Author Archives: Steven Doyle

by | November 25, 2025 · 3:41 pm

Retro Review: Planes, Trains and Automobiles (1987)

There’s a kind of chaotic magic in Planes, Trains & Automobiles that transcends its status as a holiday comedy. On the surface, it’s a road-trip farce about two mismatched men scrambling to get home for Thanksgiving, but underneath, it’s a surprisingly tender meditation on loneliness, connection, and how the most unexpected companions can change us. Director John Hughes weaves together slapstick, frustration, and heart into a journey that feels as emotionally honest as it is comically absurd.

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by | November 25, 2025 · 2:42 pm

Where to Find Char Grilled Oysters in Dallas

Grilled oysters hit a sweet spot between raw seafood and full-on cooked dishes — briny and fresh, but kissed by fire, smoky butter, and often a hit of garlic, cheese or herbs. Each one bursts with that sea‑salt freshness, then deepens into something richer and more savory as the shell chars and the butter melts. There’s a magic in that sizzling, briny‑buttery bite — kind of like the ocean and a campfire decided to meet for dinner. It’s no wonder that grilled oysters are the kind of dish you crave when you want something indulgent, shareable, and just a little bit elevated.

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by | November 25, 2025 · 1:43 pm

7 French Inspired Restaurants in Dallas

There’s something undeniably magical about French food. It’s not just the butter, wine, or perfectly flaky pastries — it’s the way every bite feels intentional, sophisticated, and comforting all at once. French cuisine has long been the gold standard for technique, flavor, and artistry, influencing kitchens around the world. In Dallas, this love of French food has blossomed into a vibrant scene where you can experience everything from rustic Provençal charm to Michelin-level elegance. Whether you’re craving a buttery croissant in the morning, a perfectly cooked steak frites for dinner, or a delicate dessert that melts on your tongue, Dallas has French restaurants that bring the romance and craft of France right to your table.

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by | November 25, 2025 · 11:52 am

Free Thanksgiving Dinner at Norma’s Cafe

Norma’s Café in Oak Cliff, Dallas, has quietly carried a beautiful Thanksgiving tradition for more than 30 years: on Thanksgiving Day, they open their doors from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. to serve a free holiday meal to anyone who comes. The restaurant is located at 1123 W. Davis Street, and every year volunteers, staff, and community supporters prepare thousands of home‑cooked meals. In past years, the tally has reached over 8,000 free dinners, feeding individuals, families, people from shelters, and houses of worship alike.

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by | November 25, 2025 · 10:31 am

Meet Val, the Cheesecake Whisperer

Val’s Cheesecakes is a Dallas original that grew from something heartbreakingly personal into something the whole city ended up rooting for. The story starts with Valery “Val” Jean-Bart, a soft-spoken baker with a gift for turning cream cheese and sugar into pure comfort. He began making cheesecakes as a tribute to his mother — her favorite dessert — and what started in a home kitchen eventually turned into a beloved neighborhood shop that felt more like a hug than a business. Over the years, Val became known not just for his cakes but for his presence: the guy who could hand you a slice and make you feel like you were part of the family.

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by | November 24, 2025 · 2:12 pm

Tacoro Tacos & Tequila Opens in Plano’s Assembly Park

Tacoro Tacos & Tequila is serving up elevated Mexican street food and handcrafted cocktails in Plano’s new Assembly Park. 

The latest of the Blender Brands concepts anchoring Assembly Park, Tacoro Tacos & Tequila delivers traditional Mexican roots with contemporary technique, serving artfully plated, artisanal tacos, premium tequilas, and cocktails that celebrate both craft and culture. Every detail — from the specialty braised meats to the curated agave selection — is designed to spark connection, conversation, and unforgettable nights. 

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by | November 24, 2025 · 2:06 pm

Lochland’s Irish Pub Hosts Winter Beer Dinner December 11

Cioppino not included

Lochland’s Irish Pub celebrates the holidays with a festive beer dinner on Thursday, December 11th at 7pm. The four-course holiday-inspired dinner is paired with five hand-selected beers showcasing the season’s flavors.

Pourings include the Kronenbourg Blanc Witbier (5%), Samual Smith Tadcaster Stingo (8%), Ayinger Privatbrauerei Celebrator (6.7%), Guinness Stout (4.2%) and the Brouwerij Lindemansframboise, a traditional Belgian lambic (2.5%). 

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by | November 24, 2025 · 1:41 pm

7 Restaurants to Wow Your Out-of-Town Guests

There’s something almost cinematic about taking guests around Dallas for a food tour: the city’s energy shifts from sleek skyscrapers to cozy neighborhoods, and each restaurant tells a different story. What we’re doing here is building a taste map — a thoughtfully curated set of places where you can show off Dallas through its richest flavors, its most welcoming corners, and its moments of culinary surprise. Whether your friends are food obsessives or just happy to be along for the ride, this list hits a variety of moods: relaxed, sophisticated, local, and global.

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