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 SEPTEMBER | OCTOBER 2016 73 goodEATS ROMAN CUCINA The best way to describe Roman 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 neighborhood, and the arched patio provides a lovely place for dining al fresco. The newer Allen location boasts a spacious dining room as well as an intimate banquet room, both perfect for larger parties. At both locations, you’ll find straightforward Italian fare. But un- likealotofotherold-schoolItalianjoints,thisonealsoaccom- modates egg-free, gluten-free and dairy-free substitutions at lowornoadditionalcost.Asmallbutwell-pricedwinelistand cocktails are also available. 7989 Belt Line Rd, Suite 315 | Dallas,TX 75248 201 E. Bethany Dr, Suite #1 | Allen,TX 75002 romancucina.com RUSSO’S COAL-FIRED ITALIAN KITCHEN 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- ian entrées (Chicken Piccata and the like). That said, the real draw to Russo’s is the pizza, thanks to its nearly 1,000-degree coal-fired oven which gives us that chewy, but crispy, crust we love.Try the Prosciutto and Kale with Mozzarella and Ricotta cheese. Feeling carnivorous? ThePaesanoNapolatanawillleaveyoufeelingsated.Russo’sis family-friendly, and they cater to both big and small parties. 700 East Campbell Rd | Richardson,TX 75081 russoscoalfired.com SPEZZO A chic Italian joint to grab a quick bite or linger—your call. Pizzas are fresh and fast, and hearty traditional sandwiches like Chicken Parm orThe Gina Parm (with assorted Italian cold cutsandfreshmozzarella)areservedonyummysemolinarolls from Empire Bakery.Wine, beer, cocktails, espresso and gelato also available. 4901W. Park Blvd, Ste 521 | Plano,TX 75093 (972) 596-8942 | spezzoitalian.com MEXICAN CHUY’S What started in Austin in 1982 as a fun/funkyTex-Mex joint, perfect for grabbing a beer and chips or a mix of comforting entrees, has since grown into what you mightcallaTex-Mexempire, 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 daily—those extra steps really make a difference. A small but refreshing selection of signature drinks makes Chuy’s a perfect place to kick back any time. Multiple locations in DFW chuys.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 groundbeef,guacamoleand sour cream, you’ll soon find yourself swooning over Mr. Arm- strong. While not on the menu, with a wink and a smile your serverwillbehappytoaccommodateyou.Thenmoverighton to more cheesy goodness withTexas Enchiladas or Quesadillas de Brisket. If your mood isn’t cheesy, you can’t go wrong with the fajitas and yes, if needed, they even offer gluten-free tor- tillas. The Lite Fajitas are perfect for calorie counters, sautéed without oil and served over seared broccoli and cauliflower. A few locations also offer a well-priced Sunday brunch from 10- 2, and all locations are very family friendly. Multiple locations throughout DFW mattitos.com MEXICAN SUGAR If Mexican Sugar doesn’t make you want to book a vacationsouthoftheborder, pronto, we don’t know what will. Chic, hacienda-style design, replete with arched doorways and hardwood floors, showcases perfectly the Latin food and flavors of this Shops at Legacy gem. Fresh, localingredientsandplentyoflighterfare,too,helpmakethis placeadatenight/family/crowdpleaser.Forcarbwatchers,all of the fresh tacos can be served with lettuce cups rather than tortillas. “Beautifiers” (aka killer cocktails) are worth the trip alone. 7501 Lone Star Dr, Suite B150 | Plano,TX 75024 mexicansugarcocina.com MI COCINA Great chips, zippy salsa, friendly service, and the infamous Mambo Taxi (an intoxicating—literally—blend of Sauza Silver tequila, lime juice and housemade sangria with Pinot Noir, brandy and fruit juices) have ensured that every single person in Dallas (or so we imagine) has been to Mi Cocina at least a dozen times. While the Brisket Tacos are legendary, and the Queso Blanco with Picadillo Beef is the bomb, for the fitness-minded, the housemade soups and hearty salads are also excellent. Multiple locations in DFW micocinarestaurants.com PUB FARE THE LION & CROWN CLUB AT WATTERS CREEK Ifyou’reexperiencingDowntonAbbeywithdrawal(whoisn’t?) you’llgetyourfixatTheLion&CrownClub.AfullEnglish-style pub menu with good wines and 38 beers on tap will remind you of Downton. Enjoy classics such as Fish & Chips, Cottage Pie and Bangers & Mash but also some American twists like Pepperoni Flatbread.The cozy pub décor adds to the fun. 932 Garden Park Dr | Allen,TX 75013 (972) 649-4311 SOUTHERN BABE’S CHICKEN DINNER HOUSE Babe’s just might be the ultimate in family-friendly, down- home cooking. If you like things battered and fried, Babe’s has got you covered. The fried chicken is (practically) world-fa- mous but the chicken fried steak is equally delicious. The catfish is as good as any we’ve had. If you insist, they have one un-fried option: Hickory Smoked Chicken. Sides are un- limited and served family-style, just like Grandma used to make. Without a doubt, Dallas loves Babe’s, so there can be a wait, especially on weekends, but seating moves quickly. For food this good, at just $12.99/person for adults, it’s definitely worth it. Multiple locations in DFW babeschicken.com THE RUSTIC The gigantic patio is always packed! Enjoy down-home food made from scratch daily. The menu features seafood from the Gulf, steak sourced from local ranchers, and dairy and produce grown by local farmers.The bartenders stay busy, pouring the most prolific collection of local beverages in town, including 40 beers on tap. 3656 Howell St | Dallas,TX 75204 (214)730-0596 therustic.com DATE NIGHT OR FANCIER FAMILY DINING When it’s time to make a break for it and enjoy fine dining with a special ambiance, here are some of our editors’ favorites: AMERICAN KENNY’S WOOD FIRED GRILL There are so many things to love about Kenny’s Wood Fired Grill—let us count the ways: how about a half- pound crab cake? Lobster Deviled Eggs with white truf- fle cream? And of course, the Perfect Grey Goose martini, poured from their signature frozen tap system.While Kenny’s certainly meets the mark for specialoccasions,it’salsojustrightforheartybusinesslunches andweeknightdinnerswiththefamily. Everymealstartswith Kenny’s famous popovers and in our humble opinion, should include their half-pound jumbo lump crab cake. 5000 Beltline Rd #775 | Dallas,TX 75254 kennyswoodfiredgrill.com RICK'S CHOPHOUSE Located in the beautiful Grand Hotel & Ballroom in downtown McKinney, Rick’s is absolutely a date destination for lunch, cocktails and dinner. Comfy leather couches, live music from local artistsThursday through Saturday and handcrafted cock- tails are just part of what makes Rick’s so popular. 107 North Kentucky | McKinney,TX 75069 (214) 726-9251 | rickschophouse.com