We’re not hoity toity, foie gras, oysters & crap...

If you want to know what restaurants, clubs, hotels and retailers will look past the fact that you're "twenty something" and actually provide you the quality food/service/experience they tout...you've come to the right place! This blog is all about two twenty somethings in Dallas, now DC, who love to eat, shop, and enjoy everything this great city has to offer. We've been there, done that with an innumerable number of restaurants and places of interest, and some are truly "all that and a bag of chips", while others fall flat when it comes to living up to big hype.

Bookmark us, as we begin to add in our favorite places to eat and play...and for those that felt our experience was a little less important than our youthful appearance, we know who you are, and soon everyone else will too!

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Thursday, February 26, 2009

Tillman's Roadhouse


I think I can make a broad statement and say most people probably have that "special occasion" restaurant that they visit when its a birthday, promotion, parents are coming in town, etc. For us that restaurant is Tillman's. It's another great one in the Bishop's Arts district in south Dallas. Tillman's calls itself, a "California twist on Texas roadhouse."
It gets hopping around 7:00 pm, so if you get there before then, you usually don't have to wait at all. The restaurant decor is a fun mix of hunting lodge and tea room, with exposed wood planks on the wall and large crystal chandeliers. We like sitting on the porch when its pretty outside. They have couch-like seating on one side of the table that I like to lounge on. Perfect for purse placement :)
All of Bishop Arts District is seeing a rebirth, and Tillman's is leading the charge. It's a different type of restaurant, one in which we have found a little bit of ourselves. They take what you like about some of your favorite Texas food, and change it just a bit...The restaurant itself is different as well, decorated with raw, unstained and refined wood on the walls, huge logs, and an outdoorsy feel. The tables are small...as to ensure you and your date are never far from one another!

The first time we went, I was won over by their free table appetizer that included my favorite flavor...truffle oil. They give you little servings of warmed peanuts and popcorn drizzled with truffle oil. Scrumtulescent! We also really really like their trio of french fries. They offer a sweet potato fry, a parmesan black pepper fries and chili dusted purple peruvian fries. Their ketchup is homemade and it also comes with a horseradish/mayo sauce that is yummy!

She lies not about the fries...I mean it's fries, with cheeses and seasonings and all kinds of amazing flavors...honestly, it's the best option when it comes to an appetizer. Good bang for your buck!

As far as entrees go, you really can't go wrong! J has ordered the Venison Frito Pie a couple of times and it is always good. The venison has a sweetness to it that is a perfect combo with the salty frito chips. I've gotten the pork chops before and those things will feed you for days! They are absolutely huge! They come with a polenta that is a mix of goat cheese and coffee. Sounds weird I know, but it is so good. Instead of the crispy green beans, I got their signature macaroni and cheese. It's kind of salty, but I love it! My mother sent hers back once because of the level of salt, but I didn't have a problem with it. The waiter told Mom that they were very proud of their seasoning, hence the lack of salt and pepper on the table, and she didn't doubt it. I've also gotten the Hickory Smoked Chipotle BBQ Ribs before and loved em'. You have to be in the mood for spice, because these suckers don't go light on the chipotle! They come in a bowl on top of their mac and cheese, so that cuts the spice a little. Who wouldn't like ribs and mac and cheese?


I'll let J tell you about the chicken fried steak. They definitely do it uniquely there.

First of all the Chicken Fried Steak is different, and it's actually called Chicken Fried Hanger Steak. It's not one big piece of steak, rather small pieces of steak that are fairly thick, battered and deep fried. It's really good but you definitely see the california flair on this dish. The first time I got it I went in thinking "luby's" chicken fried steak, mashed potatoes, etc....haha, needless to say I was disappointed! However, upon further review, it's really good...and it grows on you!

Now the dessert is pretty much the best part of Tillman's! They have ingeniously thought up the perfect smore. They bring out a little, mini pot o' fire and homemade graham crackers and marshmallows. Those are orange, maple and coffee. It also comes with dark chocolate bark and a bunch of little skewers. We have more fun making the smores and have almost always had leftovers that I make later on my gas stove. It keeps surprisingly well.

I am always sooooooooo full by time we get to dessert...but let's be clear here, it's dessert...and it's amazing...and you are STUPID to pass it up! I am serious, no matter how full you are, if you don't get something off of this list, you have missed the very heart of the restaurant. By the time you make it to dessert, the place has usually filled up nicely, so people watching is in full swing, and this neighborhood has really come to life. Do dessert...After all, you deserve it.

Last time we went with my parents, my mom ordered the peanut butter cookie sandwich. What the waiter didn't tell us was this was about a half pounder cookie with a few chocolate chip cookies on the side and three scoops of banana ice cream. We were so deliciously full we were in pain. That also came with a carafe of melted chocolate that you could drizzle over your portion to your heart's desire. Sadly, we were so full we couldn't go over to Eno's to get a beer. Sad day!

We rate Tillman's Roadhouse a 4.75 out of 5 for food and a 4 out of 5 for twenty somethings.

Highlights:
- Venison Frito Pie
- Chicken Fried Hanger Steak
- Trio of French Fries
- Homemade Smores at your table!
- Wines and a Prickly Pear Margarita
- Atmosphere, atmosphere, atmosphere!
- Romantic restaurant, in an amazing area!
http://www.tillmansroadhouse.com/

Babb Appétit Dallas restaurants



1 comment:

RickiRoo said...

This is very entertaining Josh. Don't ask how I managed to stumble upon it (I am not goofing off during class...really!) Eliot and I might follow some of your suggestions :) Nicely written by the pair of you!