Category Archives: First Look

by | May 15, 2013 · 1:24 pm

First Look: Pozo Mercado

 

DSC07681by Steven Doyle

Tonight Pozo Mercado opens its doors to entertain the dining and sipping set on McKinney Avenue. The new venture from La Reve, the same folks who run Sfuzzi and Standard Pour, has some really nice Mexican food set in the gorgeous old house that was formerly St John’s Wood. And late at night they rock that house with cool tunes and superb cocktails.

When looking to the cocktail menu, think Bryan McCullough from Standard Pour which is situated exactly next door to Pozo. As president of the Bartender’s Guild, he is one of the most respected and talented cocktailers in Dallas. Some amazing drinks are being poured at Pozo, along with a boozy flight of frozen drinks that are every bit as creamy as they are dreamy. Normally we would abstain from frozen drinks due to their inane ability to cause brain breeze, but also for their undesired lack of alcohol. Not the case here. Proceed with caution.   Continue reading →

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by | May 3, 2013 · 9:00 am

First Look: Asian Delights Cafe

Sambal Belachanby Andrew Chalk

We checked in at Asian Delights Cafe last night, the Malaysian Restaurant that opened in Plano just the day before. Consistent with the orient being mysterious the place was almost impossible to find. Having not, no sign, but somebody else’s above the door! Fortunately, the plastic “Grand Opening” banner steered us in. The marquee recognition and sign arrive next week and then the good news will be plentiful parking just a few doors down from Kroger.  Continue reading →

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by | March 13, 2013 · 1:04 pm

First Look: Battuto Italian Kitchen

DSC06231by Steven Doyle

The Gene and Julie Gates restaurant, Battuto Italian Kitchen, is days away from opening and last night we were invited guests to check out the menu and to soak up the ambiance of the new North Dallas restaurant, and what we found you are going to fall in love with.

We were offered a small variety from the menu which includes house-made pastas, stone-fired pizzas, a variety of interesting salads and one particular entree that you will not care to miss.    Continue reading →

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by | December 21, 2012 · 12:56 pm

First Look: Outpost American Tavern

DSC04687by Steven Doyle

When they aren’t uber-designing a new restaurant around Dallas or Fort Worth, the dynamic team of John Paul Valverde and Miguel Vicens are making a go at restaurateur life at the funky digs in Oak Cliff in what was once a single family dwelling, then their first born Campo Modern Country Bistro. Campo never really hit her stride despite all the fantastical elements you could possibly afford a restaurant, including a star consulting chef like Matt McCallister and finishing with one of the best kept secret chefs in Dallas, Michael Ehlert. By the way for those keeping score at home, Ehlert is in the kitchen at Hibiscus on Henderson.

A few months later and some serious hammer and nailing, the tiny house has been drawn into yet another hip and cozy dwelling for those seeking out a fresh take on classic food finds. Enter Outpost American Tavern. Now deep up in its first week with the doors wide open, the unique looking taproom is once again creating a buzz throughout the food loving community.  Continue reading →

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by | November 20, 2012 · 12:32 pm

First Look: JoJo Eating House and Bar

by Steven Doyle

Being enamored with a restaurant is one of the casualties of what I do. Sometimes it manifests not too unlike a school girl crush. Last night I convinced a group to join me at JoJo Eating House and Bar; it wasn’t a difficult task. After the dining experience I wanted to pull JoJo’s hair and pass her sweet notes with two boxes at the ending: yes or no. She never says no.

This is a First Look post so there is no need to get into all the entanglements, but rest assured JoJo should rate high in any sensible review in the near future.      Continue reading →

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by | November 1, 2012 · 10:59 am

Q&A With Clint Cooper From Village Baking Company

by Steven Doyle

I had a chance to stop in to see Clint Cooper at the new Village Baking Company storefront and was fascinated by his excellent selection of breads and offerings. The very tiny shop is packed ear-to-ear with unusual breads that you might not normally find in the Dallas area. They are only open a few days a week, so if you decide to go, do so early as the shelves are wiped clean rather quickly.

The afternoon I dropped by, which was a Saturday, a woman popped in and demanded a bag of croissant. They had just sold the last croissant and she was none too happy, in fact I believe she said just that. The production of croissant, and other breads are increased each week to meet the demand, but the little shop that has been selling mostly retail and farmers markets is being hit with an ever increasing demand. And for good reason.  Continue reading →

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