I have had occasion to visit several new restaurants in the last few months. In this post I will review 3 restaurants that make the grade…and then some!
Afghan Grill
19177 Preston Road
Dallas, TX 75252
Phone: 972-818-0300I discovered Afghan Grill from a glowing Guidelive review. I’ve only had the pleasure of sampling their modest but diverse lunch buffet, but it proved to be a crowd-pleasing foray into Middle Eastern dining. Dolmas, a rice pilaf sprinkled with carrots and raisins (or are those dates), memorable kofta meatballs, and meaty kabobs. Great value for a truly satisfying meal, and a comfortable place to escape for lunch.
My rating: stars
Little Sichuan Cuisine
240 Legacy Drive
Plano, TX 75023
Phone: 972-517-1374Another Guidelive discovery, Little Sichuan proved to be more exciting when I found it situated in a new Asian marketplace across the street from the Cinemark Legacy megaplex in Plano. Hubby and I started with a mild Asparagus & Crab soup swimming with countless green slices of asparagus. I ordered two other starters and three more plates, much to the surprise of our server, who cautioned us that I had already ordered more than enough for two people. But those Chengu dumplings were delightful, and the cold tripe/meat dish heavily dressed in hot spicy peanut sauce was addicting. Hubby remarked on the light and airy nature of the chicken fried rice, which he approved of. The garlicky water spinach and the beef with cabbage demonstrated lasting appeal after taking them home as leftovers. For an ethnic Chinese spot, the staff was very attentive and helpful. The restaurant itself showed its newness from the bright, unadorned walls and clean space. Definitely worth a trip back to sample the other options on their modest-sized menu.
My rating: stars
Plano Chinese Barbecue
930 W Parker Rd
Plano, TX 75075
Phone: 972-943-1010In the search for closer-to-home Chinese BBQ outposts in North Dallas, hubby and I have stumbled upon this site on our way to our usual standby (First’s Chinese). And what a happy discovery we found. The usual BBQ list starts the Plano menu but then we venture into a more diverse selection of dishes and specialties. Take for instance the deep fried beef with black pepper and the now-classic deep fried pork with pineapple sauce. These two dishes alone are worth repeat visits to Plano Chinese…and revisited them we have. On other occasions we have sampled scallops with broccoli (enormous sea scallops), beef flat noodles (customized to our liking), young chow fried rice, combo hot pots (swimmingly yummy), and mixed vegetable dishes (bok choy and chinese broccoli options). On the occasional Sunday visits, they also offer a small selection of dim sum! The best part of all this is that Plano Chinese BBQ takes plastic, and that’s enough to keep us coming back for more. There’s a new Chinese BBQ king in the North Dallas/Plano area, and we’re now big fans of it!
My rating: stars