One night in ... Richardson?

[Db Cooper]

I'm going to be in town next Friday for a business meeting and then have the evening to myself. The meeting and hotel are in Richardson. I have a budget of $40 to $50 for dinner. Is there anything worthwhile? I'd be willing to kick some of my own money in if its worth it. One thing to remember is that I'm going to be solo, but I'm not afraid of a sitting at a bar.

Thanks for your suggestions.

[RobbnTX]

So where did you end up going and what did think about it?

[Db Cooper]

I went to Love & War in Texas and had the Chicken Fried Steak. The restaurant was something unique which I enjoyed. I just sat at the bar. Everyone was very friendly and the service was quick. In regards to the food:

Pros: The portion size was huge. The steak was cooked so that it was tender and the breading was really, really crispy. The smoked corn on the cob was perfect with the right hint of smokiness. The mashed potatoes had pieces of breading scattered throughout giving them a nice crunch. And the gravy was nice, just the right blend of smoke and heat.

Cons: With that much food, you can't eat it quick enough and by the end, the gravy had started to harden to the point I couldn't finish the mashed potatoes. Being such a heavy dish, it also didn't exactly make me want to sit around and have a few beers either and listen to the music. I just wanted to go take a nap.

But all in all, I'd suggest Love and War if you want to get an honest Chicken Fried Steak. I'd suggest sharing it between two people. Thanks for a really good recommendation RobbnTX. Allthough you should have told me to also make sure I wore my cowboy boots and Wranglers with pleats. In my suit, I felt like I stood out like the Yankee I am.... Just kidding. Thank you for the help and if you ever visit the Twin Cities, let me know so I can return the favor.

[RobbnTX]

Db, your welcome, glad you enjoyed your stay!

[GroovinGourmet]

I had a most excellent first visit to Meso Maya in Preston Forest shopping center. A short drive from the Richardson area.

[Db Cooper]

Thanks for the suggestion, but I'm passing on Mexican. This is going to sound dumb, but I live in St. Paul MN and we have a plethora of authentic Mexican restaurants. It had to do witht the attractive benefits (there was once a sign on the Mexican border listing MN as the best place to head for) and what was once lax immigration policies in the southern region of our state where farming is still king. A number of folks who came here originally to work the farms have now opened up restaurants serving truly authentic Mexican. I've been to Mexico several times and would stack up the food I get here against what I had there.

The same principle applies to Asian. We have a mile stretch in St. Paul filled with every type of Chinese, Vietnamese, Korean, and Hmong restaurant you could ever imagine.

So for this trip, I'll stick with what I guess Texas does that other places don't. Chicken Fried Steak it is....

[twinwillow]

Hmm, Minn-Mex. Who knew?

[Db Cooper]

It's not Tex Mex. That's something totally your own unless you count Don Pablo's as a true representative of that style (and I'm guesing, more like hoping, you don't). What we have is more Mexico City Mexican. But it's close enough. We don't have anything like CFS, or beef ribs, which I'll be doing for lunch the next day, around here.

[foiegras]

Don Pablo's isn't the worst, but you're right, it's definitely not the best.

[CocoaNut]

From the Pappa's restaurant dynasty, you might consider (in Richardson) either Mexican or Cajun -
Pappasito's - http://pappasitos.com/location/?id=55
Pappadeaux's - http://www.pappadeaux.com/location/?id=19

Or venture a little way to Neighborhood Services Bar and Grill at Preston & Royal (south of 635
)http://neighborhoodservicesdallas.com/

If you enjoy Asian menus, Richardson is where you want to be, but others will have to point the direction there.

[twinwillow]

Of course for me, First Chinese BBQ is the best (IMHO) Chinese anywhere. However, If the OP is interested in Asian,
there is a whole strip of Cantonese and Szechuan Chinese restaurants on Greenville Avenue about 1/4 mile north of Main Street in the Chinese shopping center. I would suggest Caravelle (Cantonese, Taiwanese, Mandarin mix) as "primo" with an elegant ambiance and more expensive menu than the others.

[Dallas Alice]

In that same strip center, I love Royal Szechuan. And, for dumplings, Jeng Chi. First Chinese BBQ is always good -- although it's better if you go with a group (so you can share and taste many dishes).

[Db Cooper]

Thanks for suggestions ... Wife says ask about chicken fried steak? Anywhere close to get a great version?

[RobbnTX]

Straight up North Central Expressway (US 75) and just as you get into Plano check out the chicken fried steak at Love and War in Texas on the northeast side of Plano Parkway.

[Db Cooper]

I was looking at that last night from another thread. I think that is going to be the choice. Thanks to everyone for their suggestions. The ethnic suggestions are great, but I already have plenty of ethnic choices in the hometown where this is something just a little bit different.

I'll be there Friday night and will try to report back sometime next week.

[Db Cooper]

Oh, and yes, I will have a rental car. But don't want to be driving all over town in a city I'm not all that familiar with....

[Bolillo]

You might like "Silver Fox Steakhouse" It's on the Bush tollway just east of 75. They should have a website with menu.