72 GoodLifeFamilyMag.com JANUARY | FEBRUARY 2018 GoodLifeFamilyMag.com JANUARY | FEBRUARY 2018 73 Sassy Apples, giant omelets, skillets, pancakes, crepes—you name it), Le Peep can’t be beat for breakfast. But that doesn’t mean you should skip the lunch menu: sandwiches and salads are sized generously enough to poweryouthroughyourbusyafternoon,andthe Signature Burgerserved on a brioche bun is worth a trip by itself. We also love the savory Monte Cristo Crepes topped with powdered sugar, sliced strawberries and rasp- berrysauce. MultiplelocationsthroughoutDFW lepeep.com Lekka It’s a restaurant/bar. It’s a gallery/ giftshop.It’sLekka!Whetheryou’re lookingforuniquegifts,Himalayan salt lamps (you need one!), or the perfect spot to meet up with friendsforaheartysaladandsand- wich,tremezzini(pitabreadstuffed with, for example, mozzarella and artichoke) or a slab of decadent pie or cake, Lekka has something for everyone. Enjoy the spacious patio on warmer days—though inside is equally inviting. We mentioned the desserts, right? Rightly described as a“Slice of Heaven,”pieces of pie are generous and worth a visit all by themselves. Choose from Banana Car- amel Pecan, Key Lime, Double Chocolate Fudge and many others—all made from scratch. Open for lunch and dinner every day with live music onFridayandSaturdaynights. 17606PrestonRd.|Dallas (972)735-8425|lekkashop.com OPENINGSOONat1921NHendersonAve. inDallas Norma’sCafé Since 1956, Norma’s has been serving up its own brand of delicious fare and down-home hospitality. From giant omelets stuffed to the brim, to burgers,sandwiches,andsomuchmore,narrowingdownyourchoicescan beachallenge.EveryonelovesNorma’sbiscuits,butdon’teattoomanyof them or you won’t have room for things like the Chicken Fried Steak (one ofDFW’sbest),Open-FacedPotRoastSandwichonTexastoastservedwith mashedpotatoesandsmotheredwithgravy,ortheubiquitousdinerPatty Melt, positively oozing with Swiss Cheese and smothered onions. Don’t forget the pies!You can’t leave without indulging in one of Norma’s Mile- HighCreamPies™;thecoconutversionisanotherworldlyexperience. Addison,Frisco,OakCliff,ParkLane|normascafe.com OldWestCafé This is the kind of homey café where service is friendly and cowboy/ cowgirl-themed food rules—from breakfast favorites like the Gunslinger (ham and eggs plus two sides), to several versions of Sinkers N’Slippers (loadedbiscuitsandgravy),togoodoleTex-Mexfavorites(huevos,migas, etc.). Its motto is simple: Good Food - Get Some, so be sure to get some equally terrific lunch options like Mamaw’s Meatloaf and Chicken Fried Steak, nestled into a giant pool of red or cream gravy. If you’re craving somethinggreen,saladsareheartyanddelicious.OldWestmakesuswant torunoutandropeacowortwo,justsowecanburnoffcaloriesandcome backformore. 2420S.Interstate35E|Denton (940)808-0081|oldwestcafe.us MultiplelocationsthroughoutDFW SnugontheSquare Snug is like a hug, tucked into a square. Does that make sense? Maybe it willwhenwetellyouSnugoffersdelicioushand-craftedcoffeebeverages and ginormous portions of omelets, breakfast sandwiches, hearty soups, sandwichmeltsandsalads—andbothbreakfastandlunchareofferedev- eryday,allday.IfyouliveinMcKinney,you’relucky—youcanjuststumble into the square for a Snug brunch any ole time you like (up until 3 pm on Saturdays). The rest of us will make our visit a mini day trip, first filling up at Snug, then burning off those calories with a few strolls around the courthouse square, stopping in at all those cute, independently-owned shops.Waitscanbelong,especiallyontheweekends,butit’sworthit. LocatedinMcKinney snugonthesquare.com FRENCH BonnieRuth’sBistroFrançaisetPattisserie Can’t get to Paris? Then get to Bonnie Ruth’s, where you’ll enjoy classic Frenchbistrocuisine,musicandawarm,invitingatmosphere.Menufavor- ites include Croque Monsieur with decadent béchamel sauce, Steak Frites (ala10ouncesofNYStrip,pansearedandservedwithredwinejus)andof course,OnionSoupGratinéemadewithvealstock,caramelizedonionand topped with melted Gruyere. Heavenly. The Thursday, Friday and Sunday Date Night menu is an exceptional value at just $69 for two, including a bottle of house wine, one hors d’oeuvres, two delicious entrees (choose from Seafood Crepes, Duck Two Ways, Bone-In Pork Chops with Calvados and more), dessert to share and coffee. And don’t forget to swing by the adjacentpatisserietopickupsomepost-datedeliciousness. 916GardenParkDr.|Allen (214)383-6777|bonnieruthsallen.com Cadot Chef Jean-Marie Cadot, a native of Paris, grew up in a family that has been in the restaurant, hotel and bakery business since 1758—and no, that’s not a typo. In other words, Cadot knows food, and the offerings at his eponymous restaurant in North Dallas are French comfort at their fin- est. Be sure to start with the Onion Soup Gratinée, a rich broth with silky onions, smothered in bubbling cheese. After that, any choice is the right choice.FromDuckTerrinewithPistachios,FoieGrasandTruffle,toFlounder Crusted with Parmesan, to other French classics, such as Steak Frites with PeppercornSauceorCoqAuVin—eachdishisbothlovinglypreparedand expertlyexecuted. 18111PrestonRd.Suite120|Dallas (972)267-5700 |cadotrestaurant.com risen°1 Who doesn’t love a really good soufflé? And this is definitely the place for one. Whether you go with a savory version like Truffle Infused Mushroom or Herb & Spicy Sausage, or a sweet soufflé like Chocolate or Grand Marnier (we would definitely suggest at least one of each), these are souf- flés just like your grandmother used to make, if she happened to be French. Or a chef. Or both. If you’re really lucky, you’ll enjoy one of their spectacular seasonal soufflés, like Cranberry Champagne. And of course, you simply cannot miss the in- advertent appetizer for which the restaurant has become most famous: Marshmallow Soup.Though not technically marshmallows, small puffs of baked goat cheese float effortlessly on a delicious red broth topped with greenpesto.Yum. 5360WestLoversLane|Dallas risesouffle.com ITALIAN & PIZZA Campisi’s When it comes to pizza, Campisi’s is a Dallas favorite, but don’t forget about the rest of the menu. Since 1946, the Campisi family has served up classic and beloved Italian favorites, from meatballs to artichoke hearts andeverythinginbetween.Pastaportionsaregenerousandeasilyshared, andallentréescomewithasalad,breadandyourchoiceofpasta.Inrecent years,Campisi’shasexpandedtoincludegluten-freepizzacrusts,andmost lunch specials, priced at just $9.99 including entrée and drink, keep busi- ness folks, students and stay-at-home moms coming through the doors everyweekday. campisis.us MultiplelocationsthroughoutDFW Carrabba’s–NorthDallas Because sometimes, you’ve just gotta have Italian. Whether you’re carb loading with a rich plate of lobster ravioli or keeping it Paleo with a thick and juicy steak or seafood and a side of grilled asparagus, Carrabba’s ap- peals to families and business professionals alike. Life-just-got-easier op- tions, such as online reservations, several under 600-calorie entrées, and a gluten-free menu, make Carrabba’s both accessible and upscale. Don’t miss the Italian lettuce wraps with wood-grilled chicken, vegetables and ricottasalata,drizzledwithportwinereduction.NewownerMarcoMarti- nezhasapassionforcustomerserviceaswellashiscommunity,sobesure tosay“Ciao”onyournextvisit. 17548DallasPkwy|Dallas carrabbas.com DoughPizzeriaNapoletana Why have just a plain-o pizza when you can have a gourmet Neapolitan pizza—in Plano? With seasonal, foodie-driven ingredients, including house made mozzarella, sautéed prosciutto, wilted arugula and truffle vinaigrette, each pizza is more like a work of art. And what’s not to love about a burrata bar? (Think: mozzarella on the outside, cream on the in- side). In fact, we’d suggest starting off with the signatureTruffle Burrata, filledwithmascarpone,blacktruffleflakesandtruffleessence.Then,move rightintoanyoneofseveralpizzascookedjustninetysecondsinan800+ degree oven for the perfect crust.. Enjoy upscale surroundings and a cu- cumberbasilmartiniortwowhileyou’reatit. 5960WestParkerRd.,Suite286|Plano (469)814-0269|doughpizzeria.com Grimaldi’s There was a time when you could only get Grimaldi’s famous coal-fired brickovenpizzainNewYork.Butthatwasthen.Today,thereareGrimaldi’s almost everywhere, it seems.While the menu is somewhat basic (pizzas, calzones, salads), it’s also consistent. But what we like about the Allen lo- cation is that it overlooks the little park atWatters Creek where live music isoftenplayedduringwarmermonths. 836MarketSt.,WattersCreek|Allen (214)383-9703|grimaldispizzeria.com Kenny’sEastCoastPizza If you’re from the East Coast, there’s no doubt about it: you’re going to be verrrry picky about your pizza. North Dallas has drawn the lucky straw in pizza eating because Plano is where native Bostonian (and one of Dallas’ fave restaurateurs) Kenny Bowers has opened his pizza place. While the menuwillalsoofferItalianAmericanfavorites,expectaselectionherefo- cusing mainly on the pie—pizza pie, that is—cooked in a classic Bakers Pride Deck Oven. Handcrafted cocktails and Grey Goose on tap, too?We’re alreadyliningupatthedoor. 4701WParkBlvd|Plano (972)519-9669|kennyseastcoastpizza.com Kenny’sItalianPlace This is the real deal when it comes to Southern American Italian com- fort food (think: Parmigiana, Picatta and Marsala) in a fun and friendly atmosphere. A nice selection of pastas ranging from vegetarian to killer “Midnight”meatballsaswellasseafood,steaksandchopsmakeKenny’sa perfectchoice,whetherit’sfamilynightordatenight.Manydishescanbe prepared“light”(ifyou’resoinclined),vegetarianorglutenfree. 5100BeltlineRd.|Dallas (972)661-9380|kennysitalian.com Palio's NEWLISTING! When family schedules are in full swing, it's a good idea to have Palio's on speed dial. Each location isprivatelyownedandfamilyoper- ated, offering a friendly neighbor- hoodvibethatmakesitano-brain- er place to meet up with friends and family. Oh, and it's BYOB with nocorkfees,sobringabottleortwo andrelaxwhileyourpizzaisbeingpreparedforyou.WeappreciatePalio's unique ingredient combinations, such as the Nutty Chicken with roasted cashews, fresh mushrooms and spinach, and the Sereen on a whole- wheat crust with Alfredo sauce, feta and mozzarella cheeses. Gluten-free crustsarealsoavailable. MultiplelocationsthroughoutDFW paliospizzacafe.com Ruggeri'sNEWLISTING! Ruggeri's has been a favorite destination for authentic Italian cuisine for more than twenty-five years, whether you're looking for a cozy week- night spot for mouthwatering pasta or somewhere to celebrate a special occasion. Soft-Shell Crab Oreganato is a delicious starter, sautéed with lemon, plenty of garlic and oregano. Moving on to pasta, go for Ravioli Fresco del Gioro—tender dough pillows stuffed with sausage and ricotta and topped with a light tomato basil sauce. But the true menu star just mightbethe16-ouncevealchopwithwildmushroomsandMarsalawine; it melts in your mouth. Traditional Italian desserts (Tiramisu, Cappuccino Pie,Spumone)satisfyyoursweettooth,too. 5950-ARoyalLn.|Dallas (214)750-0111|ruggerisrestaurant.com Russo’sCoal-FiredItalianKitchen This Houston-based eatery does offer a well-rounded menu, including Arancini (delectable Sicilian rice balls loaded with herbs and Romano cheeseinarichBolognesesauce),fantasticCalzones,andstandardItalian entrées (Chicken Piccata and the like). That said, the real draw to Russo’s is the pizza, thanks to its nearly 1,000-degree coal-fired oven which gives us that chewy, but crispy, crust we love. Try the Prosciutto and Kale with Mozzarella and Ricotta cheese. Feeling carnivorous?The Paesano Napola- tana will leave you feeling sated. Russo’s is family-friendly, and they cater tobothbigandsmallparties. 700EastCampbellRoad|Richardson russoscoalfired.com MEDITERRANEAN MamaPitaMediterraneanGrill If you’re looking for affordable and delicious Mediterranean food, Mama Pita is waiting for you. Easily customizable plates, salads and pitas allow you to pick and choose whatever sides you crave, from light and crispy falafel and flatbread to creamy hummus and tzatziki. Kafta (beef kabobs) are tender and delicious—perfect for dipping in one of several garlicky sauces(trytheyellowtahini/carrotdip).Counterserviceisfastandfriend- ly, and the open and airy atmosphere makes it a nice place for dining-in. Or,orderonlineandtake‘erhome. 5800LegacyDr.,SuiteC6|Plano (972)403-1609|mamapita.com Zoë'sKitchenNEWLISTING! The name "Zoë's Kitchen" has become synonymous with quick, healthy and delicious Mediterra- nean food for busy people on the go; it’s also a perfect choice for familytakeout,offeringsomething for everyone’s taste buds. Start with a classic hummus trio appe- tizer, which includes the classic version, basil pesto and harissa red pepper—served with pita bread, pita chipsandplentyofcrispveggies.Kabobsareflavorfulandfilling,whether you go with skewers of moist chunks of chicken, beef, seafood or veggies. There are loads of options for vegetarians, Paleo eaters and those eating gluten-free.Whenitcomestohealthy,deliciousfood,Zoë’smakesuswant tosay,“Opa!” MultiplelocationsthroughoutDFW zoeskitchen.com MEXICAN CasaMama Ifyou’relookingforafamily-friendlydininglocationofferingbothauthen- tic Mexican recipes (specifically, from the Santiago Maravatio Guanajuato region) andTex-Mex favorites, Casa Mama is the right place for you.You’ll findallyourfavoriteMexicandisheshereandafewpleasantsurprises,too, including Guiso Pork Stew, homey Tortilla Lasagna, Chipotle Enchiladas, andRibeyeorSalmonTacos.WhiteQuesoisoneofthebestaround,served withlight,crispychips—takeitupanotchbyaddingingroundbeef,cho- rizoorbrisket.Serviceisknownforbeingexceptionallyfriendly,andstaffis happy to accommodate any special orders. Don’t miss the all-dayTuesday happyhourortherelaxingSundaybrunch. 19129PrestonRd.|Dallas (469)828-1045 1445LosRiosBlvd.,Suite301|Plano (972)943-3900 casamamas.com Chuy’s What started in Austin in 1982 as a fun/funky Tex-Mex joint, perfect for grabbingabeerandchipsoramixofcomfortingentrees,hassincegrown intowhatyoumightcallaTex-Mexempire,withlocationsacrossTexasand 14 other states. Still, Chuy’s hasn’t lost its charm. A lot of love goes into Chuy’s food—from hand-pulled chicken in all entrees, hand-rolled fresh tortillas, to any of the 10 signature sauces made fresh daily—those extra stepsreallymakeadifference.Asmallbutrefreshingselectionofsignature drinksmakesChuy’saperfectplacetokickbackanytime. chuys.com MultiplelocationsinDFW Digg’sTacoShop Dallasites have pretty particular opinions when it comes to tacos, so find- ing a taco shop that pleases everyone in your group can be challenging. But Digg’s has taken care of that with plenty of menu items for vegetar- ians, Paleo enthusiasts, carnivores and kiddos. The Tex-Mex standards are definitely there, but you’ll also find some tasty, spicy surprises, such as habanero shrimp with mango, the Bahn Jovi (basically, their take on a Vietnamese pork on a tortilla) and grilled Alaskan flounder with serrano chilesauce.Salsasandquesoaresolid,butbesuretotryasideofplantain chips with house dip, too. Salads and bowls provide healthy options for low-carbers and for those who don’t mind carbs, the jelly donut holes are addictive. diggstacos.com 6309HillcrestAve.|Dallas 7325GastonAve.|Dallas DILLA’S Ifyoulikequesadillas,you’regoingtoloveDilla’s.UTAlumKyleGordoncre- ated the concept behind Dilla’s while still in college, where he consumed morethanhisshareofthebelovedMexicansnack.Buthere,you’reinforso muchmorethanthetypicaltortillaandmeltedcheeseconcoction—think ingredientslike:smokedbrisket,Portobellomushrooms,hatchgreenchile peppers, bacon, and fries (yes, folks, fries on a quesadilla!). Portions are generous, so come hungry, and for the truly ravenous, go for the Gorilla Fries or Chips—both come nacho-inspired and smothered in hatch chile queso.Lowcarbandveganoptionsavailable. 19129PrestonRd.|Dallas (469)828-1045 LAVA CANTINA Lava Cantina offers a unique dining/entertainment concept that father andsonownersSteveandIanVaughnliketocall,“CreolefoodwithaMexi- cantwist.”Theplaceisfloodedwithmusicmemorabilia,makingittheper- fect backdrop to enjoy live outdoor bands, a rooftop patio, fantastic food, and plenty of adult beverages. This is where you want to people watch, with that just-right combination of Austin-esque outdoorsy-ness with a nod to bigger venues such as House of Blues. Entrees can be as light or as decadentasyourwaistlineprefers,andSundayjazzbrunchisanicewayto roundouttheweekendwithfriendsorfamily. 5805GrandscapeBlvd.|TheColony (214)618-6893 lavacantina.com Torchy'sTacos Dallasites have pretty particular opinions when it comes to tacos, so findThis Austin-based eat- ery offers what most would call “gourmet” tacos in a fun, casual, non- gourmet setting. Their taco of the month is always delicious and might include ingredients like pumpkinseedcrustedchickenten- dersorescabechecarrots.Theyalsoofferheartybreakfasttacosandsome ofthebestquesoandchipsintown. MultiplelocationsthroughoutDFW torchystacos.com SEAFOOD Lefty’sLobsterandChowderHouse Long considered a neighborhood gem, Lefty’s serves the kind of seafood you’d expect to find somewhere on the East Coast: clam chowder, lobster bisque(Can’tdecidebetweenthetwo?Askforhalfandhalf),wholemain lobster (Lefty’s uses cull lobsters that have one claw—hence, the name) and fried shrimp. Hearty salads are made heartier with the addition of chicken, salmon, shrimp or lobster—and if you’re simply not feeling fishy, go for a perfectly cooked filet mignon or burger. Lefty’s numerous accolades speak for themselves, and it gets a lot of regulars, especially on weekends—so be sure to make a reservation online. Open for lunch and dinner,andthebarstaysopenlate. 4021BeltlineRd.|Dallas (972)774-9518|leftyslobster.com Lobsta&ChowdaHouse NEWLISTING! For the past decade, the Oruch family has brought North Texans the freshest seafood selection in the region at their acclaimed Sea Breeze Fish Market & Grill.  Now, the family has expanded their love of lobster by opening Lobsta & Chowda House at the new Legacy Food Hall at Legacy West.  The menu showcases a limited menu including the New England Lobster Roll—a simple sandwich of wild-caught Maine lobster simply dressed with mayonnaise, celery and tarragon.  We also recommend the ConnecticutLobstaRoll—butterpoachedlobsteronabun.Thetastyrolls arejoinedbyshrimpcocktail,peel&eatshrimp,asmokedsalmondipand the restaurant’s celebrated Clam Chowder.  Come for the food and for the EastCoastvibe. LegacyHall 7800WindroseAve. |Plano www.seabreezefish.com TheOceanaireSeafoodRoom While this may be considered more of a date night place, if you happentobringyourin-lawshere foraThanksgivingweekendnight out, they’ll never forget it. THE freshestseafoodinasleeksetting makes The Oceanaire the perfect spot for a luxurious dinner with top-notchservice.Menuofferings are based entirely on freshness and availability, so arrive prepared to“just go with it.”There are several few sides you won’t want to miss including Chardonnay Roasted Mushrooms and Shells & Cheese with Smoked Gou- da and Applewood Bacon. Their full bar might just make you forget you promisedtopickupthetab. TheWestinGalleria|Dallas theoceanaire.com SOUTHERN Babe’sChickenDinnerHouse Babe’sjustmightbetheultimateinfamily-friendly,down-homecooking. If you like things battered and fried, Babe’s has got you covered.The fried chickenis(practically)world-famousbutthechickenfriedsteakisequally delicious.The catfish is as good as any we’ve had. If you insist, they have one un-fried option: Hickory Smoked Chicken. Sides are unlimited and served family-style, just like Grandma used to make, including, creamed corn, green beans (don’t expect al dente), mashed potatoes with gravy, and fluffy biscuits. Without a doubt, Dallas loves Babe’s, so there can be a wait, especially on weekends, but seating moves quickly. For food this good,atjust$12.99/personforadults,it’sdefinitelyworthit. MultiplelocationsinDFW babeschicken.com SugarbaconProperKitchen When we think of Sugarbacon, we think of upscale comfort food in a warm, rustic setting. Let’s start with the signature appetizer: sugarba- con. Picture a perfect little cube of house-smoked Berkshire pork belly, glazed in smoky ancho BBQ sauce, sitting atop spicy bread and butter pickles on a tiny piece of toasted bread. Berkshire pork is known for its rich taste—thought by some to be the“Kobe beef of pork.”One bite of it and you’ll know why. But try not to get stuck in the appetizer section, oryou’llmissoutonseveralotherdeliciousofferings,suchasthecollard green salad with bacon, bleu cheese and pickled apple or the mighty fine SB burger made with local Wagyu beef and topped with, you got it, sugarbacon. sugarbacon.com 216W.VirginiaSt.|McKinney 6400GastonAve.|Dallas TheHeights We could practically live at The Heights. From homey breakfasts, such as a custom scramble or Lakewood migas, to hearty sal- ads, juicy burgers and a killer club sandwich, to steamed mussels and chicken pot pie with a jala- peno cheddar biscuit—this is the type of cozy neighborhood spot where you can meet a friend for lunch, grab a cup of locally roasted Full City Rooster coffee and a piece of pie to go or enjoy a relaxing dinner and cocktail.ExecutiveChefKarinPorter(formerlyofDallas’belovedTheGrape restaurant)aimstodeliver“Southerncomfortfoodsensibility,”andevery- thingwe’vetastedhitthemark.Openlateonweekends. 2015AbramsRd.|Dallas theheightslakewood.com