GoodLifeFamilyMag.com JULY | AUGUST 2019 73 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 LavaCantinaoffersauniquedining/entertainmentconceptthatfatherand son owners Steve and IanVaughn like to call,“Creole food with a Mexican twist.”The place is flooded with music memorabilia, making it the perfect 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: appetizer standouts include Crawfish, Alligator and Chorizo Dip served with tortilla chips, and Great Balls of Fire (basically, rice balls) made with boudin sau- sage.Entreescanbeaslightorasdecadentasyourwaistlineprefers. 5805GrandscapeBlvd.|TheColony (214)618-6893 www.lavacantina.com French Cadot Chef Jean-Marie Cadot, a native of Paris, grew up in a family that has been in the restaurant, hotel andbakerybusinesssince1758— and no, that’s not a typo. In other words, Cadot knows food, and the offeringsathiseponymousrestau- rant in North Dallas are French comfort at their finest. Be sure to start with the Onion Soup Gratinée, a richbrothwithsilkyonions,smotheredinbubblingcheese.Afterthat,any choiceistherightchoice.FromDuckTerrinewithPistachios,FoieGrasand Truffle, to Flounder Crusted with Parmesan, to other French classics, such as Steak Frites with Peppercorn Sauce or Coq Au Vin—each dish is both lovinglypreparedandexpertlyexecuted. 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 the perfect setting for all of your favorite gatherings—from date night to family dinners. Start with velvety onion soup or lobster bisque to get your 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 most famous: Marshmallow Soup.Though not technically marshmallows, 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 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-airspottoenjoyfoodandyourfavoriteEuropeanbevvyonaniceday. 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 AndiamoItalianGrill Thisisanold-schoolItalianrestau- rant at its very best. Our only problem with the menu is trying to decide what to get—we want it all. Italian favorites are all there (Lasagna, Bolognese, Carbonara, etc.) and delicious, but there are also plenty of twists on classics, like Fettucine con Frutti di Mare withchilesandtoppedwithbreadcrumbs;VitelloRomanofeaturestender veal medallions sautéed with baby artichokes, bacon and creamy mush- room sauce; Braciole di Maiale is a juicy pork chop stuffed with crab meat in a brandy sauce (oh my). Service is knowledgeable and friendly, and the kitchenishappytomakesubstitutions. 4151BeltLineRd.,Ste.101|Addison (972)233-1515 www.andiamoitaliangrill.com 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 Pa- leo with a thick and juicy steak or seafood and a side of grilled asparagus, Carrabba’s appeals to familiesandbusinessprofessionals alike. Life-just-got-easier options, such as online reservations, several under 600-calorie entrées, and a glu- ten-free menu, make Carrabba’s both accessible and upscale. Don’t miss theItalianlettucewrapswithwood-grilledchicken,vegetablesandricotta salata, drizzled with port wine reduction. New owner Marco Martinez has a passion for customer service as well as his community, so be sure to say “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 or The 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 www.doughbro.com Eddie’sNapolisRistorante Italiano If you’re craving authentic Italian cuisine, you’re craving Eddie’s.The quaint, casual vibe is the perfect setting for a big (and we mean big) plate of pasta, crispy pizza, sandwich or entree. Enjoy the complimentarygarlicbreadknots, but don’t fill up on them or you won’t have room for the Calamari FritzSalad—deep-fried,tendercalamari(alittlebitnaughty)atopacrisp saladwithroastedgarlic,capers,tomatoesandolives(alittlebitnice).The ChickenParmesanissomeofthebestwe’vehad,servedwithasideoflin- guine.Friendlyserversarehappytomakerecommendations. 8822TeelPkwy.,Ste.410|Frisco (214)494-4455 www.napolisfrisco.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- cationisthatitoverlooksthelittleparkatWattersCreekwherelivemusicis oftenplayedduringwarmermonths. 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, Picat- taandMarsala)inafunandfriend- ly atmosphere. A nice selection of pastas ranging from vegetarian to killer “Midnight” meatballs as well as seafood, steaks and chops make Kenny’s a perfect choice, whether it’sfamilynightordatenight.Many dishes can be prepared“light”(if you’re so inclined), vegetarian or gluten free. 5100BeltLineRd.,Ste.764|Dallas (972)661-9380 www.kennysitalian.com goodEATS