Dallas Eats for a Cool Grandmother

[Liz Johnson]

My grandmother, who, at 81, is very cool and hip, has everything anyone could ever want, so I've taken to giving her gift certificates for restaurants for Christmas. She usually takes her sister, and so far, they've been to the Mansion, Abacus and Lola.

I think Abacus was a little loud for them, though they liked the food a lot. They quite enjoyed Lola. The Mansion was so-so. I'm not quite as flush as last year, so I'd like to spend about $100 this time instead of the $150 or $200 I gave her the other times. (They don't drink much so this should be plenty.)

Where should I send her?

PS -- Wow, this and the tamales -- thanks to eGullet for helping plan my holiday season!

[Mabelline]

LIZ, if getting there ain't a problem, what about Fort Worth's cafe at the Modern Art Museum? Cafe Moderne is way beyond reasonable, beautiful, and a museum in the bargain. Is this the same meemaw in Victoria?

[Liz Johnson]

She lives in North Dallas. How far is that? Would it be a good afternoon trip for them? They could go to the museum and have lunch or an early dinner?

Two different grandmothers! The one in Victoria, while lovely, isn't exactly a hipster.

[Mabelline]

Will they be driving themselves? I ask because that traffic can be scary, and I don't want nobody hurt. Somebody more current on the state of Interstate repair(or lack thereof) can tell you. But them being from there they know their ways around for sure. It could be anywhere from around 30-some to forty-some miles.

[Liz Johnson]

Thanks Mabelline, but maybe it's a little far for them. I'll check the dining listings at the DMN.

[Jaymes]

She lives in North Dallas. How far is that? Would it be a good afternoon trip for them? They could go to the museum and have lunch or an early dinner?

Two different grandmothers! The one in Victoria, while lovely, isn't exactly a hipster.

As a cool and hipster (well, hippy anyway) grandmother myself, I vote for the day in Ft. Worth. I live in Austin, which is certainly farther from the museum/cafe than North Dallas, and I'd love to drive up there, spend the afternoon looking at the exhibits and having lunch.

If your granny drives the freeways at all, she can get there I'm sure. Or she perhaps might have a younger granny friend that can drive.

I vote for that.

[Richard Kilgore]

Liz -- What about York Street, Sharon Hage's restaurant in Dallas. She is consistently cited as one of the best and most creative chefs in Texas. And it should fit your price range.

[Richard Kilgore]

You also may find this thread helpful.

[Liz Johnson]

After looking closely at the Dallas Restaurant Scene thread (I had read it before, but only skimmed), I am now considering Paris Vendome. She does love burgers.

It looks more casual than the places I've sent her to before, but that's OK with me.

What do you experts think?

Richard — I think York Street might be too adventerous for her. She is flexible, but also likes what she knows.

[Scott -- DFW]

Frankly, I wouldn't recommend Paris Vendome. For moderately hip, moderately priced options, I would suggest: Ziziki's (Greek/Med), Ciudad (trendy Mexican), Adelmo's or Mi Piaci (Italian), Al Biernat's (steak/seafood), Cafe Pacific (seafood), the Green Room (eclectic New American), et al. There are plenty of good, mid-priced options that ought to fit the bill.

Scott

[Raynickben]

Also not a fan of Paris Vendome.

Dakota's just reopened after a year's renovation and menu overhaul. I haven't been there yet since the open but the DMN just raved about it.

Also, consider Jasper's (in Plano). From the team that brought you Abacus.

[Scott -- DFW]

Raynickben,

Have you had good experiences at Jasper's? I haven't been back since Staudemeier moved up there from Abacus's kitchen. But, before that, my experience was rather lackluster. The service was good; but I was getting B-grade food from the kitchen. That was shortly after they opened, though. It's possible they've worked out some of the kinks since then.

Scott

[Raynickben]

Raynickben,

Have you had good experiences at Jasper's? I haven't been back since Staudemeier moved up there from Abacus's kitchen. But, before that, my experience was rather lackluster. The service was good; but I was getting B-grade food from the kitchen. That was shortly after they opened, though. It's possible they've worked out some of the kinks since then.

Scott

I actually haven't been to Jasper's yet having just moved back to Plano last month. I tried to get in a couple of times but due to the holiday's they are booked with a lot of company functions, etc. That whole Shops of Legacy is really busy this month...and so beautifully decorated.

I just love Abacus so much that I have high hopes for Jasper's.

I'll let you know when I can experience it (hopefully in Jan.)