Nick and Sam’s: A Traditional Steakhouse with a Classy Touch

Offering an impressive variety of prime steaks, chops and seafood, Nick and Sam’s Grill combines traditional steakhouse fare with an uptown, classy attitude. As a restaurant that takes pride in customer service, Nick and Sam’s touts a 450-label wine list and complimentary caviar with every meal they serve. The so-called “Damn Good Fries” have a lot to live up to—and thankfully they do. Classic standards like filet mignon and surf and turf go alongside inventive dishes like Maine lobster mac and cheese and fried lobster. Although many entree feature meat – it is a steakhouse after all – their vegetarian options like the beefsteak tomato with mozzarella salad make finding a delicious meal for every palate easy. Top off your dinner with the white chocolate blueberry bread pudding or another delicious dessert, and you won't leave disappointed (or hungry). With low lighting and a live pianist playing quietly in the background, Nick and Sam’s is the perfect spot for an elegant evening on the town.

Nick and Sam’s Grill
3008 Maple Avenue
Dallas, TX 75201
(214) 871-7444
www.nick-sams.com

Cadot Restaurant: Classic French Cuisine

With its modest exterior, this restaurant doesn’t look like much, but step inside Jean Cadot's place, and you’ll quickly learn that the Parisian immigrant stands behind one of the best French kitchens in town. After almost thirty years of experience serving upscale French cuisine, Cadot's made the establishment that bears his name a destination for Dallas foodies since 2009. Try the escargot in rich, herbed garlic butter—this French delicacy is cooked to the epitome of perfection. Or indulge in the duck confit spring rolls which lend an Asian touch to the menu that is very rewarding. For entrees, the traditional cassoulet can’t be beat; this country-style dish, which can take days to make, has been undergoing a resurgence in recent years, and for good reason. His mussels with frites are also spectacular, with an awesome white wine sauce perfectly flavoring the tender yet meaty shellfish. The lunch menu is also quite nice and offers more casual options such as hearty soups and gourmet sandwiches. For dessert, enjoy the profiteroles – they can’t be beat!

Cadot Restaurant
18111 Preston Road
Dallas, TX 75252
(972) 267-5700
www.cadotrestaurant.com

The Ginger Man: A Beer Lover’s Dream

The Ginger Man housed in a creaky old house may sound like a tale from a Grimm story, but don’t let that fool you—The Ginger Man is a serious place for beer experts. This unexpeced spot has won numerous awards, including Best Beer Joint by the Dallas Observer three years in a row. The Ginger Man offers 71 beers on tap and 100 bottled varieties, including some rare brews. To top it off, this bar hosts loads of fun events like Mystery Beer Day (the name you draw is the beer you drink), Rare Beer Tasting, and live musical performances make The Ginger Man a draw any night of the week. In nice weather, there are three outdoor areas to enjoy the brews: one in front, one in the backyard, and one upstairs. Yummy bar foods fill your belly as you sip away.  Try the German Bratwurst, Pesto Cheese Sandwich, or Spinach Artichoke Dip - all are sure to satisfy. So, if you're a fan of beer and joviality, The Ginger Man demands a visit.

The Ginger Man
2718 Boll Street
Dallas, TX 75204
(214) 754-8771
www.gingermanpub.com

Manny’s Uptown Dallas: Family Recipe-Inspired Dishes in a Funky Atmosphere

Manny’s Uptown Dallas restaurant is a bit like visiting someone’s home for a meal—even down to the house! Located in a refurbished green and yellow house, Manny’s Uptown also features a sweet (and large!) back patio complete with shade trees. Touting “family recipes from past generations,” Manny’s Uptown prides itself on being family-oriented and family-friendly. The kid’s menu features quesadillas, tacos, fajitas, and chicken nuggets (for the less adventurous eater) at just $4.50! Manny’s Uptown wins points for its reasonable prices; their lunch special and catering prices of about $10 per person makes it especially appealing. The brisket tacos (spicy meat stuffed into freshly made corn tortilla pouches and served with fresh pico de gallo and guacamole) are highly recommended. With its fun atmosphere and great food, Manny’s Uptown Dallas is a great place to stop by and kick back with a frozen margarita.

Manny’s Uptown Dallas
3521 Oak Grove Avenue
Dallas, TX 7520
(214) 252-1611
www.mannysuptown.com

Shinsei: Zen Environment and Clean Flavors

Tired of traditional Texan cuisine? Shinsei Sushi bar and Pan-Asian Kitchen will revive and rejuvenate your taste buds. The name means “rebirth,” and Shinsei’s green walls, calming bamboo art, and comfy chairs create a relaxing setting for enjoying tasty dishes. Different seating areas create a multi-faceted atmosphere, with tables overlooking large windows and seats at the sushi bar where guests can watch chefs craft their meals. Sushi chef Shuji Sugawara is a veritable cult icon, known for his artistry with sushi and his Elvis-inspired hair. His well-executed maki and handrolls are beautifully presented, as are the many spice-infused meals that round out the Shinsei menu. The pan seared jumbo scallops are highly recommended, especially for the complementary creamy Asian “risotto.” The desserts stand out here as well, notably the banana parfait (caramelized banana pudding and gingersnaps). Vibrant but meditative, Shinsei gives a much-needed shot of Asian spirit into Dallas.

Shinsei
7713 Inwood Rd.
Dallas, TX 75209
(214) 352-0005
www.shinseirestaurant.com

Fearings: An Acclaimed Chef Mixes Audacious Tastes and Elegant Dining

With the motto of “Bold Flavors, No Borders,” Dean Fearing’s restaurant at the Ritz Carlton, Dallas, gives diners a unique and upscale taste of Southwestern cuisine. Fearing’s meals have won many awards, including D Magazine’s Readers Choice for 2010, and has garnered praise from the likes of The New York Times, Food and Wine, and Modern Luxury. The Fearings complex includes the Rattlesnake Bar, which features Fearing’s amazing margaritas and cocktails, and the outdoor Live Oak Bar, shaded by oak trees. Two special areas can be reserved for smaller groups: the Wine Cellar, featuring a vaulted stone ceiling and a large collection of wines, and the Chef’s Table, an elevated area in Dean’s Kitchen where guests are visited by Fearing himself. The Chicken Fried Maine Lobster is Fearing’s signature dish, both one-of-a-kind and delicious. Fearings is well regarded in Dallas and around the country for its incredible service, delectable cuisine, and classy atmosphere.

Fearings
2121 McKinney Avenue
Dallas, TX 75201
(214) 922-4848
www.fearingsrestaurant.com

Patrizio: Traditional Italian Fare with a Dash of the Southwest

Struggling to find great Italian food in Dallas? Patrizio Restaurant offers traditional Italian food with a modern flair at affordable prices. A high quality restaurant in a great location, Patrizio offers pasta, pizza, and salads, most in the price range of five to 15 dollars. The menu provides many vegetarian options, like Cheese Tortellini in a Sun-Dried Tomato Pesto Cream Sauce and Open Face Ravioli, as well as seafood like the delicious Fresh Texas Blue Crab Cakes, and entrees that invoke Southwestern flavors, like the Conchiglie Con Pollo with Roasted Corn. Patrizio also houses over 150 wines at a wide variety of price points that will complement any dish. In addition to the indoor dining room, there is also a beautiful patio outfitted with heat lamps for chilly winter nights. With reasonable prices, a fantastic wine list, and a variety of Italian cuisine, Patrizio is the go-to destination for Italian dining in Dallas.

Patrizio
25 Highland Park Village
Dallas, TX 75205
(214) 522-7878
www.patrizios.net

Lakewood Greens Apartments Discovers Pho Garden Restaurant

Pho Garden is a Vietnamese Noodle House located in the Rockwall Village Shopping Center. Pho is a pretty healthy soup made with rice noodles, savory broth, red and green onions, and the protein of your choice (or tofu). A boat of basil, cilantro, jalapenos, limes, and bean sprouts are served on the side, so you can fix it up to your taste. They also have rice noodle salads that include the protein of choice, rice noodles, and shredded veggies. Both dishes are great, and definitely worth trying!

Check out their full menu at www.phogarden.com.

Lakewood Greens Apartments Discovers Kona Grill

Kona Grill is located at Northpark Mall. They have a modern American cuisine made in their scratch kitchen, featuring sushi and designer cocktails. In the picture, you will see the Atlantic Rolls to your right, Spicy Shrimp Rolls to your left, and the BBQ Chicken Pizza on top with a Mango Frozen Margarita. All of which are on the Happy Hour menu from 4-7 p.m., and again from 9-11 p.m. Happy Hour pricing is only available outside, or in the bar area M-F.

To see the full menu, and Happy Hour specials, please visit www.konagrill.com.

The Grape: Texas’s Best Burger

With the astounding preponderance of amazing burger joints in the Lone Star State, what does it take for a Dallas wine bar to come out on top of them all? When The Grape was named the best place to get a burger in all of Texas, people were shocked. But after the fuss died down, it had to be admitted—it is a darn good burger. Opened in 1972, this place was one of the first European-style bistros in town, offering a traditional chalkboard menu that changes based on the day’s ingredients. The food has changed a little bit over the years to reflect the location, but it’s still incredibly delicious. Breakfast diners go wild over the fried chicken on a homemade jalapeno biscuit, and the steak frites are always spectacular. This old-fashioned comfort food doesn’t detract in any way from the Grape’s nice atmosphere or spectacular service, and the wine selections are always fantastic.

The Grape
2808 Greenville Avenue
Dallas, TX 75206
(214) 828-1981
www.thegraperestaurant.com

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