Twelve Stones - FLOWER MOUND

This past weekend we visited Twelve Stones in Flower Mound, TX, which is located in the "Pines of Flower Mound" at 1221 Flower Mound Road (suite 100).  This is the Kroger on the Southeast end of town.

http://twelvestonesrestaurant.com/ 

We had eaten here once before (New Year's Eve) and had wanted to come back again when it wasn't a noted "special" occasion just to compare.

We got our reservations through Open Table, and ever received our "day of" call confirming our reservation.  That was nice.  We arrived about 5 minutes early to our 7pm reservation and were seated immediately.  At this point the place was moderately full, but there were plenty of seats.  We sat for a couple of minutes (which when at times can seem like an eternity) before a guy (who we assume was the manager) came by to take our drink orders, and let us know our server would be with us shortly.  It was nice to see this, since it was obvious our server was otherwise busy.  Shortly after our water was filled by (I think) our hostess - who also asked if we had been greeted yet.  Not very long after our server appeared, acknowledged our being greeted by the manager and our drink order already being put in.

Here is where I say one note....this COULD have been a huge turn off for me - I love great service, am fine with OK service, but HATE being ignored.  The team work shown here really was nice to see.  Obviously something was "going on" but the team pulled together to make sure we were taken care of.  Very VERY nice to see.

We ordered our appetizer (the Calamari) and shortly after our drinks were delivered.  It was at this time that we noticed the semi-full restaurant was now completely packed, with several parties waiting for a table.  NOTE - GET RESERVATIONS if you want to eat here!

The Calamari arrived quickly and was quite good - we made short order of it at least!  We then ordered our meal:  Crab Cakes, Garlic Mashed potatoes, the Smoked 10oz Filet (you HAVE to try it smoked) and the smoked Mac N Cheese.  I also got the garlic mushroom soup.

All I can say is - the food was outstanding.  My fillet was cooked to perfection, and the soup was my second favorite soup of all time.

We weren't going to get dessert, but at the recommendation of our server, we tried the Salted Caramel.  This is kind of a thicker than pudding (almost peanut butter) caramel explosion.  I bypassed my normal cheesecake for this - and was not disappointed.  All I can say is WOW!

Twelve Stones is THE best restaurant to eat at in Flower Mound, and one of the best in DFW.  Do not let the fact it is in the end of a strip mall fool you.  This is very high end food, with a little more casual atmosphere.  You will not be sorry if you try this place.

Carmel Restaurant and Lounge

http://www.carmelrestaurantlounge.com/

215 S DENTON TAP RD
SUITE #100 

Coppell, TX

Carmel is one of the newer restaurants in Coppell.  It opened to big hype, and great reviews.  For a while, it was hard to get a table, no matter when you wanted to visit.

Recently, however, I've noticed it not being as busy as when it first opened.  I thought, well I'll give it a shot with their Brunch menu.

I've eaten at this location before when it was another restaurant, and I was anxious to see what Carmel had done with the place.

Walking in, it looked very much like the same decoration - maybe changing a few things on the wall, but not much else looked like it changed.

The brunch menu looked GREAT.  Lots of choices, from both traditional brunch items to some Mediterranean fair.

Now I have a couple of hard rules that really take into account how much I like a place.  One of those is my drink (or anyone at the table for that matter) should be correct, and I should never have to have an empty glass, or have to ask for a refill.  In this particular visit, the Iced Tea was ordered with no lemon, and it came with a lemon.  It was also empty twice before someone coming to offer more.  In both cases - instead of either brining a new tea, or just a carafe to refill it, the empty glass was taken away, and brought back refilled.   This easily fixed detail would have really gone a long way for an enjoyable brunch.

Now the food - I ordered the "Surf & Turf" Benedict (which came with breakfast potatoes), while my wife had the Quiche Lorraine (minus the avocado / tomato, but adding the breakfast potatoes) that came with a cup of fruit.

The food came, and the Surf & Turf Benedict was very good.  I would probably skip the Surf next time, as its flavor just didn't mix well with the egg.  The Turf one, however was VERY good.   The egg itself was cooked just how I like it.  I'd say also to ask to keep the asparagus off the top - no flavor in the very small slivers, thus added nothing to the meal.   The breakfast potatoes were quite good too.  One small thing, I did have a piece of egg shell in on of my eggs.  Never something anyone wants to come across.

My wife liked her Quiche Lorraine - though she said the crust didn't taste like it was fresh made.  It looked good to me.  The fruit was a nice mixture of strawberries, blueberries, pineapple, and melon.  A very nice add to this dish.

I would say the food over all was good, and the service was just OK.  If you've not tried this place, check it out for yourself.  I'll want to return sometime on a Friday night myself, to see if they have an A team of servers, that maybe on a quiet Sunday we didn't get.  There are also several things on the dinner menu that look quite good.

If you've eaten here yourself - what do you recommend?





 

Palio's (Coppell Location)

When it comes to pizza - there are the usual suspects, and then the local standouts.  To be honest, the fact there is that variety makes things great for all of us.  Today's Pizza place of choice Palio's Pizza Cafe located at 171 N. Denton Tap (Suite 800 on the south end of the building).

One thing to mention - is the place is so much more than Pizza. They have salads, sandwiches, pastas, and of course - PIZZA.  My personal favorites are the Calzones.   I normally get a large (which is big enough to share with 3 people) with my favorite toppings of pepperoni and mushrooms.  The flavor of the marinara sauce they use is very good.  It is served with more marinara and a garlic butter sauce to dip in.

You can choose from your choice of Coke products, water and tea to drink - OR you can BYOB.  They have glasses and cork screws (and no corkage fees).

The atmosphere is that of a neighborhood cafe - very relaxed and informal.  A great place for a couple few to come and joy a casual dinner.  There is even have a patio for your outdoor dining needs!

This is a place where you order/pay as you walk in, they give you your cups and a number.  You find a place to sit, and they bring you your order.

Don't want to eat in?  They deliver, and of course to carry out.

Open Daily at 11:00am - they stay open until 10:00pm Monday thru Saturday, and 9:00pm Sunday.

Definitely a good place to try, when your in the mood for some good food, with no stress!  They have some good lunch specials too - so don't forget them at lunch either!

Enjoy and Cheers!

Siam Thai Cuisine

Either I am very picky about Thai food, or it is hard to come across exceptional and authentic Thai just about anywhere you go.  I know in the past 15 years, I've only really liked four places - until now!  How lucky are we in Coppell to have Siam Thai Cuisine right here?

This place is in the Tom Thumb shopping center on S. MacArthur and Beltline.  It has a few tables for dining in, however, we've always gotten it to go.

They have great lunch specials between 11:00 am and 2:30 pm, with something for everyone.   The dinner menu includes what is on the lunch menu plus a great deal more.  They have something for everyone.  I've had quite a few of the different choices, but will highlight some of my favorites.

For appetizers you cannot go wrong with the Crispy Spring Rolls.  Exactly what you would come to expect, and done to perfection.  Another good choice is the Thai Satay (with chicken or Tofu).

If you want a salad, I would say the house salad is very good.  You might also try the Spicy Noodle Salad.

I love the hot and sour soup - because you get that great combination of flavors - do not miss ordering this.

For the main entree - you have to decide what you are in the mood for.

If you want a rice dish - the Thai Spicy Basil is a favorite (Shown below):

You want fish?  Then any of the catfish entrees are worth a try!  Noodles?  Go no further than the Pad Thai!  Is Curry your flavor?  Then you could go with either the Panang or Green Curry dish.  You could also try one of the Chef's specials, be it the Crispy Honey Chicken, the Spicy Beef, or the Basil Duck.  You really can't go wrong.

Want something like simple fried rice?  They have several varieties of that as well, from traditional to Crab Fried Rice!

I've not ever gotten dessert, but have been tempted by the fried ice cream.  Maybe next time!

In any case - I've not had anything bad from Siam Thai Cuisine, and I'm picky about my Thai food.  Do yourself a favor and try this place.  It is a regular place for me - it could become a regular place for you too!

Website:  http://www.siamthaicuisineincoppell.com/
Yelp:  http://www.yelp.com/biz/siam-thai-cuisine-coppell
Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/siamthaicuisineincoppell

Coming in 2015

I know this blog has seen few and far between posts.  Be on the lookout in the coming months for the following posts:  Ole's Tex Mex, Anamia's, Black Walnut, Victor's Wood Grill, and Siam Thai.  I've eaten at all these places recently and am now working through each post.

New restaurants have or are coming to Coppell - I'll visit them soon!

Also - I'm going to expand to areas outside Coppell (like Flower Mound, Grapevine, Addison, Las Colinas, and Carrollton) too....hope to post at least one review a month in 2015.

Happy 2015!

Jay

Simmer

Update:  As of 8/14/15 - Simmer has closed its doors.  I am very sad to see this place close.  Below was my review from not soon after they opened.



It isn't every day I get excited to try a new place, and it certainly isn't every day I am excited to return to try everything else on the menu - but with the opening of Simmer at 723 W. Main  St. excitement is certainly the word.

This place has only been open a couple of weeks, but after sampling just a tiny bit of their food, and watching all the other choices as they went by - it will be open for many years to come.

Billed as:  Modern.  Comfort.  Food.  It really is just that!

We started out with the seafood dip, which was very very good.  The blending of crawfish, shrimp, gouda and parmesan is done to perfection.  This could very well become a must order every visit.  There are so many great choices that look good on the menu it was hard to choose.  I ended up with the Brisket sandwich which is served with caramelized onions and a horseradish cream sauce on a ciabatta bread with a side of fries.  The brisket was tender and delicious, and the fries were very good.  

Gina got the shrimp and grits (something she orders anywhere it is on the menu) and her comment was that it was very very very very very good.  That was enough for me to ask for a bite.  You know what - it is that good.  The crumbled bacon in it really gives it a nice smokey flavor.

Just about everything on the dessert menu looks outstanding, and I don't normally order dessert, but I was tempted by the chocolate cake pie.  This was good, but I'll probably try the French Toast or Bread Pudding next time.

Some of the things on the menu that I can't wait to return to try:  Shrimp & Bacon Tacos, any of the flatbreads, the short ribs, and the quail.

The servers were constantly ensuring our drinks were full, making sure we had what we needed, clearing our empty plates.  Hard to believe they've only been open a couple of weeks for sure! 

Just the first of many visits to this place.  Can't wait to come back!  You should visit too!

***UPDATE*** 2/7/14

We returned during the "Friday Night Rush" and I had to make mention of a few things.  First, upon check-in, they take your cell phone number and then send you a text when your table is ready.  You can also follow along on-line where you are in line.  Made for passing the time waiting for the table a bit more interesting.  Next, the wait staff is just about the friendliest I've seen.  This time around I had the lamb flatbread.  I highly recommend it - very very good.  Also - for dessert I ended up getting the bread pudding.  My comments upon the first bite were "Wow - just WOW."

In any case - if you haven't tried this place - you are missing out!

Simmer website

Simmer Facebook page

Guero's Mexican Grill (now Esparza's Coppell)

Guero's Mexican Grill

Today's review is yet another Tex Mex place in Coppell.  This one is on the southeast edge of town on the corner of Belt Line and S. MacArthur.  If you have driven by this place, you really need to take the time to stop in.

This has quickly become our favorite of Coppell for several reasons:

First and foremost - the service!  The staff an Guero's are all outstanding, and they help each other out too.  The simple fact that they are all friendly and attentive goes a long way.  Next (for me at least) is quite possibly the best table side guacamole I've had (and I've tried it at all the usual places).  You could make a meal of just that.  Beyond the table side guac - the menu offers choices for every person in many styles.

Some dishes I highly recommend are the Pollo Ala Parilla, and Brisket Quesadillas.  To be honest, however, I've not anything bad here.  They also have brunch on both Saturday and Sunday from 11am to 2pm.

The atmosphere here is very casual - which is exactly what I am looking for on a Friday after work, when you just want to enjoy the ending of the week and relax.   They have ample patio seating outside, and inside several T.V.s in case you want to catch the game while you are there.

Bottom line is - if you want good Tex Mex in a friendly and relaxed way - Guero's is your place.  I know it is mine!

UPDATE:  Even though it has always been part of the Esparza's family - Guero's is now officially re-branded as Esparza's Coppell:  http://www.esparzastexas.com/ 

Hard Eight BBQ

Hard Eight BBQ in Coppell is my latest in this blog of Coppell Cuisine.  This place isn't among the hustle and bustle that is near the crossroads of Sandy Lake and Denton Tap, but rather closer to old town Coppell out by itself.  On any given day you come to this place - you need to expect to wait in line (out in the heat) before you can walk up to the grill and point at the BBQ you want.  This, by the way is the fun of it.  You order your meat by the pound (and and believe me - you probably need to choose 1/4 and 1/8th pound portions if you plan on more than one type of meat).  After your meat is weighed and placed on a tray - you go inside to pick your sides.  Salad, jalapeno corn, bread, fries, and Mac and Cheese to name what I remember.   You then get your cup for your drink and find a seat.

The beverage station has the soft drinks, water and tea (or if you ordered beer - you can get that at the bar).  Also by the beverage station is the bean pot, full of THE tastiest beans.

So what is good, and what isn't?  Well that is a matter of taste.  Half the fun is getting to the point where you start eating.  Here is what I like....

I like the beef brisket, the sausage, the ribs, and the poppers (bacon and jalapeno wrapped chicken or shrimp).  From a side standpoint - the beans (which are complementary) are first on my list.  Then the Mac N Cheese.  The fries are good - but if you order them, be prepared to share them!

As far as the sauce is concerned - the flavor of their spicy sauce is much better than their mild.  The spicy isn't all that spicy either - so I recommend at least giving it a try.

This place isn't cheap, but for the atmosphere, experience, and good time you will have for decent BBQ - it is one place you have to visit at least once!

J. Macklin's Grill

Now that we've been living here in Coppell for more than a couple months, it is time to add to the list of some of our favorite places to eat in this wonderful community.  This posts feature is that of J. Macklin's Grill just north of Sandy Lake (just past the Tom Thumb) on N. Denton Tap Rd.

J. Macklin's is an award winning grill, that really does have something for all tastes.  From the famous State Club Chicken Tenders (a can't miss), to the Spinach Artichoke Dip, to the Hummus.  You can't go wrong, and that's just with the starters!

Their Salads are awesome, and I personally recommend the Strawberry and Goat Cheese salad!

Likewise, if you are in the mood for a burger or sandwich - they can cater to just about any taste you desire.  Again, a favorite of mine is Jake's 50/50 - which has pulled pork, bacon, mushrooms, onions and provolone cheese.  I almost ALWAYS get this sandwich.

However, if you really want a treat - skip the sandwiches and go straight to the entrees.  Two can't miss picks are the Dr. Pepper braised short ribs, and the Fried Chicken and Waffles.  Don't forget to save room for the short bread for dessert!

There is also a kid's menu section - for all the favorites you children always order!

Come on the weekends between 9 and 2pm for a great brunch selection too!

Many Saturday nights, they also have live music on the patio - which is a great way to wind down after doing all those Saturday chores and errands!

All in all, this place really does have something for everyone, and with its friendly servers, and great food - you won't be sorry (unless of course you DON'T try this place).

http://www.jmacklinsgrill.com/

Rosa's Cafe

The first place I am putting my stamp of approval on here in Coppell, Tx is a wonderful gem of a place called Rosa's Cafe and Tortilla Factory. Located at 705 N Denton Tap Rd. it is easy to get to (just off of 121).

http://www.rosascafe.com/

It is has quickly become a "go to" place for Gina and me. This place serves up Mexican and Tex-mex eats! Our first visit was the day we closed on our home here in Coppell. It was lunch time and we decided to dine in. You order and pay at a counter, get your drink (or drink cup), and your order number. You then venture out to seat yourself, fill your drink, and grab any salsa you would like at the salsa bar. At lunch this place is packed with customers.

The food is ready very quickly, and you know it when, because your order number is displayed on a screen. That is your cue to go up and pick up your food at the pick up area. Back to our seat, and oops - I forgot utensils. A quick few steps to the fountain drink area (where the utensils are as well) and we were ready to dig in.

The food here, while served quickly, is not "fast food" by any means. It is quality food, authentic too. Certainly a nice surprise on our first visit, but now an expectation after several visits.

Rosa's has a drive-thru that is the fastest I have ever seen. From the time you complete your order to the time you have your food and are driving off it is less than 2 minutes. We have tried several different items on the menu, and everything we have tried has been very good. The consistency of the food quality and taste makes this place an easy choice, and an easy recommendation.

If you have never tried Rosa's - give it a go!

Welcome to Coppell Cuisine!

A move to a new place opens up the opportunity to explore all new places to eat, and that makes things more fun.  Last year Gina and I tried to do a Restaurant Resolution in the Birmingham area and made it about half way through the year before our busy lives slowed that down.  No resolution this time, just taking our time finding the gems in our new home of Coppell, TX!

Coppell is a bedroom community of Dallas, tucked away between Grapevine and Irving just north of the DFW airport.  It has 70 different places to eat.  Some of them, of course, are places like Pizza Hut, and Subway - you know - the national chains.  Others are donuts/bakeries or drink establishments (smoothy and coffee joints), so those probably won't be covered here.  But you never know!

Gina and I have eaten at 4 places already, but we won't review them just yet.  Plenty of time for us to take you through the Coppell Cuisine!

Stay tuned!