On Sunday, December 20th we boarded the Texas Eagle again and made the 4 hour trip to Dallas. A highlight of this leg of the trip was to visit with my son Tim Byres’ family and dinner at Tim’s new restaurant, The Theodore located in the upscale NorthPark Center.
The Theodore is a departure from the original Smoke Restaurant in the Oak Cliff district of Dallas and Smoke Plano. Tim has had a long time interest in the colorful history of President Theodore Roosevelt so the restaurant is The Theodore restaurant in Dallasdecorated in early 20th century antiques and national parks memorabilia. You can almost feel the hearty and robust spirit of Teddy Roosevelt there, enthusiastically enjoying good food and discussing the affairs of the world! Although there is a rustic western feel to the theme, the menu provides established American favorites with some new twists. The restaurant also features a bakery. There is the possibility of enjoying coffee and fresh pastries, enjoying a casual lunch or an elegant dinner.
The Theodore restaurant in Dallas 2We had the special opportunity to have a family style dinner where we got to share and sample a wide selection of menu items. I enjoyed the Beef Wellington and an amazing Lavender and Cheese salad. It is a tossed green salad with a lavender seasoned vinaigrette featuring a soft domestic cheese, green apples and bacon with a surprise bit of crunchy peanut brittle as an accent. Everything was very good, and the desserts were stellar.
We loved the Baked Alaska with grapefruit ice cream and a Crabapple Theodore selection of desertsCaramel Cake. (I hadn’t tasted crabapples in a long time. I remember them growing on a tree at my grandparents’ ranch and their tart but sweet flavor in my grandmother’s jams and jellies.) The desserts are definitely not low cal, but I believe you can enjoy everything in moderation! There are interesting small plates for smaller appetites as well as pizzas where you can choose your gourmet toppings. If you are looking for the epitome of an all American cheese burger, the Burger on a Sweet Yeast Roll is definitely for you.
One morning while we were in Dallas, I got to tag along with Tim as he made his rounds to the restaurants. It was fun to see him work. Emotionally, my mind flashed back to when he was a little boy and liked to help me in the kitchen; what treasured memories. Fast forward to the present, it was a joy to experience his world today. I enjoyed meeting and getting to know his staff. His new Executive Chef at Smoke Plano is from Kennewick so there is a Washington state connection.
Cuban Christmas Dinner
Our early Christmas celebration with this part of our family was a traditional Cuban Christmas dinner. Our daughter-in-law Mo, her mother Mimi and our granddaughter Frankie produced a wonderful Cuban American feast. We were treated to delicious slow roasted pork that had been marinated in lime juice, spices, joya sauce and onions. Accompanying dishes included pastelles with guava jelly, plantains, rice, black beans, yucca and the dessert of caramel flan. This meal was a very special treat shared at home with family and friends.
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