Cibus
Dallas Our hat is off to serial restaurant developer Alberto Lombardi (the brains behind Taverna, Toulouse, and Sangria) for elevating mall dining to a new level at NorthPark Center. In the cafe, we dined on salmon, mascarpone, and leeks in crosta (a flaky puff pastry) sided with an extravagantly garlicky Caesar salad; at the end of the meal, not a bite was left of either. Our only disappointment was dessert: a chocolate mousse tart with a too-thick crust. Next time we’re trying the house-made gelato. A full-service dining area for those inclined to linger offers up risottos, pizzas, pastas, and more, as well as a full bar. (By
the way, “cibus,” pronounced “chee-boos,” means chow, vittles, or just plain food.) Beer & wine (bar in seated dining area). NorthPark Center, 8687 N. Central Expy (214-692-0001). Open Mon—Thur 11—10, Fri & Sat 11—11, Sun 11—9 (cafe opens at 9). $—$$ W+
Cover 3
Austin Initially skeptical about eating anything more serious than a burger in a sports bar, we got dragged here for dinner and were quickly converted to fan status. The open room feels like a modern lounge, its exposed brick walls adorned with sixteen flat-screen TVs. The tables were abuzz as women sipped wine and chatted and guys groaned and high-fived over the plays and scores. On our first visit, we were taken with the beef tenderloin sliders. The second time, we opted for a new dish, the chilled shrimp and crab tower; the avocado was a perfect, cool backdrop to the somewhat spicy sauces. We followed that with a Cover 3 salad (mixed greens tossed with candied walnuts, sliced Fuji apples, crumbled goat cheese, and raspberry-Dijon vinaigrette) and a tender 22-ounce bone-in ribeye, the latter a tad pricey but definitely worth it. Bar. 2700 W. Anderson Ln (512-374-1121). Open Mon—Fri 11—11, Sat 11—midnight, Sun 11—10. $$—$$$ W+
