his months city focus looks at Dallas and the Dallas restaurant scene. When we planned on this issue we knew we were putting a lot on our proverbial plate as the restaurant scene there is like everything in Texas, BIG!

From fine dining to barbeque, from Tex-Mex to Asian flair Dallas covers it all, and although we tried our best we had to enlist some local experts to cover it ourselves, but more on that later.

With Dallas Restaurant Week August 14 - September 6, 2009 pick your favorites and make reservations now!! Here are ours:

Abacus – Kent Rathbun is sure to please in this Dallas staple. Make sure you try the lobster shooters! Our meal there was a medley of perfection. The eclectic menu is a living entity as it is constantly changing and evolving with the seasons and the changing availability of the freshest products. Kent’s skills not only turn unique product combinations into the extraordinary he also turns common staples into unique offerings as with his rendition of bacon and eggs: ““Bacon and Eggs”, niman ranch chipotle bacon scrambled duck egg, black truffle….. to die for.

Bijoux Scott Gottlich not only produces exquisite offerings he and his staff put together the wonderful food in an absolutely elegant atmosphere with a perfectly trained set of cast members. “The service is unbelievable. At Bijoux, if you think of something you might want, someone offers it to you,” noted Margie Hubbard who I will introduce you to shortly.

Craft - Tom Colicchio produces another masterpiece in Dallas restaurant. As with his other fine restaurants Tom is always utilizing the finest and freshest ingredients compiling them in simple elegance to create a Picasso in every dish.

Fearing's - Dean Fearing, a Dallas food icon brings the city a consistently top quality dining experience. Our cant’t miss favorites - Tortilla Soup - A Trio of Griddled Jumbo Lump Crabcakes, Barbecued Duck Tamale and Two-Bite Lobster Tacos - Pan Roasted “BBQ Spiced” Filet and Chicken Fried Maine Lobster on Queso Fresco Corn Potatoes and Cynthia’s Soft Spinach Taco. The Rattlesnake bar is also a must see!

Nana – Not even the most beautiful view of the city can top the food as each plate is a work of culinary art as well as being a well balanced and carefully crafted flavor experience that is sure to make your palate dance.

Shinsei - Who says pillow talk isn’t powerful! When the wives of two of Dallas’s most celebrated chefs, Fearing and Rathbun, got together to create their own Dallas restaurant they proved they were listening! This sushi/pan Asian delight is sure to please.

More Dallas Restaurant Selections...