Dallas

(From August 2011)

Lobster et Fromage sounded not only uptown but irresistible, so we ordered fresh-squeezed orange juice and read our paper until the platter arrived. The gigantic omelet came brimming with cream cheese, garlic-sautéed Maine lobster, and diced tomatoes, all topped with Brie and a champagne cream sauce. To boot, there were diced potatoes and a crisp English muffin. That fine breakfast pretty much guaranteed a future return to this bright, sunny Louisiana import. 

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(From May 2012)

Diners who gravitate to a more civilized experience are drawn to Central 214's elegant interior decor and spacious outdoor patio. They're also drawn to exceptional food. Our grilled rainbow trout was nicely done, as were its plate mates of feathery gnocchi and sautéed Swiss chard with scallions and garlic (as pretty as it was tasty); the trout's brown butter-sage sauce complemented all three components. Kudos to the quince-fig tart with pomegranate reduction–what a sparkler of a finish. Bar.

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(From November 2011)

A tempting array of fresh seafood is shipped in every day to this small kitchen tucked into Snider Plaza. The lobster and crab BLT redefines “filling,” and the Coastal Tacos 3 Ways showcases spicy shrimp, classic fried fish, and, our favorite, grilled fish marinated in soy, ginger, and lime. Flavor-packed jícama slaw makes for a crunchy side. If fish isn’t your thing, try the pulled pork sandwich or the churrasco steak wrap, both served with crisp plantain chips. For the kids, there are chicken fingers (some of the best in town), coconut fried shrimp, and cheese quesadillas. Bar. 

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(From May 2012)

Talk about sensory overload; mounted fish are everywhere, including the ceiling. A friendly family atmosphere makes this Preston Center eatery wildly popular, even though there is no table service. As might be expected, there are many fried offerings - shrimp, catfish - but to its credit, this establishment also offers grilled fish and vegetables. Two of our faves here are the Mexican cocktail, a goblet amply stuffed with shrimp, crab, onion, and cilantro in a tomatoey sauce, and a bowl of grits and gumbo. Breakfasts look enticing. Beer, wine, & margaritas.

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(From December 2010) Kudos to chef Tiffany Derry, of Top Chef fame, for taking a stand and refusing to serve overfished Chilean sea bass and bluefin tuna. There are plenty of other fish in the sea for her to put her stamp on; we loved the Hawaiian ono, a meaty grilled filet glazed with salsa verde. For an appetizer, don’t miss her creative layered salad, which combines mild mixed greens with salty blue cheese, crunchy candied wal-nuts, and tart Granny Smith apples. Bar.

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(From February 2012)

Maguire’s offers casual, upscale dining for this far-north neighborhood. Slide into a comfortable booth or take a seat at the bar and order one of the specialties, like beef bourguignonne or a mesquite-grilled steak; satisfying sides include mashed potatoes and Southwestern creamed corn. We chose a three-tiered entrée: delightful herbed chicken with a foundation of slightly sweet fiocchi (small pasta “ribbons” stuffed with pear and cheese), a tomato cream sauce on top, and a lovely garnish of orange gremolata. Bar.

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(From May 2012)

A small cup of Creole gumbo, brimming with seafood and rice, was just enough to whet out appetite for our main courses. What a great idea to offer a combo entree of two or three fish options. We settled on the grilled mahimahi with beurre blanc and the grilled North Atlantic salmon with a berry reduction. Decidedly terrific were the mashed potatoes with roasted red pepper and chedder. Every nook and cranny of this convival spot was filled the night we were there. Bar.

Friday, March 23rd, 2012, 11:43 am
Alex says:
MCCORMICK & SCHMICK’S has devolved into a terrible restaurant, slow snotty service, food that is over priced and under whelming. My inlaws live 1/2 mile from M/S and use to have all their family dinners there, not anymore. Over the past year here are the problems: two lost reservations One changed reservation without us knowing about it One snotty waiter One snotty manager One pushy girl that answered the phone Waiter that never came back after our food was dropped on the table Food that was cooked wrong and the waiter argued with us about it Less than fresh fish Overpriced food Trust me when I tell you there are 20 places in Dallas that have better food for the money than M/S. Try Pappa’s Brothers for great steak and seafood.

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(From May 2012)

Not wanting to start off with anything too decadent, we did not regret our choice of house salad; a piquant sherry vinaigrette brought this simple dish to life. It's difficult not to partake of the excellent steaks or seafood offered, but we veered off the beaten path with broiled lamb chops, cooked to perfection and served with roasted fingerling potatoes and a baked apple with an acorn squash puree. Although we hardly had room, we managed to indulge in the dense, delicious chocolate hazelnut terrine. Expert service and a luxurious, award-winning wine list. Bar.

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(From June 2011) If the notion of your usual Saturday lunch is not so appealing, drop in at this small, friendly place. Try the portobello stuffed with crab, spinach, artichoke, and cream cheese or the quite satisfying fish tacos, the well-seasoned white fish nestled with an aji-mirin slaw in your choice of corn or flour tortillas. If you’ve got enough room left, order the housemade Key lime pie garnished with raspberries, blueberries, and blackberries. Beer & wine.

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(From January 2012)

The big, high-ceilinged room with its yellow-and-green color scheme, the cut-to-the-chase waiters with years of expertise, the always-fresh seafood—this casual local favorite hasn’t changed one whit in all these years. Some swear by the shrimp salad or the coleslaw or the hush puppies, but we love the iced trays filled with oysters on the half shell; part of the charm in concoting our own sauce, with just the right amount of horseradish.

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