DALLAS TODAY
As recessions came and went, so did the population of Dallas, TX. As businesses failed, were reborn and burgeoned, so did the people of Dallas. The city has remade itself dozens of times, each time growing stronger and more iconic. Oil, technology, real estate, insurance, and marketing among dozens of other industries have turned Dallas into a mega-city. Small pockets of land bear witness to neighborhoods closed off from the hustle and bustle of the big city, but whose environs host chic boutique shopping, five-star chef-inspired restaurants and the best schools in the country.
Mangia!
While vacationers are gazing at what seems like mile-high skyscrapers, walking historic paths, checking out the flora and fauna as well as seeing the art and history of Dallas, they must remember to take the time to eat. The South is known for its hospitality as well as its food. Dallas takes that one step further by adding its unique flavor. So in the Italian for “eat,” manga!
Bubba’s Cooks Country
6617 Hillcrest Ave.
We said the South is known for its food. It’s especially known for its fried chicken. What people usually aren’t accustomed to is the Southern habit of frying other foods in the same manner. So drop in and try the chicken fried steak, another Southern specialty from a restaurant that does it right.
Hattie’s
Bishop Arts
Gritsis another food acclaimed in the South and dressed a hundred and one ways. When it’s dressed with shrimp, yall have a taste treat coming. And Hattie’s murders this one!
Public School 214
3700 McKinney Ave.
We all grew up with tater tots. Some of us doused them in ketchup, some with chili or cheese, many with both, others with onions and bacon bits and then the cheese. It’s fun when a restaurateur remembers the good ol’ days and serves up the bacon and cheese tid-bits with sriracha for dipping.
Barbec’s
4757 W. Park Blvd., Plano
Rise and shine! It’s time for breakfast, but not just any old bacon and eggs. Oh, no, what you need is biscuits and gravy. The traditional Southern breakfast food turns into a mighty treat when visitors put in their mouths the beer biscuits and sausage gravy.
Nick & Sam’s Steakhouse
3008 Maple Ave., Uptown
It doesn’t happen often, but we all get Southern-ed out and just plain need a steak. Well, it’s not a sin, so dig in. But. You can’t dig in until you order the most decadent mac and cheese you’ll ever eat, the lobster mac and cheese at Nick & Sam’s. In fact, why bother with the steak?
Pecan Lodge
2702 Main St., Deep Ellum
Texas has also developed a name for its barbecue. You can go just about anywhere and get barbecue, but you’d be missing out. When there are lines around the block on the weekends, you know it’s good. Get the brisket. Trust us.
Knife
5300 E. Mockingbird Ln.
Want to know “where’s the beef”? Okay, we couldn’t resist. However, the best is Chef John Tesar’s dry aged rib eye, aged for 240 days. It just does not get better than that. It’s a limited thing, though, so hurry.
Avila’s
4714 Maple Ave.
Vacationers curious about the variety and quality of Tex-Mex in Dallas may put their tummies at ease. They won’t get your basic taco at Avila’s. What they’ll get is that brisket we were discussing, topped with Pico de gallo, guacamole and sour cream. Of course, the house margarita is the only thing to wash it down with.