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Refined elegance is the watchword at this tony eatery in the revitalised uptown area where diners can watch the chefs at work through a huge glass wall. With appetisers running $6 and higher, and items on the menu such as a baked lobster in jalapeno sauce for nearly $30, it is pricey but worth the cost, with an extensive wine menu. The house speciality is prime rib, but it’s the southern-style horseradish mashed potatoes that steal the show.
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Award-winning fare – and wine list – from several Italian regions, notably several veal variations and Sardinian dishes (such as pasta with braised lamb) that are way over the top of your average spaghetti and lasagna choices. The signature ravioli dish won a 2002 international competition – in Italy, no less.
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One might expect to see the lights of the Eiffel Tower twinkle across the sidewalk on the way out the door after an evening at the very authentic Aurora, with its Limoges china and Cristofle silverware. Almost otherworldly in terms of presentation, elegance and expense, with memorable touches such as the homebaked bread, this very popular restaurant (including a glass-front kitchen as part of the show) offers everything from a caviar-tasting menu to roast elk and myriad foie gras variations.
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Mainly popular as a lunch destination, Avila’s is a hit among locals that hasn’t quite been discovered by camera-toting tourists. Wooden benches and casual kitchen chairs set the tone for this Tex Mex eatery, where no money is wasted on trendy designs. The kitchen’s spicy mole sauce is one of Dallas’ best (not too heavy on the chocolate) and the spinach enchiladas are comfort food with flair. Big surprise: a far better than average wine list.
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In Texas, fusion isn’t only relegated to Asian cuisine. Blue Mesa incorporates Southwest stylings with standard Tex Mex offerings to create outstanding surprises. Way out there in tastebud land is the chef’s Adobe Pie, a fresh take on the ageless Mexican standard, the tamale, a favourite here for years. Also try the monthly taco special – with proceeds to local charities (hopefully your trip will coincide with the grilled mahi-mahi taco).
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