Two Years as Taste Buds: The Grape

There seems to be a laundry list of Dallas restaurants we cannot wait to try, so when discussing where to go for our two year blog-iversary the choice was difficult to say the least. We finally came to a decision to go to The Grape, one that has been thrown out a number of times, but we had yet to make the trip. Of course when going to The Grape, it must be planned around their infamous “Best in Texas” burger as ranked by Texas Monthly, which is only offered on Sundays and Mondays.

We arrived at The Grape on a Sunday at 11, after wisely making reservations. We witnessed the party before us being turned away because they had failed to do so. We were seated right away and decided on what cocktail we should enjoy. We noticed the normal mimosa and bloody mary offerings, but then saw “wounded yellow bird.” When Sara asked the waiter how he “felt” about the drink, he said, “I feel pretty good.” We were sold. The drinks were light and refreshing, if you are like us and like grapefruit juice.

I HAD to order the burger; even though my eyeballs kept leading me back to the chicken fried biscuit. Sara ordered the steak frites after debating between that and the ox tail and banana pepper hash. Honestly, at first glance the menu looks creative and appetizing the whole way through. I would be interested in returning to try out several of the other dishes.

 Our food came out fast, and we eagerly dug in. The burger comes with the usual accompaniments, and is topped with bacon and white cheddar cheese on a “pain au lait” bun. The burger was juicy and the fries were exactly how I like them. The bun could arguably be what makes this burger special. The white cheddar also added something different than your usual cheddar or American cheese. However, while eating, I kept thinking “but is this the BEST burger I have ever had?” For me, that is difficult to answer.

 Sara had the steak frites, while she seemed to enjoy her meal, after sneaking a few bites of my meal, the center of conversation still hovered around the question to whether this was the best burger we have ever had. This burger is delicious, and I couldn’t think of a necessarily “better” burger I have had, but I am still hesitant to put the word “best” in front of something that a number of other places make the same seemingly elusive proclamation. So, with that said the jury is still out. I would gladly go back to The Grape for the burger. Overall, our brunch was quick, enjoyable, and effortless. The ambiance at The Grape is quaint but still unique. We are definitely new fans.

Thanks for the 2 years fellow Taste Buds!!! 

Metropolitan Cafe: A Hidden Gem

Finding a hidden treasure close enough for Sara to meet me on her lunch break led us to Metropolitan Café. Nestled quietly on the edge of Main Street downtown, this local café has great character that seems to attract a very steady lunch crowd.

We headed to lunch early, around 11:45, to try to beat the crowd. I made sure we were going on a Wednesday, when their seemingly infamous crab cakes are the special of the day. The place was already crowded, as it is a small café, with only a few workers who seemed stressed and ready to battle the expected lunch crowd.

The café offers a variety of sandwiches, soups, salads, as well as the daily special. On Wednesdays, that special is crab cakes. I ordered the crab cakes with black-eyed peas and coleslaw. Sara ordered the greek salad with grilled chicken. Both of us eyeballed the fresh pies and cakes looming in the glass window, and decided to exert some level of self-control.

Our food came out quickly, and we were lucky to snag a table. As we were seated, we noticed how busy the place had become. We were glad we decided to make it an early lunch. My crab cakes were awesome. They were puffy, light, and filled with an abundance of fresh tasting crab. I could tell why the rush hit on Wednesdays. The cole slaw was very good as well, I liked that it didn't taste too mayonnaise-y. The black-eyed peas were what I expected, but were enjoyable. Overall, I was very satisfied with my meal and cannot think of a better crab cake I have had.

Sara’s greek salad was large, fresh, and light. She seemed to enjoy the salad, although she did not rave that it was something that stood out in a crowd of other solid greek salads. However, we both agreed that going back for some pie should be a part of our future plans. The place is quick, cheap, easy (if you beat the crowd), and satisfying. So, if you work downtown or can’t find a place next time you’re there, we would suggest checking out Metropolitan Café and ordering one of the tasty sandwich options we did not get to try out. Or, if it is a Wednesday, get the crab cakes. 

MAP