74 GoodLifeFamilyMag.com JANUARY | FEBRUARY 2019 TheKeeper Sustainable seafood and a tropical tiki bar create the just-right com- bination to give you a little taste of your last beach-y vacation. The menu's "Just Flew In" section of- fers the day's freshest selections, both artfully prepared and utterly delicious. There are also some unexpected seafood menu choic- es, including shareable portions of Crab Fried Rice with crispy Spam and topped with a perfectly cooked egg, and the Hamachi Crudo—buttery, raw Hamachi topped with apple, avocado, chilies, yuzu sauce and delicate microgreens.Housesaladsarefreshandseasonalingredient-inspired,and ifyou'resimplynotinthemoodforfish,TheKeeperoffersasuperbGrilled HalfChickenwithTomatoButterSauce. 5840LegacyCircle,Ste.D100|Plano (469)210-5337 www.thekeeperplano.com TheOceanaireSeafoodRoom While this may be considered more of a date night place, if you happen to bring your in-laws here for a nightout,they’llneverforgetit.The freshest seafood in a sleek setting makes The Oceanaire the perfect spot for a luxurious dinner with top-notch service. Menu offerings are based entirely on freshness and availability, so arrive prepared to“just go with it.”There are several sides you won’t want to miss including Chardonnay Roasted Mushrooms and Shells & Cheese with Smoked Gouda and Applewood Bacon.Their full bar mightjustmakeyouforgetyoupromisedtopickupthetab. TheWestinGalleriaDallas 13340DallasPkwy.|Dallas (972)759-2277 www.theoceanaire.com Southern SugarbaconProperKitchen When we think of Sugarbacon, we think of upscale comfort food in a warm,rusticsetting.Let’sstartwith the signature appetizer: sugarba- con. Picture a perfect little cube of house-smokedBerkshireporkbelly, 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, or you’ll miss out on several other deli- ciousofferings,suchasthecollardgreensaladwithbacon,bleucheeseand pickled apple or the mighty fine SB burger made with local Wagyu beef and topped with, you got it, sugarbacon. Southern sides with a twist, like greenchilehominy,roundoutthemealnicely. 216W.VirginiaSt.|McKinney (469)952-5150 6400GastonAve.|Dallas (972)290-0731 www.sugarbacon.com TheRustic The gigantic patio is always packed! Enjoy down-home food made from scratchdaily. ThemenufeaturesseafoodfromtheGulf,steaksourcedfrom local ranchers, and dairy and produce grown by local farmers. The bar- tenders stay busy, pouring the most prolific collection of local beverages intown,including40beersontap. 3656HowellSt.|Dallas (214)730-0596 www.therustic.com WhistleBritches Thelogosaysalot:Chicken.Biscuits. Beer. But what it doesn’t convey is that Chef Omar Flores and his team pickle brine each and every bird, creating one of the juiciest, most flavorful chicken experiences we’ve ever had. And at Whistle Britches, it is all about chicken: half chickens, whole chickens, roasted chickens,friedchickentenders—evenchickensglazedwithpomegranate molasses. Sides and starters are comfort-driven, such as pickled jalapeño pimento cheese, served with saltines. Or deviled eggs with country ham. Three cheese mac. Grits with gouda. Are you hungry yet? Brunch, lunch and dinner served, along with a nice selection of cocktails, beer and wine. Dessertsarestraightforwardandtotallydecadent. 6110FrankfordRd.|Dallas (972)590-8991 2405DallasParkway|Plano (214)299-5971 www.whistlebritcheschicken.com Steakhouse IIIForks With a North Dallas location covering 25,000 square feet, III Forks can ac- commodate everything from date nights, to family gatherings, to big par- ties,andevengiantcorporateandspecialevents(upto900people).You’d think with all that available space, the intimate steakhouse vibe would be lost but that isn’t the case. Superior service and individual dining rooms, each named after a Texas hero who fought for independence, help make this place unique. Start with III Forks famous salad with toasted pecans, blue cheese, Granny Smith apples, and a not-too-sweet maple pecan vin- aigrette, then move right onto your main—whether you prefer steak or seafood,it’sseriouslyallgood.Ifwewereyou,we’dorderoneofeveryside dish, but if you can only find room for one, don’t miss the Lobster Mac & Cheese—it’stodiefor. 17776DallasPkwy.|Dallas (972)267-1776 www.3forks.com AlBiernat’s Since 1998, Al Biernat’s has offered quality prime aged steaks, the freshest seafood, and the perfect locale on Oak Lawn Avenue to suit the needs of Dallas’ glitterati, date nights,andfamilygatherings.You’ll find all the upscale steakhouse favorites, including just about every cut of steak imaginable, chops, chopped or Caesar salad, fresh oysters, and the seriously-creami- est-of-creamed spinach. Start with the small or large seafood tower to shareandyouwon’tbedisappointed.Anintimatebarareaisaterrificspot to meet up with a friend or co-worker, and the attentive staff will ensure that your special occasion will be memorable. In fact, every meal at Al Bi- ernat’sismemorable. 4217OakLawnAve.|Dallas (214)219-2201 5251SpringValleyRd.|Dallas (972)239-3400 www.albiernats.com FogodeChao FogodeChaoliterallymeans“groundfire,”referringtowhattherestaurant is famous for—the traditional gaucho method of roasting meats over an openfire.ThisBrazilianfinediningexperienceensuresyou’llenjoythejuic- iest meats (including steak, chicken, lamb and pork), delicious sides (we lovethecrispypolenta)andaward-winningwines.Andwhileyouprobably associate Fogo de Chao with meat, there are plenty of lighter options for vegetarians and pescatarians, too—Chilean Sea Bass is cooked to perfec- tion, topped with a luscious mango relish and malagueta pepper sauce. Yes,it’stheperfectplaceforfamilycelebrations,butdon’tsaveitforspecial occasions:startingatjust$15,theGauchoLunchfeaturesfreshsalads,im- portedcheese,curedmeats,seasonalsoupsandmore. MultiplelocationsthroughoutDFW www.fogodechao.com KnifeNewListing We’re soooo happy that Knife has made its way north. We’ve loved Chef John Tesar’s steakhouse cre- ation since it opened its doors at the Highland Dallas, and now we have another option at the Shops of Willow Bend. “Exotic” steaks are dry-aged up to 240 days for superior flavor, crusty on the out- side and melt-in-your-mouth on the inside. When we say every cut here is exceptional, we mean it. If you’re not wanting beef, though, seafood is also expertly prepared, and there are several options for vegetarians, too. Extensivewinelistandcigars. 6121W.ParkBlvd.|Plano (214)299-5935 5300E.MockingbirdLn.|Dallas (214)443-9339 www.knifedallas.com JaxxSteakhouse Texans are known for loving steak, but (those of us who are carni- vores) are picky. Jaxx Steakhouse getsallofitright,whereoldschool urban charm meets today’s mod- ern tastes. Sure, you’ll find tradi- tional favorites like shrimp cocktail and fried calamari, but you’ll also wanttotrythesteakeggrollappe- tizerstuffedwithonion,bellpepperandcheese.Andofcourse—thebeef: whether you’re craving a filet, NY strip or ribeye—or something lighter like Lemon Pepper Tilapia or Pan Seared Ahi Tuna with bok choy—each dishispreparedwithloveandcreativeflair. 14925MidwayRd.,Ste.101|Addison (972)458-7888 www.jaxxsteakhouse.com Rick’sChophouse Located in the beautiful Grand Hotel & Ballroom in downtown McKinney, Rick’s is absolutely a date destination. Comfy leather couches, live music fromlocalartistsThursdaythroughSaturdayandhandcraftedcocktailsare justpartofwhatmakesRick’ssopopularbutit’sachophouse,afterall,and therealemphasishereisonthefood.Mouthwateringsteaks,juicyburgers, fresh seafood) along with classic, hearty salads. And since you’ve already bookedthesitter,whynotincludeanovernightstayatthehistorichotel? 107N.Kentucky|McKinney (214)726-9251 www.rickschophouse.com Good Eats dining options, go to www.goodlifefamilymag.com For a complete listing of goodEATS