Radar
If you find yourself saying, “It’s too hot to cook,” know that you now have more options for dining out. Here’s our July roundup of new and notable restaurants. — Meda Kessler
Dinner service returns at Mason & Dixie
Owner/chef Beth Newman has brought back old favorites and some new surprises in reviving dinner service after a long hiatus at her downtown Grapevine restaurant. If you’re craving comfort food, go for the Southern Heaven with fried chicken (or pulled pork), mashed potatoes, Cajun gravy, collard greens and a buttermilk biscuit with honey. Newman’s brined chicken breast is fork tender, with breading that magically manages to stay crispy. For something lighter, opt for the Shrimp Louie Salad, loaded with greens and topped with cherry tomatoes, English cucumber, hard-boiled eggs, radish slices, capers and poached Gulf shrimp topped with Cajun remoulade. Drizzle the works with a little vinaigrette for a hearty meal. Dinner service is 6 to 9 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday.
603 S. Main St., Grapevine, 817-707-2111, masonanddixietx.com
Blue Butterfly Cafe
The health-conscious bakery, deli and espresso bar offshoot of the nationally known Trim Healthy enterprise (formerly known as Trim Healthy Mama) has opened in Fort Worth with limited hours as it powers up to full stride. Located in the former Olivella’s location, the cafe’s sugar-free, keto-friendly, organic and gluten-free focused offerings range from no-noodle Lazy Lasagne, right, and crustless Pepper Boat Quiche to sandwiches, along with treats labeled “E” for “Energizing” — the gluten-free Caramel Apple BAM Cake and Ginger Peach Muffin — or “S” for “Satisfying,” such as the higher carb but still healthful frosted Strawberry Trimtastic Cupcake. Find layer cakes, muffins and a fan favorite pumpkin roll from lead baker Elizabeth Munoz, too. The first franchise for Trim Healthy (founded in Tennessee) also sells coffee beans and alternative flours. Coming soon: artisan sourdough bread (boasting a 16-hour fermentation) and pizza crusts as well as gluten-free pizza “salads.” As franchise co-owner (with Corinne Cavanaugh) Renae Graves says, “There’s more to come, but we are focused on doing the things we now do with excellence.” Follow social media for updates.
The Village at Camp Bowie, 6333 Camp Bowie Blvd., Fort Worth, 682-385-9293, facebook.com/BlueButterflyCafe.FW and instagram.com/bluebutterflycafeftworth
Photos by Meda Kessler
Openings
Herbs Indian Cuisine
Newly opened in a pretty space in a strip shopping center in Hurst, Herbs serves Nepali and Indian cuisine. While the amply stocked lunch buffet is popular, we wanted to check out the dinner service and full menu. Start with an order of samosas, big puffs of crispy pastry stuffed with veggies and herbs. On the Nepali side of the menu, go for the chicken momo dumplings, right, with the turmeric sauce. They’re light but still filling. One of our favorite entrees is the rack of lamb offered on the tandoori side of the menu. The chops are nicely seasoned and cooked in the clay oven with potatoes and vegetables; the platter arrives sizzling from the kitchen. There also are plenty of veggie-only options, ranging from lentil dishes to classic paneer dishes.
Mayfair Village, 660 Grapevine Highway, Hurst, 817-479-6100, herbsindiancuisine.com
The Toasted Yolk Cafe
Southlake’s latest entry into the breakfast-brunch-lunch category is a fast-growing franchise out of Houston. Start with a big cup of coffee in the signature Toasted Yolk mugs as you waver between one of the signature eggs Benedict dishes or a plate of French toast. We went for the Southern Fried Arnold, pictured, two biscuit halves topped with chicken tenders, poached eggs and country sausage gravy. It’s as filling as it looks, especially when ordered with the churro-style doughnuts. The jury’s still out on the hash brown casserole, which lacks the crispiness we seek. Next time, we’re going for the grits.
Gateway Plaza, 2820 E. Southlake Blvd., 817-912-1444, thetoastedyolk.com
Photos by Meda Kessler