Review of Rick’s Chophouse, McKinney

Chicken Fried Steak

Located in the historic Grand Hotel in downtown McKinney, Rick’s Chophouse stands out as a stunning dining destination in this charming Collin County suburb. The restaurant exudes elegance with its mahogany walls, gas lanterns, deep leather booths, and a beautifully restored pressed-tin ceiling. The towering cut-limestone wall, a relic from 1885, adds a touch of rich history that enhances the dining experience.

Owner Rick Wells brings a delightful energy to the atmosphere, engaging warmly with guests as if they’re old friends. This sense of community is palpable; patrons seem to thrive in the casual yet chic environment, where playful interactions are the norm. It’s a place where laughter and good cheer fill the air.

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A Fresh Look at Little Red Wasp in FW

Chicken Fried Steak

Dain “Adam” Jones, the visionary behind both Grace and Little Red Wasp, the vibrant culinary experience that has made the original Fort Worth location a beloved staple since its opening in September 2013.

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Post-Event Recap: 15th Annual Burgers + Burgundy

photos by Joey Stewart

DIFFA Dallas is thrilled to share the highlights from the 15th Annual Burgers + Burgundy event, a culinary celebration hosted by renowned MICHELIN Star Chef John Tesar. On October 10, 2024, guests gathered at The Village Dallas, Glen Lawn, for an unforgettable evening of gourmet sliders and fine wines, all in support of a noble cause.

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Five Dallas Walks to Improve your Mental Health

The hustle and bustle of daily life can be difficult to cope with, particularly at this time of year when we need to worry about the likes of Christmas, how we afford presents and generally emotions run that little bit higher.

It’s a period of the year where we should pay more attention to our mental health as if we don’t it can cause a real spiralling effect, forming deeper depressions and even leading to the likes of addiction. Ask the millions in Texas suffering from alcohol, gambling or drug addiction and they’ll often tell you it started as a coping mechanism for anxieties and stress.

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Bistecca – An Italian Steakhouse by Chef Morris Salerno

By Chef Annie Greenslade

Bistecca – An Italian Steakhouse in Highland Village, celebrated THIRTY years of success.

Over the years it has evolved a bit, to include a cigar lounge and The Grotto (a refined bar), but one aspect has remained the same – Chef Morris Salerno. He runs an impeccable Italian/Nouveau Americana/French-flair restaurant with extreme eye for detail within every dish and every night of service. One of the best restaurants in this great state of Texas is run by this Culinary Olympic winning chef with a heart of gold. In 2014, he won a gold medal at the Expogast Culinary Competition in Luxembourg.

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How Food Can Transform a City: Fort Worth, Texas

Even though there are almost countless places in the world that are evolving, some evolve in a more surprising way than others. We’ll use the example of how something as simple as food has caused a positive uproar in the development of Fort Worth, Texas.

The food scene in Fort Worth is on fire, and we’re not just saying that to make a dramatic statement and get you hooked.

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Best Casinos Near Dallas: A Visitor’s Guide

While the bustling city of Dallas itself doesn’t offer casinos due to Texas state laws, visitors looking for some gaming excitement need not despair. Just a short drive away, across the Red River in Oklahoma, lies a world of glittering lights, ringing slot machines, and the thrilling anticipation of a big win.

Marc Meltzer, who has been writing about gambling and casinos for years at PlayUSA, told us, “The casino culture around Dallas is unique. Despite the lack of casinos in the city itself, there’s a vibrant gaming scene just across the border. Texans have embraced these nearby casinos, turning what could be a limitation into an opportunity for exciting road trips and weekend getaways. It’s a testament to the enduring appeal of casino gaming.”

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Lavendou Bistro Provençal: A Taste of France in Dallas

Gratinée à L’Oignon

by Steven Doyle photos by Joey Stewart

When it comes to French dining in Dallas, options may be limited to a small handful, but Lavendou Bistro Provençal stands out as a true gem. Located in a non-descript shopping center on Preston Road, this charming restaurant is helmed by the remarkable Pascal Cayet, a name synonymous with French cuisine in the area.

Pascal’s journey began in the heart of Paris at the esteemed Tour d’Argent, a historic restaurant with stunning views of Notre Dame Cathedral. After arriving in Dallas in the 1980s, he quickly established himself as a pioneer of French cuisine, founding the beloved French Country restaurant Chez Gerard in Dallas. This restaurant garnered a loyal following, including Stanley Marcus, who regarded it as one of his favorites. Eventually, Pascal moved northward, leading to the creation of Lavendou, a delightful slice of France that captures the essence of traditional French dining.

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