72 GoodLifeFamilyMag.com NOVEMBER | DECEMBER 2017 GoodLifeFamilyMag.com NOVEMBER | DECEMBER 2017 73 workandthenusedhercookingbackgroundtocreatetrulydeliciousmenu 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 andtomatoonyourchoiceofbread.UltimatePicnicPotatoSaladisamust- tryside,andeveryoneravesabouttheSignatureWeddingCakeCookies. 224E.VirginiaSt.|McKinney (469)301-6900 www.hugscafe.org LePeepNEWLISTING! With a relaxed atmosphere and ex- tensive menu, including all of your morning favorites (Gooey Buns served with cream cheese and Mom’sSassyApples,giantomelets, skillets, pancakes, crepes—you name it), Le Peep can’t be beat for breakfast. But that doesn’t mean you should skip the lunch menu: sandwichesandsaladsaresizedgenerouslyenoughtopoweryouthrough your busy afternoon, and the Signature Burger served on a brioche bun is worth a trip by itself.We also love the savory Monte Cristo Crepes topped withpowderedsugar,slicedstrawberriesandraspberrysauce. MultiplelocationsthroughoutDFW lepeep.com Lekka It’sarestaurant/bar.It’sagallery/giftshop.It’sLekka!Whetheryou’relook- ing for unique gifts, Himalayan salt lamps (you need one!), or the perfect spot to meet up with friends for a hearty salad and sandwich, tremezzini (pita bread stuffed with, for example, mozzarella and artichoke) or a slab of decadent pie or cake, Lekka has something for everyone. Enjoy the spacious patio on warmer days—though inside is equally inviting. We mentioned the desserts, right? Rightly described as a “Slice of Heaven,” piecesofpiearegenerousandworthavisitallbythemselves.Choosefrom BananaCaramelPecan,KeyLime,DoubleChocolateFudgeandmanyoth- ers—allmadefromscratch.Openforlunchanddinnereverydaywithlive musiconFridayandSaturdaynights. 17606PrestonRd.|Dallas (972)735-8425|lekkashop.com OPENINGSOONat1921NHendersonAve. inDallas 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. Addison,Frisco,OakCliff,ParkLane|normascafe.com OldWestCaféNEWLISTING! This is the kind of homey café where service is friendly and cow- boy/cowgirl-themed food rules— from breakfast favorites like the Gunslinger (ham and eggs plus two sides), to several versions of Sinkers N’Slippers (loaded biscuits and gravy), to good ole Tex-Mex favorites (huevos, migas, etc.). Its mottoissimple:GoodFood-GetSome,sobesuretogetsomeequallyter- rificlunchoptionslikeMamaw’sMeatloafandChickenFriedSteak,nestled into a giant pool of red or cream gravy. If you’re craving something green, salads are hearty and delicious. Old West makes us want to run out and ropeacowortwo,justsowecanburnoffcaloriesandcomebackformore. 2420S.Interstate35E|Denton (940)808-0081|oldwestcafe.us MultiplelocationsthroughoutDFW SnugontheSquare Snug is like a hug, tucked into a square. Does that make sense? Maybe it willwhenwetellyouSnugoffersdelicioushand-craftedcoffeebeverages and ginormous portions of omelets, breakfast sandwiches, hearty soups, sandwichmeltsandsalads—andbothbreakfastandlunchareofferedev- eryday,allday.IfyouliveinMcKinney,you’relucky—youcanjuststumble 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, stopping in at all those cute, independently-owned shops.Waitscanbelong,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 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. 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 entrees (choose from Seafood Crepes, Duck Two Ways, Bone-In Pork Chops with Calvados and more), dessert to share and coffee. And don’t forget to swing by the adjacentpatisserietopickupsomepost-datedeliciousness. 916GardenParkDr.|Allen (214)383-6777|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.Suite120|Dallas (972)267-5700 |cadotrestaurant.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. 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 andeverythinginbetween.Pastaportionsaregenerousandeasilyshared, andallentréescomewithasalad,breadandyourchoiceofpasta.Inrecent years,Campisi’shasexpandedtoincludegluten-freepizzacrusts,andmost lunch specials, priced at just $9.99 including entrée and drink, keep busi- ness folks, students and stay-at-home moms coming through the doors everyweekday. campisis.us MultiplelocationsthroughoutDFW Carrabba’s–NorthDallas 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 carrabbas.com NEWLISTING! DoughBros.ItalianKitchen At Dough Bros., pizza and calzone dough is made fresh daily—they even use locally sourced honey. Start with the heavenly Kale Arti- choke dip served with pita points, then go for one of the classic piz- zas such as Margherita orThe Bro (meatlovers’delight).Youcanalso build your own from a lengthy list of fresh ingredients such as spicy ranch sauce,bananapepper,broccoliandevenhousemademacandcheese(on a pizza!). Not feeling dough-y?Try the Mediterranean Chicken Salad with tomato, artichoke, black olives and‘shrooms. A rotating selection of craft beers or a signature cocktail round out your meal and the rustic atmo- spheremakesthisaniceplacetolinger. LocationsinDallasandTheColony doughbro.com DoughPizzeriaNapoletanaNEWLISTING! Why have just a plain-o pizza when you can have a gourmet Neapolitan pizza—in Plano? With seasonal, foodie-driven ingredients, including house made mozzarella, sautéed prosciutto, wilted arugula and truffle vinaigrette, each pizza is more like a work of art. And what’s not to love about a burrata bar? (Think: mozzarella on the outside, cream on the in- side). In fact, we’d suggest starting off with the signatureTruffle Burrata, filledwithmascarpone,blacktruffleflakesandtruffleessence.Then,move rightintoanyoneofseveralpizzascookedjustninetysecondsinan800+ degree oven for the perfect crust.. Enjoy upscale surroundings and a cu- cumberbasilmartiniortwowhileyou’reatit. 5960WestParkerRd.,Suite286|Plano (469)814-0269|doughpizzeria.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.,WattersCreek|Allen (214)383-9703|grimaldispizzeria.com Kenny’sEastCoastPizza If you’re from the East Coast, there’s no doubt about 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 restaurateurs) Kenny Bowers has opened his pizza place. While the menuwillalsoofferItalianAmericanfavorites,expectaselectionherefo- cusing mainly on the pie—pizza pie, that is—cooked in a classic Bakers Pride Deck Oven. Handcrafted cocktails and Grey Goose on tap, too?We’re alreadyliningupatthedoor. 4701WParkBlvd|Plano (972)519-9669|kennyseastcoastpizza.com Kenny’sItalianPlace This is the real deal when it comes to Southern American Italian comfort food (think: Parmigia- na, Picatta and Marsala) in a fun and friendly atmosphere. A nice selection of pastas ranging from vegetarian to killer “Midnight” meatballs as well as seafood, steaks and chops make Kenny’s a perfectchoice,whetherit’sfamilynightordatenight.Manydishescanbe prepared“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 blackleatherbooths,remindsusofsomethingwemightseeinaBrooklyn, NewYork neighborhood, and the arched patio provides a lovely place for dining al fresco. The newer Allen location boasts a spacious dining room as well as an intimate banquet room, both perfect for larger parties. At both locations, you’ll find straightforward Italian fare: pastas, subs (wor- thy of a notable mention, especially the meatball), soups and salads, and classic entrées like Steak Milanese and Eggplant Parmigiana. But unlike a lot of other old-school Italian joints, this one also accommodates 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 and cocktails are alsoavailable. 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 cheeseinarichBolognesesauce),fantasticCalzones,andstandardItalian entrées (Chicken Piccata and the like). That said, the real draw to Russo’s is the pizza, thanks to its nearly 1,000-degree coal-fired oven which gives us that chewy, but crispy, crust we love. Try the Prosciutto and Kale with Mozzarella and Ricotta cheese. Feeling carnivorous?The Paesano Napola- tana will leave you feeling sated. Russo’s is family-friendly, and they cater tobothbigandsmallparties. 700EastCampbellRoad|Richardson russoscoalfired.com MEDITERRANEAN MamaPitaMediterraneanGrill NEWLISTING! If you’re looking for affordable and delicious Mediterranean food, Mama Pita is waiting for you. Easily customizable plates, salads and pitas allow you to pick and choose whatever sides you crave, from light and crispy falafel and flatbread to creamy hummus and tzatziki.Kafta(beefkabobs)aretenderanddelicious—perfectfordipping inoneofseveralgarlickysauces(trytheyellowtahini/carrotdip).Counter service is fast and friendly, and the open and airy atmosphere makes it a niceplacefordining-in.Or,orderonlineandtake‘erhome. 5800LegacyDr.,SuiteC6|Plano (972)403-1609|mamapita.com MEXICAN CasaMama Ifyou’relookingforafamily-friendlydininglocationofferingbothauthen- tic Mexican recipes (specifically, from the Santiago Maravatio Guanajuato region) andTex-Mex favorites, Casa Mama is the right place for you.You’ll findallyourfavoriteMexicandisheshereandafewpleasantsurprises,too, including Guiso Pork Stew, homey Tortilla Lasagna, Chipotle Enchiladas, andRibeyeorSalmonTacos.WhiteQuesoisoneofthebestaround,served withlight,crispychips—takeitupanotchbyaddingingroundbeef,cho- rizoorbrisket.Serviceisknownforbeingexceptionallyfriendly,andstaffis happy to accommodate any special orders. Don’t miss the all-dayTuesday happyhourortherelaxingSundaybrunch. 19129PrestonRd.|Dallas (469)828-1045 1445LosRiosBlvd.,Suite301|Plano (972)943-3900 casamamas.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, to any of the 10 signature sauces made fresh daily—those extra stepsreallymakeadifference.Asmallbutrefreshingselectionofsignature drinksmakesChuy’saperfectplacetokickbackanytime. chuys.com MultiplelocationsinDFW Digg’sTacoShop Dallasites have pretty particular opinionswhenitcomestotacos,so findingatacoshopthatpleasesev- eryone in your group can be chal- lenging. But Digg’s has taken care of that with plenty of menu items for vegetarians, Paleo enthusiasts, carnivoresandkiddos.TheTex-Mex standardsaredefinitelythere,butyou’llalsofindsometasty,spicysurpris- es, such as habanero shrimp with mango, the Bahn Jovi (basically, their takeonaVietnameseporkonatortilla)andgrilledAlaskanflounderwith serrano chile sauce. Salsas and queso are solid, but be sure to try a side of plantain chips with house dip, too. Salads and bowls provide healthy optionsforlow-carbersandforthosewhodon’tmindcarbs,thejellydonut holesareaddictive. diggstacos.com 6309HillcrestAve.|Dallas 7325GastonAve.|Dallas DILLA’S Ifyoulikequesadillas,you’regoingtoloveDilla’s.UTAlumKyleGordoncre- ated the concept behind Dilla’s while still in college, where he consumed morethanhisshareofthebelovedMexicansnack.Buthere,you’reinforso muchmorethanthetypicaltortillaandmeltedcheeseconcoction—think ingredientslike:smokedbrisket,Portobellomushrooms,hatchgreenchile peppers, bacon, and fries (yes, folks, fries on a quesadilla!). Portions are generous, so come hungry, and for the truly ravenous, go for the Gorilla Fries or Chips—both come nacho-inspired and smothered in hatch chile queso.Lowcarbandveganoptionsavailable. 19129PrestonRd.|Dallas (469)828-1045 LAVA CANTINA 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. Entrees can be as light or as decadentasyourwaistlineprefers,andSundayjazzbrunchisanicewayto roundouttheweekendwithfriendsorfamily. 5805GrandscapeBlvd.|TheColony (214)618-6893 lavacantina.com Mattito’s This is the kind ofTex-Mex cuisine that NorthTexans both love and crave. AndatMattito’s,youhavetostartoffwiththeBobArmstrongdip.Basically alayeredchileconquesowithseasonedgroundbeef,guacamoleandsour cream, you’ll soon find yourself swooning over Mr. Armstrong. While not on the menu, with a wink and a smile your server will be happy to ac- commodateyou.ThenmoverightontomorecheesygoodnesswithTexas 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 gluten-free tortillas.Thelitefajitasareperfectforcaloriecounters,sautéedwithoutoil and served over seared broccoli and cauliflower. The chicken fried steak, though definitely not for Paleos, is strictly top notch. A few locations also offer a well-priced Sunday brunch from 10-2, and all locations are very familyfriendly. MultiplelocationsthroughoutDFW mattitos.com Torchy'sTacos Dallasites have pretty particular opinionswhenitcomestotacos,so findThis Austin-based eatery offers whatmostwouldcall“gourmet”ta- cos in a fun, casual, non- gourmet setting. Their taco of the month is always delicious and might include ingredients like pumpkin seed crusted chicken tenders or escabe- che carrots. They also offer hearty breakfast tacos and some of the best quesoandchipsintown. MultiplelocationsthroughoutDFW torchystacos.com SEAFOOD 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 seafood you’d expect to find somewhere on the East Coast: clam chowder, lobster bisque(Can’tdecidebetweenthetwo?Askforhalfandhalf),wholemain 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’s numerous accolades speak for themselves, and it gets a lot of regulars, especially on weekends—so be sure to make a reservation online. Open for lunch and dinner,andthebarstaysopenlate. 4021BeltlineRd.|Dallas (972)774-9518|leftyslobster.com SeaBreezeFishMarket&Grill Finding truly fresh fish in Dallas can be challenging, but Sea Breeze makes it sooo easy. Selections are flown in daily, representing only the freshest seafood available. Part retail fish market, part sit- down restaurant with full bar, at Sea Breeze you can purchase fish to prepare in your own home...or let the experts do it for you while enjoying a glass of wine or cocktail.Try the Sesame Crusted Yellowfin Tuna Nachos with avocado wasabi, sweet Thai chili, and lemon zest—or maybe you're more of a Smoked Salmon Deviled Egg person; you can't go wrong with either one.The Lobster Roll is served in a split-top bun filled generously with buttery lobster salad (it also comes in an appetizer size). Specials change weekly depending on what'sfreshest. 4017PrestonRd.,Suite530|Plano (972)473-2722 seabreezefish.com TheOceanaireSeafoodRoom Whilethismaybeconsideredmoreofadatenightplace,ifyouhappento bringyourin-lawshereforaThanksgivingweekendnightout,they’llnev- erforgetit.THEfreshestseafoodinasleeksettingmakesTheOceanairethe perfectspotforaluxuriousdinnerwithtop-notchservice.Menuofferings 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 Smoked Gou- da and Applewood Bacon. Their full bar might just make you forget you promisedtopickupthetab. TheWestinGalleria|Dallas theoceanaire.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 corn, green beans (don’t expect al dente), mashed potatoes with gravy, and fluffy biscuits. Without a doubt, Dallas loves Babe’s, so there can be a wait, especially on weekends, but seating moves quickly. For food this good,atjust$12.99/personforadults,it’sdefinitelyworthit. MultiplelocationsinDFW babeschicken.com