Buttons - Addison, TX

LYD Recommendation: With live Blues and Jazz music 7 days a week, southern food that feeds the soul, and a full gospel Brunch, Buttons in Ft. Worth or Addison can be just what the doctor ordered. Take a micro-break from the world and get revived by snazzy, colorful, and soul-inspiring classic comfort food. Be ready to get jazzed on good eatin’! Stop in for Happy Hour weekdays from 3-7 for Half-Price Appetizers and drink specials galore!

http://www.buttonsrestaurant.com/
15207 Addison Road
Addison, TX 75001
972-503-2888
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Soul food is a term that was coined in the 1960’s during the popularization of the tradition that has been feeding Southerners for centuries. It began as the African American take on traditional Southern cooking and has become its own genre of cuisine that defines home-cooked meals that are served with salt, pepper, and butter aplenty. Soul food consists of the basic staples of the Southern Atlantic and Coastal Plains regions of the United States diets which have substantiated the population since the 18th Century. Plantation workers and slaves typically had to make-do with leftovers, undesirable pieces of meat, and simple spices in order to cook healthy and filling meals for their families. It was a disreputable time period in American History but one which has stemmed a cuisine that utilizes the simplest ingredients but fashions a tasty and satisfying meal. The word “Soul” was attached to this specific type of eats most likely due to the association of the Civil Rights movement during the 1960’s and the fact that it doesn’t take a classically trained chef to create a good home meal because it truly comes from the soul of a person. Soul food showcases the ingenuity and skill of cooks who are able to form a distinct cuisine featuring greens, chicken, cornbread, grits, pork chops, bacon, other fresh vegetables, and simple spices.

Afghan Grill - Dallas, TX

LYD Recommends: Step outside the mundane and venture to the colorful culture and cuisine of Afghanistan at Afghan Grill in North Dallas. Enjoy the exotic Afghan entrees in a relaxing environment with live traditional music on Friday nights and exceptional service from the owners and staff. The flavors stand out as unique and sultry combinations that will delight all the senses and soothe the adventurist soul!

http://www.afghangrilltx.com/
17370 Preston Road Suite 490
Dallas, TX 75252
972-818-0300
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Middle Eastern restaurants are hard to come by in the greater Metropolitan area of Dallas, and even more rare is one representing the culture and unique culinary specialties of Afghanistan. Afghan cuisine is a hybrid of its influential ancestry with Italian, Mediterranean, Indian, and Turkish roots and heritage that have coalesced over the centuries to create the flavorful dishes they are today. The hospitable owners, Matt and Rosalind, opened Afghan Grill two years ago in order to enhance the relationship between Dallasites and the historically definitive Afghan cuisine. After establishing a clientele base who can enjoy an immaculately well-thought out menu night after night, Afghan Grill has become one of Dallas' premiere culinary establishments. Conneissuers have the opportunity to revel in Afghan aestheticism with the beautifully designed interior of Afghan Grill; take in the vibrant painted walls, folk-style paintings, Middle Eastern themed decor, and flowing floor to ceiling drapery that delight the senses for a royally refined type of elegance.

Zanata - Rockwall, TX

http://www.zanatas.com/
202 East Rusk Street
Rockwall, TX 75087
972-722-2822
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Rockwall, Texas is a constantly growing city that functions like a small village whose neighborhood involvement beats as the heart of the entire community. As a suburb of Dallas, Rockwall is home to many local businesses such as boutiques, shops, weekend farmer’s markets, and many independently owned restaurants that give Rockwall a comfortable old Texas town feel. LYD’s stop in Rockwall this time is Zanata Restaurant on the historic square housing the old courthouse and many quirky little shops. The head chef and mastermind behind this delicious restaurant joint is Ted Grieb, a professionally trained chef who earned his stripes from cooking for Dakota’s Steakhouse for many years. He opened Zanata’s to establish a Mediterranean restaurant that utilizes wood-fired ovens for unique and unforgettable meals. Zanata’s also creates a family atmosphere which was established due to the brotherly love of the cooking family as brothers Kevin and Alidor Lefere work beside Ted to enhance the and liveliness of Zanata. The atmosphere is accentuated by the large glass windows big enough to view the city and watch the sun set over the lake, antique wood furniture, giant wood burning oven, and the delightful scents of simmering and aromatic dishes! The bar even has a big screen TV for an upscale sports night experience along with a no worries and complete drink selection! Zanata’s is set up for any celebratory occasion you can think of such as parties, family gatherings, or even an extra-special date where you call the babysitter and get an escape for the night.