68 GoodLifeFamilyMag.com MAY | JUNE 2018 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. 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. Spoons is famous for its chicken salad, and once you’ve triedit,you’llknowwhy:dicedredgrapes,celery,andpecans,mixedwith mayonnaise and pickle relish, served on bread or slider buns, make it a standout.It’saterrificplacetochillwithfamilyandfriendsaftershopping “TheSquare.” Hint:Donotmissoutonthekillerdessertsincludinghome- madepies(mightwesuggestcoconutcream!). 100E.LouisianaSt.|McKinney (972)548-6900 www.spoonscafe.com Cajun Amberjax This light and spacious Louisi- ana-style eatery has plenty to offer. Not only is it smack-dab in themiddleofoneofDallas’hottest dining destinations for date night and more, the freshly prepared seafood is tough to beat. Whether you’ve got a hankering for Down Home Shrimp and Grits, 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 – NewListing 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 the perfect setting for all of your favorite gath- erings—from date night to family dinners. Start with velvety onion soup or lobster bisque to get your taste buds singing. Entrees are nicely portioned and everything you’d hope for: BeefTenderloinwithcrackedblackpepper,PorkTenderloinwithsweetand savorylavenderhoney,andourfavorite—RoastedDuckwithCassis.Don’t miss the calorie-worthy soufflé with Grand Marnier or chocolate. Be sure to return Monday-Saturday from 11:30-4 for HighTea—a wonderful and relaxingwaytospendanafternoonenFrance. 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 German Jörg’sCaféVienna– NewListing 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 or the lighter grilled one—pork, chicken or veal—and with or without a 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 Italian & Pizza Carrabba’s 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 (972)732-7752 www.carrabbas.com DoughBros.ItalianKitchen What goes better with craft beer than craft pizza? At Dough Bros., pizza and calzone dough is made fresh daily—they even use locally sourced honey.StartwiththeheavenlyKaleArtichokedipservedwithpitapoints, then go for one of the classic pizzas such as Margherita orThe Bro (meat lovers’delight). You can also build your own from a lengthy list of fresh ingredients such as spicy ranch sauce, banana pepper, broccoli and even house made mac and cheese (on a pizza!). Not feeling dough-y? Try the Mediterranean Chicken Salad with tomato, artichoke, black olives and ‘shrooms or any of the delicious entrees such as Panko Crusted Chicken Parmesan. 5181KellerSpringsRd.|Dallas (469)248-0058 2851PlanoPkwy.|TheColony (469)353-8182 www.doughbro.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.|Allen (214)383-9703 www.grimaldispizzeria.com Kenny’sEastCoastPizza If you’re from the east coast, there’s no doubt about it: you’re going to be verrrrypickyaboutyourpizza.That’swhyNorthDallashasdrawnthelucky straw in pizza eating, because Plano is where native Bostonian (and one of Dallas’fave restaurateurs) Kenny Bowers opened his own pizza place. While the menu also offers Italian American favorites featured on the menusofhisothersuccessfulrestaurants,expectaselectionherefocusing mainlyonthepie—pizzapie,thatis;cookedinaclassicBakersPrideDeck Oven. Handcrafted cocktails and Grey Goose on tap, too? We’re lining up atthedoor. 4701W.ParkBlvd.,Ste.101|Plano (972)519-9669 www.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.,Ste.764|Dallas (972)661-9380 www.kennysitalian.com