Posted on July 17, 2008 at 1:26 p.m.

Food: 5/5  Vibe: 2/5  Service: 4/5  Value: 5/5  Overall: 5/5

I am totally addicted to this place. I can be driving somewhere and like Night of the Living Dead my car starts heading in that direction. A few weeks back I went there three days in a row. It's worse than when Krispy Kreme first opened. I cannot say 'No'! Every bite a robust crunch-a-thon. Every fry a greasy seasoned relief. Pricey-ish and worth every dime. Lord have mercy!

On Brothers Fried Chicken (Dallas / Fitzhugh & Gaston) (Closed)

Posted on July 2, 2008 at 6:15 p.m.

Food: 5/5  Vibe: 4/5  Service: 3/5  Value: 4/5  Overall: 4/5

This place is an oasis, not only for those seeking true hybrid Latin American and genuine South American items (that remind you are those sordid days of yore in the arms of maddening amor in Colombia) but also impulse treats (including naughty 'if no one saw you, you did not eat it' bakery take-out.)

Really happy this place has 'made it'. It could have gone under the radar. But they deliver terrific food, even if the service is sometimes a bit...Latin. (Colombian time=take your time, but hey.... Disfruta!)

On Zaguan World Bakery & Cafe

Posted on April 18, 2008 at 9:09 a.m.

Food: 5/5  Vibe: 5/5  Service: 5/5  Value: 4/5  Overall: 4/5

I was taken to Fearing’s for my birthday yesterday, which was my third visit, the first shortly after it opened, which was a spotty and uneven experience. I had never been for lunch. Which was truly a wonderful and special affair in all respects.

The service was now second to none. Timely, and very personal. Per usual, Dean himself made the rounds and his glee at our glee (and my red lizard Lucchese boots) was like being at a friend's party. The three of us are all types regarding food, so the fact that we all were totally happy is noteworthy.

Appetizers included the shrimp and fried green tomatoes which was perfect and split three ways as they served. The winner however is the calamari/chorizo taco strips w/black bean, whatever. Out of this world. $10. Incidentally, the bloody Marys were exceptional.

My sister had the buffalo burger and sweet potato fries and was thrilled. I had the ahi tuna on a bed of something thrilling. (Ok, I'm no foodie...call BillUSA if you want detailed analysis recaps). Our friend had the short ribs which tasted like the ones I make for hours. It was upscale comfort food.

All was served smoothly, beautifully and not overdone. The iced tea never stopped flowing. The desserts were predictably grand. Butterscotch Brulee with whatever, and the banana pie in a cup, bla bla. All had the crew squealing while I had a slice of complimentary chocolate straight-from-heaven cake.

The entire meal at lunch, sans the cocktails, came to, with tip, between $50 and 60 each. That is steep for lunch, but let me tell you, this was FUN and happy and attractive and attentive. And Fearing's is arguably more attractive at lunch than dinner. I preferred the pervasive natural lighting that is everywhere. You feel the openness. And the captain's chair made me feel like a captain. Shoot me.

If you want to have wonderful food, impeccable service and a charming time that feels up-the-scale perfect but NEVER stuffy in the least, this is the place. Teresa Gubbins insisted I review it. So do I get free tickets to something?

On Fearing's Restaurant

Posted on February 27, 2008 at 9:27 p.m.

Food: 4/5  Vibe: 4/5  Service: 5/5  Value: 4/5  Overall: 4/5

I like the 'it' of Hector's. I eat at the bar and the service is attentive and first class as are the apetizers and entree' food. I met the unlikely chef and she is devilish and talented and gutsy.

I grew up around the corner, and believe me, this place has been many restaurants in it's time. But I think Hector's is unique in that it has oddly esoteric menu items and yet manages to have a tony but never elitest feel.

On Hector's On Henderson

Posted on February 12, 2008 at 9:29 a.m.

Food: 5/5  Vibe: 4/5  Service: 5/5  Value: 5/5  Overall: 4/5

Sorry I hit the wrong numbers. It was supposed to read as high being 5, not 1. (Duh Rawlins. This is why I leave restaurant reviews to Billusa)

On Veracruz Cafe (Dallas)

Posted on February 12, 2008 at 9:26 a.m.

Food: 1/5  Vibe: 2/5  Service: 1/5  Value: 1/5  Overall: 2/5

One of THE best meals I ever ate in Dallas. The tilapia crusted in almond was the most delicate I ever ate. The margaritas were superb. The service first class. This could have been a very expensive experience but here it is value. The entree was like $11.95. Go figure. Unfortunately, no desserts when I ate there...long story. A really wonderful surprise.

On Veracruz Cafe (Dallas)

Posted on November 19, 2007 at 1:41 p.m.

Food: 5/5  Vibe: 3/5  Service: 4/5  Value: 5/5  Overall: 5/5

Anyone who grew up in the real Texas knows instantly that this is true Tex-Mex; a style originating in San Antonio after World War 2. It is real, reasonable, sometimes greasy and always delcious. It is one of my Dallas native recommendations, and only one of three places I, a 7th generation Texan, go to for Texas/Mexican traditional. That's saying something. Try the guacamole with pico de gallo, great sour cream enchiladas (chicken) and true chilli con carne cheese entries. A time-stood-still classic. Be still my heart.

On Herrera's Mexican Restaurant (Dallas / Maple & Tollway)

Posted on November 19, 2007 at 1:26 p.m.

Food: 5/5  Vibe: 5/5  Service: 5/5  Value: 5/5  Overall: 5/5

A Dallas Classic in Oak Cliff main street Jefferson Ave. Sincerely authentic Nortena style Mexican. Very welcoming-inclusionary family owned/run. Fresh tortillas made on site. Great margaritas--the real kind! Gracious service, (too) loud pro mariachis. Like going to Mexico to a huge party. Been going there for 25 years. Unique and special in historic vintage Dallas architect Dilbeck building. Why miss this when it is Texas Mexican to its core?

On El Ranchito

Posted on November 19, 2007 at 1:17 p.m.

Food: 5/5  Vibe: 3/5  Service: 4/5  Value: 5/5  Overall: 4/5

Tiny Tex-Mex family owned restaurant at corner Jim Miller/Lake June in Pleasant Grove neighborhood of Southeast Dallas. Absolutely wonderful cheap thrill authentic Tex-Mex like it used to be. Either come straight down Jim Miller Rd. 3 miles going south after exiting I-30 going east or take Central south to I-175 Hawn going east and exit Lake June. The real deal.

On Reyes Mexican Food

Posted on November 19, 2007 at 1:10 p.m.

Food: 5/5  Vibe: 5/5  Service: 5/5  Value: 5/5  Overall: 5/5

Wonderful music, charming welcome from owner Lorna Tate, good food, unpredictable menu, good prices, terrific caring pro service, smooth bar with an upscale rare-rare-in-Dallas Chicago-esque racially/culturally mixed ambience. What the hell is not to like with this place? Be sure and go to no-cover Sunday brunch for starters. Extremely professional grove here, dedicated to jazz. Don't miss out on this one.

On Brooklyn Jazz Cafe