Tag Archives: budget dining

Dining, Reviews

Adventures in Dining, August First Half

Marshall’s Bar-B-Q

12895 Josey Ln
Farmer’s Branch, TX 75006
(972) 243-4901

The fellow running Marshall’s counter was decidedly jolly and chatty with this early-evening-dinner gal looking to sate her BBQ cravings. As much as he seemed attentive however, he couldn’t deliver on the promise of good brisket. The barbecue here was “just okay”. I requested some fatty (NOT LEAN) brisket…I pleaded for “off the point” and some tasty “crusty” brisket, but the cut I received was nowhere near what I asked for. Sure, it tasted of smoke and I had morsels of flavorful crust, but the brisket was fall-apart dry. When I want moist, I want to see it glisten without having to poke the meat for the heavenly juices gluing together a rich, fatty brisket. The nice surprise to the meal however were the sides…I enjoyed the mayo-mustard potato salad and devoured their unique “signature” carrot-pineapple slaw. I’d like to give Marshall’s another try again for their sides…but if only I could convince them to cut me some outstanding brisket.

My rating: 3.0 stars
***

Iravat India’s Bistro

240 Legacy Dr Ste 306
Plano, TX 75086
(972) 517-8200

Does it say something about the restaurant when it merits a return visit for their buffet? Ok, perhaps I may not have as discriminating a palate for Indian lunch buffets as other buffet-goers, but on 2 separate visits, Iravat did not disappoint. I enjoyed seeing a good selection of non-vegetarian dishes on their buffet line, and even partook of their naan. I do find that the tandoori chicken was overly dry (perhaps chicken drumsticks shouldn’t be the choice for this) and I found their veggie selections lacking (the veg pakoras lacked the light, crispiness that I was looking for). I also expected more heat from their curries, which I quickly resolved by ladling some of their spicy pickled carrots over my meal. I can describe the flavor of their dishes as conservative, which does not always characterize good and true Indian cooking, but what I ate of Iravat’s buffet was fairly palatable and reasonably priced. Given my distance from Pasand, Iravat is much nicer drive in prettier digs, and worth repeat visits.

My rating: 3.5 stars
***1/2

Osaka Sushi

5012 W Park Blvd
Plano, TX 75093
(972) 931-8898

When the fiance pointed out “steak and grill” on the sign outside the restaurant, I wasn’t sure he was in the mood for some raw fish. But Osaka, an all-you-can-eat Japanese buffet, has just the right amount of fresh and cooked food to entice even the most reluctant raw food noob. After years of visiting Osaka, I am happy to report that they are my go-to place when I’m in no mood to make the trek to Addison for Tokyo One. I like that Osaka seems more intimate, less intimidating than other Texas-sized buffets. I always manage to find unexpected gems on both the warm and cold sides of the buffet. This is the mark of a successful Asian buffet, keeping the menu interesting by remaining inventive.

My rating: 4.0 stars
****

La Hacienda Ranch

17390 Preston Rd
Dallas, TX 75252
(972) 248-2424

The fiance and I came to LaHa in search of the best fajitas in town…and while it was leagues better than the dessicated fajita meat we had at On The Border, LaHa fajitas did not earn any great honors from us. What did please us was that one fajita dinner plate could be shared by two, and I had no problem sharing the fajitas (a rare occurrence for me) because of the host of meat on our sizzling platter. I did wish that there had been more grilled onions on the plate, and my fondness for dipping my rolled up fajita in salsa was tempered by the mild, smokiness of that dip. I was looking for spicy heat but found none. The best part of our visit to LaHa was the sinfully sweet ending–LaHa served up a fantastic sizzling-hot pecan pie swimming in a chocolate-whiskey sauce with a side of ice cream! Marvelous!

My rating: 3.5 stars
***1/2

Dining, Reviews

Catching up on dining reviews, pt 3

Bar-B-Cutie

208 North Greenville Ave.
Allen, TX 75002
(214) 383-7555

Nothing exciting at this Allen town barbecue franchise. Ordered the sampler platter which came with bland and dreary brisket. Tough, dry and no smoky flavor at all! At least the mesquite chicken proved flavorful and a lot less dry. The ribs didn’t taste like anything coming out of a smoker (do they even have a smoker at this location? I couldn’t tell!) but at least were moist and nearly fall-off-the-bone tender. Terribly disappointing amount of onion rings ordered as a side–while and fresh and hot, there just wasn’t enough to elevate this meal above obscurity. Bar-B-Cutie’s only redeeming quality is that it’s located in downtown and has a solid selection of bbq sandwiches (with pulled pork featuring prominently) to satisfy the lunch-going crowd. Just too pricy for the quality and the amount of meat that you get.

My rating: 1.5 stars
**

JC’s Burger House

335 Central Expy
Allen, TX 75013
(214) 495-9090

This isn’t your typical casual burger eatery, replete with condiment aisle and ice cream/shake dispensers. But JC’s Burger House is a satisfying stop if you’re looking for simple, cooked-to-order burgers. They have a simple grill menu, with burgers and chicken featured as the prime meat sources. There are some salad options–but JC’s is not the place to order them, especially when competing with the likes of “To Die For” Cheese Fries, Beer Battered Onion Rings and Jalepeno Bites, Apple or Apricot Pie, and Homemade Blue Bell Shakes and Malts. The quality of their burgers are one notch above fast food, typical of what you might get from a greasy spoon down the corner. JC’s throws down the gauntlet for any brave souls willing to try out their “Todd-Zilla” burger, a 1.5lb burger with triple cheese and triple patties…you get a spot of honor on their wall and a T-shirt if you manage to conquer this heart-attack inducing monster. On my next visit, I plan on trying out their cheese fries…

My rating: 2.5 stars
***

Mastergrill

310 Coneflower Dr
Garland, Texas 75040
Phone 972-530-6688

Mastergrill will probably be the destination for budget-minded Brazilian steakhouse goers. Their menu prices are very reasonable compared to the big name joints found in the DFW area. However, the lower prices also reflect the lower standards of this budding chain. After several visits (more than 5, less than 10) to their Garland and Frisco locations, I found their meats dry and mostly overcooked (especially during lunch), their salad bar just mildly interesting. Many a time, bread baskets were not refilled and dirty plates sat around awhile before being whisked away (though the Frisco location seemed much more on the ball when it came to service). The digs are upscale enough to host special occasions without being too flaunty, yet the casual suburban locations make it unimposing for neighborhood families with children who just want a comfortable place to dine big. Still, if a meat coma is in your future, and Fogo and Rafain are too much of a drive, then you will be served well at Mastergrill. Just remember to request your meat medium-rare…

My rating: 3.5 stars
***1/2

Dining

Challenge: dining on a dollar…or two!

Hard times call for drastic measures. Budgets are tight, and I realize I have cabinets full of condiments and ingredients waiting to be used. I’ve decided that it’s time to get creative. Utilizing an intial budget of $10 a week, I am resolved to craft tasty meals for one person each day, based around the notion that if I have to spend anything on ingredients that day…it will not exceed $2. Because of sites like AllRecipes.com, I’m inspired to come up with some creative plates based on as few ingredients as possible, yet be healthy and filling. Who would have thought something like Pad Thai Noodles, Garlic Parmesan Macaroni and Fried Rice could be found from my own cupboards yet still be deliciously homey?

This week I spent a total of $11 at the local grocery store. Milk, eggs, 2 boxes of pasta, an onion, a bag of peas and carrots, a jar of Ragu tomato sauce, 2 heads of garlic, and 8oz of shredded parmesan. I already whipped up my standard fried rice based on one theme ingredient: a can of whole water chestnuts. It turned out like my typical fried rice (garlic, onions, eggs, peas and carrots, pepper, garlic salt, dash of fish sauce and sweet soy), except I’m thinking I should have sliced the chestnuts for a more homogenous crunch throughout. And being the type of person who ends up making more than usual, I have enough leftover for another day! Yay me!