I've been reviewing restaurants in Dallas for 10 years now. Let's chat!
Posted by dfwfoodcritic@reddit | Dallas | View on Reddit | 263 comments
The Dallas Observer chose me as their new food critic and ran my first review on May 3, 2016. For the last 4+ years I've been full time at D Magazine, producing reviews, lists, guides, interviews, features, and the 50 Best Restaurants. For the last 15 months or so, I've been the only professional dining critic in Dallas, that is to say, the only person who follows ethics rules, visits unannounced multiple times, and pays for meals as an actual job.
Let's chat!!! I'll be here all afternoon.
10 years column (that is also my 500th piece for D Mag): I’ve Been Reviewing Dallas Restaurants for 10 Years. Here’s What I’ve Learned.
FAQ
How can I get paid to review restaurants? Maybe convince the Dallas Morning News to hire a reviewer since they haven't had one since 2019. (But seriously, I trained as a writer and especially in persuasive and opinionated writing. Then, as a person with a Middle Eastern parent, I wanted to write about immigrant owned restaurants. The Observer paid me $25 per article to start.)
How often do you dine out? 257 restaurant meals in 2024, 320 in 2025, so far this year 76.
What's really new and good right now? Puerto Cocina. AM/FM Diner. Prime Doner in Plano. Seegars Deli. Ateliê. The Bread Club for bread and laminated pastries but not for cookies or scones.
Doesn't D Mag take bribes for restaurant reviews? No. We pay for everything. PROOF!!
Wait, you've written 500 articles? How come they're not all in this sub? To not be spammy. But here's some cool recent stuff: unmasking a restaurant group that gives customers freebies in exchange for 5 stars on Google, asking Beyoncé's personal stylist why he's a culinary school intern now, trying a new Uyghur spot in Plano, deflating the Prince Street Pizza hype, and talking to Dallas tourism execs about the numbers behind Michelin. We publish about 3-4 food articles a week on dmagazine.com and send an email newsletter digest weekly!
What's your favorite restaurant? Ugh! Literally the worst question, I have like 15 favorites. According to my log, the restaurants I visit most are Encina and Cenzo's. Last year my birthday party was a crawl of Easy Slider + Las Almas Rotas.
thelostdutchman68@reddit
Any good Carrollton recommendations?
Anaweir@reddit
Lots of good Korean food. There was however sadly a shooting in the ktown plaza today in Carrollton :(
thelostdutchman68@reddit
Agree we have lots of great Korean food as well. Yes, sad situation with the shooting this week. Was right down the street from where I live. Wondered why there was a helicopter flying around. Now back to food. What are your favorite places to eat in Carrollton?
Anaweir@reddit
Hampyeong Noodles in Hmart complex. Make sure to get a cup of the complimentary broth.
Chanmaru- better soft tofu than BCD house
thelostdutchman68@reddit
Thanks for the reco's I'll have to try them both out. :)
cupcakesordeath@reddit
I feel like we never get enough love in our area. We have some really good, affordable food options.
thelostdutchman68@reddit
I agree 100%. Love the food diversity we have around us, especially here in Carrollton.
Resident-Surprise206@reddit
I’m wondering why you haven’t reviewed Ayat. Definitely a style of Palestinian food the city lacked.
Flavor profiles are there. It’s one of the few NYC restaurants that’s transplanted here that’s not owned by Major Food Group, or Landrys, or 2 Greek Guys and Marc Packer.
I think we’re all glad Michelin came to help create the talent competition that we greatly lacked. Hopefully we can get adventurous, and leave Caesar salads, and smash burgers behind us for once.
Lastly, I’m happy to see that you guys are steering the ship toward more exciting foods.
Keep up the good work.
JMpickles@reddit
Give best barbecue place
dfwfoodcritic@reddit (OP)
Goldee's. Here's a whole list, I spent $3,000 eating at 65 places for it
electricgotswitched@reddit
Have you had a chance to go to Strouderosa BBQ in NE Dallas since doing the list? The wings are 🔥 as is the rest of it
dfwfoodcritic@reddit (OP)
OK here are my notes on Strouderosa from visiting about 15-16 months ago:
Outstanding/A+ items: pulled pork loaded twister fries, super crisp steak fries
Items done right: tender lean brisket on the smokier side and sliced very thick
Items not done right: tough/undercooked ribs, watery pico, enchiladas were just brisket, tortilla, and queso with no other seasoning
Special note: Owner Matt Stroud was friendly, engaged directly and asked for feedback, talked about his recipes, has a great mustache. Menu guided by his wife's food allergies and his kids' dislike of spicy food.
dfwfoodcritic@reddit (OP)
I did go before doing the list. Note to self to reply tomorrow at work after looking at my full BBQ spreadsheet for notes, but my memory is that I loved the loaded spiral fries but didn't like some other stuff.
Cictercimon@reddit
Create most robot comment
JMpickles@reddit
How about u suck on the robo nutz
Dallas-ModTeam@reddit
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lostpierogi@reddit
Me and my husband are flying in for our one year anniversary. Where should we get dinner to celebrate in Dallas proper?
Big_Car_7725@reddit
So cool!
Mercy_Rule_34@reddit
recognizing you work for D (as in Dallas) Magazine, do you envision any future articles focused on surrounding suburbs? you turned me on to a Thai place in Allen years ago (which unfortunately is now mostly generic, and only take out) and a few places in Plano, so love to get your take on those areas too!
dfwfoodcritic@reddit (OP)
ugh I'm so sad about Spice Thai!
In a few weeks I'm gonna start research on all the momos in Irving. Would also love to do some food court guides in Asian markets. And this fall I have hopes to finally turn to Middle Eastern and Mediterranean food because it's just dumb that I haven't done a deep dive on that yet. Hearing really good things about Ayat in Richardson (and more mixed things about Khashoka).
Bharat Bhavan is worth a trip.
Epic_Mile@reddit
Spin the fortunate wheel at Peak Bar & Grill! Can't wait to read about momos
Mercy_Rule_34@reddit
the food court idea is awesome! make sure at hit Hong Kong Food (yeah, the name is not flashy) inside JusGo off Legacy for the world’s best rice rolls.
dfwfoodcritic@reddit (OP)
thanks!! the less flashy the name, the better!
True-Candidate-9780@reddit
dream job lol !! my two fav dallas eats lately are mot hai ba and ichigoh- soso delicious
9bikes@reddit
Your post is a huge demonstration of how the Dallas Observer is so much better than the Dallas Morning News!
When DMN posts on Reddit, there's a link to a paywalled article and there's not anyone sticking around to answer follow-questions!
dfwfoodcritic@reddit (OP)
lol I'll take it, and I had a way better time with the DO than DMN, but I'm not at the Observer anymore!
UsedDimension7373@reddit
Have you tried the Dallas Times Herald? I haven’t seen a restaurant review from them in decades. Seems like an opportunity. 😁
Surlyllama23@reddit
748-1414
TryNotToAnyways2@reddit
RIP
xxshteviexx@reddit
Everything is better than DMN. Probably will be even worse now with the acquisition. Their scummy promo rate increases and phone-only cancellation have been going on for years and they have said multiple times they will update the cancellation process but haven't.
nevermore0069@reddit
What are your top recommendations for restaurants in K-Town and Asian Trade District along or near Harry Hines @ Royal?
dfwfoodcritic@reddit (OP)
Koryo BBQ - one of the 2 or 3 places in city limits that were grandfathered in when the law changed from allowing charcoal grills at the table to gas. Gas BBQ just isn't the same.
Damasita - hot take, gimbap is the best fast food bang for your buck in town.
DanSungSa or No. 1 Plus for fried chicken
Ajumma Kimbob Deli - the cold spicy noodles feel so good in summertime
Dduk Bae Gi Hot Stone bibimbap
Hong Dumpling House
PsstErika@reddit
Damasita is permanently closed, according to Yelp?
dfwfoodcritic@reddit (OP)
Nooo, I hope not! They have three Google reviews in the past month. Might have to go check.
mllllllln@reddit
their spicy tuna kimbap is the best
nevermore0069@reddit
Oh, thank you for the suggestion. I haven't tried gimbap yet, but I've been wanting to. I love tuna and I love spicy, so that sounds great!
nevermore0069@reddit
Wow, I am glad I repeated back some of what they said, and also glad another user mentioned the name (Damasita). I wonder why they deleted their comment.
HoneyIShrunkMyNads@reddit
Happy to see Damasita get the love it deserves, my favorite cold noodles next to Cho Dang village
nevermore0069@reddit
Rockin! I love noodles, cold or otherwise!
nevermore0069@reddit
Thank you for your recommendations! Also, I didn't know about the charcoal vs gas thing. Thank you for mentioning the difference. I didn't know the law had changed.
dfwfoodcritic@reddit (OP)
It was a long time ago from what I understand. Koryo has been around, including changes of ownership, since the late 90s.
michellejeong@reddit
thank you dfw food critics for all of your recs. i bookmarked a bunch and can’t wait to try!! 😋
i wanted to add my two cents on the korean food recs in harry hines area as a korean who grew up on korean food and still mostly eats korean
i tried most of the restaurants in the area and i only liked a few. some are: • onedon: for tonkatsu. i really liked the original and curry. • hot stone & korean kitchen (dduk bae gi) • doma seollongtang
unfortunately i did not like koryo..every time i went for bbq, i did not like the meat. i would order the other dishes. for bbq go to saemaeul and donsarang in carrollton if you can.
dfwfoodcritic@reddit (OP)
Thank you so much for this! I will go to Onedon for katsu asap. Kurobuta katsu was good in Carrollton when it opened but the chef and owner sold it within like 2 months.
nevermore0069@reddit
Thank you for that. I have only tried the buffet at Koryo, but not the barbecue. I'll definitely consider those locations in Carrollton. Thank you for the suggestions.
Cictercimon@reddit
Why is East Dallas so much better than Oak Cliff, in terms of dining, yes, but also everything else?
OiGuvnuh@reddit
Because of developers. Oak Cliff has been thoroughly ruined by development and gentrification.
dfwfoodcritic@reddit (OP)
Perfect Saturday: eating lunch at Resident and walking across the street to Vector.
Crying_in_99Ranch@reddit
I somehow missed this post but I've always appreciated all your posts and comments on recs. I can tell you are a true foodie and not someone who just jumps on trends or goes with the most popular places.
Do you have asocial media account you share stuff on?
Prize-Fun-7191@reddit
This was such a fun read! Do you have a favorite grocery store in oak cliff? The Kroger is a massive pain
cloudykittens@reddit
What are your favorites spots in Oak Cliff? Seeing you’re also local to the area, wanted to try some new joints!
dfwfoodcritic@reddit (OP)
Encina, Ly Food Market (best Thai/Lao south of the river), Oak Cliff Bread, Gonzalez, Atelie, Little Blue, Pillar, Written by the Seasons, Cenzo's, plus this list too
springbluebell1@reddit
I will have to give Cenzo’s another try. I’ve only been once and the pizza was so flimsy and soggy, it’s like it was set down in a puddle of water before it was served. Maybe the vegan cheese ruined it. But Fortunate Son doesn’t have that issue with vegan cheese, so who knows.
dfwfoodcritic@reddit (OP)
I wouldn't rate Cenzo's a top 10 pizza in town on technique (Fortunate Son, Zoli's, Neony, Partenope, Farina in Grani, Motor City, Carina, Thunderbird are in that conversation) but it's near us, has great people and a great vibe, and scores extra personal points based on that. Not sure how many of the spots on that list are vegan friendly.
springbluebell1@reddit
I did like the vibe of Cenzo’s, I think it’s worth another shot. And I will have to check some of these other places out!
chrisjlee84@reddit
dfwfoodcritic@reddit (OP)
No. They get so swamped, and they don't really expect restaurant week customers to come back, so they're just trying to bang out the limited menu.
Houston Chinatown is the first one that comes to mind. And Mala Sichuan. Also Houston's high end restaurants are more chill and comfortable than ours: Baso, Theodore Rex, Nancy's Hustle.
Bilad Bakery in Richardson. When I was trying to review them, it was January 2017, and certain shit had just gone down politically, and they avoided me. I don't know if they were afraid, or if they thought I was a scammer, etc. But after the piece came out, an activist contacted us and organized a dinner there, kind of part protest against the travel bans, part educational, part just bringing people together. It sold out, they added a second seating, that sold out too. Bilad had to rent more tables and chairs. The food was so good, and everyone was so happy, and even today that's probably the #1 place people comment to me about.
Oh man yes! All of Misti Norris' crew. Timm (two M's) at Town Hearth. The gals who bartend at Revelers Hall. Jacob the wine guy at Quarter Acre. The really short high schoolers at Cenzo's. The dude at Celestial Beer who's always wearing Tennessee Vols and/or Alabama Sucks gear.
Chewy96@reddit
All amazing shout outs for number 4!
Return-of-Trademark@reddit
Houston Chinatown response shows that this person is valid
Anon_Bourbon@reddit
I feel this way about basically every other major TX city in comparison to Dallas.
Love your work.
brattypiggy@reddit
any particular suggestion for Indian restaurant and congratulations! love seeing people appreciate their work
dfwfoodcritic@reddit (OP)
See this comment! https://www.reddit.com/r/Dallas/comments/1t3p6t5/ive_been_reviewing_restaurants_in_dallas_for_10/ojxkuoh/
brattypiggy@reddit
tysm ! Will try em out with my family soon :D
lickthisbook@reddit
Do you ever take Health Department ratings into account?
dfwfoodcritic@reddit (OP)
Sometimes they will deter me from covering a small mom and pop, or tip the scales when deciding what to name the "Best" or onto a top 10 type list.
Way back in 2017 or so, I did some investigative reporting for the Observer about how Dallas health inspectors were so overworked that they were deliberately passing restaurants that should have failed, to avoid the extra work of going back and checking up. It felt like a bombshell to me...but nobody read it. Nobody shared it, nothing happened. That really lowered my morale!
lickthisbook@reddit
It seems like the only thing that can truly make a movie theater stand out from the competition is the quality of their menu. Which movie theater has the best food? And which one has the best popcorn?
StrLord_Who@reddit
Best popcorn is the kettle corn at the Cinemarks that have it.
dfwfoodcritic@reddit (OP)
tbh One Battle After Another is the only movie I've seen in theaters in the last ~18 months. Tell ya who would have an answer though. Austin Zook. Looks like you can find him on IG, or https://www.dmagazine.com/guides/a-dallas-movie-obsessives-guide-to-north-texas-best-theaters/
2sunshineee@reddit
Desperately need your opinions on hole in the wall/mom&pop style restaurants in Plano/north DFW
dfwfoodcritic@reddit (OP)
Big yes - Prime Doner, Babahan Uyghur Cafe, Sal's Hot Chicken, SauceBros Pizza, Board Bites, almost everything at the corner of Park & Coit
Big no - places that have like 1300 reviews on Google that nobody's ever heard of because they paid a "marketing firm" that got them a bunch of bot reviews
Hearing amazing things, need to try ASAP - Texapolitan Pizza
Technically still exists in Plano - the last Quiznos in North Texas!
monkeyman80@reddit
Prime diner was such a shock. I’ve never had lamb like that.
fruityrootytooty@reddit
Ugh Texipolitan is so good.
dfwfoodcritic@reddit (OP)
not sure if it counts but the sandwiches at Enzo's Deli are INCREDIBLE
AproposOfDiddly@reddit
Do you have 2-3 recommendations for tasty, moderately healthy food that would be considered “budget”(under $30 for 2 adults, take out and hole-in-the-wall is fine)? What I mean by moderately healthy is that there’s lots of Mexican food that is still decently priced, but it’s all grease and cheese. You know, the stuff that makes food taste good. However, doc says I need to not eat anything that makes food taste good (saturated fat, sugar, sodium) and I’m really sick of grilled chicken salad and salmon with a side of steamed broccoli.
To give you an example of what I’m looking for - one of my go-to “healthy” lunches is Vietnamese spring rolls at a local place near work. Not fried, lots of healthy veggies, not slathered with dressing, and a lean protein (shrimp or tofu). And two orders are $10.50 with tax.
CatteNappe@reddit
Have you looked for Middle Eastern places? Hummus, kabobs, and such?
AproposOfDiddly@reddit
This sounds like a good strategy, there’s quite a few Mediterranean restaurants near where I work in north Dallas.
mollyhad@reddit
Lucky Bamboo on Coit has a diet menu (their title, not mine) that has steamed meat, vegetables, and sauce on the side. Unique and Delicious!!
dfwfoodcritic@reddit (OP)
That sounds kinda like LaVui in the Medical District. Spring rolls are great for this...also certain kinds of Indian or Middle Eastern wraps, flatbreads, kati rolls, depending on what the filling is. Vector Brewing's Garden Gnome sandwich. Chinese-from-China not Chinese-American food can be pretty well balanced if they get the right balance of a fairly salty sauce + a lot of rice to stretch it further and neutralize the sodium.
What's surprising to me is how many explicitly vegetarian/vegan joints are unhealthy...they just take a different ingredient and deep fry it.
Super_Woodpecker_778@reddit
If someone is visiting from out of town, what’s your go-to spot you’ll take them to for Tex-Mex and BBQ?
dfwfoodcritic@reddit (OP)
Tex-Mex: Gonzalez on Jefferson or, depending where they're from and how fancy they are, Las Palmas
BBQ: Smokey Joe's and Cattleack
Underrated play: if someone is visiting, meet them for the first time in the line at Goldee's so you can spend the whole line catching up
Alternative-Meet4172@reddit
Gonzalez is so good
omgfloofy@reddit
Not being able to get to Cattleack easily these days has been my greatest sadness of moving away from the north Dallas area. I love the texmex options I have around me, but I've yet to find something over here that I like as much as I liked Cattleack and Blu's.
PaulDallas72@reddit
The 12 years I spent working at the BOA Tower in OC was pure heaven thanks to the short walk Gonzalez on Jeff. :)
Super_Woodpecker_778@reddit
Thank you!! Will definitely have to check out Gonzalez and Smokey Joe’s. Love Cattleack
TwerkForJesus420@reddit
Thanks for all the reviews over the years and suggestions! What sort of cuisine is DFW lacking in your opinion?
dfwfoodcritic@reddit (OP)
It used to be Balkan food, but now we're set with Eddie's Euromart and some items at Bubala Cafe. And we got a Sonoran hot dog at AM/FM.
Now some things that come to mind are traditional Brazilian (not steakhouse), dim sum, maybe something Scandinavian?, and wine bars with weird snacks. And I would love a Korean version of Cris and John.
miradesne@reddit
dfwfoodcritic@reddit (OP)
IG bg_reinhart, don't post a ton there. dmagazine.com and we have a weekly email digest for food with all my stuff.
majinjuul_@reddit
Is The Peak Inn actually the best burger in East Dallas?
dfwfoodcritic@reddit (OP)
for me personally...Goodwins.
pugm0m_w-o_pug@reddit
oh my!! over burger schmurger? (i love all burgers)
dfwfoodcritic@reddit (OP)
at some point when you're talking about the great burgers, it basically becomes a personality test.
StationFair5095@reddit
I’d like to know where you came from, what your background is. I’ve read you from the beginning!
secron7@reddit
Are you reimbursed for your dinners? I ask because a lot of your reviews seem to be focused on complaining about the prices instead of trying to enjoy the experience. I also think that contributes heavily to you not enjoying higher end places as to really "get" those places, you have to blow ridiculous amounts of money.
I've always said people should go to Chili's and order whatever I want than go to Carbone and have to worry about the price of the water. Get in where you fit in.
dfwfoodcritic@reddit (OP)
This is a very interesting comment with a backstory. To the first Q, yes, D Mag issues a company card.
The average D Mag reader makes a lot of money. When we get reader emails, they're from law partners, brain surgeons, senior VPs. When I was at the Observer, all our readers were broke, and so was I (also getting reimbursed but on a tiny budget - and paying for all my own alcohol). With DO readers, our shared goal was to find the hidden gems, holes in the wall, little guys, etc.
When I started at D Mag, an editor had to pull me aside and say, hey, knock it off with the complaining about prices, because that's our readership. They're the ones paying for it. Very fair. But the job is a consumer advocate job, basically, helping people spend their money wisely, especially on birthday or anniversary type dinners. It was really eye-opening seeing a comment in this thread where someone specified that affordable meant a whole meal for two people is $30. Even fast food chains are pushing that now.
Basically the divide between haves and have nots is very clear in the readership, and it's a very tricky, difficult balance. I guess I try to signal, is this splurge worth it, or nah? To me, Mister Charles or Mamani is worth it, but on my own time and money, they'll be pretty rare occasions.
secron7@reddit
That's a fair response that makes a ton of sense. I think my perception was based off of reading your articles when you first took over at D Magazine. Thinking back, I suppose it's been quite some time since I had an issue with the talking about the pricing. I remember your story on valet issues in Dallas was kind of my eye roll moment.
I'll revisit my opinion and also your reasoning makes total sense.
aprince12@reddit
How can I get a job at the magazine with no degree, but a passion for food?
dfwfoodcritic@reddit (OP)
The degree is only important in that it shows experience in writing, but people without degrees can do it too. The full time job is mine but we do publish freelance work!
aprince12@reddit
I understand that!
Do you need an assistant? 😅
Prestigious_Win9629@reddit
Are you turkish? Do you speak turkish? Merhaba!
dfwfoodcritic@reddit (OP)
Merhaba! My mom's from Istanbul. I only really know food words, teşekkürler, and canim benim because my grandmother would always say it over and over and over on the phone when she called us.
Prestigious_Win9629@reddit
I am from Istanbul too! I appreciate your highlighting of turkish / mediterranean cuisine in the DFW area. Turkish cuisine is so delicious but not really well known in the US!
dfwfoodcritic@reddit (OP)
Agreed so much! My mom is from Suadiye.
Also for next time you are in Houston on a Thursday or Friday, you need to visit this wine shop: https://www.fineturkishwine.com/
msqaures@reddit
Do you travel to eat as well?
dfwfoodcritic@reddit (OP)
thankfully no. Travel writing is terrifying. Like three dinners in one night.
msqaures@reddit
Oh I just mean for pleasure! Haha.
dfwfoodcritic@reddit (OP)
oh yes! definitely!
A couple years ago, some buds and I flew to Chicago and spent 24 hours eating cheeseburgers. It was one of the most fun days I've ever had. Here's how we did it:
Convinced an Uber driver to turn off the clock and drive us for $$
Quartered every burger so we could try 4-5 in one mealtime
No fries! Save room for burger!
Whenever we needed to slow down, we stopped in to a bar, had a drink, and asked the bartender where their favorite burger is.
msqaures@reddit
Also, you had the loyalist burger I hope?!
dfwfoodcritic@reddit (OP)
We had Au Cheval, Loyalist, Izakaya Momotaro, Small Bar (Patty Please), Best Intentions, Fatso's Last Stand, Red Hot Ranch, Gretel, The Region, and like 5 more I'm forgetting
msqaures@reddit
Rock on! Food trips are my favorite.
SugoiHubs@reddit
Hey Brian, my wife and I follow your writing closely. We eat out all around Dallas about 10 times per month and our rule is that a majority of our meals out have to be places we’ve never been before. Your writing keeps our pipeline quite full and we love the Dallas food scene (flaws and all).
This might be too public of a forum to ask this, but we’ve always been a bit intrigued with your dynamic with the La Rue’s and Carte Blanche/Sauvage. Our experiences at both restaurants have largely been positive, but it really stands out to us that lots of the content and buzz around them and their food revolve less around the food itself and more about your friction and interactions with the chef and his background (I can’t remember now if you were the one that wrote about his questionable credentials and experience a few
How often does this happen in your line of work? When the story becomes much more than about the food?
dfwfoodcritic@reddit (OP)
That was totally unique, and the guy chasing me around was unique, and him posting claims that I'm an alcoholic was unique. There are other troublemaker chefs in town, even a few criminal chefs tbh (which the La Rues are not). But that particular confrontational element was really freaky. Especially since it wasn't me who did the reporting, it was Claire Ballor from the DMN who found everything out.
It was sad because the dude really did have talent, and if he had gone the normal path of working long-term in some restaurants, finding some mentors, learning the business side of things, and developing a personal style, he really coulda been something. His health issues now are very real, which is even sadder. His wife is an incredible baker, though, the donut shop is not going anywhere. (And I have snuck into it without getting caught.)
boldsurvive@reddit
Wanted to thank you for the Babahan review! I found Turan to just be okay when we tried it a few years ago so was hesitant to give another Uyghur spot a shot but we went for lunch yesterday after church and everything we tried was great, especially the samsas (outrageously juicy as advertised) and the noodles. Their yogurt drink was also great at balancing all the savory foods. One of the owners said they were looking to expand the menu soon so hopefully business remains good for them and we can try some new stuff in the future.
Any word you can share on Michelin now that we're in the third year of the original three year contract for the five cities in Texas? Curious about how renegotiation works behind the scenes.
More generally, congrats on 10 years! Maybe the State Fair will invite you back as a judge in the fall? :P
dfwfoodcritic@reddit (OP)
So glad to hear this! No word on Michelin yet. Sounds like they will be having more meetings and negotiations over the summertime, so the renewal (which Dallas is definitely pro) will probably be announced shortly before the 2026 guide updates. There will be a very very exciting (likely future Michelin) restaurant opening just a few blocks from the fairgrounds, right about fair time. See ya in September!
JubBird@reddit
Any good stuff out in Arlington?
dfwfoodcritic@reddit (OP)
I LOVE Fattoush in Pantego. So much. The Iraqi lamb kebab made me cry one time.
225 Degrees BBQ is worth keeping an eye on. And Prince!
Texas_Redditor@reddit
Fattoush is the GOAT. And you were the one that turned my wife and close friend on to it. And we have turned dozens of our extended friend group on to it. Just this weekend one of them had a small accident and needed stitches, and the next update we got from them after the hospital was a picture of his eating at Fattoush. The body knows what it needs to heal, and it a mixed kabob plate.
So thanks for everything you’ve done. We appreciate it. I know the owner of Fattoush appreciates it.
HoneyIShrunkMyNads@reddit
The Lebanese food is so good (Beirut grill), great vietnamese too (Mon Viet), and then Smoke n Ash is worth a visit for Ethopian bbq
BlueIndian1975@reddit
Channel your forefathers of dine and music from the ‘90s at the observer. They are the guru and jedi that you can build off of. ‘90s Dallas ain’t nuttin ta fuq wit. Observer glory days. Incredible writers. Incredible restaurants. SMOOT was the best
dfwfoodcritic@reddit (OP)
RIP Zac Crain 1974-2024
https://www.dallasobserver.com/music/take-these-records-please-6396423/
"If any band ever made a promise that I wanted kept, it was the Eagles’ declaration that they would reunite when and if hell froze over. The bastards. For the record, Satan is still hot, the Eagles still aren’t."
bareddit47@reddit
Just wanted to say you do a great job and are one of the many reasons I subscribe to D Magazine. Thanks.
dfwfoodcritic@reddit (OP)
Thank you for helping keep us employed!
kitkat214281@reddit
How do you hide your identity?
pfritzlives@reddit
Garlic and Sapphires: The Secret Life of a Critic in Disguise is a 2005 memoir by Ruth Reichl describing her tenure as restaurant critic for The New York Times.
Entertaining read!
dfwfoodcritic@reddit (OP)
I have 6-7 fake names and email addresses associated with them, plus two credit cards with fake names. Even on vacation, all my reservations accounts are under fake names so I'll show up in Chicago and have to remember my name.
But if the restaurant staff has my pic or knows me, the game is up when I sit down. I'll often have guests arrive first so they get seated so the host can't, like, move me to a nicer table.
CandiceFit69@reddit
I live in Oak Cliff, absolutely love it. However, I have tried a handful of taco spots that just aren’t anything that really stood out. Do you have a go-to taco spot in the area? How about burrito?
dfwfoodcritic@reddit (OP)
I usually get the burrito at Del Sur Tacos. Maskaras for Guadalajara style tacos and quesabirria. Donde Los Tacos for trompo, vegan al pastor, and cebollitas. Limon's salsa verde will light you up (it has habaneros). Taco y Vino is more about the vibe and wine but the vibe is top notch.
webra1@reddit
Congratulations! It is strange that Dallas has only one legit critic now. There was a lot of hate for some reason when Leslie Brenner was at the DMN, but I always felt she pushed chefs to do better and improved the food scene.
Although I enjoy your reviews, you definitely have cuisines that you prefer and some of the restaurants you cover reflect that. I don’t think that is a problem, but having another influential reviewer with different preferences can offer another important perspective.
As a critic, do you miss having someone on your level to debate the local food scene with?
dfwfoodcritic@reddit (OP)
I completely agree and would very much like there to be someone else with a different perspective! It is a weight on the shoulders being the only one, I feel like a single parent. When there are more commentators who come from more backgrounds, or have their own expertise, it's so much easier to learn and grow, too.
Boo-Bees67@reddit
I can do it. Favorite food is nachos. Could probably write an article a week just the best nachos in Dallas
dfwfoodcritic@reddit (OP)
Just absolutely dominating the nacho expertise segment
Boo-Bees67@reddit
Dallas native of 46 years. No one…and I mean no one has my knowledge of nacho spots
Mintox_M8@reddit
Now I need to know your #1 nacho spot please?
Boo-Bees67@reddit
I was just signed by the Dallas Observer to compile my top 50 nacho joints. Tentative drop date is November so you will just have to wait for the release!
DecentPrintworks@reddit
Sounds great. Hit us up if you want to put it on a t shirt.
Boo-Bees67@reddit
They don’t call me Nacho normal nacho critic for nothing!
Mintox_M8@reddit
Congrats!
DecentPrintworks@reddit
Give us a top 5?
Boo-Bees67@reddit
One thing you have to understand is that I have 5 different categories. Messy nachos, clean nachos, alternative nachos (poke for example), fast food, ballpark style.
I don’t think your average lafer thinks about the scale of nacho offerings. I’ll go in to this further during the AMA.
Evening-Ad1231@reddit
Thoughts on el Carlos elegante? I hear nothing but great things and it’s the next place I want to go
dfwfoodcritic@reddit (OP)
I'll just pile on with the good things. They were especially savvy with wines that pair well with Mexican food. Get the one bite snacks!
riceu@reddit
El Si Hay for tacos and elotes still cannot be beaten… if you have the time and cash. Agree?
etchasketchpandemic@reddit
El Si Hay WITHOUT QUESTION cannot be beat.
dfwfoodcritic@reddit (OP)
oh wow it's my alma mater commenting on my Reddit thread. sorry I haven't donated since graduation?!
riceu@reddit
The endowment doesn’t grow itself
Giving@rice.edu
dfwfoodcritic@reddit (OP)
How much to get a servery waffle machine named after me?
riceu@reddit
If you have to ask..
KhanhyeEast@reddit
I read your review of Casa Brasa. You stated it is a place you go once to see and be seen however, wouldn’t revisit or have it as a regular spot. Film like.
My question for you is, are diners missing out when they choose Instagramable places with mid food over not as hyped places with superior food?
Emergency_Basket_851@reddit
When I was working in the restaurant industry, there was a belief among many chefs that Dallas was not a good town for food because the culture here is not adventurous and geared towards quantity or flashiness over quality. It seemed like the results of the Michelin guide coming here only served to reinforce this perception. What are your thoughts on this?
dfwfoodcritic@reddit (OP)
One factor that's underrated here is our tourism mix. The Visit Dallas people told me that we're like 85% business travel, 10% people visiting friends/family, and 5% straight up tourists. When you have that many business tourists and conferences and stuff, their agents will be looking for, what restaurant has a private room, where can we seat 20-40, who has a crowd pleasing menu with 1 of everything.
Contrast that to a city like SF or NY which are also business hubs, of course, but lots of people travel there for fun and food, and they'll be more adventurous and unpredictable in what they want.
Delicious_Hand527@reddit
Those numbers are so far off to be laughable. 85% business travel, for a metro with 7million residents? So for every transplant from even as far away as Austin (outside the Dallas MSA) only 10% of their parents visit per year?
And 5% tourism for place that gains 100k residents per year for the last decade? Like the suggestion is that most of those people don't visit even once before they move to DFW? Sure, VisitDallas. Even for Dallas alone, those numbers are not even realistic.
LOL.
It's more like 40% business travel, 40% family, 20% tourists.
RichardShermanator@reddit
I'm sorry I don't understand what you're saying - what exactly is making you doubt the numbers? Where 7 million MSA population factoring in?
There were 27 million visitors in 2024, so 10% of that = 2.7 million people who came to Dallas to visit family.
I also don't understand why 5% tourism for a place that gains 100k residents/year is implausible to you.
Still_Detail_4285@reddit
I don’t think you understood what the numbers represent.
FutzinChamp@reddit
It's funny that you laugh off numbers provided by an organization who is charged with knowing these figures and you simply retort with numbers you pull out of thin air
dfwfoodcritic@reddit (OP)
Well - it's Visit Dallas so I don't know if that is for the whole metro area of 7 million. It certainly does not include Tarrant, there's also a Visit Fort Worth.
cajunshrimp4@reddit
So where do I sign up to join you on these reviews? Lmao
dfwfoodcritic@reddit (OP)
One of my coworkers has gone on a couple with me recently and she was telling her friends how great it is, and I was like, "OK, next we're going to one of the bad ones."
This morning she came up and asked "so when are we going out to eat some bad food??"
hthroa@reddit
Unironically would join a bad food tour
cajunshrimp4@reddit
Literally ditto
ApprehensiveAnswer5@reddit
Ok because so would I.
I am the kind of person who will try something at least once, and also eats marginal food…like tamales from a random cooler in a parking lot, some lady coming down my street with pan dulce in a wagon etc. lol
dfwfoodcritic@reddit (OP)
Imagine if we got a bad food tour bus together and went to every restaurant and they were like "so what is this group? what are you guys doing?" and we were like "....uhhhhhhhhhhh...."
Holls867@reddit
How about a one star rating, but shouldn’t be tour? I’d be down. One star and you’ll know why shortly, I’m not sure if I can make it lol
hthroa@reddit
[We’ll just hit them with this meme]()
Lurcher99@reddit
I'd be up for that too - and - please visit the Uyghur place in Plano thats reviewed by OP. This is by where I live and that's a "cursed" spot for restaurants
Groobear@reddit
High quality post. Thank you for your service!!
Cictercimon@reddit
What exactly happened to your car? I mean, with the oil and stuff?
dfwfoodcritic@reddit (OP)
Apparently every single seal and cap was broken so it was "profusely" leaking oil all over the place. They took it for a 15 mile test drive and it lost 3 quarts. So I had it in the shop for 7 days and my very kind generous editors extended all of my deadlines for everything to match.
Cictercimon@reddit
Thoughts and prayers and EVs.
dfwfoodcritic@reddit (OP)
My house doesn't have a garage but I guess a regular 220 volt GFCI outlet outside would work?
noncongruent@reddit
Your outdoor outlet is going to be 120V, not 240V, and that can work for charging if you don't drive a whole lot. Common parlance in charging is in terms of miles range per hour of charge, and the higher the voltage and higher the amperage the more miles of range you can get per hour of charge. The range per hour of charge also varies based on the car model, some EVs get significantly more range per kWh of charge than others. A standard 120V outlet can deliver a continuous 12A, or around 1,440W.
A Tesla Model 3 base driven sedately can get up to 4.4 miles per kWh, so doing a little math you can charge it at around 6 miles per hour of charge. By comparison, a dedicated 40A 240V charge circuit can get you ~42 miles in an hour. EVs have intoxicating torque and acceleration, though, so if you drove it like you stole it expect less than half that range per hour of charge, and also to replace a very expensive set of tires in less than a year. That's the lesson my friend with his dual motor 3 learned, lol.
A good option for many people is a plug-in hybrid, often those have enough EV-only range to handle most days of driving, and the gas motor means that you never have to worry about your remaining EV range. They also tend to get much better than average gas mileage.
dfwfoodcritic@reddit (OP)
Thanks so much for this.
Totally frivolous side comment: once in Baltimore I saw someone's front door open, and their EV parked on the street plugged in to their rowhouse living room.
noncongruent@reddit
There's a box you can buy off Amazon that plugs into two 120V outlets and produces 240V. Legality is questionable, as is safety. It only works if the two chosen receptacles are on opposite legs, which may require lots of experimentation. Even if it works, it's still limited to 12A though doubling the voltage does double the charge rate. Double not much is still not much, lol. It's much better having a dedicated receptacle installed for EV charging.
dallasuptowner@reddit
Not strictly true, there are 240v outdoor outlets, they are installed sometimes for welding.
When I had a EV charging circuit installed I specifically had them put in a plug instead of hardwiring the EVSE because when we had insulation put in and our hardwoods refinished it would have been super helpful. Plus if my EVSE every dies I can plug my mobile charger into it until I replace it.
noncongruent@reddit
Yes, there are 240V outdoor outlets, but there are no 240V (or 220V) GFCI outlets, or more accurately, receptacles. Since OP mentioned it was GFCI that makes me think it's a 120V bog-standard GFCI receptacle. You can get a 20A GFCI receptacle if the wiring is 12AWG, that would increase charging from 1,440W to 1,920W, a 33% increase in the charge rate. Most builder-quality homes are wired with 14AWG for typical receptacles, including outside receptacle, and 14AWG is limited to 15A intermittent and 12A sustained.
Cictercimon@reddit
6 miles per hour of charge is exactly what I get. For my driving habits, that works. Also, I have never "profusely" leaked any oil.
noncongruent@reddit
EVs typically have very little oil, maybe a few pints in the main reduction gear box, and it's designed to last most of the life of the car. I'd honestly have an EV if it wasn't for Abbott's $200 punishment tax on them. I drive less than 6k miles a year so pay less than $50/year in Texas gas taxes, so that punishment tax definitely would punish me.
Cictercimon@reddit
Depends on how much you drive. I "trickle charge," because my drive to work is 20 miles roundtrip, and that's 90% of my driving. But you already knew that.
dfwfoodcritic@reddit (OP)
I did, just as you knew about my editors granting me extensions for everything.
The_World_Is_A_Slum@reddit
What about Indian restaurants? Any particular favorites?
dfwfoodcritic@reddit (OP)
Yes! Chandigarh Wale, Bharat Bhavan, Urban Tadka, Spices of India, Page 3, and (kinda hot take) Desi District. Also, Windmills might be the most eccentric restaurant in Texas: an Indian restaurant, craft brewery, and jazz bar.
Certain-Difference25@reddit
Glad to find spices of India here! I love that place, serves authentic kerala cuisine(Southern most part/state of India).🩷
raynickben@reddit
Windmills is 🔥
The_World_Is_A_Slum@reddit
Thanks! Gonna need to try Windmills!
LightLeader1234@reddit
Norma’s?
dallasuptowner@reddit
What is the worst restaurant in Dallas?
dfwfoodcritic@reddit (OP)
It's probably some place nobody knows about, or that flunked their health inspection. (A place in Plano got a 28/100 recently.) In my recent experience of the last few years, The Liam's stands out as not having any redeeming qualities.
ivehadsomany@reddit
Has a lot of restaurants moving to pre-made Sysco stuff changed being a food reviewer?
dfwfoodcritic@reddit (OP)
That's always been a thing! Watch Kitchen Nightmares. Man, I remember when AT&T Stadium opened their public restaurant that you could go to without a game ticket, and it was all Sysco "flatbreads" basically. Just awful.
One related thing that was interesting: finding out that a lot of Muslim-owned restaurants in the area all have the same crispy battered fries.
Broad-Breakfast9991@reddit
Brian, my wife and I still quote lines to each other from your review of The Mexican four years later. Including a running list of the other "top 10 weirdest liquids in Texas"
dfwfoodcritic@reddit (OP)
It brings me joy to imagine people out there adding new things to the weirdest liquids list!
DavidTheBlue@reddit
Does the Observer get paid for reviews?
dfwfoodcritic@reddit (OP)
I had an average budget of $150 per restaurant expenses there, but that was nearly 5 years ago.
Beautiful_Sipsip@reddit
Hi! Any recommendations for a dim sum place?
dfwfoodcritic@reddit (OP)
Traveling to Houston :-(
DavidTheBlue@reddit
Why did you leave the Observer? Is Lauren Daniels your replacement?
dfwfoodcritic@reddit (OP)
Got a better offer with more $$. Lauren is the food editor in charge of all the food writers; she was actually my editor for a time. My replacement there was Chris Wolfgang.
No-Composer7012@reddit
What are some favorite chain restaurants?
dfwfoodcritic@reddit (OP)
LA Burger, Il Bracco, La Salsa Verde, Saigon Deli, Chilangos, all locally based chains. Worldwide: Dishoom!
GrittySharkface@reddit
I know you made it clear you are the only professional critic, and I fully respect that! But I’m a huge fan of José Ralat and Daniel Vaughn from Texas Monthly. Can you offer some ways for me to think critically (but of course respectfully) about their reviews and lists as different from your approach?
dfwfoodcritic@reddit (OP)
Yeah, no disrespect meant to them (they're both friends) (or at least friendly). They both live here, but they get to cover all of Texas so it's a little different, and I know they work hard to not show any favoritism toward Dallas in their coverage. They might also have different balances in their work (José especially does a lot of columns that are opinionated, but not reviews), or different attitudes to how often they go negative.
GrittySharkface@reddit
Thanks so much for the thoughtful reply! And yes, no disrespect taken at all. Again, I appreciate the distance that your position and approach allow. And I’ll continue following all three of you!
fruityrootytooty@reddit
Who is your favorite freelance writer, Brian?
dfwfoodcritic@reddit (OP)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4F4qzPbcFiA
fruityrootytooty@reddit
Boo.
noncongruent@reddit
How do you avoid ballooning up toward the four digit range? LOL.
dfwfoodcritic@reddit (OP)
Seriously though...I've gained about 15 lbs. Part of it is being about 80% vegetarian in home cooking, and part of it is mixing up the cuisines. Like last year after we did the BBQ issue, I gave up meat for 6 weeks.
One time I did a live local TV spot and they gave me the questions ahead of time, and then when the red light was on the host said "But before we get to that...how do you maintain your girlish figure?"
Whole_Berry_965@reddit
Aren’t you a man? Am I missing a joke with the girlish figure comment? Why would they do that to you!
dfwfoodcritic@reddit (OP)
I am a man! I do have wide set hips.
ForzaFenix@reddit
TBF your predecessor at DMN looked a lot like Geddy Lee from RUSH
Intelligent_Shift250@reddit
Bilart is one of our favorites! The breads are excellent and dolmas and eggplant and the hummus are all good.
TeaKingMac@reddit
How far out is your testing range?
I see some of your articles are Plano ish. Is that about as far as you go?
dfwfoodcritic@reddit (OP)
I've got a few things in Frisco coming up. We usually do not do Fort Worth/Tarrant County, but we did make an exception for the BBQ ranking last year.
Once with the DO I actually got a hotel in McKinney to spend a weekend researching. Maybe my editor will read this.
TeaKingMac@reddit
I'm in mckinney, so would be definitely interested in a local segment, or even Collin County more broadly.
I bet half of D Magazine's subscribers are north of Bush anyway 😅
guero57@reddit
There are two dishes that I miss from my younger days living in Los Angeles, and I've had trouble finding them in DFW. Can you help?
Tacos Dorados de Camaron like they make at the famous 4 Vientos or Mariscos Jalisco in East LA. Basically, shrimp tacos from Jalisco that are deep fried and served with cabbage and salsa. Maskaras Mexican Grill has them, but that's a trek for me. I'm surprised I haven't found them in Garland.
Beef Rolls like they serve at 101 Noodle Express in Alhambra. I think they're Taiwanese. Basically, a scallion pancake with thin-sliced beef inside. I've found them once or twice on the delivery apps, but they've just been mediocre.
Thanks if you can point me in the right direction!
lamey-@reddit
For #2, have you tried Dumpling House in Frisco? It's called Beef Burrito there though.
tacotrail@reddit
It’s incredibly rare. The Chopped Up Cocina popup has them. https://www.instagram.com/reel/DXcimxdAGX-/?igsh=MWwzaHAxdjhqcjR6Mg==
dfwfoodcritic@reddit (OP)
Wonder if I can tag in /u/tacotrail for question #1.
re #2...dang, you're right...looks like the place that was in Richardson for a long time closed, and most of our Taiwanese spots just don't have this. I've spent the last 10ish minutes looking through menus. Even this new market stall Lee's Taiwanese Comfort Food, the menu is like 70% fried food. Wu Wei Din has one, "beef pancake roll."
tjspeed@reddit
I’m in far north Dallas bordering on Carrollton. Have you tried any restaurants in this area? If so what are your favorites?
dfwfoodcritic@reddit (OP)
Dragon Casa for the noodles and birria soup dumplings.
Sushi Robata is incredible.
Bubala Cafe Central Asian food.
Lots of stuff at Carrollton Koreatown including Arirang dumplings, the Somunnan banchan to go shop, Baro Baro kimbop, Ecclesia Bakery macarons, Royce Chocolate store. I need to go back...lot of new stuff.
Hmmm...what is this new place Banhmigos?
tjspeed@reddit
Dragon casa is delicious. Heard good things about things about sushi robata but haven’t been. If you’re ever in that area again Hanakin was delicious.
I wasn’t impressed with banhmigos but I was dieting at the time and just got their rice platter with shredded chicken. I do want to go back and try their banh mi.
aeiou-y@reddit
Are you familar w influencer samspov he goes around to restaurants with little to no business and tries them out. This usually ends up with the restaurants being swarmed with customers. How often are you able to eat at the often forgotten restaurants?
dfwfoodcritic@reddit (OP)
seen a couple of those! My favorite experiences are at places like that. One that's been a while - SpicyZest in Farmers Branch. They had four tables at the time. The morning the article went online, the owner went and bought more tables. Now they've moved to a bigger space. Feels good to be able to help a little bit with something like that.
DonkeeJote@reddit
Please just avoid using the word "Beloved" every time a failing restaurant goes under.
dfwfoodcritic@reddit (OP)
Heartbreaking: This Totally Forgettable Restaurant Closed Three Weeks Ago and Nobody Noticed
DonkeeJote@reddit
That's a banger!
dfwfoodcritic@reddit (OP)
the DMN recently had an article announcing that Chili's had stopped serving chili an entire year ago, and that made me laugh for the same reason.
liberal_texan@reddit
Are there any tells you’ve found that restaurants have that give you a good idea of how good their food is going to be before you take your first bite?
dfwfoodcritic@reddit (OP)
Hmmm. I prescreen with online photos just to see, like, oh the steak is gray, or the plating is careless, etc. and that weeds out a lot of disappointment. But growing up, my family believed that you should be wary of an empty restaurant, and that is NOT true. Some of my favorite meals ever have been in completely empty restaurants, just because they do more business at a different time of day, or nobody has found them yet, or they're mostly a lunch buffet and I went at dinner, or it's Ramadan and the sun is still up, etc etc etc
s4swordfish@reddit
What’s the best way to keep track of the restaurants you’ve reviewed or new spots? newsletter?
dfwfoodcritic@reddit (OP)
newsletter or bookmarking our site! the 50 Best Restaurants list always lives there too but it would be kinda fun to have a searchable bank of reviews...I know our web design guy is reading this
KawaiiDere@reddit
Best place for casual eating? Like when you just want to eat not at home, but don't want to go somewhere too fancy or expensive.
dfwfoodcritic@reddit (OP)
This really depends so much on your neighborhood. For me it's Cenzo's Pizza because that's where I live. I see the Plano tag...try this comment
nighttimehobby@reddit
Thank you for sharing and congratulations on the longevity and passion for your work. What is the best pizza place in Dallas in your opinion. I am a Fortunate Son guy, so I like the thinner New Haven style, but curious what you think?
dfwfoodcritic@reddit (OP)
Fortunate Son is waaay high on the list. Couple of my other favorites are Neony, Zoli's (get the 18 inch NY pie), and Farina in Grani in Richardson (Neapolitan style). I really need to try Texapolitan.
gillandred@reddit
You take a pretty hard line against establishments that pressure diners for 5-star Google reviews.
What do you think of Yelp? Are they any better?
Is there a crowd-sourced review site that’s your favorite? (Maybe one that we haven’t heard of?)
dfwfoodcritic@reddit (OP)
The resource like this I use most is the photos on Google reviews. The photos tell you a lot regardless of what the person is writing.
Yelp isn't any better because in their case, it's Yelp corporate that tries to coerce restaurants (into buying ads).
FreeDaemon@reddit
Do you have a short list of good but cheap tex-mex and asian restaurants?
dfwfoodcritic@reddit (OP)
Tex-Mex: Gonzalez and Tipico's are more affordable or generous portions. If you're ever in West Dallas, the 8 inch breakfast burrito at Carmen's is $3.95.
Asian: gonna link to some other comments, sorry! (except not Royce Chocolates, that stuff is $$$). Friends tell me that the new Palestinian restaurant in Richardson, Ayat, has huge main course portions and good food.
wildalfredo@reddit
If you haven’t already, I HIGHLY recommend Kafi BBQ!!! They’re Iraqi fusion bbq in Irving. I follow them on Insta & really enjoy how they take their audience throughout their processes
dfwfoodcritic@reddit (OP)
We did a BBQ issue last year with Kafi BBQ ranked, and they liked it so much they hired our illustrator to do the menu!
MrTacocaT12345@reddit
Best burger in Dallas?
dfwfoodcritic@reddit (OP)
for me - Goodwins. Blend of cheeses, blend of mustards, thick pickles, thick meat, no lettuce or tomato.
longer list from our burger guru Nick Rallo
Wyliecody@reddit
You ever need someone to come along and tell you how they feel about the food? Ill pay my share. I just can't write a bad review. something about mama telling me not to say nothing if I didn't have anything nice to say . I have opinions though...and love delicious food. im kidding ( unless...)but you have a cool ass joband Im jealous
Mt198588@reddit
How can one be a guest writer / reviewer? This would be my dream hobby. Serious food enthusiast here!
dfwfoodcritic@reddit (OP)
We accept freelancers at D! Biggest qualifications are being able to tell a story, and having ideas for them. The Observer was also a good place to start because they kinda let me write whatever the heck I wanted.
Same-Entertainer7428@reddit
No offense, but can’t trust any food critic that ain’t a sloven fat boy like me…
dfwfoodcritic@reddit (OP)
never trust a skinny chef
Same-Entertainer7428@reddit
In jest, of course
musicd65@reddit
Do restaurants know who you are? Or do you try to conceal your a reviewer
dfwfoodcritic@reddit (OP)
Both usually. Before joining D Mag, I was under the radar 90% of the time. Now only like 50%. But I use fake names and email addresses on OpenTable, Resy, etc. so they don't know until gametime.
Difficult_Dog9572@reddit
For the restaurants that advertise their purveyors (like Allen brothers, Heartbrand, etc.), do you find there is a difference in quality or does it only come down to the chef/staff?
dfwfoodcritic@reddit (OP)
Really good and well timed question because steakhouses are coming up. A looooooot of them use Allen Brothers. I want to send the company an email and see what kind of tailoring they do for each restaurant's requests. They have a big dry aging facility locally so they could be doing all the cuts differently.
Sometimes I use these to backtrack research, like, then look up Heartbrand and see if it's grass or grain fed, how old the cows get, etc.
constantcompromise@reddit
What dining trend is overdone?
What is the DFW food scene missing?
dfwfoodcritic@reddit (OP)
We are in an omakase bubble. Helen Rosner from the New Yorker made a great point that this is because you don't need a gas hookup and traditional kitchen equipment to do omakase, and you can still charge a lot of money. But I'm amazed there is room for 10-12 of these $150+ omakase sushi tastings.
Kind of indirect answer but something we're missing is diversity within neighborhoods. Asian food south of downtown, good tacos north of 635, black chefs able to afford higher rent areas, not having every immigrant group live in its own suburb. That is slowly changing, so I'm optimistic.
dizzlemydazzle@reddit
I'm technically asking a question here: Could you come out to Del Campo Empanadas and do a food review? Or possibly a social media feature showcasing food from the numerous World Cup countries, with Del Campo Empanadas being your Argentina country? 😁
bourbonstringcheese@reddit
What's the best Dive Bar with a Signature Snack?
I'm personally partial to Mike's Gemini Twin Lounge and their Weenies and Martinis.
dfwfoodcritic@reddit (OP)
hmmmm I like the twist in this question. Peak Inn burger? Cosmo's is a little too popular to be a dive anymore.
I used to go to trivia at One Nostalgia Tavern with a girl who thought I was the snack.
Ineedfunding007@reddit
I follow this guy's reviews and he's recommendations
BlueKnight8907@reddit
Where's your favorite burger in Oak Cliff? Also, have you tried any of the dozen taco trailers popping up along Illinois Ave, and do you recommend any of them?
dfwfoodcritic@reddit (OP)
Herby's double/double. I'm out on Wingfields. Hugo's Seafood Bar burger is weirdly good.
Haven't tried the taco trailers yet! I am militating for a whole food truck/trailer issue of the magazine.
yellowsun_97@reddit
How do you pick how many appetizers, entrees, and deserts to have? Do you have a standard plan for picking plates? Do you choose fish or meat more often?
dfwfoodcritic@reddit (OP)
I try to have a normal experience each time with a normal amount of food. There are definitely colleagues who will do the thing of ordering 6 dishes as a solo diner and trying 2-3 bites of each, but it's more helpful to me to have a "normal" dinner just to see how we connect with the place emotionally, whether it's fun and makes us happy.
Usually on first visit the friends and colleagues that I bring along for a table of 2-4 will all get to pick whatever we want to eat, as long as there are no repeat dishes. Then on the second visit, I have a list of the stuff I didn't try the first time.
xinxs@reddit
Have you tried the food at El Rio Grande grocery store on Maple?
dfwfoodcritic@reddit (OP)
No but I shop pretty often at the El Rio Grande in Oak Cliff. Good produce at good prices. Bakery's just OK.