74 GoodLifeFamilyMag.com JULY | AUGUST 2017 The Café Our European-style “home away from home” cafe is the perfect gathering spot for friends and family. The Coffee 100% Certified Organic, Fair Trade and Shade Grown coffee beans from all three coffee growing continents. The Food Enjoy farm-fresh meals prepared by talented hands and served proudly by friendly wait staff. Your local community coffeehouse serving breakfast, lunch & dinner Drive-Through Service Begins at 6 AM Daily. HOURS OF OPERATION Mon, Tues, Wed 7AM - 9PM | Thurs, Fri 7am - 10PM Saturday 8AM - 10PM | Sunday 8AM - 3PM 6150 Frankford Rd | Dallas, TX 75252 | (972) 232-233 WWW.KENNYSEASTCOASTPIZZA.COM 4701W. PARK BLVD | PLANO 972.519.9669 “Every day is a holiday, and every meal is a feast!” Do you remember a time when there were restaurants without “BS” split charges, 18% gratuity added or ridiculous statements like “I’m sorry that’s our policy?” Welcome to Kenny’s East Coast Pizza. A restaurant reminiscent of the way things used to be.A place where we make it our policy to have no policy! lunch are offered every day, all day.IfyouliveinMcKinney,you’re lucky—you can just stumble 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,stoppinginatallthosecute,independently-ownedshops.Waits canbelong,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 French bistro cuisine, music and a warm, inviting atmosphere. Menu fa- vorites include Croque Monsieur with decadent béchamel sauce, Steak Frites(ala10ouncesofNYStrip,pansearedandservedwithredwinejus) and of course, Onion Soup Gratinée made with veal stock, caramelized onion and 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 en- trees (choose from Seafood Crepes, DuckTwoWays, Bone-In Pork Chops withCalvadosandmore),desserttoshareandcoffee.Anddon’tforgetto swingbytheadjacentpatisserietopickupsomepost-datedeliciousness. 916GardenParkDr.|Allen (214)383-6777|bonnieruthsallen.com Cadot ChefJean-MarieCadot,anativeof Paris,grewupinafamilythathas 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 finest. Be suretostartwiththeOnionSoupGratinée,arichbrothwithsilkyonions, smothered in bubbling cheese. After that, any choice is the right choice. From Duck Terrine with Pistachios, Foie Gras and Truffle, to Flounder CrustedwithParmesan,tootherFrenchclassics,suchasSteakFriteswith Peppercorn Sauce or Coq Au Vin—each dish is both lovingly prepared andexpertlyexecuted. 18111PrestonRd.Suite120|Dallas (972)267-5700 |cadotrestaurant.com risen°1 Whodoesn’tloveareallygoodsoufflé?Andthisisdefinitelytheplacefor one.WhetheryougowithasavoryversionlikeTruffleInfusedMushroom orHerb&SpicySausage,orasweetsoufflélikeChocolateorGrandMar- nier(wewoulddefinitelysuggestatleastoneofeach),thesearesoufflés 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 spec- tacular seasonal soufflés, like Cranberry Champagne. And of course, you simply cannot miss the inadvertent 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 deliciousredbrothtoppedwithgreenpesto.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 and everything in between. Pasta portions are generous and easily shared, and all entrées come with a salad, bread and your choice of pasta. In recent years, Campisi’s has expanded to include gluten-free pizzacrusts,andmostlunchspecials,pricedatjust$9.99includingentrée anddrink,keepbusinessfolks,studentsandstay-at-homemomscoming throughthedoorseveryweekday. campisis.us MultiplelocationsthroughoutDFW Carrabba’s– NorthDallas Because sometimes, you’ve just gottahaveItalian.Whetheryou’re carb loading with a rich plate of lobster ravioli or keeping it Pa- leo with a thick and juicy steak or seafood and a side of grilled asparagus, Carrabba’s appeals to families and business professionals alike. Life-just-got-easier options, 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 ricotta salata, drizzled with port wine reduction. New owner Marco Martinezhasapassionforcustomerserviceaswellashiscommunity,so besuretosay“Ciao”onyournextvisit. 17548DallasPkwy|Dallas carrabbas.com Grimaldi’s There was a time when you could only get Grimaldi’s famous coal-fired brickovenpizzainNewYork.Butthatwasthen.Today,thereareGrimal- di’s almost everywhere, it seems. While the menu is somewhat basic (pizzas, calzones,salads),it’salsoconsistent.Butwhatwelikeaboutthe Allen location is that it overlooks the little park at Watters Creek where livemusicisoftenplayedduringwarmermonths. 836MarketSt.,WattersCreek|Allen (214)383-9703|grimaldispizzeria.com Kenny’sEastCoastPizza Ifyou’refromtheEastCoast,there’snodoubtabout 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 restaura- teurs)KennyBowershasopenedhispizzaplace. While the menu will also offer Italian American favorites, expect a selection here focusing mainly on thepie—pizzapie,thatis—cookedinaclassicBakersPrideDeckOven. Handcrafted cocktails and Grey Goose on tap, too? We’re already lining upatthedoor. 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’s aperfectchoice,whetherit’sfamilynightordatenight.Manydishescan beprepared“light”(ifyou’resoinclined),vegetarianorglutenfree. 5100BeltlineRd.|Dallas (972)661-9380|kennysitalian.com RomanCucina The best way to describe Roman Cucina is just this: simple, delicious and family-friendly.The Dallas location, with strings of party lights and comfy black leather booths, reminds us of something we might see in a Brooklyn,NewYorkneighborhood,andthearchedpatioprovidesalove- ly place for dining al fresco. The newer Allen location boasts a spacious diningroomaswellasanintimatebanquetroom,bothperfectforlarger parties. At both locations, you’ll find straightforward Italian fare: pastas, subs (worthy of a notable mention, especially the meatball), soups and salads,andclassicentréeslikeSteakMilaneseandEggplantParmigiana. But unlike a lot of other old-school Italian joints, this one also accom- modates egg-free, gluten-free and dairy-free substitutions at low or no additional cost on many of their items. A small but well-priced wine list andcocktailsarealsoavailable. 7989BeltLineRd|Dallas 201E.BethanyDr|Allen romancucina.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 cheese in a rich Bolognese sauce), fantastic Calzones, and standard Ital- ianentrées(ChickenPiccataandthelike). Thatsaid,therealdrawtoRus- so’s is the pizza, thanks to its nearly 1,000-degree coal-fired oven which givesusthatchewy,butcrispy,crustwelove.TrytheProsciuttoandKale with Mozzarella and Ricotta cheese. Feeling carnivorous? The Paesano Napolatana will leave you feeling sated. Russo’s is family-friendly, and theycatertobothbigandsmallparties. 700EastCampbellRoad|Richardson russoscoalfired.com MEXICAN NEWLISTING! Torchy'sTacos Dallasites have pretty particular opinionswhenitcomestotacos, so findThis Austin-based eatery offers what most would call “gourmet”tacos in a fun, casual, non-gourmetsetting.Theirtaco of the month is always delicious andmightincludeingredientslikepumpkinseedcrustedchickentenders or escabeche carrots.They also offer hearty breakfast tacos and some of thebestquesoandchipsintown. MultiplelocationsthroughoutDFW www.torchystacos.com Digg’sTacoShop Dallasites have pretty particular opinions when it comes to tacos, so finding a taco shop that pleas- es everyone in your group can be challenging. But Digg’s has taken care of that with plenty of menu items for vegetarians, Paleo en- thusiasts, carnivores and kiddos. The Tex-Mex standards are defi- nitely 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 chile sauce. Salsas and queso are solid,butbesuretotryasideofplantainchipswithhousedip,too.Salads and bowls provide healthy options for low-carbers and for those who don’tmindcarbs,thejellydonutholesareaddictive. diggstacos.com 6309HillcrestAve.|Dallas 7325GastonAve.|Dallas Dallasiteshaveprettyparticularopinionswhenitcomestotacos,sofind- ing a taco shop that pleases everyone in your group can be challenging. ButDigg’shastakencareofthatwithplentyofmenuitemsforvegetari- ans,Paleoenthusiasts,carnivoresandkiddos.TheTex-Mexstandardsare 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 areaddictive. diggstacos.com 6309HillcrestAve.|Dallas 7325GastonAve.|Dallas Mattito’s ThisisthekindofTex-MexcuisinethatNorthTexansbothloveandcrave. And at Mattito’s, you have to start off with the Bob Armstrong dip. Basi- cally a layered chile con queso with seasoned ground beef, guacamole and sour cream, you’ll soon find yourself swooning over Mr. Armstrong. Whilenotonthemenu,withawinkandasmileyourserverwillbehappy toaccommodateyou.Thenmoverightontomorecheesygoodnesswith Texas Enchiladas or Quesadillas de Brisket. If your mood isn’t cheesy, you can’t go wrong with the fajitas and yes, if needed, they even offer glu- ten-free tortillas.The lite fajitas are perfect for calorie counters, sautéed without oil and served over seared broccoli and cauliflower.The chicken goodEATS goodEATS friedsteak,thoughdefinitelynotforPaleos,isstrictlytopnotch.Afewlo- cationsalsoofferawell-pricedSundaybrunchfrom10-2,andalllocations areveryfamilyfriendly. MultiplelocationsthroughoutDFW mattitos.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,toanyofthe10signaturesaucesmadefreshdaily—thoseextra steps really make a difference. A small but refreshing selection of signa- turedrinksmakesChuy’saperfectplacetokickbackanytime. chuys.com MultiplelocationsinDFW MiDiaFromScratch While folks who like Tex Mex food tend to prefer Tex Mex, and those who like Mexican food tend to prefer Mexican, Mi Dia offers the bestofbothworlds.Thenamesays it all: from scratch. From tamales lovingly stuffed with pork and then topped with New Mexico red and green chile sauces, Oaxacan salsa with crema and pasilla, silky Negra Modelo Glazed Sea Bass to the crowd-pleasing Applewood Smoked Bacon and Chipotle Fajitas, each dish is prepared using mouthwatering ingredients with a flair.. The Plano location’s outdoor patio area is a perfect spot to enjoy one of their more than 25 different margaritas, maybe one of their craft cocktails, or atequilaflight. Plano,Grapevine midiafromscratch.com Mr.Mesero Featuring both “American standards and Mexican classics,” this cozy, but popular, McKinney Avenue spot is favored by the in-crowd, making it a wonderful place for a date night or meeting up with friends. During non-peak times, it’s also a nice family destination. When the weather’s nice, the outdoor patio is especially popular to enjoy a Micorita, a house specialty made with Herradura Jimador tequila. Other favorites include BrisketTacosandtheflatgrilledMico“12”StripSteak,servedwithserrano and grilled cherry tomatoes. If you have a hankering for a hot dog, this is theplacetogo.TheBigDDogismadewith¼poundofKobebeef,topped withchile,cheese,andoniononabriochebun. 4444McKinneyAve|Dallas mrmesero.com SEAFOOD TheOceanaireSeafoodRoom While this may be considered more of a date night place, if you happen to bring your in-laws here for a Thanksgiving weekend night out, they’ll never forget it. 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 few sides you won’t want to miss including Chardonnay Roasted Mushrooms and Shells & Cheese with SmokedGoudaandApplewoodBacon.Theirfullbarmightjustmakeyou forgetyoupromisedtopickupthetab. TheWestinGalleria|Dallas theoceanaire.com Amberjax ThislightandspaciousLouisiana-styleeateryhasplentytooffer.Notonly 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. 3011GuldenLane|Dallas (469)513-9088|amberjax.net Lefty’sLobsterand ChowderHouse Long considered a neighborhood gem, Lefty’s serves the kind of seafoodyou’dexpecttofindsome- where on the East Coast: clam chowder, lobster bisque (Can’t decide between the two? Ask for half and half), whole main 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’snumerousaccoladesspeakforthemselves,anditgetsalot of regulars, especially on weekends—so be sure to make a reservation online.Openforlunchanddinner,andthebarstaysopenlate. 4021BeltlineRd.|Dallas (972)774-9518|leftyslobster.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 HOT SPOT!