Warwick Houston Provides True 'Fine Dining'

Houston - It’s true, “dining out” should be an experience. Warwick Houston takes this practice very seriously, and it shows from the ambiance - to the stellar service and of course the delectable food.

Fresh off a plane, my good friend and I arrived early for our reservation and were greeted by a nicely dressed gentleman at the door. Not only did he engage with us about our recent excursion to Boston, but he prepped us for what was indeed going to be a “fine dining” experience.

Just inside was a beautiful helping of the most well-dressed Black professionals. The dimly lit restaurant appeared to have strategically placed spotlights over each table, highlighting happily extended arms - raising mixed drinks and wines with joy. The restaurant smelled like a mixture of ORAGE by Louis Vuitton, freshly grilled sustenance and wealth.

Once at our table, we were further welcomed by the most charming Latin man with whiskers that curled each time he smiled. He knew we would enjoy Warwick Houston.

I’m not a drinker, but upon description of a cocktail that featured Grand Marnier, lemon, sweet potato syrup and Hennessy - let’s just say I was a little intrigued. My friend Aishia also ordered a cocktail that made her snap her fingers and do a little dance in her seat.

Our drinks arrived shortly before our Korean Cauliflower appetizer was placed between us. My goodness, was this the preview to a really good show. Even a non-cauliflower lover would appreciate the marriage of sweet and spicy with this dish.

Warwick Houston’s Korean Cauliflower appetizer provides the perfect start to a great dining experience.

To Warwick Houston’s extreme credit - the “presentation” of every single drink and dish is beyond fanciful.

For her main course, my friend savored the Spinach Stuffed Salmon. This dish features a generous serving of salmon, topped with jumbo lump crab and herb beurre blanc served over a bed of tomato basil orzo pasta.

On my side of the table, I was left speechless by the Snapper Orleans. I do believe the Lord himself approves of pairing blackened snapper fillet with andouille jambalaya risotto. Adding lump crab meat and a garlic butter sauce should secure someone a comfy corner in Heaven.

Overall Warwick Houston receives a 10 out of 10 from me. The environment is inviting and the diverse menu provides so many satisfying options. The fact that this is a Black Owned Restaurant is the topping on the cake!

New Lounge Brings Welcomed Sophistication to Oak Lawn

Cedar Springs and Oak Lawn have been a rather active sector of Dallas’ nightlife for quite some time. It’s the central location for the Halloween Block Party, home to the liveliest drag queen shows and stomping grounds for some of Dallas’ most notable DJs.

If there was one thing missing from the area, it would have to be an upscale lounge without the subconscious need for patrons to be “upscale.” Insert Mr. Misster, the newest cocktail lounge to open on Cedar Springs.

Just steps inside of 3900 Cedar Springs, there is an air of sophistication, vibrant lights that exude a sexy mood and inviting drinks to usher in the most pleasant Happy Hour. The bartenders are professionally flirtatious and the hosts are dedicated to providing an unforgettable environment of fun.

Mr. Misster, in all of its elegance has the ability to transition from sophisticated after-work lounge to a late-night party within minutes. Thank co-owners Meghan Harris and Trey Stewart for a conceptual dual-lounge that serves an authentic purpose on Cedar Springs seven days per week.

“It was a struggle to get my girlfriends down here from Uptown because that area has the nice and shiny bars,” says Stewart. “This is such a fun and judgment free area where you can come as you are – so we wanted to bring something new to the strip.”

Before the new crafty cocktail bar, Cedar Springs hadn’t seen a new such establishment in over a decade.

Still in its first month of operation, Mr. Misster has already created quite the buzz in the already popular neighborhood. While most bars and clubs in the area are affectionately referenced as locales within the Gayborhood  - the goal of Mr. Misster is to be an inclusive space where everyone feels welcomed, hence the name. 

The name Mr. Misster came to fruition one night over cocktails. Harris and Stewart tossed around so many ideas and decided together that the name would be inviting to just about anyone looking for a fun and carefree environment.

It's On the Porch...

The Porch Dallas is your premiere Sunday brunch spot. Be it brunch, lunch or dinner – the appealing menus are packed full of appetizing delights.

If you’re a Sunday bruncher like myself, don’t hesitate to order the Shrimp and Grits, which features gulf shrimp, crawfish, Tasso ham, garlic and white wine butter,

Arugula and pickled red onion. Your taste buds will thank you. The Porch serves brunch until 2:30 p.m., so you have plenty of time to grab a table after church.

Perhaps you work near uptown Dallas – stop on in for a nice lunch with an even nicer ambiance. The salmon burger is your best bet midday. It’s served with arugula, avocado, pickles, dill aioli and tomato-caper relish all on a whole-wheat bun. You’ll be full, but still in a position to return to work and be productive.

A Saturday summer evening at The Porch is absolutely amazing for your family or a large group. Grab a table on the patio and order the House Smoked Brisket and Barbacoa Enchiladas. These enchiladas include saffron texmati rice, refried black beans, tomatillo salsa, avocado, cilantro and cotija. You will not be disappointed. Just trust me.  

If you’re not careful, you can find yourself full from side items like the smoked ham Mac and cheese casserole or my absolute favorite crispy Brussels sprouts with Parmesan and bacon and lemon. The menu is also complete with several draft beers and signature cocktails.

Now regardless of the time of day you visit The Porch, do not leave without trying the gooey butter cake. Don’t worry about the calories here. Just enjoy every morsel of the moist cake, toped with butterscotch ice cream and salted caramel.

"Urban Taco" - Tacos That Vibe

It’s almost impossible to miss the colorful décor of Urban Taco’s patio when you’re leaving a movie at the Angelika Theater - Mockingbird Station. The mid-price taco dining spot is in the perfect location for both moviegoers and shoppers.  

Tuesday evening was my first time in the new and larger location, since the restaurant chain moved literally feet away from its former location.

There is absolutely no denying the vibe you get from music, chips, salsa, taco creations and good company.

For just $13, diners can enjoy three choice tacos and two sides.

My absolute favorite taco is the Tinga de Pollo, which features chile braised chicken and potatoes, queso fresco and avocado lime crema. My closest second favorite is the Al Pastor, which has trompo al pastor pork, roasted pineapple, salsa verde cruda, onions and cilantro.

Urban Taco is more than just a taco spot – it’s a fine taco experience. Here, “Taco Tuesday” definitely takes on a new meaning.

Dallas Chef Serves Up Vegan and Vegetarian Cuisines with Soul

Chef Cynthia Nevels is on the move again. The owner and chef of Soulgood is inspiring people all over Dallas and beyond to give vegan and vegetarian lifestyles a try.

It’s rare that I actually get to eat while at a photo shoot, but Friday afternoon I left Nevels’ home believing that I could truly give a more plant-based diet a real try.

“I always say cook from the heart,” says Nevels when asked how one can transition a kitchen from traditional cooking to vegan/vegetarian prepping. “You don’t have to get rid of your traditional herbs and spices, just include your own dynamics for soulful cooking.”

Nevels is a lacto ovo vegetarian, which means she eats vegetables, eggs, and dairy products but not meat. She plans to transition to the complete vegan lifestyle in 2019.

The ever-so passionate and devoted mom and chef prepares her vegan and vegetarian creations for companies and individuals, but where she finds great peace is in her food truck. The beautiful Soulgood truck can be found all around Dallas.

Beginning this week, Nevels is serving up some new dishes:

-       Soulgood Triple D Burger Vegan (Beyond Meat Burger Patty)

-       The Emma Vegetarian Egg White Breakfast Sandwich

-       The Wise Guy Vegan (Beyond Meat Jersey Style Not Dog)

-       Lolli Tamale Vegan (Black Bean and Corn Tamale)

Nevels is also super excited to debut her new Soulgood Havana Bowl, which was inspired during her recent trip to Cuba. The bowl includes rice, organic black beans, vegan Beyond Meat chick’n, avocado and plantain.

*Image taken by Ari Christine | Art Included by Jeremy Patton

Restaurant Feature: Whiskey Cake Kitchen & Bar

While the heat is slowly leaving us and ushering in the cooler temperatures of Autumn - Whiskey Cake Kitchen & Bar of Irving is still serving up fresh beverages, with a smooth hint of summer.

We’re featuring Whiskey Cake Kitchen & Bar this week because there is so much to be said about chicken and waffles being served alongside a “Hulk,” a beautifully squeezed glass of cucumber, basil, pineapple, lemon, local honey and soda.

Imagine a bacon-laced Belgian waffle, topped with chicken tenders, eggs and a sausage-based gravy. Is your mouth watering yet?

The ambience is very inviting and the decor is simple and effective. The prices are surprisingly very affordable. Sunday brunch can be enjoyed for all of $20.