N. A MORSEL; A MOUTHFUL; THE BEGINNING OF A HEAVENLY MEAL
They're the chefs, bakers, and culinary magicians who most teased your taste buds.
Nikky Phinyawatana The Mint Asian Fusion Cafe
The Bangkok native opened her second healthy Asian cafe in Dallas last fall. Locals clamor for the fresh fare, especially the noodle-free pad Thai and light green tea ice cream cake. Read more
Minty Fresh
The Mint Asian Fusion Cafe Opens
He says potato; you say no way, bro. He wants to carbo-load; you’re on a protein kick. He likes finger food; you’re craving a cocktail.
Don’t call the whole thing off; book a table at The Mint, a new Asian fusion restaurant. The pad Thai is soon to be legendary, but don’t worry — it comes in a noodle-free version, too.
Other health-conscious items include grilled salmon salad, stir-fry, and steamed sea bass. Some dishes are even gluten free.
Snackers will love the summer rolls, chicken satay, and spicy tuna crisp; drinkers will dig the full bar. And for dessert, there’s green tea ice cream and Dr. Pepper floats, which should bring everyone around to the idea of fusion.
Even you two.
The Mint, 4246 Oak Lawn Avenue, The Shops of Highland Park (214-219-6468 or themintdallas.com).
Sarah Momary and Kristyn Smith Crooked Tree Coffeehouse
Tired of searching for a cozy neighborhood java hut, these gal pals took matters into their own hands. Their casual Uptown spot caters to the hipster crowd with organic sips and bites and live music. Read more
A New Blend
Crooked Tree Coffeehouse Opens
After a steady string of blahttes, crappuccinos, and cafe au lames from the big chains, you tossed out your regular coffee routine.
But the buzz kill left you wandering the streets in a grumpy haze.
Recaffeinate at the Crooked Tree Coffeehouse.
The vintage bungalow-turned-java hut serves delicious coffee and tea thanks to an organic, fair-trade-only policy. The decor is equally refreshing with vintage shop and Grandma’s attic finds, like a retro tweed sofa, turquoise glass lamps, and paisley club chairs from the ’70s. The back room even has a stage for live musical acts on Friday and Saturday nights.
Locals (translation: Uptown hipsters) kick back into the wee hours enjoying free WiFi, homemade bites (pastries, muffins, sandwiches), and locally made vegan treats.
Sounds like the perfect place to put down new roots.
Crooked Tree Coffeehouse, 2414 Routh Street (214-953-1142 or crookedtreecoffeehouse.com).
Jennifer Garcia and Stephanie Worsham CucaLu Cruffles & Cakes
With a combined 34 years in the food biz, the single moms wanted a piece of the pie. Their cake-filled truffles are already seeing sweet success, from local shindig appearances to a private-label deal. Read more
Cake Mix
CucaLu Cruffles
It’s bathing-suit season. So when it comes to sweets, you limit yourself to just one.
Except with cake and truffles. Abstaining is too difficult, even for the most disciplined.
Well, you’re in luck (sort of). New sweets startup CucaLu introduces the cruffle.
Just like it sounds, the bite-size dessert is a truffle with cake inside. Translation: balls of moist cake — strawberry, lemon, pineapple — that are hand-dipped in vanilla or chocolate.
Since the company is small (a.k.a. out of the owners’ homes), there is a nominal delivery fee, a six-piece minimum, and a required 48-hour advance notice (72 hours for specialty flavors like carrot, coconut, and red velvet).
Variety bags are also available in the event you can’t make up your mind.
Which, given your track record, will likely be the case.
Available by phone order (214-518-5039) or e-mail sales@cucalu.com. To see flavors, go to cucalu.com.
