goodEATS 92PTS WINEADVOCATE 92PTS WINEADVOCATE 94PTS WINEADVOCATE 90PTS WINEENTHUSIAST 91PTS WINEENTHUSIAST WITH MINGLE WITH MINGLE MINGLE THE ASPECIALFOODANDWINEPAIRING FEATURINGSINGLEVINEYARDNEWRELEASES FLEMING’S STEAKHOUSE N. LEGACY TOWER 7250 DALLAS PARKWAY PLANO, TEXAS 75024 W E D N E S D A Y SEPT.27,2017 FROM 6–7:30PM YOU’RE INVITED TO PLEASE RSVP to FLEMING’S 972-543-2141 $55/PERSON WWW.KENNYSEASTCOASTPIZZA.COM 4701W. PARK BLVD | PLANO 972.519.9669 “Every day is a holiday, and every meal is a feast!” Do you remember a time when there were restaurants without “BS” split charges, 18% gratuity added or ridiculous statements like “I’m sorry that’s our policy?” Welcome to Kenny’s East Coast Pizza. A restaurant reminiscent of the way things used to be.A place where we make it our policy to have no policy! SnugontheSquare Snugislikeahug,tuckedintoasquare.Doesthatmakesense?Maybeit will when we tell you Snug offers delicious hand-crafted coffee bever- ages and ginormous portions of omelets, breakfast sandwiches, hearty soups, sandwich melts and salads—and both breakfast and lunch are offeredeveryday,allday.IfyouliveinMcKinney,you’relucky—youcan just stumble into the square for a Snug brunch any ole time you like (up until 3 pm on Saturdays). The rest of us will make our visit a mini day trip, first filling up at Snug, then burning off those calories with a few strollsaroundthecourthousesquare,stoppinginatallthosecute,inde- pendently-ownedshops.Waitscanbelong,especiallyontheweekends, butit’sworthit. LocatedinMcKinney snugonthesquare.com FRENCH BonnieRuth’sBistroFrançaisetPattisserie Can’t get to Paris? Then get to Bonnie Ruth’s, where you’ll enjoy classic French bistro cuisine, music and a warm, inviting atmosphere. Menu favoritesincludeCroqueMonsieurwithdecadentbéchamelsauce,Steak Frites(ala10ouncesofNYStrip,pansearedandservedwithredwinejus) and of course, Onion Soup Gratinée made with veal stock, caramelized onion and topped with melted Gruyere. Heavenly. The Thursday, Friday andSundayDateNightmenuisanexceptionalvalueatjust$69fortwo, including a bottle of house wine, one hors d’oeuvres, two delicious en- trees (choose from Seafood Crepes, DuckTwoWays, Bone-In Pork Chops withCalvadosandmore),desserttoshareandcoffee.Anddon’tforgetto swingbytheadjacentpatisserietopickupsomepost-datedeliciousness. 916GardenParkDr.|Allen (214)383-6777|bonnieruthsallen.com Cadot ChefJean-MarieCadot,anativeof Paris,grewupinafamilythathas been in the restaurant, hotel and bakery business since 1758— and no, that’s not a typo. In other words, Cadot knows food, and the offerings at his eponymous restaurant in North Dallas are French comfort at their finest. Be suretostartwiththeOnionSoupGratinée,arichbrothwithsilkyonions, smothered in bubbling cheese. After that, any choice is the right choice. From Duck Terrine with Pistachios, Foie Gras and Truffle, to Flounder CrustedwithParmesan,tootherFrenchclassics,suchasSteakFriteswith Peppercorn Sauce or Coq Au Vin—each dish is both lovingly prepared andexpertlyexecuted. 18111PrestonRd.Suite120|Dallas (972)267-5700 |cadotrestaurant.com risen°1 Whodoesn’tloveareallygoodsoufflé?Andthisisdefinitelytheplacefor one.WhetheryougowithasavoryversionlikeTruffleInfusedMushroom orHerb&SpicySausage,orasweetsoufflélikeChocolateorGrandMar- nier(wewoulddefinitelysuggestatleastoneofeach),thesearesoufflés just like your grandmother used to make, if she happened to be French. Or a chef. Or both. If you’re really lucky, you’ll enjoy one of their spec- tacular seasonal soufflés, like Cranberry Champagne. And of course, you simply cannot miss the inadvertent appetizer for which the restaurant has become most famous: Marshmallow Soup. Though not technically marshmallows, small puffs of baked goat cheese float effortlessly on a deliciousredbrothtoppedwithgreenpesto.Yum. 5360WestLoversLane|Dallas risesouffle.com ITALIAN & PIZZA Campisi’s When it comes to pizza, Campisi’s is a Dallas favorite, but don’t forget abouttherestofthemenu.Since1946,theCampisifamilyhasservedup classic and beloved Italian favorites, from meatballs to artichoke hearts and everything in between. Pasta portions are generous and easily shared, and all entrées come with a salad, bread and your choice of pas- ta. In recent years, Campisi’s has expanded to include gluten-free pizza crusts,andmostlunchspecials,pricedatjust$9.99includingentréeand drink, keep business folks, students and stay-at-home moms coming throughthedoorseveryweekday. campisis.us MultiplelocationsthroughoutDFW Carrabba’s–NorthDallas Because sometimes, you’ve just gotta have Italian.Whether you’re carb loadingwitharichplateoflobsterravioliorkeepingitPaleowithathick and juicy steak or seafood and a side of grilled asparagus, Carrabba’s appeals to families and business professionals alike. Life-just-got-easier options, such as online reservations, several under 600-calorie entrées, and a gluten-free menu, make Carrabba’s both accessible and upscale. Don’t miss the Italian lettuce wraps with wood-grilled chicken, vegeta- bles and ricotta salata, drizzled with port wine reduction. New owner MarcoMartinezhasapassionforcustomerserviceaswellashiscommu- nity,sobesuretosay“Ciao”onyournextvisit. 17548DallasPkwy|Dallas carrabbas.com Grimaldi’s There was a time when you could only get Grimaldi’s famous coal-fired brickovenpizzainNewYork.Butthatwasthen.Today,thereareGrimal- di’s almost everywhere, it seems. While the menu is somewhat basic (pizzas,calzones,salads),it’salsoconsistent.Butwhatwelikeaboutthe Allen location is that it overlooks the little park at Watters Creek where livemusicisoftenplayedduringwarmermonths. 836MarketSt.,WattersCreek|Allen (214)383-9703|grimaldispizzeria.com Kenny’sEastCoastPizza Ifyou’refromtheEastCoast,there’snodoubtaboutit:you’regoingtobe verrrrypickyaboutyourpizza.NorthDallashasdrawntheluckystrawin pizzaeatingbecausePlanoiswherenativeBostonian(andoneofDallas’ fave restaurateurs) Kenny Bowers has opened his pizza place.While the menu will also offer Italian American favorites, expect a selection here focusingmainlyonthepie—pizzapie,thatis—cookedinaclassicBak- ers Pride Deck Oven. Handcrafted cocktails and Grey Goose on tap, too? We’realreadyliningupatthedoor. 4701WParkBlvd|Plano (972)519-9669|kennyseastcoastpizza.com Kenny’sItalianPlace This is the real deal when it comes to Southern American Italian com- fort food (think: Parmigiana, Picatta and Marsala) in a fun and friendly atmosphere. A nice selection of pastas ranging from vegetarian to killer “Midnight”meatballsaswellasseafood,steaksandchopsmakeKenny’s aperfectchoice,whetherit’sfamilynightordatenight.Manydishescan beprepared“light”(ifyou’resoinclined),vegetarianorglutenfree. 5100BeltlineRd.|Dallas (972)661-9380|kennysitalian.com RomanCucina The best way to describe Ro- man Cucina is just this: simple, delicious and family-friendly. The Dallas location, with strings of party lights and comfy black leather booths, reminds us of something we might see in a Brooklyn, New York neighbor- hood, and the arched patio pro- videsalovelyplacefordiningalfresco.ThenewerAllenlocationboastsa spaciousdiningroomaswellasanintimatebanquetroom,bothperfect for larger parties. At both locations, you’ll find straightforward Italian fare:pastas,subs(worthyofanotablemention,especiallythemeatball), soups and salads, and classic entrées like Steak Milanese and Eggplant Parmigiana. But unlike a lot of other old-school Italian joints, this one alsoaccommodatesegg-free,gluten-freeanddairy-freesubstitutionsat lowornoadditionalcostonmanyoftheiritems.Asmallbutwell-priced winelistandcocktailsarealsoavailable. 7989BeltLineRd|Dallas 201E.BethanyDr|Allen|romancucina.com Russo’sCoal-FiredItalianKitchen This Houston-based eatery does offer a well-rounded menu, including Arancini (delectable Sicilian rice balls loaded with herbs and Romano cheese in a rich Bolognese sauce), fantastic Calzones, and standard Ital- ianentrées(ChickenPiccataandthelike). Thatsaid,therealdrawtoRus- so’s is the pizza, thanks to its nearly 1,000-degree coal-fired oven which givesusthatchewy,butcrispy,crustwelove.TrytheProsciuttoandKale with Mozzarella and Ricotta cheese. Feeling carnivorous? The Paesano Napolatana will leave you feeling sated. Russo’s is family-friendly, and theycatertobothbigandsmallparties. 700EastCampbellRoad|Richardson russoscoalfired.com MEXICAN NEWLISTING! CasaMama If you’re looking for a fami- ly-friendlydininglocationoffering both authentic Mexican recipes (specifically, from the Santiago MaravatioGuanajuatoregion)and Tex-Mex favorites, Casa Mama is the right place for you. You’ll find all your favorite Mexican dishes hereandafewpleasantsurprises,too,includingGuisoPorkStew,homey TortillaLasagna,ChipotleEnchiladas,andRibeyeorSalmonTacos.White Queso is one of the best around, served with light, crispy chips—take it upanotchbyaddingingroundbeef,chorizoorbrisket.Serviceisknown for being exceptionally friendly, and staff is happy to accommodate any specialorders.Don’tmisstheall-dayTuesdayhappyhourortherelaxing Sundaybrunch. 19129PrestonRd.|Dallas (469)828-1045 1445LosRiosBlvd.,Suite301|Plano (972)943-3900|casamamas.com Chuy’s What started in Austin in 1982 as a fun/funky Tex-Mex joint, perfect for grabbing a beer and chips or a mix of comforting entrees, has since grown into what you might call aTex-Mex empire, with locations across Texas and 14 other states. Still, Chuy’s hasn’t lost its charm. A lot of love goes into Chuy’s food—from hand-pulled chicken in all entrees, hand- rolled fresh tortillas, to any of the 10 signature sauces made fresh dai- ly—those extra steps really make a difference. A small but refreshing selection of signature drinks makes Chuy’s a perfect place to kick back anytime. chuys.com MultiplelocationsinDFW Digg’sTacoShop Dallasiteshaveprettyparticularopinionswhenitcomestotacos,sofind- ing a taco shop that pleases everyone in your group can be challenging. ButDigg’shastakencareofthatwithplentyofmenuitemsforvegetari- ans,Paleoenthusiasts,carnivoresandkiddos.TheTex-Mexstandardsare definitely there, but you’ll also find some tasty, spicy surprises, such as habanero shrimp with mango, the Bahn Jovi (basically, their take on a Vietnameseporkonatortilla)andgrilledAlaskanflounderwithserrano chilesauce.Salsasandquesoaresolid,butbesuretotryasideofplantain chips with house dip, too. Salads and bowls provide healthy options for low-carbers and for those who don’t mind carbs, the jelly donut holes areaddictive. 6309HillcrestAve.|Dallas 7325GastonAve.|Dallas|diggstacos.com NEWLISTING! DILLA’S If you like quesadillas, you’re going to love Dilla’s. UT Alum Kyle Gordon created the concept behind Dilla’s while still in college, where he con- sumed more than his share of the beloved Mexican snack. But here, you’re in for so much more than the typical tortilla and melted cheese concoction—think ingredients like: smoked brisket, Portobello mush- rooms, hatch green chile peppers, bacon, and fries (yes, folks, fries on a quesadilla!). Portions are generous, so come hungry, and for the truly ravenous, go for the Gorilla Fries or Chips—both come nacho-inspired and smothered in hatch chile queso. Low carb and vegan options avail- able. 19129PrestonRd.|Dallas (469)828-1045 goodEATS NEWLISTING! LAVA CANTINA LavaCantinaoffersauniquedining/entertainmentconceptthatfather and son owners Steve and IanVaughn like to call,“Creole food with a Mexican twist.”The place is flooded with music memorabilia, making it the perfect backdrop to enjoy live outdoor bands, a rooftop patio, fantastic food, and plenty of adult beverages. This is where you want to people watch, with that just-right combination of Austin-esque outdoorsy-ness with a nod to bigger venues such as House of Blues. Entrees can be as light or as decadent as your waistline prefers, and Sundayjazzbrunchisanicewaytoroundouttheweekendwithfriends orfamily. 5805GrandscapeBlvd.|TheColony (214)618-6893|lavacantina.com Mattito’s This is the kind of Tex-Mex cuisine that North Texans both love and crave. And at Mattito’s, you have to start off with the Bob Armstrong dip. Basically a layered chile con queso with seasoned ground beef, guacamoleandsourcream,you’llsoonfindyourselfswooningoverMr. Armstrong.Whilenotonthemenu,withawinkandasmileyourserver willbehappytoaccommodateyou.Thenmoverightontomorecheesy goodnesswithTexasEnchiladasorQuesadillasdeBrisket.Ifyourmood isn’t cheesy, you can’t go wrong with the fajitas and yes, if needed, they even offer gluten-free tortillas.The lite fajitas are perfect for cal- orie counters, sautéed without oil and served over seared broccoli and cauliflower. The chicken fried steak, though definitely not for Paleos, is strictly top notch. A few locations also offer a well-priced Sunday brunchfrom10-2,andalllocationsareveryfamilyfriendly. MultiplelocationsthroughoutDFW mattitos.com Torchy'sTacos Dallasites have pretty particular opinions when it comes to tacos, so findThis Austin-based eatery offers what most would call “gourmet” tacos in a fun, casual, non- gourmet setting. Their taco of the month is always delicious and might include ingredients like pumpkin seed crusted chicken tenders or escabeche carrots. They also offer hearty breakfasttacosandsomeofthebestquesoandchipsintown. MultiplelocationsthroughoutDFW torchystacos.com SEAFOOD Amberjax This light and spacious Louisiana-style eatery has plenty to offer. Not onlyisitsmack-dabinthemiddleofoneofDallas’hottestdiningdesti- nationsfordatenightandmore,thefreshlypreparedseafoodistough to beat.Whether you’ve got a hankering for Down Home Shrimp and Grits, Lobster Mac & Cheese or maybe something lighter like Seared YellowfinTuna withWasabi, Ponzu and Ginger, Amberjax will not dis- appoint. Don’t like fishy things? No worries. They also offer delicious chickenandbeef. 3011GuldenLane|Dallas (469)513-9088|amberjax.net Lefty’sLobsterand ChowderHouse Long considered a neighborhood gem, Lefty’s serves the kind of sea- foodyou’dexpecttofindsomewhereontheEastCoast:clamchowder, lobster bisque (Can’t decide between the two? Ask for half and half), whole main lobster (Lefty’s uses cull lobsters that have one claw— hence, the name) and fried shrimp. Hearty salads are made heartier withtheadditionofchicken,salmon,shrimporlobster—andifyou’re simplynotfeelingfishy,goforaperfectlycookedfiletmignonorburg- er. Lefty’s numerous accolades speak for themselves, and it gets a lot ofregulars,especiallyonweekends—sobesuretomakeareservation online.Openforlunchanddinner,andthebarstaysopenlate. 4021BeltlineRd.|Dallas (972)774-9518|leftyslobster.com NEWLISTING! SeaBreezeFishMarket&Grill Finding truly fresh fish in Dallas can be challenging, but Sea Breeze makes it sooo easy. Selections are flown in daily, representing only the freshest seafood available. Part retail fish market, part sit-down restaurantwithfullbar,atSeaBreezeyoucanpurchasefishtoprepare in your own home...or let the experts do it for you while enjoying a glassofwineorcocktail.TrytheSesameCrustedYellowfinTunaNachos with avocado wasabi, sweet Thai chili, and lemon zest—or maybe you're more of a Smoked Salmon Deviled Egg person; you can't go wrong with either one. The Lobster Roll is served in a split-top bun filled generously with buttery lobster salad (it also comes in an appe- tizersize).Specialschangeweeklydependingonwhat'sfreshest. 4017PrestonRd.,Suite530|Plano (972)473-2722|seabreezefish.com TheOceanaireSeafoodRoom While this may be considered more of a date night place, if you hap- pen to bring your in-laws here for aThanksgiving weekend night out, they’ll never forget it. THE freshest seafood in a sleek setting makes The Oceanaire the perfect spot for a luxurious dinner with top-notch service.Menuofferingsarebasedentirelyonfreshnessandavailability, so arrive prepared to“just go with it.”There are several few sides you won’t want to miss including Chardonnay Roasted Mushrooms and Shells & Cheese with Smoked Gouda and Applewood Bacon.Their full barmightjustmakeyouforgetyoupromisedtopickupthetab. TheWestinGalleria|Dallas theoceanaire.com SOUTHERN NEWLISTING! Spoons Located right on the square in beautiful, historic McKinney, Spoons offers breakfast all day plus a plethora of entrée options to suit every- one’s culinary cravings. Start by sharing an order of Cottage Potatoes All the Way—basically, a breakfast version of cheese fries: house potatoes smothered with Cheddar and Pepper Jack cheeses, crumbled apple smoked bacon and a side of Spoons’salsa. Spoons is famous for its chicken salad, and once you’ve tried it, you’ll know why: diced red grapes, celery, and pecans, mixed with mayonnaise and pickle relish,