The Mommypotamus » Local Restaurants http://www.mommypotamus.com organic SAHM sharing her family stories and recipes Fri, 24 May 2013 20:06:27 +0000 en-US hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.5.1 The Lonesome Lizard http://www.mommypotamus.com/the-lonesome-lizard/ http://www.mommypotamus.com/the-lonesome-lizard/#comments Fri, 16 Jul 2010 14:01:21 +0000 Heather http://www.mommypotamus.com/?p=4115 The Lonesome Lizard
Dear Lonesome Lizard, We’re sorry about your floor. Really, really, we are. Here is our very nice review. Located in Old Town Keller, The Lonesome Lizard is a rustic little establishment that was named after its patron of sorts: The restaurant was named “Lonesome Lizard” during a front patio brainstorm session. We have a burnt ...]]> The Lonesome Lizard
Dear Lonesome Lizard, We're sorry about your floor. Really, really, we are. Here is our very nice review. Located in Old Town Keller, The Lonesome Lizard is a rustic little establishment that was named after its patron of sorts:
The restaurant was named “Lonesome Lizard” during a front patio brainstorm session. We have a burnt stump transplanted from Evant, Tx. Shortly after the stump arrived we noticed we had company. After some research we found out our new friend was a female “Texas Spiny Lizard”. She loves to sun bathe on the stump and was always alone i.e “Lonesome Lizard”, since then she has posed for many photo shoots for locals and passersby. So come by and see her on a sunny day and get a picture with her!
Chef Nate, the owner, stopped by our table to talk ingredients. Like most restaurants trying to use local, organic, and pastured ingredients, their menu is a work in progress. During the spring and summer months Lonesome Lizard buys as much produce as possible from Homestead Farms.  In addition, Chef Nate has plans to incorporate items from Latte Da Dairy soon and is already using a local supplier for their salad dressings. Really local, in fact. Just two doors down, Olivada Gourmet sells olive oil from Texas growers (and some organic stuff from California), tapenades, pesto and more. While the chicken on the menu is your ordinary mainstream variety, the beef is sometimes grass-fed (depending on what's available) and the buffalo is always grass-fed.

The Menu

We started with the Good Ole Mushrooms -- stuffed with buffalo and sausage, then topped with candied jalapenos and herb butter -- which Daniel really enjoyed. For our main course Daniel opted for the not-so-local fettucini alfredo (his kryptonite, to be sure) and I ordered two salads featuring local ingredients. Both were delicious. The Local Salad, which was a bed of lettuce from Homestead Farms topped with a crabcake, was spicy and delicious. Nate's Pecan Spinach Salad, featuring Texas grown spinach and house sourdough croutons, was sweet and savory.

Oh, and about that apology...

Although we were enjoying ourselves immensely and considering another course, Katie cut short our date by announcing to Daddypotamus, "I'm teeteeing!!" It took Daniel a split second to comprehend what she was saying. All I heard was, "Nononononono!" I knew what that meant. After grabbing napkins from the restroom and doing our best, we made our way to the door as quickly as possible ; - ) So... sorry again, Lonesome Lizard. Your crabcake IS wonderful.]]> http://www.mommypotamus.com/the-lonesome-lizard/feed/ 1 Cafe Modern: Serving Local, Organic & Pastured Ingrediedients in Fort Worth http://www.mommypotamus.com/cafe-modern-serving-local-organic-pastured-ingrediedients-in-fort-worth/ http://www.mommypotamus.com/cafe-modern-serving-local-organic-pastured-ingrediedients-in-fort-worth/#comments Fri, 11 Jun 2010 13:04:23 +0000 Heather http://www.mommypotamus.com/?p=3784 Cafe Modern: Serving Local, Organic & Pastured Ingrediedients in Fort Worth
I’m not sure whether to call it fitting or ironic that Café Modern, the restaurant located in the Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth, is throwing aside present food conventions in favor of the traditions of the past. Although Modern art  “is usually associated with art in which the traditions of the past have been ...]]> Cafe Modern: Serving Local, Organic & Pastured Ingrediedients in Fort Worth
I'm not sure whether to call it fitting or ironic that Café Modern, the restaurant located in the Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth, is throwing aside present food conventions in favor of the traditions of the past. Although Modern art  "is usually associated with art in which the traditions of the past have been thrown aside in a spirit of experimentation,"¹ Executive Chef Dena Peterson is serving up anything but Food Noveau.

The Circle of Responsibility

Just a few steps away from the kitchen you can stroll by Dena's charming little garden, a living symbol of the "Circle of Responsibility" philosophy behind the restaurant. Bon Appétit Management Company, which runs this restaurant along with many others, is the first of it's kind. It's goal is to offer:
Food choices that celebrate flavor, affirm regional cultural traditions, and support local communities without compromising air, water or soil, now and in the future.
Here are just a few of their Kitchen Principles:
  • Menus are written based on seasonality and availability of regional fresh product. Whenever possible, these are produced locally using sustainable and organic practices
  • Stocks are made from scratch, the day before use to ensure the removal of fats
  • Shell eggs are produced cage-free and Certified Humane
  • Seafood should be purchased fresh when available locally. Salmon is wild caught. They support the Seafood Watch guidelines as recommended by the Monterey Bay Aquarium
  • Trans fats are not used in their kitchens
  • MSG and peanut oil are never used in the preparation of their food
  • All salad dressings are made from scratch, which means no hidden MSG and nasty preservatives. (Nonfat and low-calorie dressings may be purchased as necessary)
  • Gluten-free options available
I find it really refreshing that a large company is making the effort to seek locally produced products rather than buying in bulk and shipping the same thing to every location. The menu prices were not outlandish, proving that it can be done affordably. Check out their website for more info on their innovative approach.

Edible Art

Okay, art might be too lofty a term, but I'm trying to keep with the theme here ; - ) How about artisanal? Yes, that fits nicely. Many of the ingredients used at Café Modern come from local farmers and artisans. Here's the short list: When I asked Dena about their eggs, she told me "All of our shell eggs are cage free, certified humane (usually Phil’s brand). (My produce supply company and broadline distributor both carry them) Though I am interested in getting local, free range eggs – I raise chickens at home – and there is no substituting the flavor of a farm fresh egg!" Regarding produce, Dena told me:
I buy as much as possible from the Cowtown Farmer’s Market each week. I also utilize my produce company that provides various produce from local farms which changes weekly. I also grow a bit in my garden here at the restaurant and a bit at home. There is nothing better than knowing exactly where your food has been!! At the moment, I am purchasing Tomatoes from Scott Farms, radishes, lettuces, asparagus, herbs, strawberries, turnips, etc..  As the season changes I will be buying more and more fruit such as peaches, melons and plums.
I like this woman!

Did I forget something?

Oh yes, the food! Sorry, I am such a sucker for good ingredients sometimes I just go on and on. Daniel ordered "Susan's Duck PB&J." Yes, a duck peanut butter and jelly sandwich.
Shredded Smoked Duck with Cashew – Peanut Butter, Mild Jalapeno Pepper Jelly and Grilled Red Onion on Toasted Multigrain Bread.
I'll admit I was very skeptical, but it was delicious. The jalapeno jelly was the clincher for me. If you stop in don't be afraid to give it a try. I vacillated between the Grass-Fed Cheeseburger and the Lobster Pot Pie. I went with the pot pie, but if I'd known Daniel was about to go on a 21 Day cleanse I would've gotten both. I sure did miss beef during those three weeks. I loved the flavor of the pie but wished the sauce was a little creamier. That may be a pregnancy thing, though. I would probably drink cream if I could get my hands on the raw stuff for a good price!

One Quick Caution

Personally, I would avoid the chicken. It's "produced without the routine use of antibiotics as a feed additive," but more than likely fed GMO corn and soy. Overall, I would say that Café Modern is a lot like Tillman's Roadhouse. The food is delicious, and both are headed by chefs that are passionate about local, organic ingredients and sustainable practices. The menu is still a work in progress when it comes to implementing these ideals fully, but I would say it's pretty easy to walk in and order something that easily qualifies as real food. ¹Wikipedia, Modern Art]]> http://www.mommypotamus.com/cafe-modern-serving-local-organic-pastured-ingrediedients-in-fort-worth/feed/ 0 Bliss Raw Cafe: Raw, Organic Ingredients in Dallas http://www.mommypotamus.com/bliss-raw-cafe-raw-organic-ingredients-in-dallas/ http://www.mommypotamus.com/bliss-raw-cafe-raw-organic-ingredients-in-dallas/#comments Fri, 28 May 2010 12:52:52 +0000 Heather http://www.mommypotamus.com/?p=3440 Bliss Raw Cafe: Raw, Organic Ingredients in Dallas
Some History Several years ago Daniel and I went on a 100% raw food diet. I had serious health problems at the time and thought a raw food lifestyle might be the solution. A couple of months into our experiment I had a very enlightening conversation with a knowledgeable woman on the subject. She set ...]]> Bliss Raw Cafe: Raw, Organic Ingredients in Dallas

Some History

Several years ago Daniel and I went on a 100% raw food diet. I had serious health problems at the time and thought a raw food lifestyle might be the solution. A couple of months into our experiment I had a very enlightening conversation with a knowledgeable woman on the subject. She set me straight on some things which prompted Daniel and I to incorporate cooked foods back into our diet. In most cases, raw foodists are vegans/vegetarians. I've yet to meet a raw foodist that consumes raw meat (ick!) and rarely meet one that will consume raw dairy. In my experience, animal-based proteins are pretty much essential to good health. For a compelling firsthand account on this subject (written by a former vegan that switched to the Weston Price/Nourishing Traditions diet) check out The Labrawtory. Daniel felt pretty burned by the raw food experience and pretty much refused to check out Bliss Raw Cafe . . . until the cleanse. Suddenly any restaurant that served more than your basic salad started looking pretty good. Despite the fact that Google Maps kept sending us in circles, Daniel and I eventually made it in time to meet our friends Scott and Kate Cole and their sweet baby Asher, for lunch.

The Food

Regardless of our prior experience, two things are certain: Raw, living foods are good for you. And most of us don't eat enough of them. If you sit down at Bliss Raw thinking (like I did) that you're going to do your duty and cram your mouth with veggies whetheryoulikeitornot, get ready for a curve ball. More than likely you are going to love it. I did. My California Pizza, although it neither tasted nor looked like pizza, was incredible. The pineapple/jalapeno mix over pignoli cream was mouthwateringly delicious. And let me tell you, Daniel's Spaghetti and "Meat" Balls was astonishingly delicious. And yes, he cheated. It contained nuts. But at least the cheat was worth it. Although they graciously put up with my restaurant paparazzi ways I didn't take want to intrude on my sweet friends by eating off their plates. But both Scott's Primavera Bowl and Kate's Bliss Salad looked pretty darn scrumptious. Judging by their plates when the meal was over, I'd say they were. So here it is in a nutshell: Although I don't recommend a 100% raw food diet I highly recommend Bliss Raw Cafe. The flavor combinations will surprise you and win you over. And you'll be doing a great thing for your health, too! Quick tip: There are two sides to the restaurant. One is an elixir bar and the other is an open air patio. The elixir bar is air conditioned. We didn't know that, and by the end of our meal we were more than ready to hop in our air-conditioned cars. At least those of us that can't strip down in public.

Click Here to Order - Only $19.95 for a Limited Time!

]]> http://www.mommypotamus.com/bliss-raw-cafe-raw-organic-ingredients-in-dallas/feed/ 5 Kozy Kitchen: Dallas Restaurant Using Organic & Pastured Ingredients http://www.mommypotamus.com/kozy-kitchen-dallas-restaurant-using-organic-pastured-ingredients/ http://www.mommypotamus.com/kozy-kitchen-dallas-restaurant-using-organic-pastured-ingredients/#comments Fri, 07 May 2010 12:52:33 +0000 Heather http://www.mommypotamus.com/?p=2651 Kozy Kitchen: Dallas Restaurant Using Organic & Pastured Ingredients
Method Over Message The first thing Daniel said when we pulled up to Kozy Kitchen in uptown Dallas was “Does Kozy refer to the parking lot?” Ahem. The parking lot is a tad on the teensy side, but nestled along McKinney Avenue’s bustling shops and restaurants is a dining experience worth hunting up a parking ...]]> Kozy Kitchen: Dallas Restaurant Using Organic & Pastured Ingredients

Method Over Message

The first thing Daniel said when we pulled up to Kozy Kitchen in uptown Dallas was "Does Kozy refer to the parking lot?" Ahem. The parking lot is a tad on the teensy side, but nestled along McKinney Avenue's bustling shops and restaurants is a dining experience worth hunting up a parking space for. As we sat down I immediately noticed Kozy co-owner Jeff Wells passionately discussing the best way to cook shrimp with two women seated near us. After hearing about our purpose, he joined us a few minutes later to chat. "So, do you read Sally Fallon?" he asks me right off the bat. "You had me at Sally Fallon," I wanted to say. But I didn't. It's best to try to avoid becoming a blithering idiot whenever possible. Our conversation was full of quotables like "the neurology of the stomach is just as complex as the brain" and "don't let the message get in the way of the method." Of his method statement, Jeff explained that he makes good food instead of good speeches and hopes people show up. Like most owners striving to provide high-quality food, Jeff has had to prioritize which ingredients to focus on. His main focus it on providing quality protein with a sampling of the best produce, dairy, baked goods and specialty drinks available. The menu currently features:
  • Grass-Fed Beef
  • Grass-Fed Buffalo
  • Wild Salmon, Shrimp and Scallops
  • Venison (when available)
  • Organic Spinach and Mixed-Greens
  • Raw Mild Cheddar Cheese
  • Gluten-Free Options
  • Fair Trade-Organic White Rock Coffee
  • Kombucha
Kozy also features meat from Dominion Farms on occasion.

The Meal

Daniel opted for buckwheat pancakes and breakfast tacos. I would have taken a photo but I was too busy smiling and nodding like the blithering idiot I was trying not to be ; - ) It must have been really good because it was gone before I got three bites into my entree: a buffalo burger topped with raw cheddar and market veggies. This is the first time I've ever seen grass-fed buffalo on a menu, which really impressed me. It was very good, but the sweet potato hash stole the show. Everything on the menu was a special at one point. When a special gets requested again and again it gets upgraded to the menu, so it's hard to go wrong. Daniel and I were both big fans. Our only regret is that we don't live close enough to visit often.]]> http://www.mommypotamus.com/kozy-kitchen-dallas-restaurant-using-organic-pastured-ingredients/feed/ 1 The Grazing Cow: Serving Local, Grass-Fed Beef in DFW http://www.mommypotamus.com/the-grazing-cow-serving-local-grass-fed-beef-in-dfw/ http://www.mommypotamus.com/the-grazing-cow-serving-local-grass-fed-beef-in-dfw/#comments Fri, 23 Apr 2010 13:19:09 +0000 Heather http://www.mommypotamus.com/?p=2259 The Grazing Cow: Serving Local, Grass-Fed Beef in DFW
As Daniel and I drove to Plano chatting and not naming our unborn child, we wondered aloud about the wisdom of bringing our daughter with us during her naptime. Gigi was at her bazillionth high-school reunion, so we were sans-babysitter. Anyone who has tried to sit down in a restaurant with a cranky, over-tired child ...]]> The Grazing Cow: Serving Local, Grass-Fed Beef in DFW
As Daniel and I drove to Plano chatting and not naming our unborn child, we wondered aloud about the wisdom of bringing our daughter with us during her naptime. Gigi was at her bazillionth high-school reunion, so we were sans-babysitter. Anyone who has tried to sit down in a restaurant with a cranky, over-tired child knows what a miserable experience that can be. But, like many things in life, this turned out to be one of those times when not getting what I want was actually better than getting it. But I'll get to that later.

Small Changes = Big Impact

When we first arrived in Plano we couldn't find The Grazing Cow. Restaurants come and go like a pop song in DFW, but until now it had never occurred to me to check and make sure one was still open before we drove across several zip codes to check it out. We were really hungry, and Daniel was eyeing a McDonald's as he called the number I'd written down. Phew! They were just down the street. Dodged that bullet. Amy, the owner, greeted us with a smile as soon as we walked in. The room was fairly empty so she took a few minutes to explain her approach to the menu, which includes several healthy upgrades from the traditional burger-joint menu:
  • Grass-fed beef from Burgundy Pastures
  • Coconut oil to cook everything except the fries (coconut oil's smoke point is too low)
  • Real butter
  • All-natural buns made by La Spiga Bakery in Addison
When I asked about their condiments Amy told me:
Mustard and ketchup are Heinz, which have high fructose syrup unfortunately.  The cost at the moment is too high to switch.  When we created the menu we wanted people to get a burger, fries and a drink for under $10, which we have.  Our goal eventually is to be completely all natural and organic. We thought the most important element was our buns and meat patties that are all natural. We are trying to win the war in bringing people healthy good food to the masses but have to fight each battle one at a time.  I believe our buying power will improve which will lower our costs and allow us to provide these changes in the future.  We are always looking for ways to improve our food and we continually search for local vendors that can supply . . .  The more successful we are the better food we can provide for the community.
It's hard to explain the feeling I get when I hear people talk like this. It's like a crush without the romantic element.

The Menu

I went with the "Pow! Burger" -- a 2/3 lb grass-fed behemoth of a sandwich topped with their secret recipe horseradish cream on top. The sauce alone was worth the drive. I couldn't sweet talk Amy into giving away her proprietary secret but you can bet I'm going to try a few copycat versions at home. Daniel chose the "Bloated Burger" -- which is basically the same thing I got with cheese on top. This thing was so huge even he couldn't finish it, but he sure tried! Katie helped us out by eating some of our hamburger meat along with fries and some avocado from home. Here's our little taste tester giving the handmade sauces her seal of approval.

Mission Accomplished

Fifteen minutes after we sat down this two month-old restaurant was completely packed. Not just with people toting baby slings and reusable water bottles, but with average people from nearby neighborhoods. By prioritizing her ingredient upgrades for maximum flavor and nutritional punch, Amy's mission to change the food landscape in her area is already making headway.

Spontaneous Networking

As I mentioned earlier, not getting what you want can be a good thing once in awhile. Not for character development reasons (sheesh), but because you get something better! While we were at the Grazing Cow I noticed a mom trying to keep her toddler in her lap while eating. No high chairs were available so I took Katie's over and voila! I met Crystalyn, a creative-type mom who's Etsy shop was featured on their homepage just this week. Her felt acorns are also being used in an upcoming Better Homes and Gardens photo shoot. How cool is that? She's also a photographer that wants to get into birth photography for Dallas residents. She already does portraits so you can check her out at Crystalyn Roberts Photography. If Katie had not been with us I never would have walked over to that table and instantly connected with such a cool mom.

Live Green Expo

To top off this perfect day, Amy mentioned that the Live Green Expo was going on across the street and my HERO Joel Salatin was speaking. He's the farmer on Food, Inc. if you've seen it. I love Amy for this!! We headed right over and had a ton of fun. ]]> http://www.mommypotamus.com/the-grazing-cow-serving-local-grass-fed-beef-in-dfw/feed/ 8