b"Dough Bros. Italian Kitchen including Orzo Crunch or Roasted Corn. Piadas reasonably-priced menuMama Pita Mediterranean GrillWhat goes better with craft beer than craft pizza? At Dough Bros., pizza andmakes it a favorite for a quick bite or a sit-down dinner in a fast, casualIfyourelookingforaffordable calzone dough is made fresh dailythey even use locally sourced honey.atmosphere. and delicious Mediterranean food, Start with the heavenly Kale Artichoke dip served with pita points, then goMultiple locations throughout DFW Mama Pita is waiting for you. Eas-for one of the classic pizzas such as Margherita or The Bro (meat lovers de- www.mypiada.com ily customizable plates, salads and light). You can also build your own from a lengthy list of fresh ingredientspitas allow you to pick and choose such as spicy ranch sauce, banana pepper, broccoli and even house madePrinci Italia whatever sides you crave, from light mac and cheese (on a pizza!). Not feeling dough-y? Try the MediterraneanIfauthenticpizzatoyou and crispy falafel and flatbread to Chicken Salad with tomato, artichoke, black olives and shrooms or any ofmeans a slightly charred, blisterycreamy hummus and tzatziki. Kafta the delicious entrees such as Panko Crusted Chicken Parmesan.crust topped with only the fresh- (beef kabobs) are tender and deliciousperfect for dipping in one of sev-5181 Keller Springs Rd. | Dallas est,gourmetingredients(hello,eral garlicky sauces (try the yellow tahini/carrot dip). Counter service is fast (469) 248-0058 BlackFig&Gorgonzola,house- and friendly, and the open and airy atmosphere makes it a nice place for www.doughbro.com made pancetta, arugula, and freshdining-in. Or, if you prefer, order online ahead of time and take er home.mozzarella), youll be very happy5800 Legacy Dr., Ste. C6 | PlanoEddies Napolis Ristorante Italiano at Princi. Step into the open, airy(972) 403-1609If youre craving authentic Italian cuisine, youre craving Eddies. The quaint,dining room and prepare to relax; in nicer weather, the patio is the placewww.mamapita.comcasual vibe is the perfect setting for a big (and we mean big) plate of pasta,to be. Pasta dishes are straight-forward and well-executed; the South crispy pizza, sandwich or entree. Enjoy the complimentary garlic breadTexas Wild Boar Gnocchi is positively sublime. Lunch specials are delicious knots, but dont fill up on them or you wont have room for the Calamariand affordable, but when it comes to brunch, this just might be one of ourMexicanFritz Saladdeep-fried, tender calamari (a little bit naughty) atop a crispfavorite brunch places ever. Start with a Titos Bloody Mary and consider salad with roasted garlic, capers, tomatoes and olives (a little bit nice). Theordering several plates to share with your crew. How could you go wrongCasa MamaChicken Parmesan is some of the best weve had, served with a side of lin- with a Princi Crab Cake with poached egg, French Toast Paesano, and Lem- If youre looking for a family-friendly dining location offering both authen-guine. Friendly servers are happy to make recommendations. on Sole Piccata? One small warning: Dont fill up on the artisanal breadtic Mexican recipes (specifically, from the Santiago Maravatio Guanajuato 8822 Teel Pkwy., Ste. 410 | Frisco baskettrust us, youll be tempted. region) and Tex-Mex favorites, Casa Mama is the right place for you. Youll (214) 494-4455 3300 Dallas Pkwy., Ste. 120 | Plano find all your favorite Mexican dishes here and a few pleasant surprises, too, www.napolisfrisco.com (972) 908-2532 including rich and filling Guiso Pork Stew, homey Tortilla Lasagna, Chipotle www.princiitalia.com Enchiladas, and Ribeye or Salmon Tacos. White Queso is one of the best Grimaldisaround, served with light, crispy chipstake it up a notch by adding in There was a time when you could only get Grimaldis famous coal-firedRuggeri's ground beef, chorizo or brisket. House made salsa is unique and comes brick oven pizza in New York. But that was then. Today, there are GrimaldisRuggeri's has been a favorite destination for authentic Italian cuisine forwith a free kick. Service is known for being exceptionally friendly, and staff almost everywhere, it seems. While the menu is somewhat basic (pizzas,more than twenty-five years, whether you're looking for a cozy weeknightis happy to accommodate any special orders. calzones, salads), its also consistent. But what we like about the Allen lo- spot for mouthwatering pasta or somewhere to celebrate a special occa- 19129 Preston Rd. | Dallascation is that it overlooks the little park at Watters Creek where live music ission. Soft-Shell Crab Oreganato is a delicious starter, sauted with lemon,(469) 828-1045often played during warmer months. plenty of garlic and oregano. Moving on to pasta, go for Ravioli Fresco delwww.casamamas.com836 Market St. | Allen Giorotender dough pillows stuffed with sausage and ricotta and topped (214) 383-9703 with a light tomato basil sauce. But the true menu star just might be theChuyswww.grimaldispizzeria.com16-ounce veal chop with wild mushrooms and Marsala wine; it melts inWhat started in Austin in 1982 as fun/funky Tex-Mex jointwhere you your mouth. Craving veal but can't conquer 16-ounces? Go for Vitello dicould grab a beer and chips or a comforting mix of familiar entrees, has Kennys East Coast Pizza Scampiveal and shrimp living happily on the same plate, in a light andsince grown into what you might call a Tex-Mex empire, with locations If youre from the east coast, theresluscious lemony butter sauce. Traditional Italian desserts (Tiramisu, Cap- across Texas and 14 other states. Still, Chuys hasnt lost its charm. And a no doubt about it: youre going topuccino Pie, Spumone) satisfy your sweet tooth, too. lot of love goes into Chuys foodfrom hand-pulled chicken in all entrees, be verrrry picky about your pizza.5950-A Royal Ln. | Dallas to hand-rolled fresh tortillas, to any of the 10 signature sauces made fresh Thats why North Dallas has drawn(214) 750-0111 dailythose extra steps really make a di erence in both taste and quality. the lucky straw in pizza eating,www.ruggerisrestaurant.comIf your appetites cavernous, youll de nitely want to try a Big As Yo Face becausePlanoiswherenativeBurrito or famous Elvis Green Chile Fried Chicken bread- ed with Lays po- Bostonian(andoneofDallasRussos Coal-Fired Italian Kitchen tato chips, deep fried and smothered with green chile sauce and cheese. fave restaurateurs) Kenny BowersThis Houston-based eatery does offer a well-rounded menu, includingA small but refreshing selection of signature drinks still makes Chuys a opened his own pizza place. While the menu also offers Italian AmericanArancini (delectable Sicilian rice balls loaded with herbs and Romanoperfect place to kick backany time, any place. favorites featured on the menus of his other successful restaurants, expectcheese in a rich Bolognese sauce), fantastic Calzones, and standard ItalianMultiple locations throughout DFWa selection here focusing mainly on the piepizza pie, that is; cooked inentres (Chicken Piccata and the like).That said, the real draw to Russos a classic Bakers Pride Deck Oven. Handcrafted cocktails and Grey Goose onis the pizza, thanks to its nearly 1,000-degree coal-fired oven, which givesGlorias Latin Cuisinetap, too? Were lining up at the door. us that chewy, but crispy, crust we love. Try the Prosciutto and Kale withFor three-plus decades in the Metroplex, Glorias (under the loving care of 4701 W. Park Blvd., Ste. 101 | Plano Mozzarella and Ricotta cheese. Feeling carnivorous? The Paesano Napola- the Fuentes family) has established itself as a date night and family favor-(972) 519-9669 tana will leave you feeling sated. Russos is family-friendly, and they caterite, offering the freshest Salvadorian-inspired food in a casual-chic setting. www.kennyseastcoastpizza.com to both big and small parties. Start off with an order of pupusasthe dish that started it allhand-700 E. Campbell Rd. | Richardson made corn tortillas stuffed with gooey cheese, pork or both. Chile Relleno Kennys Italian Place (972) 235-7992 is tender and flavorful,and you cant go wrong with any of the seafood This is the real deal when it comeswww.russoscoalfired.comto Southern American Italian com- specialties such as Camarones a la Plancha (jumbo seasoned shrimp, grilled to perfection). Dont worry, Tex-Mex fans, theres also a section on fort food (think: Parmigiana, Picat- Mediterranean the menu for you! Some locations convert to dance clubs after hours on ta and Marsala) in a fun and friendlyweekends, and brunch at Glorias is always fun.atmosphere.AniceselectionofMultiple locations throughout DFW pastas ranging from vegetarian toGiovannis www.gloriascuisine.comkiller Midnight meatballs as wellWhy choose between Mediterra-as seafood, steaks and chops makenean, Persian, and Italian cuisineHugos InvitadosKennys a perfect choice, whetherwhen Giovannis offers the best ofA sleek interior and natural lighting provide a gorgeous, relaxed setting its family night or date night. Many dishes can be prepared light (if youreall three? Giovannis relaxed atmo- for the real reason we love Hugos, which is the food. Friendly owner Hugo so inclined), vegetarian or gluten free.sphere makes it a perfect spot forMiranda ensures his passion for Mexican flavors is presented in a unique 5100 Belt Line Rd., Ste. 764 | Dallas a weekday bite with co-workersway on every plate. Everythings fresh and made from scratch, with an (972) 661-9380 or a weekend date night or fam- emphasis on delicious, healthy ingredients such as kale, quinoa, Brussels www.kennysitalian.comily outing. Start with a refreshingsprouts, and roasted corn. Seafood Enchiladas are bursting with five types plate of Panir-O-Sabzi, a colorful plate of feta cheese, radish, cucumber,of seafood and contrast nicely with pickled cabbage and chile ancho salsa. Piada onion, basil, and mint. Kebabs are well-seasoned and perfectly cooked;Simple tacos are not so simple when served on house-made tortillas and When you hear the words street food, you probably think about Viet- meat lasagna is also a standout. Eggplant Stew with chunks of beef, yellowstuffed with ingredients such as vegetarian impossible meat (try it!), wa-namese, Thai, or Mexican. Rarely, do you associate street food with Italian,split peas, and strips of fried eggplant is both fragrant and satisfying. Crafttercress, and avocado-serrano sauce. Invitados means guests, and youll so its nice to find a place founded on that very concept. It all starts withcocktails, wine, and beer plus live music on weekends make this a crowdbe more than welcome here.Piadas super thin pizza doughnot quite tortilla, not quite lavashbutfavorite. Oh, and did we mention Saturday night belly dancing? Whats not5240 N. O'Connor Blvd., Ste. 160 | Irvingwonderfully chewy and light. From there, a plethora of topping optionsto love? (214) 496-0590(delectable meatballs, fried chicken, steak, avocado, greens, etc.) turns the18484 Preston Rd., Ste. 119 | Dallas www.hugosinvitados.comdough into your choice of either a folded/layered sandwich known as a(972) 596-8610Tasca (pocket) or a Piada (wrap). Street sides are also good and very fresh,www.giovannisusa.comGoodLifeFamilyMag.comJANUARY | FEBRUARY 2020 75"