O.M.G.(oodness.) How can a national chain restaurant be this totally awesome? We happened to be making two trips to the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex last week and managed to eat at P.F. Chang's not once, not twice, but three times and, oh my, that food is so yummy. Plus, the atmosphere is perfecto. I love the contemporary lighting (esp. the big circles on the ceiling) contrasted with the classical Chinese murals they always have above the bar area. And it's dark and orange-y and inviting. Just right.
Tuesday, Rafe and I made a day trip to take our friend Gabe Gatlin to the airport (the crazy huge entity that is DFW) for his flight back to Minneapolis. Afterward, we ate lunch at P.F.'s in Northpark Center. ('Cause you can't go to Dallas and not eat at the Chang's.) Then Friday we drove to Fort Worth to prepare for Micah's 30th birthday festivities taking place on Saturday. So Friday night, we ate up at the P.F.'s in downtown Fort Worth and then, Saturday evening while going home, we couldn't resist driving south on 75 one last time for a little more Almond and Cashew Chicken and the ever-popular Lettuce Wraps. A little overboard perhaps, but why gamble with an unfamiliar eatery when you're guaranteed the satisfaction that is gourmet Chinese food?
P.F. Chang's is definitely in my top five restaurants. And since we're on the subject, here's the rest:Destin CHOPS 
Don't let the logo fool you. This place is swanky...shirt and shoes definitely required. Complete with an a la carte menu and only the best USDA aged prime beef. I still don't know what that means really (although "aged" beef doesn't sound like a good thing) but no matter...just taste the steak at this place. It is otherworldly, melt-in-your-mouth--like nothing else I've ever tasted. I mean it. Oh, and their creme brulee...perfection.
Don't let the logo fool you. This place is swanky...shirt and shoes definitely required. Complete with an a la carte menu and only the best USDA aged prime beef. I still don't know what that means really (although "aged" beef doesn't sound like a good thing) but no matter...just taste the steak at this place. It is otherworldly, melt-in-your-mouth--like nothing else I've ever tasted. I mean it. Oh, and their creme brulee...perfection.Belle Arti in Hot Springs 
This is more of a sentimental favorite, but, indeed, the food is the bomb. Small restaurant with a sophisticated, artsy dining room...just right for a date night. (If you're ever in Hot Springs.)
This is more of a sentimental favorite, but, indeed, the food is the bomb. Small restaurant with a sophisticated, artsy dining room...just right for a date night. (If you're ever in Hot Springs.)Louisiana Lagniappe 
Three words: Parchment-baked Grouper...glorious. This one's only for the seafood lovers.
Three words: Parchment-baked Grouper...glorious. This one's only for the seafood lovers.Superior Grill
I'm not saying it's my number 1, but it is my most frequented. Close to home and close to my heart. And certainly deee-lish. The best Mexican food I've ever eaten. No need to compare.
Oh, one more. I can't leave out Boudro's on the San Antonio Riverwalk. Not at all what it sounds like--much more upscale, with THE best guacamole, made at your table. Though not necessarily Mexican...kind of a mix...of everything totally pleasing to the palate. YUM!
