70 GoodLifeFamilyMag.com JULY | AUGUST 2018 greatplacetopickupapoundoflocallyroastedmicrolot,organicordirect/ fairtradebeansforyourhomebrews. MultiplelocationsthroughoutDFW www.wrcoffee.com FirstWatch Sure, these days you can get trendy and healthy menu items like avocado toastatjustaboutanywhere,butatthisplace,it’sover-the-topgoodwith smashed avocado, extra virgin olive oil, a squeeze of lemon and Malden sea salt. A seasonal menu focusing on fresh produce offers lighter fare in warmer months and comfort food in cooler months, making it a perfect choice any time of the year. Carnivores shouldn’t miss the scrumptious Millionaire’s Bacon—four slices of hardwood smoked bacon baked with brown sugar, black pepper, cayenne and a maple syrup drizzle, and the Power Bowl made with protein-packed quinoa, veggies and lemon chick- enbreastisaperfectchoiceforlunch. MultiplelocationsthroughoutDFW www.firstwatch.com HugsCafé Everything about Hugs makes us want to smile—from the friendly staff, to the exceptional customer service, to the giant“HUGS”sign on the wall, and of course, to the food. Owner RuthThompson created the Hugs con- cept as a lunch-only place where adults with special needs could find meaningful work and then used her cooking background to create truly delicious menu items. You’ll find daily soups, fresh salads and decadent sandwiches that are piled high with tasty fillings. Our favorite just might be The Chickie Hug, made with Hugs’signature chicken salad, cucumber, fresh spinach and tomato on your choice of bread. Ultimate Picnic Potato Saladisamust-tryside,andeveryoneravesabouttheSignatureWedding CakeCookies.ClosedonMondays. 224E.VirginiaSt.|McKinney (469)301-6900 www.hugscafe.org 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, and so much more, narrowing down your choices can be a challenge. Everyone loves Norma’s biscuits, but don’t eat too many of them or you won’t have room forthingsliketheChickenFriedSteak(oneofDFW’sbest),Open-FacedPot Roast Sandwich onTexas toast served with mashed potatoes and smoth- eredwithgravy,ortheubiquitousdinerPattyMelt,positivelyoozingwith SwissCheeseandsmotheredonions.Don’tforget the pies!You can’t leave without indulging in one of Norma’s Mile-High Cream Pies™; the coconut versionisanotherworldlyexperience. MultiplelocationsthroughoutDFW www.normascafe.com Spoons Located right on the square in beautiful, historic McKinney, Spoons offers breakfast all day plus a plethora of delicious sandwiches, burgers and hot dogs, soups and salads—something to suit everyone’s culinary cravings. Start by sharing an order of Cottage Potatoes All the Way—basically, a breakfast version of cheese fries: house potatoes smothered with Ched- dar and Pepper Jack cheeses, crumbled apple smoked bacon and a side of Spoons’salsa.Spoonsisfamousforitschickensalad,andonceyou’vetried it,you’llknowwhy:dicedredgrapes,celery,andpecans,mixedwithmay- onnaise and pickle relish, served on bread or slider buns, make it a stand- out. It’s a terrific place to chill with family and friends after shopping“The Square.” Hint:Donotmissoutonthekillerdessertsincludinghomemade pies(mightwesuggestcoconutcream!). 100E.LouisianaSt.|McKinney (972)548-6900 www.spoonscafe.com Cajun Amberjax This light and spacious Louisiana-style eatery has plenty to offer. Not only is it smack-dab in the middle of one of Dallas’hottest dining destinations for date night and more, the freshly prepared seafood is tough to beat. Whetheryou’vegotahankeringforDownHomeShrimpandGrits,Lobster Mac&CheeseormaybesomethinglighterlikeSearedYellowfinTunawith Wasabi, Ponzu and Ginger, Amberjax will not disappoint. Don’t like fishy things?Noworries.Theyalsoofferdeliciouschickenandbeef. 3011GuldenLn.,Ste.107|Dallas (469)513-9088  www.amberjax.net LavaCantina 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. Grab a nosh or a meal: ap- petizer standouts include Crawfish, Alligator and Chorizo Dip served with tortillachips,andGreatBallsofFire(basically,riceballs)madewithboudin sausage.Entreescanbeaslightorasdecadentasyourwaistlineprefers. 5805GrandscapeBlvd.|TheColony (214)618-6893 www.lavacantina.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. And don’t forget to swing by the adjacentpatisserietopickupsomepost-datedeliciousness. 916GardenParkDr.|Allen (214)383-6777 www.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.,Ste.120|Dallas (972)267-5700 www.cadotrestaurant.com Lavendou Bistro Provencal Best described as a“retreat into the French countryside,” and we couldn’t agree more. The elegant yet cozy dining room, made even cozier with quintessentially French fabrics and decor, is theperfectsettingforallofyourfavoritegatherings—fromdatenightto familydinners.Startwithvelvetyonionsouporlobsterbisquetogetyour tastebudssinging.Entreesarenicelyportionedandeverythingyou’dhope for:BeefTenderloinwithcrackedblackpepper,PorkTenderloinwithsweet and savory lavender honey, and our favorite—Roasted Duck with Cassis. Don’tmissthecalorie-worthysouffléwithGrandMarnierorchocolate.Be suretoreturnMonday-Saturdayfrom11:30-4forHighTea—awonderful andrelaxingwaytospendanafternoonenFrance. 19009PrestonRd.,Ste.200|Dallas (972)248-1911 www.lavendou.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 likeTruffle Infused Mushroom orHerb&SpicySausage,orasweetsoufflélikeChocolateorGrandMarnier (we would definitely suggest at least one of each), these are soufflés just like your grandmother used to make, if she happened to be French. Or a chef.Orboth.Ifyou’rereallylucky,you’llenjoyoneoftheirspectacularsea- sonal soufflés, like Cranberry Champagne. And of course, you simply can- not miss the inadvertent appetizer for which the restaurant has become mostfamous:MarshmallowSoup.Thoughnottechnicallymarshmallows, small puffs of baked goat cheese float effortlessly on a delicious red broth toppedwithgreenpesto.Yum. 5360W.LoversLn.,Ste.220|Dallas (214)366-9900 www.risesouffle.com Dog Friendly GRRRowler’sBeerGardenand TapRoom NewListing What could be better than great food, cold beer and furry friends? Well, we just can’t think of any- thing—unless, of course, you throw in a relaxing beer garden dedicated to craft beer, growler fills and yes, easy access to an awesome dog park. GRRRowler’s, locatedattheShacksatAustinRanch,hastappedintoDFW’slatestcrazeof hangingoutwithbelovedpoochesinafriendly,meet-your-neighborskind ofenvironment.Nodog?Noproblem—it’sstilltheperfectplacetogather. 5800WindhavenPkwy.|TheColony www.grrrowlers.com KatyTrailIceHouse NewListing ItscoolAustinvibeensuresplentyofwarmwelcomesforyourfour-legged friend,alongwithover50beersontap.Greatplacetowatchpeople,too. 3127RouthSt.|Dallas (214)468-0600 OutpostLocation 4700W.ParkBlvd.|Plano 972.599.9000 www.katyicehouse.com Mutt’sCanineCantina NewListing Delicious burgers, sandwiches and brews in a relaxed off-leash park (one sideforbigdogs;theotherforlittleones). 2889CityPlaceWestBlvd.|Dallas (214)377-8723 www.muttscantina.com TruckYardNewListing Live music on weekends and a rotating selection of food trucks make this a popular place to see and be seen. And yes, bring your dog! 5624SearsSt.|Dallas (469)500-0139 www.truckyarddallas.com German Jörg’sCaféVienna This quaint café, located in old downtown Plano, is known for some of the best Austrian and German food in the Metroplex, starting with the schnitzel.The schnitzel!Whether you opt for the heartier breaded version orthelightergrilledone—pork,chickenorveal—andwithorwithouta delicate, rich cream sauce, you can’t go wrong. And while you might not equate vegetarian options with meat-centered Austrian cuisine, there are plenty of side dishes that can be made into a satisfying meal (braised red cabbage, spätzle noodles and paprika cucumber salad are favorites). The Bier Stuben accommodates private parties, and the Biergarten is an ideal open-air spot to enjoy food and your favorite European bevvy on a nice day. 1037E.15thSt.|Plano (972)509-5966 www.jorgscafevienna.com Kuby’sSausageHouseandEuropeanMarket Kuby’s Catering has been a Dallas staple for decades. From mouth-water- ing deli trays to box lunches to sit down dinners, everyone loves Kuby’s sausages, Oma’s Potato Pancakes, Schnitzel, Reuben Sandwiches and HomemadeSoupsthatchangedaily.Cateringstartsatjust$14perperson and includes two sausages, several traditional German sides, mustards, bunsandevenAppleStrudelfordessert. 6601SniderPlaza|Dallas (214)363-2231 www.kubys.com