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Tucked inside Galleria Dallas adjacent to Nordstrom sits Grand Lux Cafe, the sister restaurant to The Cheesecake Factory. With an extensive menu that incorporates many continents cooking techniques, there is something for every palate. Offering lunch fare Monday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., the restaurant allows guests to explore some of their more popular dishes in smaller portions.
The full menu is available from open to close, and they even offer a brunch menu on the weekend. I suggest you grab an appetizer with your drink order right as you are greeted; the menu is challenging and takes some serious time and attention to decide on the main entree, which you’re sure to love. Here’s a look at what I sampled last week and more information about National Nacho Day coming up this weekend!
Asian Nachos – appetizer
National Nacho Day is right around the corner (November 6), and the Asian Nachos are a must try. Their Far East spin of this traditional appetizer features crispy wonton chips piled high with jack cheese and tender chicken breast surround a centerpiece of fluffy white rice. Further, the app is delicately smothered in warm and sweet peanut sauce along with a subtle wasabi cream. Topped with peanuts, chives and toasted black sesame seeds, you’ll be intrigued and satisfied!
Pineapple Basil Mojito
The cocktail list boasts hand crafted beverages with fresh house made ingredients and wines that complement all types of entrees. After much deliberation, I decided on the Pineapple Basil Mojito. The heavy-handed pour of Bacardi and Cruzan Pineapple rums pair well with mint, basil, fresh pineapple and lime makes for a refreshing cocktail.
Seared Salmon Bento Box
Available on their lunch menu, a sauteed salmon filet seared with red pepper butter was delicate and flaky and served on a bed of mashed potatoes. Charbroiled asparagus was seasoned with salt and pepper and drizzled with lemon sauce was a major stand out in the bento box. Tomato and white bean seasonal soup just in time for the changing of the seasons had the creamy texture of a tomato bisque with definite hints of white bean. Oh, and a cheesy surprise awaits you when you dunk your spoon to the bottom of the large bowl. Accompanying the soup was a mixture of organic lettuce brought to life with the house made vinaigrette composed of roasted tomatoes and caramelized onions. This is not your typical lunch outing and is a must try!
Thai Ginger Beef
Succulent pieces of beef tenderloin drenched in a spicy ginger soy sauce was stir fried with crunchy sugar snap peas, bok choy, red onion and shiitake mushrooms with your choice of white or perfectly cooked brown rice. Touted as one of their hot items on the extensive menu, it is highly recommended to order this dish after indulging in the Asian Nachos.
Madeira Chicken
An elegant take on the recipe made famous by their sister restaurant, The Cheesecake Factory. Two large and juicy chicken breasts smothered in mozzarella cheese, chunks of asparagus and mushroom snuggled up next to fluffy mashed potatoes drizzled with their famous sweet and savory Madeira mushroom sauce.
No meal is complete without taking a gander at the dessert menu. A section of their desserts are baked to order, which puts extreme pressure on the diner to decide when ordering the entree. It’s like Game 7, two strikes, 3 balls in a tied ball game and you are up to bat. Trust your gut instinct and order a dessert!
Molten Chocolate Cake
The most popular dessert, the Molten Chocolate Cake, does not disappoint. Its warm chocolate center pairs well with homemade vanilla ice cream and candied strawberries.
New Orleans Beignets
These little nuggets will make you feel you are sitting on the patio of that famous place in the French Quarter. Fried to a golden crisp and served with a trio of sauces that include a fresh raspberry, chocolate ganache and Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Whiskey creme glaze transport you to Big Easy without the hangover. The powdered sugar still ends up on every part of your face though. You can’t have beignets without a cup of coffee. Ask about their wide variety of caffeinated beverages to accompany your friend deliciousness.
Warm Butter Cake
A excellent choice for those who can’t handle the pressure, the Warm Butter Cake can be ordered after you devour the main course. Allowing 10 minutes from waiter to table, this dessert features a rich and creamy center and a bruleed crust topped with homemade vanilla ice cream, whipped cream and candied strawberries.
If you enjoy elegant ambiance, impeccable service and delicious food, Grand Lux Cafe delivers! Remember to stop by on November 6 for National Nacho Day!
(Disclaimer: My meal was complimentary, and all thoughts are my own.)
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