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If you’re heading to the Dallas-Fort Worth area this summer, we’ve compiled a list of a few dining favorites. Bon Appetit!
When you walk in to this fine dining restaurant, you realize that you are among the elite at this Pappas restaurant. Sitting in the wine room, we are surrounded by bottles and bottles of their most impressive wine cellar stash. The wine list is over 140 pages long! It’s almost overwhelming trying to choose a vino which is why the sommelier comes in handy.
For appetizers, you might try the lobster deviled eggs or the jumbo lump crab cakes which are amazing, or the bacon wrapped scallops. Since it is a steakhouse, you have a wide variety of choices between various sizes of filet mignon, prime ribeye, New York strip and other meat choices, such as veal or lamb.
If you’re not in the mood for steak, try the pan seared sea bass with Maine lobster. For sides, you might try the au gratin potatoes, roasted wild mushrooms or creamed spinach. For dessert, you will be amazed at the milk chocolate mousse and toasted marshmallow. This is served with a dark chocolate ganache, toffee pieces and a vanilla malt sauce. Or try the beautiful warm peach cobbler (pictured in the feature image). Gorgeous!
- 10477 Lombardy Ln, Dallas, TX 75220, (214) 366-2000
If you are looking for Southern/American food kicked up a notch, with a twist among shabby chic furnishings and impeccable customer service, head over to Whiskey Cake in Plano.
This concept just works. The chef takes a traditional dish and reformats it with surprises at every corner, such as the edamame hummus which knocks typical hummus out of the park. There are several appetizers that really rock but the one that takes the (whiskey) cake is the local goat cheese fondue, the most popular appetizer at the restaurant. They have a heavenly combination of goat cheese with olive oil, Greek olives, roasted tomatoes and fresh herbs for grilled sourdough bread dipping. These two appetizers are worth a visit just by themselves!
If you are in the mood for their Basic burger, you will entice your taste buds with this 90+ percent brisket burger mixed with top sirloin. One of the most popular main plates is the wood grilled pork brisket steak served over poblano white cheddar grits and a plum and tomatillo salsa. The grilled Texas striped bass is also a favorite served with summer vegetable stone fruit slaw, watermelon relish and sweet pea crema.
Another dish that amazes is the Texas Gulf shrimp Grain bowl–red quinoa, avocado with hemp seeds and a sweet chili ginger vinaigrette. This dish has stand out taste with zero guilt. A few dishes that I must try next time are the pork belly Ramen, hand-cut Parmesan fries, turmeric roasted cauliflower and the Parmesan brussels sprouts.
If you name a restaurant after a dessert, it better be amazing. The whiskey cake is what dreams are made of. The perfect combination of a toffee torte, anglaise, spiced pecans and whipped cream, this dish stands alone. Pair it with a cup of the Ascension Coffee Roasters pressed coffee.
The restaurant also makes their own fresh juices, such as the Little Pink Drink- Texas grapefruit, pineapple, cranberry, agave nectar and guava. If you’re looking for a drink that is a little more stout, try a Texas craft draft beer such as a Black Sheep Blonde, a Revolver Blood & Honey or the Peticolas Velvet Hammer.
- 3601 Dallas Pkwy, Plano, TX 75093, (972) 993-2253
On the lookout for a hearty breakfast? The Original Pancake House is the place to fill your tummy. The first Original Pancake House started in 1952 in Portland, Oregon. The restaurant on Belt Line opened in 1985 by owner Mark Davis Bailey. Dallas has six Pancake Houses and one opening in Fort Worth. One thing that makes them unique in breakfast land is that they make their own fresh batters early every morning, starting at 4:30, which makes for a delightful pancake.
Be prepared for a wait if you’re coming in on a weekend morning; however, they have a great seating area with fun, unique chairs. And, you’ll love the cute skillets on the door handles.
Start off with a delicious cup of coffee or a glass of fresh squeezed juice. If you’re in the mood for pancakes, you will have a large selection: banana, blueberry, buckwheat, ancient grains gluten-free, buttermilk or (my favorite) chocolate chocolate chip pancakes. Each pancake boasts that fresh-made batter.
You also can’t go wrong with the Apple Pancake with sautéed Granny Smith apples, pears and cinnamon glaze. The other carb specialty is their Dutch Baby, dough covered with whipped butter, powdered sugar and lemon. Each of these covers a full breakfast plate! The coffee maple banana crêpe is a delicious French batter crepe filled with bananas and coffee maple glaze, topped with bananas and drizzled with glaze. Each of these could serve as a breakfast or a dessert.
And, if you’re like me, and feel like you need some protein for breakfast, try the Western cheese omelette– hickory ham, sautéed green peppers, pimentos, onions and pepper jack cheese. This egg specialty is served with diced potatoes and provides a filling, hearty breakfast.
Visit for breakfast, brunch or lunch. They are open until 2:30 on weekdays, 3:30 on Saturdays and 4 p.m. on Sundays.
- 5220 Belt Line Road Dallas, Texas 75254, 972-385-6468
If you are looking for an exquisite dining experience for a special occasion or just to treat yourself, The French Room in the Adolphus Hotel is delicieux. The historic Adolphus Hotel opened in 1912 (the same year The Titanic sailed) but the fine dining restaurant, The French Room, did not open until 1982.
With its antique walls and carpeting, and the gorgeous painted ceiling with Murano chandeliers from Venice, you will really feel like you’re transported back to the early 1900s.
When I told the hotel’s valet we were there to dine at The French Room, he said I must try the crab cakes, which I did, and was blown away. They were unlike any that I’ve ever tried. For an entrée, try the halibut over a thin bed of risotto or the bass complemented by creamy mashed potatoes. For dessert, you can treat yourself to one of three different types of soufflés. And, you will want to pair each delightful dish with fine wines from their extensive wine list.
The service is impeccable. Prepare yourself for a three-hour dinner experience that you won’t soon forget.
- (Located in The Adolphus Hotel) 1321 Commerce St, Dallas, TX 75202, (214) 742-8200
By Marika Flatt
