We had to head to OK today for a family funeral. I got a couple of other things done while I was there, but due to family commitments and the like, the day was not as productive as I would have liked. My parents suggested a quick bite at Cafe 7, (they have a myspace page, too) which I highly recommend. Not only was it priced excellently, but it was delish. Great concept, OSU guy with an awesome personality and entrepreneurial spirit--seems like it could really go big. Franchise? I love seeing great ideas explode.
We left by 7 this evening, and were back home by 10, and hubs is crashed in bed beside me. My mom wanted us to stay with them, but there is nothing like sleeping in your own bed, no? And we didn't want to stay at my house because we're showing it again this weekend and it is clean right now, so let's keep it that way, yes?
A friend emailed tonight and asked me for some Dallas restaurant recommendations. I had fun plowing through google, digging up old faves. Arcodoro Pomodoro was recommended by a business associate. Inside scoop: you have to ask for the "best pasta in the world" (not on the menu) which is actually a lobster ravioli, I think. Palomino is a favorite fall back, and I seem to always end up there for lunch, but I'm assuming dinner is equally satisfying. We tried Toulouse with friends one night--great patio and fun champagne cocktails. Also, it's in Knox Henderson, right next to fab shopping.
I never knew I liked Latin food, but at La Duni, it is divine. Be prepared to eat modestly on the entree, because you can't leave without coffee and dessert. Hibiscus seems to have recurred frequently in our dining out rotation recently. They change the menu seasonally, but the last time I was there had the most outstanding tuna tartare I've ever tasted. There is also some tie-in with T. Boone Pickens, which never hurt anyone's reputation, in my humble opinion.
And while we're on the subject of raw fish, Blue Fish never fails me with their Ahi Tower. I now order my own as an entree, not to be shared with table mates. I do love raw fish, and I'm terribly disappointed that it doesn't seem to be legal in any way, shape, or form to this pregnancy. We've talked about wanting to try Stephan Pyles, but I took a look at the superbness that is their ceviche menu, and wonder if it wouldn't be worth saving the experience until after this whole child-bearing thing is over.
Which leads me to my closing topic: Mac & Cheese. All with great atmosphere, both of the following all fall into the category of particularly satisfying comfort foods. The Porch, with Smoked Ham Mac & Cheese Casserole, and Jasper's, with Ham & Gouda Mac & Cheese. On the to-be-tried list: Local's mascarpone mac + cheese, Hattie's four-cheddar mac & cheese, and Screen Door's casserole of smoked gouda cheese, macaroni, spring peas and tasso (they also have shrimp & grits).
Last but not least, it doesn't seem fair to leave a classic unmentioned: TABC's jalapeno chicken dumplings are unsurpassed.
Am I missing anything?
