by Steven Doyle
There are so many wonderful choices for Restaurant Week which began 21 years ago by Dallas’ most famous culinarian Jim White while he was working his restaurant show at KRLD. The very same Jim White who created Savor Dallas the magnificent food and wine extravaganza that grows stronger each year.
This week we wish to highlight a one of our favorite Restaurant Week choices by neighborhood starting in McKinney, Texas. Restaurant Week is a great way to become acquainted with new-to-you restaurants at a highly discounted cost with proceeds going to both the North Texas Food Bank and Lena Pope Home in Fort Worth. 2017 proceeds were in excess of $796,000, so this is an important event for both charities who do marvelous work for our communities.
The 3 or 4 prix fixe courses cost either $39 or $49, with lunches at $20.
Restaurant Week continues through August 3rd with many restaurants adopting one, two or three weeks. Check this handy guide for details.
An innovative restaurant that might be under your radar (this must change) is Eclair Bistro just off the square in downtown McKinney. In addition to having a strong daily and Restaurant Week menu, Eclair Bistro also features live jazz in their upstairs lounge. Look for great cocktails, a Restaurant Week wine pairing and much more. Check out their marvelous menu:
Starters
Raspberry Poached Pear Salad – Spiced walnuts, blue cheese mousse, pear vinaigrette
Champagne Brie Soup – Polenta crouton, fig, almond, honey, prosciutto crisp
Cognac Cured Salmon – Avocado crema, pickled shallots, cucumber, lumpfish caviar
Entrees
Pistachio Crusted Lamb – Australian lamb loin, courgettes, purple sweet potato gnocchi, sweet corn sauce, minted pea puree
Assiette de Boeuf – Lacquered Short Rib, Petite tenderloin fillet, roasted shallot soubise, beech mushrooms, carrots, spring onions, madeira glace’
Blackened Shrimp – Vegetable risotto, creole tomato sauce, parmesan Reggiano
Desserts
Pineapple Bread Pudding – Toasted meringue, sea salt caramel, whiskey cream
Brandy Truffle Smores- house marshmallow cream, chocolate sponge, fresh berries
Lemon Tart – Berry Sorbet, compressed strawberries
