Dallas - January 31, 2007

You Got Served

Dallas’s Best Dishes

You can dish it out just as well as you can take it. Assuming, of course, it comes on a dinner plate. But instead of eating crow? Try one of our eight favorite dishes.

APPETIZER
Braised Brisket Pot Stickers
What: Anaheim chiles and beef chunks served with citrus dipping sauce.
Why: East meets the Old West.
How Much: $7 lunch; $9 dinner
Where: Fuse, 1512 Commerce St., in the Dallas Power & Light Building, Downtown (214-742-3873).

Guinness Beef Stew
What: Seared beef with potatoes, carrots, onions, and, of course, beer.
Why: It’s a religious experience.
How Much: $3.25 for a cup; $5.95 for a bowl.
Where: The Old Monk, 2847 N. Henderson Ave., Knox/Henderson (214-821-1880).

ENTREE
Crab Meat Lasagna
What: Oven-baked Alaskan snow crab layered with a mix of bechamel and marinara.
Why: The secret’s in the sauce.
How Much: $19
Where: Alessio’s il Ristorante, 4801 Bryan St., East Dallas (214-824-2200).

Roasted Filet of Beef
What: Fall-off-the-bone tender meat served with haricots verts, truffled potato puree, and veal jus.
Why: Take a bite out of prime.
How Much: Three courses, $52; five courses, $67. Prix fixe menu only.
Where: Bijoux, 5450 West Lovers Ln., Inwood Village (214-350-6100).

SIDE
Mac and Cheese
What: Childhood favorite made better with rigatoni, roasted garlic cream, and Parmesan.
Why: Kraft never tasted this good.
How Much: $6
Where: Central 214, 5680 N. Central Expwy., in the Hotel Palomar (214-443-9339).

Crispy Calamari and Mussels
What: Try with the poblano tartar sauce.
Why: Seafood that’s to fry for.
How Much: $9.50
Where: Cafe Toulouse, 3314 Knox St., Knox/Henderson (214-520-8999).

DESSERT
Birthday Cake
What: Enormous slice of the chocolate treat served with a scoop of vanilla, plastic farm animals, and candles.
Why: You’re only young once, er, maybe twice.
How Much: $13
Where: Tillman’s Roadhouse, 324 W. 7th St., Bishop Arts District (214-942-0988).

S’more Fondue
What: Homemade graham crackers, marshmallows, and an Italian meringue and chocolate fondue.
Why: Dip it real good.
How Much: $8
Where: Amuse, 1326 S. Lamar, Downtown (214-428-7300).