Le Chat Noir Eatery
Castroville
Castroville’s Alsatian heritage endures in its charming nineteenth-century buildings, one of which now houses a restaurant that’s worth the 25-mile drive from San Antonio. Sizing up their clientele, chef-owner Lynn Oefinger and sous chef Matthew Juarez stick with the basics, such as a good seared ribeye with blue cheese crumbles, an ample filet of beef glazed with balsamic and set atop a red pepper coulis, and rosy pan-seared duck breast cooked in Grand Marnier. Side dishes run to mashed sweet potatoes, golden french fries, and—strangely—green bean casserole. Overall, though, the cooking is precise and the flavors sing. Beer & wine. 1302 Fiorella (830-538-9347). Open Mon & Tue 11–2, Fri & Sat 11–2 & 5–9. Brunch Sun 10–2. Closed Wed & Thur. $$$ W
Dough Pizzeria Napoletana
Dallas
If you’re a fan of the crisp, thin crusts of Neapolitan-style pizza, this no-frills San Antonio import should be your next stop. We made a fine Italian lunch out of spiedini of warm house-made mozzarella wrapped in prosciutto di Parma and a pizza topped with fontina cheese, oak-roasted mushrooms, and caramelized onion. The polenta cake was ethereal, and the silky vanilla panna cotta ringed with balsamic sauce and macerated berries was dessert indulgence to the hilt. Bar. 11909 Preston Rd (972-788-4600). Open Tue–Thur 11–9, Fri & Sat 11–10. Closed Sun & Mon. $–$$ +
