Posted on November 3, 2008 at 1:36 p.m.

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

Halloween we decided to avoid the chains and were forced to remember a mom & pop fave of ours. Even after neglecting them for 6 months, they met us at the door with sad faces that "We're out of the Tomato" -- a soup my two kids could live on indefinitely. They knew the kids would be disappointed, but the minestrone is my personal favorite.

So to say "they are very family/community" centered is understatement.

The setting is dim lighting and slightly cheesy Italian/Sinatra music. It's not too much so it does make for a soothing (with kids) or romantic (without) dinner. Food is consistently good with plenty of real variety across meats and pastas - all well cooked and never gummy with good variety of seasonings. We finally tried the pizza (for the kids) and it is excellent - a genuine crust with a little heft to it but not chewy and plenty of real cheese.

I'm not a wine drinker, but I believe they allow you to bring your own as well as a reasonable house selection. Not sure of a cork fee, but a phone call would clear that up.

Quiet, friendly, reliable. A nice neighborhood place... that I drive across Plano for.

On Picasso's Italian Ristorante (Plano / Legacy)

Posted on September 16, 2008 at 12:04 p.m.

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

The only good thing about drive-bys is splattering their windshields with rotting eggs. I'm gonna ask that if this low review posting isn't a local IP that it does NOT belong in a restaurant review... of a place I really really like.

On Texadelphia (Dallas)

Posted on August 10, 2008 at 10:28 p.m.

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

Finally made it to Trader Vic's for my tenth anniversary. I'm not a tiki freak, but I do enjoy kitsch done right.

Service was ever so slightly over-eager (enough to be flattering but not annoying) and well paced.

Scottish Salmon :: A
Halibut with Macadamia Nuts :: A-
Prawns :: B
Mushroom Rice :: A
Asparagus :: A
Filet Mignon :: A
Wasabe Mashed Potatoes :: A+
Passion Punch :: B+

Mood was great. Food was great.

On Trader Vic's

Posted on August 6, 2008 at 6:59 p.m.

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

Good little place. I have a friend that always does her birthday here. That's what brought me in. Simple decor. Straightforward menu. Excellent salsas. Good sized servings and pleasant staff. They seem like family and have apparently worked together for eons.

Definitely a good "mom and pop" local shop with all the great stuff that brings.

On Tino's Too

Posted on June 30, 2008 at 10:45 p.m.

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

Cute little place... and not nearly well enough frequented. Tough location right on 15th Place 1/2 block up from corner of K and 15th.

Ben is the owner at the counter and really appreciates your business. I've caught a couple of decent acoustic sets there in a very open but intimate room.

On Fusion Cafe (Closed)

Posted on June 30, 2008 at 10:39 p.m.

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

Took a whole extended family of Cajun-lovers. I got high marks for bringing them so I have to pass the marks along.

Has a nice "bay side" feel to it without too much kitsch. Good service.

On Fishmonger's Seafood Market

Posted on April 28, 2008 at 2:11 p.m.

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

Good Pizza. Coupla decent specialty beers.
Sure it's a chain, but the wait staff is perky and good and they can handle a big table without calling ahead.

Ok... I confess, you'll find us there 3 out of 4 nights of any run by my favorite little theater nearby, so my feigning objectivity is a waste of time. ;o)

On BJ's Restaurant & Brewhouse (Plano)

Posted on April 17, 2008 at 10:41 a.m.

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

Kelly's is a mainstay of downtown. Friendly, reliable... I've known hound dogs less loyal. Clean and comfortably lit and always busy.

Their patio hosts some live acts that run the gamut from good solid bar bands to whacky funny loons with a mic and a guitar.

Try the Reuben - it's not a Reuben by anybody else's standard but it's flat out addicting. If coleslaw (on the Reuben) ain't your thing, try the brisket sandwich. Good chicken fried steak, too.

JR

On Kelly's Eastside

Posted on April 17, 2008 at 12:38 a.m.

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

Wish I'd known it in its funkier days, but I'm pleased with it as I found it. Generally quiet and dependably good food and service.

I have kids that love the fish in the pond out by the patio and they can watch the DART train rush past a couple of times during a meal. It's a fun treat.

Good guac, btw.

On Aparicio's Restaurante Mexicano and Tequila Bar (Plano)

Posted on April 16, 2008 at 3:28 a.m.

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

No theme. No kitsch. No pretense.

Just a good bar with pool tables in back... and the best hamburger downtown.

It's not on the menu, but sometimes they have sweet potato fries. Makes for an awesome burger.

JR

On Four G's Sports Bar & Grill (Closed)