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 February 2011) Executive chef Blythe Beck—whose Naughty Kitchen had a brief run on the Oxygen network—can run as scandalous an operation as she wants if the food is as good as the meal we recently en-joyed. Mushroom soup attained new heights with a hint of vanilla and the addition of fried wontons (!). Then the evening really began, with chicken-fried American Kobe steak (heresy!) accented with bacon redeye gravy. The accompanying buttery whipped potatoes were surprisingly ho-hum; the real star among the side dishes was a jazzy version of slow-braised mustard greens studded with tiny morsels of onion and bacon and finished with a dab of brown sugar. The decor is as spare as the food is rich. 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 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 February 2012)

“Pure luxe” describes our feast here at the grande dame of steakhouses. Our appetizers could hardly have been improved on: a lobster bisque, bursting with epic flavor, and bacon-wrapped scallops with an intense garlic sauce. We followed that with decadent rock lobster and a 14-ounce New York strip that was unmatched for flavor (and precisely cooked). Creamed spinach made a perfect side, and Chocolate Midnight Cake, luscious with ganache icing, hit the mark for dessert. There’s a menu for children, and a 1,600-bottle wine list that will make oenophiles swoon. Bar (opens at 4).

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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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(From June 2011)

Freshest fish in town? Plano’s Sea Breeze has it, because owners Mark and Rick, with over 25 years of experience and a passion for delivering the best, know their stuff. Pop in this casual eatery (think paper towels and Tabasco on the table) and try house specials like the lobster rolls and shrimp po’boys. Whatever else, don’t miss the fish tacos, a heavenly, harmonious blend of grilled mahi-mahi, spicy chipotle aioli, fresh pico, and purple cabbage. Can’t get enough? Take some with you. There are prepared favorites and fresh fish on ice to go. Beer & wine.

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