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
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.
Around Town
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’s on the Plate
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.
Worth the Trip
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.
Retro Reels
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.
Last Call
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.
This Weekend
Halloween Weekend in Dallas-Fort Worth
Halloween runs two nights this year, Friday and Saturday, with Nightmare on Main Street, rooftop parties and plenty for kids.
Ramble Room in Snider Plaza
Recovering Sunday? Ramble Room is the brunch you can walk into without a plan.
