Zizigo Korean Flapjack House in Carrollton!

The famous Korean flapjack!!!

Alright.  This is another rare out of Dallas post, but do you know how many people from Carrollton tell everyone that they’re from Dallas?  Close enough, okay?

Honestly, we were lost and just ended up here because every door we tried to open was locked, and if we got in, everyone scrambled around and said, “We hurry get your orda cuz kitchen closed!!!”  Of course I just said no and we’ll find somewhere else.  When we stumbled upon this place, we walked in, and they seemed shocked to see us.  I think they were having a family/staff dinner since there were no customers.  Most of them stood up and scattered to their work stations.  The children were hugged and taken away (at least they didn’t put them to work).  It was close to midnight, so we asked if they were about to close, because I didn’t want angry kitchen staff preparing our food!  We were lucky.  They said they close at 4 a.m.

We chose to sit at the bar so we weren’t in view of the buffet they were having in the back.  That way they can sit back down and finish comfortably not worrying about what the rare customer thinks.  We got our menus and drinks.  During this moment, it seemed as if there was a HUGE language barrier.  I had a hard time understanding the menu, and when asked for an explanation, I still didn’t understand.  I ended up telling the waitress (who was probably the owner) to choose my food.  That seemed to lift a huge weight, and she suddenly had a genuine smile on her face.  She ended up choosing for the other guys with me from the categories they were focused on.

After that bumbling start, everything fell into place!!!  Food just kept coming out!  I didn’t know half of what I was eating, but I was loving it!  We did it buffet style.  There were noodles, vegetables, rice, spices, sauces, meat, meat, and MORE MEAT!!!  No.  This is not a vegetarian or vegan post.  Sorry.

While we were eating, the waitress stood there watching us the whole time and guiding us through the eating process.  She kept telling me what spices, sauces, or food items to combine.  It felt awkward being watched while I eat, and my brother whispered to me that it’s how they do it in their country.  Oh well.  I’ll take it.

In the end, we were three big guys who were super full asking for to-go boxes for all the leftovers.  My friends had a few alcoholic beverages, and the tab was STILL under $80.  We split it three ways and tipped 25% since it was so affordable and we were the only ones there.

This was one of my favorite eating experiences ever, and I had to share.  Sorry I couldn’t go in to depth as to what we ate, but the pictures above should give you a really good idea.  I just said get me something, it arrived, I pigged out.  We didn’t even order the flapjacks that they were known for, but she brought us some anyways.  It was amazing!

I definitely advise you to drive a few miles out of Dallas for this unique experience.  If they are closed, I’m sure you can walk a few feet to another experience on the same level.  I’ll add a map link, since this one is out of Dallas!  Enjoy!

Zizigo website

Zizigo’s location @ 2625 Old Denton Rd, Carrollton, TX 75007, USA

 Zizigo’s MENU

P.S.  Feel free to use the pictures I took to show the waitress.  Just hold it up and say, “I want this!”  😉

Aboca’s Italian Grill at Central (75) and Meadow Road!

Calamari.

Trio Special split in two.

Lasagna.

Dining room.

Dining room.

Here’s your sign.

Cool doors.

Business hours.

Shrimp aboca.

Here’s your other sign.

This time I decided to stray away from my Knox/Henderson safety zone so I went just a couple miles north off the highway.  Actually, I didn’t choose this place.  It was my brother’s birthday, so of course we let his wife choose the place.  ; )  Anyways, we went Italian this time at Aboca’s Italian Grill at Central and Meadow Road.  When you get off the highway, just look for Tom Thumb in a shopping center, and you’ll see Aboca’s a few doors down.  Just look for your sign.

When I first got there, I asked what beers they had, and my crew and the waiter quickly informed me that it was BYOB.  Initially, I began to calmly yell curse words in my head until they reminded me that Tom Thumb was next door.  When I was buying my booze, I actually realized I was saving money because of this BYOB “hiccup.”

I returned shortly and the waiter said he had to get our order right away because they were about to close.  Yep.  We were “those” people.  When we got our food, we ate like wolves so we wouldn’t keep them too much longer.  Still, they showed no signs of being terribly upset for coming in at the last minute.  Also, the food seemed like they took their time on it.  Everything was amazing!  I did take a picture of the hours so that none you do what we did.

Alright.  We started out with the calamari which was fried perfectly and not greasy.  Our dinner salads arrived shortly after.  I picked it up and swallowed it whole.  For dinner, I had the shrimp pasta aboca that had shrimp, garlic, shallots, mushrooms, capers, and artichokes sauteed in a lemon white wine sauce.  Yes, I copied that directly from their menu.  My memory isn’t THAT good, and I’m not that good of a writer.  Someone else had the beef lasagna.  I tasted it and thought it was some of the best lasagna that I’ve ever had.  The birthday boy and his other half had the pasta trio that had fettucini, manicotti, and lasagna.  They split it.  It looked and smelled great.  Someone who looked important even came over and asked how everything was rather than being upset at our last minute arrival.  Honestly, they were probably pretty happy about the quick in and out business and a big tab.  I made sure to tip insanely high to show my appreciation…  Plus, I’m a server, and we all always take care of one another.  It’s an unwritten code, y’all.

Oh.  Other things on the menu that we didn’t try this time?  They have a veal menu, seafood menu, and a pizza menu that includes calzone and stromboli.  They have more selections, of course, but I’ll just include a menu link down below.

In the end, I left very satisfied, and everyone working was very nice to us.  I highly recommend this place.  Don’t forget to arrive early and pick up a six pack before you go!  😉

Aboca’s Italian Grill menu!

J. Black’s on Henderson! (CLOSED)

Here’s your sign.

Front patio.

Side patio.

HD action over the bar!

Lounge area.

Lounge area.

Tables on the back wall.

Calamari.

Half priced pizza on Tuesday!!!

We got really lucky on the night we visited J. Black’s.  We were just driving around and randomly chose this place.  I said, “Let’s just go there.  I’m too hungry to think.”  It was Tuesday, and they have half-priced pizza and $3 select drafts on that day!  Score!!!  I think I got the Rahr Whiskey Warmer.  Plus it was kinda slow, so we had awesome service.  I didn’t know if our server was a manager, server, bartender, or all the above, because he was all over the place.  Behind the bar, on the floor, making drinks, running food, adjusting other server checks, etc.  Whatever the case, he was bombtastic.  I hate that they were kinda slow, but I loved it too.  It was nice and laid back.

For an appetizer we got calamari.  It was great!  It came with greens, parmesan, cocktail and tarter sauce.  As soon as we were done, we got our half priced pizza.  We were gonna get the crab an portobello pizza but ended up getting the omnivore that was recommended by our server/manager/bartender/owner/carpenter dude.  He said that he thinks seafood is odd on a pizza… to him.  He said it’s good but odd.  I like odd. I’m gonna try it next time.  Anyways, we got the omnivore.  It had Jimmy’s Italian sausage, pepperoni, salami, ranch bacon, mushrooms, pepperoncini, and feta.  It was nice.  The crust was thin and crispy, and it was meaty.  Very flavorful!  The half priced pizza deal strayed me from perusing the rest of the menu, but after we were done, I realized they had lollipop lamb chops!  I love lamb!  Sooooo……  next time I’m getting the weird pizza and lamb.  No need for a menu.  Just ring that in please…  And crab cakes.

Off the subject, I LOVE that they played some old school Michael Jackson.  I think it was Girlfriend or P.Y.T.  I was in heaven.  Also, the seats were super comfy, and there was a LOT of … HD TVs!  😉  I highly recommend this place during their slow times.  I’ve heard less impressive stories during their peak hours on the weekend.  To be honest, that’s the case at any restaurant or bar.  It’s just common sense.  We all strive for perfection, but we’re only human.  Sometimes we fumble.

J. Black’s Menu

J. Black’s website

Baker’s Ribs south of Greenville and Lovers!

Here’s your sign!

Beer, here!

Your choice of two sides.

The bacon maker.

Ribs, brisket, green beens, and spiced tomatoes.

Ribs, sausage, and a baked potato.

The mural.

Texas wall.

Yep.  This is yet another post about “take out,” but it’s not about five star tacos.  It’s about barbecue!  I love ribs, and this is where I usually go for it.  There’s something about eating with my hands that makes me feel a bit macho.  Grounded.  Animalistic…  Then I go home and listen to Jason Mraz and watch the WWE.  Anyways, it’s hit or miss here with their ribs, but hit more than miss.  There were times when I’ve had more bone than meat, but after I eat my sides and the “other” meat (I always get two meats in case one is lacking in quality), I always leave full and satisfied.  They may not have servers, but they have a huge dining area with a “salad bar” stationed in the the center where you can get pickles, onions, jalapenos, etc.  Also, they have sweet tea!  If you look at the pictures, you’ll also see they have beer.

On this visit, I got the ribs with brisket, green beans, and spiced tomatoes.  My friend got ribs with sausage and a stuffed baked potato.  I had sweet tea instead of beer this time.  It was early.  Trying to be responsible since I had to work soon.  (I should’ve had a beer.)  Two of my ribs were AWESOME and meaty, and one was mostly bone, but hey, I eat too much anyways, AND I left super full.  Full, happy, and ready for a quick nap.  🙂

Of course, you can order family dinners if you don’t feel like cooking after a long day.  Check it out.  There’s a nice Texas theme goin’ on.

Baker’s Ribs Dallas Menu (Greenville Avenue)

Baker’s Ribs Website (TEN LOCATIONS!!!)

Velvet Taco at Knox/Henderson and Central(75)!

back patio

VELVET TACO

The number 9 and 18! 😉

The wall menu

dining area

front patio across from Victor Tangos! 🙂

Alright.  So this is my first takeout post!  I really wanted to do one, and Velvet Taco immediately came to mind.  By takeout, I mean no servers, but they do have a dining room and beer.  These aren’t street vendor tacos, though, even though I love those as well.  These tacos are made with quality ingredients and seemingly by a Chef.  Also, just because they don’t have servers doesn’t mean to pretend the tip jar isn’t there.  Throw something in.  You’ll feel better.

I had two tacos.  I was satisfied, but three would’ve filled me up.  I only ordered two this time, because one of my tacos was a bit pricy, but I HAD to try it.  It was the maine lobster.  It was good, but if I would’ve expected the lobster to be cold, I would’ve enjoyed it more.  Good flavor, just shocked by the temperature.  The shredded pork taco I had was excellent!  It made me moan (just a little bit okay).  It had bleu cheese crumbs and avocado cream on it!  They may not have a bar or servers, but there is a beautiful wall with shelves of healthy beverages, but on the bottom?…  Beer!  Good beer at that!  If you’re not a boozer like me, then they have creamsickle tea that gets refills like the sodas.  I also highly recommend the rotisserie corn “elote style”.  Just get it.  You’ll like it if you like corn.  If you like chicken, it looks like they slow cook it rotisserie style.  You’ll see the whole birds rotating.  A chicken taco is next on my list.  I didn’t see the those birds until after I ordered.  😦

They do have two little patios, if that’s what you’re looking for.  If you’re looking for some HD action, get it to go or for “takeout”.  😉  Anyways, I just had to say HD for no reason.  Check this place out. Their food is great.

Velvet Taco website

Velvet Taco menu…  even though I took a pretty good picture of it for you.  😉

La Calle Doce at Skillman and Oram!

I went to La Calle Doce Mexican Seafood for their lunch specials.  Go figure!  My first lunch special post!  It’s probably because I’m not a big fan of daywalking.  So, I decided to take one for the team and do this for “you people.”  By “you people,” I mean normal.  Also, I took another one for the team and did this for the “not lactose intolerant.”  The food coma afterwards was worth it!  I got the sour cream chicken enchilada that came with beans and rice all for $7.95!  Delicious.  My buddy ordered the first special off the board for $5.95.  I think they were crispy chicken flautas with beans and rice.  He gave me a taste.  Really good stuff.  It’s funny that the cheaper special comes with a cup of chicken tortilla soup!  It’s okay, I incorporated the complimentary chips and salsa into my meal again.  My pictures aren’t too exciting, but the entrees look awesome on their website.  Lunch was good and cheap, but I MUST come back for dinner.

Oh!  Apparently, this place burned down recently (probably just the inside), and it took them eight months to rebuild.  It looks completely different.  They moved the bar closer to the front door.  Great idea!  Also, they have a private dining area, dining upstairs, and two patios!  Anyways, check out their link below.  Good stuff.

http://www.lacalledoce-dallas.com/menu-lunch.php

Alligator Cafe’ in East Dallas!!!

Yep!  We went Cajun this time!  This place was pretty busy with only three servers.  Generally, I try not to go to a restaurant during their dinner rush, but, oops!  I did it again.  I just had to be sure that I was ready to order enough “stuff” every time the server stopped by.  Right away we ordered water, Pabst Blue Ribbon (don’t judge, it was refreshing), shiner, calamari, and crab cakes.  I just gotta say, I love when someone does fried food well.  Not too greasy or chewy, etc.  The crab cakes were on an awesome sauce that I can’t pronounce.  The calamari was served with tartar and cocktail sauce.  Both appetizers were very good.  It made waiting, which wasn’t that long, more bearable.  It’s just that time is in slow motion when you’re super hungry.  For dinner we had more beer, blackened tilapia that sat on a bed of dirty rice (instead of white rice by request) topped with an AWESOME shrimp cream sauce, fried okra, blackened alligator, blackened salmon, and fried cream corn.  I loved everything.  I don’t have to describe all the flavors, just know that it was great, and please try all this good stuff.  I see why their Chef has been on television.  Also, one of their regulars told me I should’ve got the pork chops.  Next time.  No dessert this time.  I couldn’t even finish my tilapia which I took some home as leftovers.  It was even better the second day!

Oh, I understand they sometimes have live music.  Acoustic blues and jazz I think.  Check out their website for that info.  Speaking of their website, their pictures on there do their food much more justice than mine.

http://eatgator.com

I love food, and I approve this restaurant.  (Sorry, election coming up.)  😉