Once again, Jeanine Stevens of Dallas By Chocolate, comes up with an idea to celebrate for Dallasites and foodies alike. Conducted about once a month, local culture and flavors as well as pinches of Oak Cliff history make this tour a meal to talk about.
The first stop on the tour after huddling up in front of Dude, Sweet Chocolate for a game plan is the nearby Veracruz Café, located at 408 N. Bishop. With a few years under its belt now, this coloful locale brings authentic Mexican and Mesoamerican spicy thrills to the tongue. Guests are fed a full plate of antojos including sopes and black bean enchiladas. Next on the path is Tillman's Roadhouse, at 324 W. 7th St., an elegant, yet rustic Texan eatery serving up favorites like Chicken Fried Steak. We were treated to table-cooked smores unlike any other, with strawberry, orange and maple marshmallows made on location with handmade graham crackers.
Our tongues were already treated to drastically different tastes as we walked past murals depicting Dallas' past, paying homage to Oak Cliff's past with sculptures of trolley wheels and paintings of the longest bridge that crossed the Trinity after the great flood. Next, we arrived at 303 Bar & Grill at 303 W. Davis, a home-cooking staple with a talent for special brunches. After 303, it was on to Lockhart Smokehouse at 400 W. Davis. Bearded-barbecue experts explained Lockhart style, which is no frills-no sauce and no forks, just meaty goodness.
Finally the tour finishes up where it starts, at Dude, Sweet Chocolate, at 408 W. Eighth St. Perfect for dessert, and not for the food conformist, patrons at Dude, Sweet Chocolate are tickled with samples of vodka chocolate and even coffee chocolate for that needed boost to make it home on a full stomach.
Dallas is the mecca for food, and Dallas By Chocolate and Dallas Bites! is the way to mingle with all the multicultural delights within the city's palate. For those who can't make the Bishop Arts Tour, the Bread and Soup Tour on March 16th, and Bacon Tour on February 23rd, are filling up fast, so reserve a seat soon.
