KENICHI

KENICHI

After a win for the Dallas Mavericks (a few weeks ago now) we walked from the American Airlines Center over to Victory Park to eat at one of the last standing restaurants on the block… KENICHI.

Always a must when eating Japanese food: Start with Edamame.
Then to be followed by some amazing sea food!

Although, we mixed things up a little this time and started off our taste buds with a little 'ishiyaki' HOT ROCK @ 1000 degrees stone seared Kobe Beef. They bring the little (almost red with heat) HOT ROCK to your table and you sear the meat to your liking. Add a few sprinkles of seasoning and dip in some secret sauces… YUM-O!

We followed that up with a very delicate Black Cod Misozuke, marinated in miso for 72 hours and roasted. Oh my, the flavor on/in/around this fish was outstanding!!!
Second to best of the evening was the Seared Sea Scallops, with truffled kabocha puree and tempura gari. Let me just tell you: the fusion of tastes and textures in this dish was out of control… DELISH!

The one item on our menu that was less than impressive was the desert choice.
We selected 'Genny's Asian Pear Bread Pudding'.
Um.. it was ok, not great by any means.

Favorite desert in Dallas, by far, is still the Banana Pudding at Local!

When we sat down for dinner, we were one of only 3 tables.
By the time we were finishing off our desert we were the only table left... until JJ Barea and a few of his friends showed up! On our way out the bar had filled with some of Dallas' other basketball players as well.
Looking for an after Maverick game hang-out (that offers great Japanese menu items as well as a few 'Jerseys'?) we suggest you give KENICHI a try.

Guaranteed: Tasty Japanese food (Players not always included).

COAL VINES

COAL VINES

Rainy, mid-week, and still the 'uptown' Dallas crowd came out for dinner. We met at Coal Vines in Uptown for a quick bite of pizza and as always good conversation!
However, the quick bite turned into a long, shoulder to shoulder, wait at the bar… constantly being shuffled by the busy wait staff and thirsty people trying to get a drink from the sole bartender.
Once we did get our table… probable around 40min later… it came along with the sweetest waitress- ERICA- a smile and a yummy glass of red wine!

Warning: Coal Vines is small and incredibly loud. The play great music but it can be hard to carry on a conversation you don't want both tables next to you to part-take in.

We were served in no time and had to eat accordingly; the table was minimal and our appetites were bigger than the table space would allow ;)
It's a good place for a quick bite to eat, although I would pick a not-so crowded evening to give it a taste test. The pizza crust is thin and crunchy. They have a great specials board- for both wines and dinner menu items.

HOUSTON'S AND R&D KITCHEN

HOUSTON'S AND R&D KITCHEN

Houston's, there's probably one close to you… I feel like they are on two of the busiest corners in Dallas:
Beltline and the Tollway as well as Northwest High Way and Preston.

Now, if you haven't been by for a visit, it's a must.
You should be prepared for a little wait around dinner time… it does fill up quickly and the bar packs them in for drinks and meals at the bar.
Even on a Wednesday evening, which is when we stopped by, we had a 20 min wait. Not to worry, the bar staff will take good care of you and wines by the glass are very reasonable and tasty!

Since it was mid week, we just wanted something quick and yummy Houston's was a great choice.
(I was even in post-workout attire… and yes it was acceptable!)

You can't go wrong with Houston's.
We ordered a Burger and Ribs.

The burger was outstanding (for a restaurant burger… not to be compared with a 'whole in the wall' burger by any means).
And the ribs are amazing… The meat just falls right off the bones, that how well prepared they are.

If we were to complain about something it would have to be the wait-staff was a little on the attitude side.
Nothing a fun evening and good conversation cant mask!

Houston's is a staple in Dallas and it's a must try (at least once)!

While we're on the subject of Houston's- There is a R&D Kitchen in Dallas as well. They are in the same restaurant group as Houston's –Hillstone.
I would almost suggest your time is better spent at R&D.
They are the 'test kitchen' for Houston's and have a very creative/changing menu.

If I were to pick a favorite off the menu here… it would be the Veggie Burger.
Now, I know my burgers and will travel far for the best burger in town- but as far as veggie burgers go- this is my all time favorite.
I can't explain the taste correctly, but the patty has nuts, mushrooms, colorful veggies and a hint of lemon all chopped up finely, served on a bun piled high with all the trimmings and a 'secret' sauce that is secretly divine!