Posted on February 28, 2008 at 11:28 a.m.

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

My first experience with Victory Tavern was at a work event at which they provided the compulsory nibbles. For once (unless Stephen Pyles is the nibble provider du jour) the food was not only edible, it was delicious. When Restaurant Week rolled around and I saw that VT was on the list, I immediately signed up for myself and about 10 friends. We were not disappointed. Prompt seating and attentive staff made everyone in our group feel welcome and appreciated. Our choices for the Amuse Bouche were Blue Agave Marinated Beef Tenderloin on Tortilla Crisp Candied Lime & Jalapeño Jelly with Smooth Avocado and Micro Cilantro, Grilled Asparagus with Portobello mushroom, proscuitto, Texas goat cheese and herb vinaigrette or Braised Beef Potstickers with pomegranate dipping sauce. I was able to sample each offering and all were outstanding. For our salad, most went with the wedge and for the entree, the Seared Halibut with asparagus-shi*take (it wouldn't let me post the word as a whole, accusing me of typing something naughty, ha!) mushroom risotto, yellow tomato and butter sauce was the crowd favorite although the salmon and 6 oz filet did not disappoint either. Desserts were decadent and everyone left feeling satisfied and knowing they would return.

Since that first visit, VT has become a Victory Park staple for my friends and I, especially if we are heading to the AAC. It's must-do for a pre-game drink and the most reasonable parking in the area, where just $7 (and something purchased inside the restaurant) gets you valet and 20 feet from the AAC doors. Two very enthusiastic thumbs up.

On Victory Tavern

Posted on February 28, 2008 at 10:20 a.m.

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

Whether you come to Cru with a date or a couple of friends, you won't be let down. Wine buffs will revel in Cru's extensive and diverse selection and those new to wine will love not being intimidated by the staff or the wine list due to Cru's wide array of flights, a grouping of three wines, served side-by-side, allowing you to compare, contrast and explore a selection of wines by variety or region or even vineyard. The pours are usually slightly smaller than a regular glass of wine (about 2.5 oz) but you won't even notice. The experience will be all that you remember.

Cru has a small but well-suited patio, perfect for people watching at the always busy corner of Magnolia Theater, Taco Diner and Mi Cocina. With offerings of a full dinner menu or what Cru calls a "sampling menu" (think appetizers and try the calamari or a cheese plate), it's the perfect place to spend the evening or kick one off.

On Cru Wine Bar (Dallas)

Posted on February 28, 2008 at 9:41 a.m.

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

What's not to love about this place? An amazing, always changing tapas menu, attentive staff and great people watching - and the ability to brush up on your high school Spanish. Whether it's for a large group or you + date, the waiters never miss a beat and are very friendly, offering suggestions when asked and never butting in when not invited.

Favorite nibbles include the potato omelette in saffron sauce, the beef in red wine sauce and of course, the piquillo peppers stuffed with goat cheese. The amazing contrast of the sweet peppers and the sharpness of the cheese will have you making noises like Meg Ryan in a New York deli. For those of you that like Oxtail Stew, my friend says it's just like her Mama used to make. I just take her word for that and order a delicious array of cheeses instead.

*Newbie tip - Go on the first Wednesday night of the month. You won't regret it. The place turns into a street party (weather permitting) with flamenco dancers, live music and more.

On Cafe Madrid (Dallas / Knox-Henderson)

Posted on February 27, 2008 at 12:36 p.m.

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

I first learned about Nandina from my downstairs neighbor who not only sang the praises of it's food but that it delivers such deliciousness until 3 am. That's right - THREE FREAKING A.M.!! Having only done the delivery thing about a half dozen times, a friend and I ventured to the actual restaurant for dinner one night and we were not disappointed. The service was awesome (even when one of the waitstaff accidentally knocked over my Kirin Light which was almost empty. They demanded I get a new one. Love that.), the food delicious - try the tulip dumplings, amazing little fried (you can get them steamed) purses of goodness with the most amazing mushroom sauce - and the price was unbeatable. We had 2 beers, a large sake, 3 appetizers and 2 sushi rolls (a Spider Roll and a Dragon Roll, I think) and our tab was under $40 before tip. The vibe is cool and hip, it looks and feels (and tastes) like what you'd find over in Uptown or Downtown and I hear they even have karaoke on the weekends.

On Nandina