b'goodEATSFirst WatchSure, these days you can get trendy and healthy menu items like avocadoNormas CafCajuntoast at just about anywhere, but at this place, its over-the-top good withSince 1956, Normas has been serving up its own brand of delicious fare smashed avocado, extra virgin olive oil, a squeeze of lemon and Maldenand down-home hospitality. From giant omelets stuffed to the brim, to sea salt. A seasonal menu focusing on fresh produce offers lighter fare inburgers, sandwiches, and so much more, narrowing down your choices canAmberjax warmer months and comfort food in cooler months, making it a perfectbe a challenge. Everyone loves Normas biscuits, but dont eat too many ofThis light and spacious Louisiana-style eatery has plenty to offer. Not only choice any time of the year. Carnivores shouldnt miss the scrumptiousthem or you wont have room for things like the Chicken Fried Steak (oneis it smack-dab in the middle of one of Dallas hottest dining destinations Millionaires Baconfour slices of hardwood smoked bacon baked withof DFWs best), Open-Faced Pot Roast Sandwich on Texas toast served withfor date night and more, the freshly prepared seafood is tough to beat. brown sugar, black pepper, cayenne and a maple syrup drizzle, and themashed potatoes and smothered with gravy, or the ubiquitous diner PattyWhether youve got a hankering for Down Home Shrimp and Grits, Lobster Power Bowl made with protein-packed quinoa, veggies and lemon chick- Melt, positively oozing with Swiss Cheese and smothered onions. DontMac & Cheese or maybe something lighter like Seared Yellowfin Tuna with en breast is a perfect choice for lunch.forget the pies! You cant leave without indulging in one of Normas Mile- Wasabi, Ponzu and Ginger, Amberjax will not disappoint. Dont like fishy Multiple locations throughout DFW High Cream Pies; the coconut version is an otherworldly experience. things? No worries. They also offer delicious chicken and beef.www.firstwatch.com Multiple locations throughout DFW 3011 Gulden Ln., Ste. 107 | Dallaswww.normascafe.com (469) 513-9088Global Peace Factory www.amberjax.netIf you think the name of this placePearl Cuprefers to a hippie-dippie alterna- When Carlene Saelg and Rita Da- Lava Cantinative to that other factory (youvis moved to Dallas from AustinLava Cantina offers a unique din-know, the one with cheesecake),in early 2007, they began lookinging/entertainmentconceptthat think again. Factory is just forfor a real coffee shopthe kindfather and son owners Steve and fun, because Global Peace is any- that served strong, mostly espres- Ian Vaughn like to call, Creole food thingbut.Afairlysmallspaceso-based drinks that werent bitter,with a Mexican twist. The place is with highly customizable drinks,provided a community atmosphereflooded with music memorabilia, interestingingredientsandsu- and welcomed those who wantedmaking it the perfect backdrop to per-friendly wait staff are what bring folks back here time and again. Weto open up a laptop or book and hang out for a while. When they couldntenjoy live outdoor bands, a rooftop said interesting coffee ingredients, and we meant it: lavender or coconutfind one, they boldly opened Pearl Cup. Using only the best, local Texaspatio, fantastic food, and plenty of syrup. Honey. Brown Sugar. There are also plenty of milk alternatives. Butroasters, Pearl Cup is the perfect venue for true coffee snobsand weadult beverages. This is where you want to people watch, with that just-what makes Global Peace a standout for us is that it donates a portion ofmean that in the most complimentary way. Of course, you must try theirright combination of Austin-esque outdoorsy-ness with a nod to bigger its proceeds to peacework charities. Pretty cool for a place that serves reallycreamy, dreamy signature drink: The Pearl Latte.venues such as House of Blues. Grab a nosh or a meal: appetizer standouts hot beverages. 2701 Custer Pkwy. | Richardson include Crawfish, Alligator and Chorizo Dip served with tortilla chips, and 1377 Legacy Dr. | Frisco (214) 468-8182 Great Balls of Fire (basically, rice balls) made with boudin sausage. Entrees (214) 705-2664 www.pearlcupcoffee.com can be as light or as decadent as your waistline prefers.www.globalpeacefactory.com 5805 Grandscape Blvd. | The ColonyWhite Rock Coffee (214) 618-6893Hugs Caf Whether youre searching for a cool, caffeinated hangout after burningwww.lavacantina.comEverything about Hugs makes us want to smilefrom the friendly staff,some calories at White Rock Lake or a quick walk-up/drive-thru with plen-to the exceptional customer service, to the giant HUGS sign on the wall,ty of specialty drink options, like Iced Caramel Mocha and Mango Peach and of course, to the food. Owner Ruth Thompson created the Hugs con- Green Iced Tea, White Rock aims to please. The main location on Northwest cept as a lunch-only place where adults with special needs could findHighway offers plenty of seating (theres also a small balcony upstairs ifFrenchmeaningful work and then used her cooking background to create trulythe downstairs is full), free Wi-Fi, fresh muffins, bagels and pastries and delicious menu items. Youll find daily soups, fresh salads and decadentif you hit them at the right time, free live music, too. Its also a great place sandwiches that are piled high with tasty fillings. Our favorite just mightto pick up a pound of locally roasted microlot, organic or direct/fair trade be The Chickie Hug, made with Hugs signature chicken salad, cucumber,beans for your home brews.Cadotfresh spinach and tomato on your choice of bread. Ultimate Picnic PotatoMultiple locations throughout DFW Chef Jean-Marie Cadot, a native of Paris, grew up in a family that has Salad is a must-try side, and everyone raves about the Signature Weddingwww.wrcoffee.com been in the restaurant, hotel and bakery business since 1758and no, Cake Cookies. Closed on Mondays. thats not a typo. In other words, Cadot knows food, and the offerings at 224 E. Virginia St. | McKinney Royal Blue his eponymous restaurant in North Dallas are French comfort at their fin-(469) 301-6900 Whether youre looking to grab anest. Be sure to start with the Onion Soup Gratine, a rich broth with silky www.hugscafe.org awesome Stumptown coffee withonions, smothered in bubbling cheese. After that, any choice is the right a buddy, a healthy prepared lunchchoice. From Duck Terrine with Pistachios, Foie Gras and Truffle, to Flounder Mamas Daughters Diner for the office, or youre just too darnCrusted with Parmesan, to other French classics, such as Steak Frites with If your own mama always told you to clean your plate, then youd bettertired to cook dinner for the family,Peppercorn Sauce or Coq Au Vineach dish is both lovingly prepared and come to Mamas Daughters Diner hungry. This family-owned and oper- Royal Blue has something for you.expertly executed. ated business (since 1958!) is currently run by three generations, servingItsathoughtfully-curated(and18111 Preston Rd., Ste. 120 | Dallasgenerous portions of made-from-scratch yumminess throughout the day.super-hip) urban grocery store as(972) 267-5700 Daily specials are of the Meat & 3 variety (entre plus your choice of threewell as an excellent resource for lo- www.cadotrestaurant.comsides) and priced at just $10.50chicken and dumplings and meatloafcally sourced products; each store is different, tailored to the neighborhood are standouts. Pies and cobblers are decadent and also available in wholeit serves. Royal Blue also offers catering, with everything from breakfastLavendou Bistro Provencal sizes for takeout.tacos to boxed lunches, mix-and-match sandwich platters, cocktail bitesBestdescribedasaretreat Multiple locations throughout DFW and more.intotheFrenchcountryside, www.mamasdaughtersdiner.com 1 Highland Park Village | Dallas and we couldnt agree more. (214) 526-9516 Theelegantyetcozydining Maple Leaf Diner www.royalbluegrocery.com room, made even cozier with Whenexperiencedrestaurateurs,quintessentially French fabrics Michael Delaurier and Chef DebraSpoons and decor, is the perfect setting Delaurier, couldnt find the Cana- Located right on the square in beautiful, historic McKinney, Spoons offersfor all of your favorite gath-dian comfort food they craved inbreakfast all day plus a plethora of delicious sandwiches, burgers and hoteringsfromdatenightto the Metroplex, they created theirdogs, soups and saladssomething to suit everyones culinary cravings.family dinners. Start with velvety onion soup or lobster bisque to get your own place. Maple Leafs menu of- Start by sharing an order of Cottage Potatoes All the Waybasically, ataste buds singing. Entrees are nicely portioned and everything youd hope fers what Canadians dream about:breakfast version of cheese fries: house potatoes smothered with Ched- for: Beef Tenderloin with cracked black pepper, Pork Tenderloin with sweet poutine (French fries topped withdar andPepper Jack cheeses, crumbled apple smoked baconand a side ofand savory lavender honey, and our favoriteRoasted Duck with Cassis. cheese curds and gravy), peamealSpoons salsa. Spoons is famous for its chicken salad, and once youve triedDont miss the calorie-worthy souffl with Grand Marnier or chocolate. Be bacon (aka real Canadian bacon) and butter tarts. For a little bit of Can- it, youll know why: diced red grapes, celery, and pecans, mixed with may- sure to return Monday-Saturday from 11:30-4 for High Teaa wonderful ada meets Texas, try the scrumptious Southern Poutine with chicken friedonnaise and pickle relish, served on bread or slider buns, make it a stand- and relaxing way to spend an afternoon en France.chicken and white gravy. And with all-day breakfast plus a lengthy menuout. Its a terrific place to chill with family and friends after shopping The19009 Preston Rd., Ste. 200 | Dallasof burgers, wraps and hearty entrees, its a pretty terrific spot for familySquare.Hint: Do not miss out on the killer desserts including homemade(972) 248-1911dining, eh? pies (might we suggest coconut cream!). www.lavendou.com12817 Preston Rd., Ste. 129 | Dallas100 E. Louisiana St. | McKinney(214) 434-1626 (972) 548-6900www.mldiner.com www.spoonscafe.com 70GoodLifeFamilyMag.comMAY | JUNE 2019'