TX 75069 (972) 542-9996 cafemalaga.com MIA DIA FROM SCRATCH While folks who like Tex Mex food tend to prefer Tex Mex, and those who like Mexican food tend to prefer Mexican, Mia Dia offersthebestofbothworlds.Thenamesaysitall: fromscratch. From tamales lovingly stuffed with pork and then topped with New Mexico red and green chile sauces, Oaxacan salsa with crema and pasilla, silky Negra Modelo Glazed Sea Bass to the crowd-pleasingApplewoodSmokedBaconandChipotleFajitas, each dish is prepared using mouthwatering ingredients with a flair. Signature items include Chipotle Ribs and wonderful Sopes—corn masa boats topped with Oaxacan black beans, pork belly, queso fresco, crema, micro cilantro, and New Mexi- co red chile.The Plano location’s outdoor patio area is a perfect spot to enjoy one of their more than 25 different margaritas, maybe one of their craft cocktails, or a tequila flight. Plano, Grapevine midiafromscratch.com MR. MESERO (DALLAS) Featuring both“American standards and Mexican classics,”this cozy, but popular, McKinney Avenue spot is favored by the in- crowd, making it a wonderful place for a date night or meeting up with friends. During non-peak times, it’s also a nice family destination.Whentheweather’snice,theoutdoorpatioisespe- cially popular to enjoy a Micorita, a house specialty made with Herradura Jimador tequila. Other favorites include BrisketTacos and the flat grilled Mico “12” Strip Steak, served with serrano and grilled cherry tomatoes. If you have a hankering for a hot dog,thisistheplacetogo.TheBigDDogismadewith¼pound of Kobe beef, topped with chile, cheese, and onion on a brioche bun. 4444 McKinney Ave. | Dallas,TX 75205 mrmesero.com JASPER’S (PLANO) Jasper’s motto may be “Gour- met Backyard Cuisine,” but our question is, whose back- yard? Beloved Dallas-based chef Kent Rathbun believed the concept was “just crazy enough to work,” and it cer- tainly does. The atmosphere is upscale-meets-cozy, and the service is equally attentive and relaxed. Start with Jasper’s famous Maytag Bleu Cheese Potato ChipsandProsciuttoWrappedShrimp‘NGrits.We’reslightlyad- dicted to the smoky Blistered Shishito Peppers served with lime and Falksalt. For bigger appetites, you can’t go wrong with the Slow Smoked Baby Back Ribs or the Wood Grilled Pork Tender- loin.CastironsidesliketheSmokedOnionCreamedSpinachare generous enough to share with the table, and an eclectic wine list ensures perfect food pairings every time. 7161 Bishop Rd. | Plano,TX 75024 jaspersplano.com Want to be featured in our print and online dining guides? Email Tricia@goodlifefamilymag.com.