Charlie Zhang Returns to Royal China as Noodle Whisperer
Charlie Zhang has returned toRoyal China, (website) the Preston Hollow restaurant where he first made his mark, bringing years of experience and unmatched skill inhand-pulled noodles, or la mian. His presence reconnects the restaurant with a tradition that helped define Dallas dining for decades.
Founded in 1974 by Taiwanese immigrantBuck Kao, Royal China has long been a cornerstone of Chinese cuisine in Dallas. Its menu balances classical techniques with approachable flavors, offering everything from rich soups and delicate dumplings to the noodle dishes that would become Zhang’s signature. Over the years, the restaurant has earned a reputation for consistency and quality, making it a destination for both longtime patrons and new diners seeking authentic Chinese flavors.
Continue reading→Centrale Italia Dallas: Modern Italian Dining
In the polished walkways of Preston Hollow Village,Centrale Italiaoffers Italian dining that is confident, refined, and approachable. From the moment you enter, the wood-fired oven draws your attention, sending subtle smoke and warmth into the room, hinting at the depth of flavor to come. The dining room blends warm woods, clean lines, and ambient lighting, creating a space perfect for a celebratory evening, a lively night with friends, or an intimate dinner. Service is polished and attentive, seamlessly woven into the flow of the meal.Website here.
Continue reading→Filed underSteven Doyle
Tagged asCentrale Italian,Chef,Dallas,Italian,Preston Hollow Village,Restaurant
Fort Worth’s Nonna Tata is Festive Year Round
Nonna Tatain Fort Worth makes you want to order everything. The kitchen smells like garlic sizzling in olive oil, tomatoes breaking down into thick, sweet sauces, fresh herbs torn by hand, and bread that’s just come out of the oven, crust crackling and interior soft enough to soak up sauce like it’s meant to.
Continue reading→Filed underSteven Doyle
Tagged asFort Worth,Italian,Nonna Tata,Restaurant,Where to eat in Fort Worth
A Look at the Mansion Bar in Dallas
Inside the iconicRosewood Mansion on Turtle Creek,The Mansion Barin Dallas distinguishes itself not just with serious cocktails, but with a bar menu that carries real culinary weight.
The foundation is balance and structure. The charcuterie and cheese selection isn’t a perfunctory board — it’s composed with intent. Expect supple cured meats with proper fat distribution, aged cheeses brought to temperature for full expression, toasted nuts for texture, and preserves that introduce acidity to cut richness. It’s engineered to work with wine and spirits, not merely accompany them.
Continue reading→Operas Greatest Characters: Papageno, the Magic Flute
When it comes to opera characters who are energetic, humorous, and impossible to ignore, few can matchPapageno. From Die Zauberflöte (The Magic Flute) by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Papageno is the archetypal comic figure — a bird-catcher with a heart as big as his appetite for food, drink, and love. On stage, he bursts with playful energy, moving with physical comedy that rivals his vocal agility. Every scene he enters is filled with movement, gestures, and expressions that instantly draw the audience into his world.
Continue reading→6 Neighborhood Restaurants That Define Chicago’s Food Soul
Chicagohas long been a city that tells its story through food. From the immigrant kitchens of the early 20th century to the Michelin-starred dining rooms that now dot the skyline, the city’s culinary voice is one of diversity, invention, and bold flavors. It’s where working-class traditions like deep-dish pizza and Italian beef live comfortably alongside tasting menus that push the limits of creativity. Yet for every marquee restaurant drawing national headlines, there are countless neighborhood spots quietly serving some of the best food in the country—places where the atmosphere is unpretentious, the flavors are bold, and the loyalty of locals says everything you need to know.
Continue reading→Filed underSteven Doyle
Tagged asbeer,Chef,Chicago,Dining,Neighborhood restaurants,Restarants,wine
Razzoo’s Cajun Cafe Welcomes Mardi Gras & Crawfish Season
Mardi Gras and crawfish season have officially arrived atRazzoo’s Cajun Cafe across DFW, creating the perfect convergence of bold flavor, festive energy, and authentic Louisiana cooking. For guests in Dallas–Fort Worth searching for the best Mardi Gras restaurants or where to find crawfish in season, Razzoo’s delivers both celebration and culinary credibility.
Continue reading→Filed underSteven Doyle
Tagged asbeer,Dallas,Mardi Gras,Razzoo's Cajun Cafe,Restaurant
Three Sparklers for Valentine’s Fun
Few beverages capture celebration quite like sparkling wine, and few occasions invite celebration as naturally as Valentine’s Day. Effervescence carries symbolism—the steady rise of bubbles mirroring anticipation, energy, and shared delight. Whether crafted in Champagne or beyond, sparkling wines elevate a meal and frame a moment. Their vibrant acidity refreshes the palate, their mousse softens texture, and their layered notes of citrus, orchard fruit, brioche, or red berries reward attention. On an evening devoted to connection, sparkle feels not only appropriate but instinctive.
Continue reading→Filed underSteven Doyle
Tagged asChampagne,Sparkling wine,Valentines Day,wine,Wine Review
