We are going to Dallas to visit family and will have one night out with some friends sans kiddos. My aunt, who lives in Dallas has suggested Hibiscus. I trust her, she sent us to Abacus in the past, but I wanted to hear what my fellow egulleters had to say - both opinions on Hibiscus and other suggestions.
Dallas for Easter 2011
Started by
syoung68
, Mar 29 2011 08:38 AM
12 replies to this topic
#2
bmdaniel
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Posted 29 March 2011 - 08:48 AM
I think there are much more interesting places you could go than Hibiscus, which is fine but essentially a steak place.
Depending on what you like- Lucia, Nonna, Tei An, Stephen Pyles, Samar, Charlie Palmer, or Smoke would all be better choices, for me at least.
Depending on what you like- Lucia, Nonna, Tei An, Stephen Pyles, Samar, Charlie Palmer, or Smoke would all be better choices, for me at least.
#3
Rico
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Posted 29 March 2011 - 02:19 PM
If you want Lucia, call now for a reservation. I hear it's great, but I only hear that, since I'm on the wait list for Tuesday, April 12 ... a weekend reservation might be a long shot.
But then again, I'm no one important.
But then again, I'm no one important.
#4
syoung68
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Posted 29 March 2011 - 03:17 PM
Thank you I will take them all into consideration. After looking at the menu for Hibiscus, that was my thought. DOn't get me wrong, I love a good steak, but I can cook them at home.I think there are much more interesting places you could go than Hibiscus, which is fine but essentially a steak place.
Depending on what you like- Lucia, Nonna, Tei An, Stephen Pyles, Samar, Charlie Palmer, or Smoke would all be better choices, for me at least.
Now off to Google...
#5
jsmeeker
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Posted 29 March 2011 - 04:32 PM
is this for a meal on Easter Sunday or just a meal (dinner) during the weekend?
#6
syoung68
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Posted 29 March 2011 - 08:10 PM
Dinner on Saturday. Smoke looks interesting. The others look good, Stephen Pyles and Palmer have been on my short list on previous Dallas trips. I do not think Lucia, Tei An, and Samar are what I am looking for. They all look good, but I am visiting Texas and want something more local than Italian, India, or Sushi.
One other issue, is that I am not sure what a comfortable cost point is for the folks we are going with. It is an old friend of my wife and I have never met these folks.
One other issue, is that I am not sure what a comfortable cost point is for the folks we are going with. It is an old friend of my wife and I have never met these folks.
#7
bmdaniel
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Posted 30 March 2011 - 06:58 AM
One other issue, is that I am not sure what a comfortable cost point is for the folks we are going with. It is an old friend of my wife and I have never met these folks.
This exact issue is a troublesome one for Dallas (and the subject of a lot of snarky debate among dallas food bloggers). Basically, the problem is, Dallas doesn't do any "Texas" stuff well; for the most part (and maybe changing) the Barbecue and Tex-Mex just aren't that great. Maybe the one exception is Babe's for fried chicken and CFS.
A lot of the best restaurants (Lucia, Nonna, formerly York Street) are basically using local ingredients but not in a Texas representative style. It's always hard to know what to suggest for people because it's either great adapted regional Italian or mediocre something else.
Based on your description, probably Smoke, Stephan Pyle, or Fearings are the best bet (with Smoke being a good deal more casual than the other two).
#8
syoung68
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Posted 30 March 2011 - 07:37 AM
Based on my previous Dallas trips, I am fully aware of the lack of good Tex-Mex and Que. We usually wind up at Chuy's with the kids.
Both Lucia and Nonna look good. I am not totally against Italian. Maybe I will have my DW send a short list to her friend to see what they would like.
I am leaning toward Smoke though - casual , fun and good food.
Both Lucia and Nonna look good. I am not totally against Italian. Maybe I will have my DW send a short list to her friend to see what they would like.
I am leaning toward Smoke though - casual , fun and good food.
#9
bmdaniel
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Posted 30 March 2011 - 07:42 AM
In the spirit of full disclosure, I have not been to Lucia (although I have eaten David Uygur's food at Lola and at other events); in addition to it being hard to get into, my wife and I had a baby right when it opened.
I think Smoke is a good choice; Tim Byres has been getting a lot of recognition lately (Food and Wine best new chef Southwest, had one of food and wine's top 10 dishes of 2010 I think) and they do good food. Really nice brunch as well saturday and sunday.
I think Smoke is a good choice; Tim Byres has been getting a lot of recognition lately (Food and Wine best new chef Southwest, had one of food and wine's top 10 dishes of 2010 I think) and they do good food. Really nice brunch as well saturday and sunday.
#10
jsmeeker
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Posted 30 March 2011 - 08:20 AM
Based on my previous Dallas trips, I am fully aware of the lack of good Tex-Mex and Que. We usually wind up at Chuy's with the kids.
Both Lucia and Nonna look good. I am not totally against Italian. Maybe I will have my DW send a short list to her friend to see what they would like.
I am leaning toward Smoke though - casual , fun and good food.
Things are changing on the BBQ front in Dallas. Really, they are.
#11
syoung68
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Posted 20 April 2011 - 02:36 PM
More info. Leaving in 2 days. Still have not picked a place. GRRRRR. Turns out the friend of DW lives in Murphy. We were all leaning toward smoke then I realized how far of a drive it would be for them and I felt bad. So we have now been going back and forth. THey say they do not mind driving but have since pitched Urban Crust, Asian Mint, and La Duni. Thoughts? Based on menu I am leaning toward La Duni.
#12
syoung68
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Posted 20 April 2011 - 02:54 PM
Also, how is Whiskey Cake in Plano? They were not high on it. I am just curious to the eG opinions.
#13
jsmeeker
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Posted 20 April 2011 - 03:13 PM
Been to Urban Crust once. It was pertty good. But if you want pizza, I think Cane Rosso in Deep Ellum is the place to go. I like La Duni a lot, but that has a lot to do with their desserts. Really awesome cakes. Especially the quattro leches cake. It's killer. Not familiar with Whiskey Cake, so can't comment on that.
