This year…just like every year…I plan to blog more…we’ll see how it goes!
I have no desire to join the ever growing ranks of “wanna be” food critics here in Dallas…but I figure I might as well put my two cents out there about restaurants I do go try. So…here goes nothing….
I’ve known the people over at Texas de Brazil for the past, almost, six years; so I tend to have a heads up when they are up to something new. I knew they were working on a new concept since early 2011, but it wasn’t until August that I found out the new concept was an Italian one. I could NOT wait to try it!
Finally I did just that a few weeks ago. Since it is getting dark here so early these days, I can honestly say I have no clue what this place looks like from the outside. But, it is located on Lovers Lane, west of Inwood Rd.. but before you get to Celebration (if you Dallasites don’t know about Celebration, well that’s a whole other issue).
I had warned my friend we were going and fortunately they alerted the manager because they were hosting a private party, oops! Luckily we got to sneak in and eat.
First of all, the restaurant is absolutely gorgeous! It’s got a homie feeling to it, but a nicer home than I’ve ever lived in. And don’t be fooled when you walk in the “windows” to your right are actually mirrors; my friend got a little confused.
My girlfriend and I got there early to catch up and have a glass of wine. She beat me because the tollway was bumper to bumper moving about a quarter mile a minute, so when I finally arrived I was ready for a drink and just said “I’ll have what she’s having.”
Which was:
She had been told it was like a Pinot Noir and it was so tasty we ordered a whole bottle. She and I also started with the Tagliere Del Pastore (aka a meat & cheese tray)
It was delicious! And those jams were SO good!
When our other friend arrived we settled on ordering one appetizer and two entrees to all share. First we started with Fritto Di Paranza (or Calamari)
This was probably the best calamari I’ve ever had!
For our entrees we ordered:
Agli Asparagi e Crema Di Formaggi Risotti (Risotto with asparagus and soft melted cheese), which I apparently did not photograph. Boo me!
And we ordered the Costata Al Ramerino (Aged Rib Eye steak prepared Tuscan style)
Everything was delicious! Especially those mashed potatoes the steak came served on.
Despite being stuffed we still ordered dessert. To try something different we went with the Ricotta al Miele Amaro e Bacche di Pepe.
It is fresh Ricotta cheese with a drizzle of bitter honey and dusted with black pepper. It wasn’t my favorite, but everyone else was a fan.
Then we were surprised with a glass of Lemoncello before we were brought a serving of the Sa Carapinna each!
The Gelato of the day was sour apple and it was amazing!
Bottom line, if you haven’t visited Zio Cecio yet…what are you waiting for?? Do yourself a favor and go try it!
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