b'goodEATSalso recommend the Connecticut Lobsta Rollbutter poached lobster onin town, including 40 beers on tap. options for vegetarians and pescatarians, tooChilean Sea Bass is cooked a bun. The tasty rolls are joined by shrimp cocktail, peel & eat shrimp, a3656 Howell St. | Dallas to perfection, topped with a luscious mango relish and malagueta pepper smoked salmon dip and the restaurants celebrated Clam Chowder. Come(214) 730-0596 sauce. Yes, its the perfect place for family celebrations, but dont save it for the food and for the East Coast vibe. www.therustic.com for special occasions: starting at just $15, the Gaucho Lunch features fresh Legacy Hall salads, imported cheese, cured meats, seasonal soups and more. 7800 Windrose Ave.| Plano Multiple locations throughout DFW(972) 473-2722 Whistle Britcheswww.fogodechao.comwww.seabreezefish.com The logo says a lot: Chicken. Bis-cuits. Beer. But what it doesnt con- Knife New Listing The Keeper vey is that Chef Omar Flores and hisWere soooo happy that Knife has Sustainable seafood and a tropicalteam pickle brine each and everymade its way north. Weve loved tiki bar create the just-right com- bird, creating one of the juiciest,Chef John Tesars steakhouse cre-bination to give you a little tastemost flavorful chicken experiencesation since it opened its doors at of your last beach-y vacation. Theweve ever had. And at Whistlethe Highland Dallas, and now we menu\'s "Just Flew In" section of- Britches, it is all about chicken: halfhave another option at the Shops fers the day\'s freshest selections,chickens, whole chickens, roastedofWillowBend. Exoticsteaks both artfully prepared and utterlychickens, fried chicken tenders even chickens glazed with pomegranateare dry-aged up to 240 days for delicious. There are also some un- molasses. Sides and starters are comfort-driven, such as pickled jalapeosuperior flavor, crusty on the out-expected seafood menu choices, in- pimento cheese, served with saltines. Or deviled eggs with country ham.side and melt-in-your-mouth on the inside. When we say every cut here cluding shareable portions of CrabThree cheese mac. Grits with gouda. Are you hungry yet? Brunch, lunchis exceptional, we mean it. If youre not wanting beef, though, seafood is Fried Rice with crispy Spam and topped with a perfectly cooked egg, andand dinner served, along with a nice selection of cocktails, beer and wine.also expertly prepared, and there are several options for vegetarians, too. the Hamachi Crudobuttery, raw Hamachi topped with apple, avocado,Desserts are straightforward and totally decadent. Extensive wine list and cigars.chilies, yuzu sauce and delicate micro greens. House salads are fresh and6110 Frankford Rd. | Dallas 6121 W. Park Blvd. | Planoseasonal ingredient-inspired, and if you\'re simply not in the mood for fish,(972) 590-8991 (214) 299-5935The Keeper offers a superb Grilled Half Chicken with Tomato Butter Sauce.5840 Legacy Circle, Ste. D100 | Plano 2405 Dallas Parkway | Plano 5300 E. Mockingbird Ln. | Dallas(469) 210-5337 (214) 299-5971 (214) 443-9339www.thekeeperplano.com www.whistlebritcheschicken.com www.knifedallas.comThe Oceanaire Seafood Room Jaxx SteakhouseWhilethismaybeconsideredSteakhouse Texans are known for loving steak, more of a date night place, if youbut (those of us who are carni-happen to bring your in-laws herevores) are picky. Jaxx Steakhouse for a night out, theyll never forgetIII Forks gets all of it right, where old school it. The freshest seafood in a sleekWith a North Dallas location cov- urban charm meets todays mod-setting makes The Oceanaire theering 25,000 square feet, III Forksern tastes. Sure, youll find tradi-perfect spot for a luxurious dinnercan accommodate everything fromtional favorites like shrimp cocktail with top-notch service. Menu of- date nights, to family gatherings, toand fried calamari, but youll also ferings are based entirely on fresh- big parties, and even giant corpo- want to try the steak eggroll appe-ness and availability, so arrive prepared to just go with it. There are severalrate and special events (up to 900tizer stuffed with onion, bell pepper and cheese. And of coursethe beef: sides you wont want to miss including Chardonnay Roasted Mushroomspeople). Youd think with all thatwhether youre craving a filet, NY strip or ribeyeor something lighter and Shells & Cheese with Smoked Gouda and Applewood Bacon. Their fullavailable space, the intimate steak- like Lemon Pepper Tilapia or Pan Seared Ahi Tuna with bok choyeach bar might just make you forget you promised to pick up the tab. house vibe would be lost but thatdish is prepared with love and creative flair.The Westin Galleria Dallas isnt the case. Superior service and individual dining rooms, each named14925 Midway Rd., Ste. 101 | Addison13340 Dallas Pkwy. | Dallas after a Texas hero who fought for independence, help make this place(972) 458-7888(972) 759-2277 unique. Start with III Forks famous salad with toasted pecans, blue cheese,www.jaxxsteakhouse.comwww.theoceanaire.com Granny Smith apples, and a not-too-sweet maple pecan vinaigrette, then move right onto your mainwhether you prefer steak or seafood, its se- Ricks ChophouseLocated in the beautiful Grand Hotel & Ballroom in downtown McKinney, Southern riously all good. If we were you, wed order one of every side dish, but ifRicks is absolutely a date destination. Comfy leather couches, live music you can only find room for one, dont miss the Lobster Mac & Cheeseitsfrom local artists Thursday through Saturday and handcrafted cocktails are to die for. just part of what makes Ricks so popular but its a chophouse, after all, and Sugarbacon Proper Kitchen 17776 Dallas Pkwy. | Dallas the real emphasis here is on the food. Mouthwatering steaks, juicy burgers, WhenwethinkofSugarbacon,(972) 267-1776 fresh seafood) along with classic, hearty salads. And since youve already we think of upscale comfort foodwww.3forks.com booked the sitter, why not include an overnight stay at the historic hotel? inawarm,rusticsetting.Lets107 N. Kentucky | McKinney start with the signature appetizer:Al Biernats (214) 726-9251sugarbacon. Picture a perfect littleSince 1998, Al Biernats has offered quality prime aged steaks, the fresh- www.rickschophouse.comcubeofhouse-smokedBerkshireest seafood, and the perfect locale on Oak Lawn Avenue to suit the needs pork belly, glazed in smoky anchoof Dallas glitterati, date nights, and family gatherings. Youll find all the BBQ sauce, sitting atop spicy breadupscale steakhouse favorites, including just about every cut of steak and butter pickles on a tiny pieceimaginable, chops, chopped or Caesar salad, fresh oysters, and the seri-of toasted bread. Berkshire pork is known for its rich tastethought byously-creamiest-of-creamed spinach. Start with the small or large seafood some to be the Kobe beef of pork. One bite of it and youll know why. Buttower to share and you wont be disappointed. An intimate bar area is a try not to get stuck in the appetizer section, or youll miss out on severalterrific spot to meet up with a friend or co-worker, and the attentive staffFor a complete other delicious offerings, such as the collard green salad with bacon, bleuwill ensure that your special occasion will be memorable. In fact, every cheese and pickled apple or the mighty fine SB burger made with localmeal at Al Biernats is memorable. listing ofWagyu beef and topped with, you got it, sugarbacon. Southern sides with4217 Oak Lawn Ave. | Dallasa twist, like green chile hominy, round out the meal nicely.(214) 219-2201216 W. Virginia St. | McKinney (469) 952-5150 5251 Spring Valley Rd. | Dallas Good Eats dining (972) 239-34006400 Gaston Ave. | Dallas www.albiernats.com options, go to(972) 290-0731www.sugarbacon.com Fogo de ChaoFogo de Chao literally means ground fire, referring to what the restaurantwww.goodlifefamilymag.comThe Rusticis famous forthe traditional gaucho method of roasting meats over an The gigantic patio is always packed! Enjoy down-home food made fromopen fire. This Brazilian fine dining experience ensures youll enjoy the scratch daily.The menu features seafood from the Gulf, steak sourced fromjuiciest meats (including steak, chicken, lamb and pork), delicious sides local ranchers, and dairy and produce grown by local farmers. The bar- (we love the crispy polenta) and award-winning wines. And while you tenders stay busy, pouring the most prolific collection of local beveragesprobably associate Fogo de Chao with meat, there are plenty of lighter GoodLifeFamilyMag.comMAY | JUNE 201973'