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If there’s one thing that we can count on in Texas, it’s an long summer. That means not only do most sun-lovers continue to get their extra days soaking up rays, but food lovers get some extra time to enjoy some of our seasonal favorites.Â
I recently had the chance to try a few of these exceptionally delicious in-season favorites at Jasper’s in Plano. If you’ve never been to a Jasper’s, it’s a dinner worth booking. Going solo? No worries — over the years, I’ve never been let down by the friendly guys at the bar who always offer impeccable service, share some great stories (or listen to mine), and make great cocktails.Â
This was, however, one of the few times I’ve had the pleasure to dine in the main room. From the hostess to the staff to the servers to the managers; Jasper’s offers the professionalism you would expect from a fine-dining establishment with the flavors of a southern (upscale) BBQ joint.Â
While I was incredibly tempted to get my usual blue cheese chips and ribs (both are a MUST), we were there to taste new things … and they definitely did not disappoint.Â
Appetizers:
Smoked Texas Peach Bruschetta
Texas peaches: one of the sweetest and juiciest fruits that seems to pair well with just about anything. In this case the peaches are smoked and served on a nice crispy crustini, with some light whipped goat cheese and garnished with red onions, micro-cilantro, and a balsamic drizzle.
Pulled Pork Empanadas
There’s no BBQ that’s complete without pulled pork. These light and flaky empanadas are filled with seasoned pulled pork, pepper jack cheese, and a little bit of corn. They are topped with some cotija cheese and roasted tomato and served with a bright chimichuri sauce for dipping.Â
Entrees:
Shiner Bock-Honey BBQ Rotisserie Chicken
A half of a juicy, rotisserie chicken served with a Shiner Bock-Honey bbq sauce … with a side of applewood smoked bacon-cheddar grits that I could have eaten an entire bowl of and been totally content. I love southern food. Â
Pan Seared Rainbow Trout
To balance out all the cheeses and crustinis and pastries and grains, we decided to try the market fish of the day: Pan seared rainbow Trout. Light, refreshing, with a crispy cooked skin (nothing better than a good crispy skin on a fish), served with a fingerling potato hash, some roasted corn, and a poblano cream sauce.Â
Sides:
Grilled Asparagus
Grilled Asparagus coated in delicious, melted Gremolata butter (salted butter with chopped herbs, garlic) with melted Grana Padano cheese on top.Â
Crispy Brussels SproutsÂ
Pan-fried Brussels sprouts mixed with smoked bacon and bell peppers. Nom.
Dessert:
Cast-Iron Strawberry Tartlet with Vanilla Ice Cream
As good as it sounds, and looks.
Jasper’s focuses on crafting menu items that feature the seasonal southern favorites and all-time classics (really, you’ve got to try their ribs, and their smoked potato salad, and their mac and cheese, and their crab cakes …). If you haven’t been before, make a night of it and try it out soon. Find Eric or Kevin at the bar and tell them that Tara sent you.
*All thoughts are my own; dinner and drinks were provided.Â
Jaspser’s has two locations in DFW and one in the Houston area.
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