Author Archives: Steven Doyle

Aba to Open in Dallas’ Design District at The Seam in Late 2026

Mediterranean sunshine is headed to Dallas. Aba, the breezy, California-inflected restaurant from Chicago-based hospitality powerhouse Lettuce Entertain You Restaurants, will debut its first Dallas location in late 2026 at The Seam, the Design District’s eagerly awaited mixed-use development. Dallas will join Chicago, Austin, and Nashville as the fourth home for the concept — a measured but confident expansion into North Texas.

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Mr. Cajun’s Daiquiri & Cajun Food for Soul Food Magic

If you’re looking for a lively Cajun escape in Southeast Dallas, Mr. Cajun’s Daiquiri & Cajun Food (website) delivers bold flavors and an unapologetically social atmosphere. The Lake June Road location anchors the brand, with sister spots in Forney and Mesquite extending its reach across the metro area. The concept is straightforward: hearty Louisiana-inspired comfort food paired with a wide lineup of frozen daiquiris, all served in a setting that feels more like a weekend gathering than a formal dining room.

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Montlake Cut Brings a Seafood Experience

Montlake Cut, located in University Park, Dallas, is a seafood gem that reflects the culinary creativity of acclaimed chef Nick Badovinus, known for his successful ventures like Brass Ram, Town Hearth. This innovative concept draws inspiration from the flavors and ingredients of the Pacific Northwest, offering a refreshing take on coastal cuisine in the heart of Texas.

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Revel Patio Grill — A High-Energy Hangout in North Texas

If you’re looking for quiet and candlelit, keep driving. Revel Patio Grill is built for movement, noise, and groups that plan to stay awhile. Located in Frisco, it operates less like a traditional restaurant and more like a social hub where food, sports, and live entertainment intersect.

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Retro Movie Review: Funny Girl (1968)

Few movie musicals blend big-stage glamour with real emotional depth as beautifully as Funny Girl. Directed by William Wyler, the 1968 classic follows the life of entertainer Fanny Brice, tracing her journey from an underestimated Brooklyn girl to a headlining star of the Ziegfeld Follies—all while exploring the complicated love story between Fanny and gambler Nicky Arnstein. IMDB Link.

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Charlie Zhang Returns to Royal China as Noodle Whisperer

Charlie Zhang photos by Joey Stewart

Charlie Zhang has returned to Royal China, (website) the Preston Hollow restaurant where he first made his mark, bringing years of experience and unmatched skill in hand-pulled noodles, or la mian. His presence reconnects the restaurant with a tradition that helped define Dallas dining for decades.

Founded in 1974 by Taiwanese immigrant Buck Kao, Royal China has long been a cornerstone of Chinese cuisine in Dallas. Its menu balances classical techniques with approachable flavors, offering everything from rich soups and delicate dumplings to the noodle dishes that would become Zhang’s signature. Over the years, the restaurant has earned a reputation for consistency and quality, making it a destination for both longtime patrons and new diners seeking authentic Chinese flavors.

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Centrale Italia Dallas: Modern Italian Dining

In the polished walkways of Preston Hollow Village, Centrale Italia offers Italian dining that is confident, refined, and approachable. From the moment you enter, the wood-fired oven draws your attention, sending subtle smoke and warmth into the room, hinting at the depth of flavor to come. The dining room blends warm woods, clean lines, and ambient lighting, creating a space perfect for a celebratory evening, a lively night with friends, or an intimate dinner. Service is polished and attentive, seamlessly woven into the flow of the meal. Website here.

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Fort Worth’s Nonna Tata is Festive Year Round

Nonna Tata in Fort Worth makes you want to order everything. The kitchen smells like garlic sizzling in olive oil, tomatoes breaking down into thick, sweet sauces, fresh herbs torn by hand, and bread that’s just come out of the oven, crust crackling and interior soft enough to soak up sauce like it’s meant to.

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