Zinsky's

Morgan and I ventured over to Zinsky’s at Preston and Royal last night after a long workout.

The place is lined with booths and tables and you are able to sit wherever you like. The back half of the restaurant houses their deli and to go area. We opted to sit back there so that we could see everything going on.

They offer several options on their menu:
1. They serve breakfast all day everyday which makes me very happy!
2. They have several different sandwich options depending on your hunger lever ( one story, two story, griddle, or even hot dogs)
3. They also offer a large variety of soups and salads ( matzo ball will be ordered next time I go)
4. They have hot platters and dinner specials as well

With all of those options, it took us about 15 minutes to decide on exactly what we wanted. But, in the meantime you are served a plate of sweet and sour pickles. It turns out, we both wanted to try breakfast sandwiches. On all of their breakfast sandwiches you are able to choose how you want your eggs, and if you would like an English muffin or an onion roll. Also, they are served with a side of hash browns.

I ordered the Uncle Henry’s Special on an English muffin with an over hard egg. The muffin was toasted and then lathered with chive cream cheese and thick slab bacon. The egg melted the cream cheese slightly and all of the flavors together simply melted in my mouth. Instead of the hash browns, I wanted to try the cream cheese and chive mashed potatoes. Can you tell I love cream cheese? My meal was everything I wanted it to be.

Morgan opted for a lighter breakfast sandwich. She ordered the Irving Special with and English muffin and scrambled egg whites. This came with chicken apple sausage, muenster cheese, and salsa. Instead of a potato side, she opted with a fresh fruit cup. She absolutely loved it.

We both ended up subbing something with our meals, and this was no problem. There were no additional charges and our service was exceptional.

I will definitely go back to try a different section of the menu!

**Warning- their kitchen closes at 8:00 p.m., so make sure you get over there in plenty of time.

Blunch at Tillman's - Woot!

48 Nights

Brad and I with Kent Rathbun

If you haven't been to 48 nights, I highly suggest that you go. I have been twice, and have been pleased both times. Summary of the concept from their website:

"The restaurant will be open for six months only, on Mondays and Tuesdays of each week and will be located in a small building on SYLVAN THIRTY. With seating for approximately 30 people, it is hoped that the prix-fixe menus will afford $1,000 per night for the cause.
There will be a weekly rotating schedule of featured area chefs - 24 in total - who would contribute their time to the effort. The team from SMOKE and SYLVAN THIRTY, in partnership with the Mass Care Task Force leadership, wants you to experience an intimate setting with these wonderfully renowned chefs while giving back to a purpose vitally important in these times."

Hors d’ouevres

(I don't have photos of these as they were passed around at the beginning reception)

Lobster Shooters- from his restaurant, Abacus

Seared Foie Gras, Red Onion-Port Marmalade

1st Course:“Bacon and Eggs”Niman Ranch Chipotle Bacon, Scrambled Duck Egg,Black Truffle

Chef Rathbun preparing the 1st course

View from our incredible table

Bacon and eggs

2nd Course:Pan Seared Diver Scallops Roasted Cauliflower-Spring Leek Risotto

3rd Course:Ginger Seared Duck Breast Coconut Sweet Potato Dumplings,Crisp Snow Pea Slaw

4th Course:Purple Haze Goat Cheese TartPort-Berry Soup

At the end of the night we were beyond full, but we had an amazing evening. The food was outstanding, our table was practically in the kitchen, we got to visit with one of the best chef's in the Dallas area, and helped out a great cause! Check out 48 nights for an experience that you will never forget!

Nicola's

Today we lunched at Nicola's, a new edition to the Preston/NW Hwy area. The inside definitely has grandeur down to an art. Elaborate fabrics, grandiose chandeliers, and marble are the order of the day in Nicola's decorating scheme. It made for a lovely combination.

We started with some of the house bread, complete with olive oil and balsamic vinegar for dipping. The bread was fantastic and a great preview of what was to come.

We then moved on to the Caprese salad. While the tomatoes were a little anemic (I think they should be beefy red vs. pink when they're offered as a feature salad), the mozzarella and fresh basil helped make this dish a success. Three hefty slices of tomato and three hefty slices of mozzarella made this an ideal salad to split.

We finished with the Pizza Genova, a pizza made with mozzarella, basil pesto, super salty Kalamata olives, Italian sausage, and sun-dried tomatoes. Since neither of us love pizza sauce, this pizza was the perfect alternative. It was a delicious meal that we couldn't finish - to go boxes all around!

Very solid entrees, a great ambiance, and a delightful wait staff, we definitely recommend Nicola's.

(Side Dish: There is also a Nicola's in Plano located in The Shops at Legacy.)

Norma's Cafe

Morgan, Mallory and I ventured out to the O.C. ( Oak Cliff) to try some great southern cooking at Norma’s. This spot has been around for over 50 years, and has southern cuisine down to an art. We arrived at about 1:15 on Sunday afternoon to a packed house! You come in and seat yourself wherever you would like. Once a waitress gets a moment, she comes by to take your order. We were already starving prior to arrival, so we requested the bread basket and three diet cokes ASAP. We were immediately pleased. The basket comes with a mixture of 3 buttery dinner rolls and 3 savory cornbread muffins.

Morgan ordered the chicken club with french fries and a dinner salad. The sandwich portion was generous and served on Texas toast. The French fries were seasoned with a house blend that was perfectly scrumptious.
Mallory and I ordered the chicken fried steak and the chicken fried chicken. These entrees were under ten dollars and came with your choice of three sides. We both opted for the mashed potatoes and a side salad with ranch ( this counted as two sides). We were both pleased with the meat portion. I wanted cream gravy and Mallory went without. Either way- the breading was crisp and salty. We followed suit with the mashed potatoes. They were homemade and perfectly creamy. What a treat!
The only thing that we would all three pass on was the side salad. Then again, we likely weren’t in the mood for anything healthy on this particular day! If we would have saved room, we would have loved a piece of their homemade pie or cobbler - I guess that means we will have to make a return visit for sure.

This place does southern cuisine right!

Loft 610 and Tre Wilcox

Chef Tre Wilcox and The Girls!

What a great dinner! Last night we ventured way, WAY North to visit Chef Tre Wilcox at Loft 610. The ambiance is spot on. We had drinks at the bar, which was spacious and trendy. The bar tender even made a virgin mojito that was just perfect.

The waiter was knowledgeable, handed out some great suggestions, and was very patient with our questions and our group. We tried everything he recommended and we weren't disappointed.

The food was served at the perfect temperature and I don't think anyone was disappointed with portion size, taste, or price. I've included pictures of what everyone ordered - it was a great experience...and the best part was the Chef's great attitude when he came out for the photo op. He was personable and outgoing and, despite being busy, spent a few minutes with us!

Great night!!

Jumbo Lump Crab Cakes
What was left of the Calamari when I remembered to whip out the camera...

The Wedge

Field Greens


Bleu Cheese Crusted Prime Ribeye Steak

Smoked Bone-In Pork Chop with Parmesan Potato Gratin


Grilled Wild King Salmon with Jalapeno-Jack Cheese Grits

Hazlenut Chocolate Truffle Cake with Bacon Brittle

Trio of Cupcakes (Devil's Food, Lemon, and Red Velvet)

Paula Deen @ Legacy Books

Katie and I went to Paula Deen's book signing at Legacy Books on Friday. We got in line about 4:30 and the signing didn't even start until 6, but what a cool experience.

Captain Michael came around and met us before we caught up with Paula. He was so personable and friendly, and even took a picture with the "three" of us. Loved him!

When we stepped up to meet Paula, she was so super friendly, and small, and southern, that you couldn't help but be charmed by her.
She talked with us for a minute and signed our books, and then we were done.
Paula's new book is called Paula Deen's Savannah Style and it was written with the help of Brandon Branch, who seasonally staged each photo to create this fantastic coffee table book of photos. Brandon also signed our books. What a great time!!