Something Everyone Can Agree On!
by Tricia White | Managing Editor
If selecting a place to eat with your teens feels like a food fight, I feel your pain. Finding spots offering food options and fun factor that will please both parents and teens is no easy task. So, I set out on a culinary quest to find spots in and around Dallas that just might fit the bill. Klyde Warren Park, the 5.2-acre urban green space in downtown Dallas, tops my list because it offers both food and fun.
FOOD
Talk about finding a place where there is something for everyone… every day from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. (and sometimes into the evening) you can find a plethora of food trucks, featuring a variety of cultural cuisines.
Here are a few favorites:
Ruthie’s Rolling Café
Warning: These gourmet grilled cheese sandwiches might be addictive. Try the Ham & I, ham and swiss on sourdough ($7.50), the Italian Hippy, a joy-filled combination of chicken, mozzarella, tomatoes and pesto on whole grain wheat ($8.75) or the S.A.S.S., a tempting concoction of spinach artichoke dip, Havarti cheese, bacon and tomatoes on sourdough ($8.50). Oh, did I mention you can order yours gluten free?
And to top off every sandwich, owner Ashlee Kleinert makes sure a percentage of each purchase goes to a worthy charitable organization. Ruthiesfoodtrucks.com
Cousin’s Maine Lobster
I am from Maine. I have to recommend this spot, not just because they have a darn good lobster roll, but because the two young men who started this bourgeoning business are really cousins and they are from Maine.
Opt for Lobster Tacos, an order of three, served with cabbage, pico and cilantro lime sauce ($13), Maine Lobster Tail (4 to 5 ozs, $12.50) or a cup of Lobster Bisque ($7). Top it off with a Whoopie Pie. Yum. Cousinsmainelobster.com
Yummy Pizza
New York style pizza (8-inch pies beginning at $7.50) and wings ($0.85 each). Murphy, age 15, told me the tomatoes on her margherita pizza were fresh and the pizza was, well, yummy. Enough said. yummypizzatruck.com/
More trucks:
Gandolfo’s: New York Delicatessen
Nammi: Vietnamese food
Coolhaus: Unique ice cream and ice cream sandwiches
Mad Grill: Clean, mean, Asian cuisine
Butcher’s Son: Sandwiches, quesadillas and sliders
Crazy Fish: Sushi rolls
Greek Lover: Greek food
ENTERTAINMENT
Free entertainment abounds. This brilliantly designed city park provides space to throw a frisbee, relax and listen to live music, a dog park, a putting green, ping pong, croquet (I kid you not!), a reading and game room (ask about the chess tournaments) and an array of fitness events, including yoga and Tai Chi. Or just sit back with your fabulous fare and enjoy the priceless people and dog watching.
TASTEFUL TIPS
– Prepare to spend about $15 per person. Cash is king.
– There are cafe tables and chairs scattered around the park—these fill up quick.
– Take a blanket and find a nice shady spot!
Talk food and fun to me at Bobbie@GoodLifeFamilyMAG.com.
