The Friday Edition: Bob's on Lemmon, TJ's Winter Seafood and Javier's at Nearly 50

Hi everyone,

New stories go up on CraveDFW every day, and that isn’t changing. What’s changing is your inbox. Instead of an email every time we publish, you’ll now get one each Friday morning with the week’s best, so nothing good slips past you. Between Fridays, the newest stories are always waiting at cravedfw.com.

This week has a steakhouse founder back at the front door, Jon Alexis on what’s coming in for winter at TJ’s, and Javier’s closing in on 50 years.

Thanks for reading.

Steve

Stories of the Week

Bob's Steak and Chop House on Lemmon Avenue

Why the Original Bob’s on Lemmon Avenue Still Feels Like Opening Night

Bob Sambol opened Bob’s Steak & Chop House in 1993, stepped away, and came back to greet guests again. His executive chef, Victor Gorostieta, started out washing dishes. And Sambol has a new place, Charlie’s, planned for 2027.

What’s in Season: TJ’s Jon Alexis on Winter Seafood, Stone Crab and Caviar

Jon Alexis on what’s coming in for winter, from stone crab claws and caviar to Ora King salmon, and why scallops are getting pricier.

Javier’s Nearly 50 With Mexico City Still on the Menu

Javier Gutierrez opened Javier’s in 1977 with Mexico City cooking at its heart, and the restaurant turns 50 next year.

Chopped Champion Eric Spigner Opens Barro y Fuego in Oak Cliff’s East Dock

A renovated historic ice plant and a Latin American and Caribbean menu that will change with the seasons.

After 37 Years, El Padrino Is Losing Its Home on Jefferson Boulevard

Juan Contreras saved $3,000 over seven years working as a janitor, then opened El Padrino in 1989. The café closes by the end of December. Go while you can.

Only in America: How a Vietnamese Refugee Built Dallas’ Favorite New York Deli

Anh Vo built Cindi’s NY Deli into four locations, with hot pastrami and chicken-fried steak on the same menu.

After 31 Years, Longoria’s BBQ in Everman Has Turned Out the Lights

David Longoria has closed the family’s barbecue joint, and he plans to keep his father’s recipe alive.

What Is a Dosa?

A long, crisp South Indian crepe made from fermented rice and lentils, served with soup and chutney. Here’s what to order and where to find a good one in North Texas.

The Best Gas Station Restaurant in America Is Rolling Sushi Outside Ennis

Bristol General Store just picked up a national title, and the reason is sushi made to order behind the counter.

Four Ozark Glamping Stays for a Long Weekend Out of Dallas

Quiet hills outside Branson, some stays with private hot tubs and full kitchens, and Silver Dollar City’s holiday season down the road.

Anthony Hopkins in The Silence of the Lambs

The Silence of the Lambs (1991)

It opened on Valentine’s Day 1991 and went on to win five Oscars. Just right for Halloween weekend.

Parliament cocktail bar in Uptown Dallas

Why Parliament Still Owns Uptown’s Cocktail Scene

Parliament opened in 2014 in the old Four Lounge space on Allen Street, and more than a decade later Eddie “Lucky” Campbell’s red-walled room is still where Uptown goes for a serious cocktail.