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Tag: Valentine’s Day

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  • Valentine’s Day
Fine Dining

A Perfect Valentine’s Dinner at Truluck’s

February 13, 2026 Submitted Nerdery

Truluck’s Valentine’s menu is only available this weekend!

Tagged dallas food nerd,Truluck’s,Valentine’s Day

A Community Project

this is a community project of a few (20+ now!) Dallas based nerds who happen to like food. probably a little too much. do you heart food? do you take pictures of everything before you eat it? Do you use foursquare, foodspotting, yelp, instagram, pinterest and twitter to share about food? Do you live or travel to the Dallas area? join us. Questions or concerns can be directed at DFN founders @Elysa or @RoryEllis or email foodie AT dallasfoodnerd.com Follow my blog with Bloglovin

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Preston Hollow just got its next great steakhouse! Preston Hollow just got its next great steakhouse! 
 
@palladinosrestaurants brings Joseph Palladino back to Dallas, the city where he helped build the contemporary dining scene, and this one lives up to the legacy. The ambiance is stunning, the energy is elevated, and every single detail of the experience is intentional.
 
What we tried:
STANDOUTS: Wagyu Bone Marrow · Chef Sam’s Meatball · Margarita Flavored Oysters

MENU HIGHLIGHTS: Slow-Roasted Herb-Crusted Prime Rib · Miso-Glazed Chilean Bass · Maine Lobster Scampi · A5 Wagyu · Sushi & Taste of Japan offerings
 
The Wagyu Bone Marrow, Chef Sam’s Meatball, and those Margarita Oysters were personal favorites and honestly each one could hold its own as a highlight of any meal. The tableside Trolley Treat featuring the Prime Rib is a full moment and worth every second.
 
Designed by Rockwell Group with two private event spaces, this is the kind of restaurant that works for date night, a business dinner, or any occasion that calls for something exceptional.
 
Palladino’s is open daily with the bar starting at 4:30pm and the dining room at 5pm. Reservations are encouraged. 
 
📍 Preston Hollow, Dallas TX
✨ Hosted #dallasfoodnerd 
 📸 @feliciajarrell_
Sushi in Frisco! 🍣 Kinzo means “neighborhood” in Sushi in Frisco! 🍣

Kinzo means “neighborhood” in Japanese, and Frisco lucked out with this little sushi spot right in our backyard. Chef @leokekoa a longtime player in the Dallas food scene, is the mind behind it, and you can feel that experience in every course.

@kinzofrisco offers 10‑ or 18‑course omakase, and it’s so much more than a parade of sushi (though trust me, we wouldn’t complain about that 🤭). Sure, we had buttery sea bass, tuna three ways, and king yellowtail… but they also mix in wagyu tartare, chawanmushi (a steamed egg custard), & even a noodle soup made with sea urchin & Japanese mint flower. Every menu is meticulously built around whatever fresh fish comes in that day, so no two omakase nights are the same.

We loved the timed, reserved seating. Everyone starts the experience together, which makes each course feel like a shared moment. We found ourselves rating each bite with the people next to us…and yet somehow each piece kept outdoing the last.😋

We learned fun facts throughout the night, too. Like the Striped Jack is the smallest type of yellowtail, and that Saba was the original sushi people ate 200 years ago. Even picked up new ways to eat with our hands. The service was kind, attentive, and genuinely excited to teach.

North Texans: treat yourself to this experience. It’s an intimate night, a chance to learn your partner’s palate, & a way to explore Japanese cuisine together. And if omakase isn’t your thing, Kinzo also has hibachi, sushi rolls, and sake flights. We already can’t wait to come back for the next special occasion. 🍣

📍Main St, Frisco

*hosted #dallasfoodnerd
Level up your next dinner party! 🥢🔥 We hosted an Level up your next dinner party! 🥢🔥 

We hosted an at-home hibachi dinner for 15 friends to celebrate a big birthday, and it was unforgettable. We’ve tried other companies before, but @brucehibachi completely blew us away.

Everyone got custom protein orders, everything from steak and lobster to chicken, shrimp, and salmon with all the rice & veggies.

But it’s not just about the food. It’s the added fun elements Bruce brings with him. We’re talking fire tricks, squirt guns filled with sake, nunchucks, and so many interactive games. It costs the same per person as going out to a restaurant, but you get a wild, private party right in your backyard.

If you’re in the Dallas/Fort Worth area & want to skip the stress of planning food and entertainment, just book Bruce and his team. 10/10 recommend!

#dallasfoodnerd
*hosted
Denton Brunch 🥂 Brunch cocktails are vibrant all Denton Brunch 🥂

Brunch cocktails are vibrant all year long at @risingsuncafe in Denton. We stopped in for the Raspberry, Blue Hawaiian, & Lavender Lemonade mimosas and each one was such a treat, that yes, we packed some to go! 🤭

📍IH35, Denton
Summertime calls for ice cream and cobblers! Thank Summertime calls for ice cream and cobblers! Thanks so much to @andysdfw for the gift basket! We put the toppings to good use! 

This summer, they’ve got strawberry shortcake and blueberry cobbler perfect timing for this red, white, & blue holiday! Stop by this weekend!! @andysfrozencustard 

*gifted #dallasfoodnerd
New summer drinks at @blacksheep_coffee_usa! ☀️🍵 New summer drinks at @blacksheep_coffee_usa! ☀️🍵

UK-based Black Sheep Coffee has been an excellent addition to the DFW coffee scene. We stopped by their Plano location to try their new summer drinks:

🍵 The Matcha Cloud, coconut water, finished with ceremonial-grade Japanese matcha cold foam. (Matcha Cold Foam can also be added to any beverage on the menu), 

🍓 The Açaí Smoothie, blending antioxidant-rich frozen açaí with strawberries, banana, and coconut water, finished with a coconut cream spread.

Of course we also had to get one of their delicious Norwegian waffles, stuffed with strawberries & Nutella. They also have a great selection of pastries, cookies & sandwiches.

We also loved the vibes of this space & can’t wait to come back for a remote work day with a coffee & a waffle!

📍4 DFW locations (Plano, Dallas, Grapevine, Little Elm)

*hosted #dfwfoodie #dfwcoffee
📷: @amypyen
Grab your wand, board the Hogwarts Express, and pr Grab your wand, board the Hogwarts Express, and prepare for magic at @CosmDallasTX 🧙

Celebrate the 25th anniversary of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone in shared reality on an 87 foot screen! Add the Enchanted Experience menu to enjoy classic bites and sips from the movie like Butterbeer, shepherd’s pie, wand shaped pretzel, chocolate frogs, and Bertie Bott’s Every Flavour Beans! The shows are running for a while, so get this booked on your calendar! Great for a family outing, GNO and date night. 

*invited #dallasfoodnerd
📸 @jeanerjeaner
@nurcoffeebar just opened in Addison and the menu @nurcoffeebar just opened in Addison and the menu tastes as good as it looks!

We tried:
• the glo up açaí cup
• the avocado smash English muffin (ask for the chili oil)
• someone’s light latte

What we loved:
•There’s plenty of room to sit and sip 
• Friendly staff with great recommendations 
• Great location and plenty of parking 

Go for the coffee, stay for the aesthetics!

📍2741 E Belt Line Rd, Carrollton
A blend of elegance and culinary artistry at Dior A blend of elegance and culinary artistry at Dior Cafe at @hp_village ✨

Café Dior by Dominique Crenn (the first female chef in the US to receive three Michelin Stars!) serves French-inspired food and drinks, plus tea service. You’ll see Christian Dior’s main inspo, 🪴garden and flowers🌸, in clever ways throughout the menu & restaurant. This splurge-worthy visit is so worth your next meal with your gfs. 💅🏻

Many of these entrees are almost too pretty to eat! They did a great job playing up the food & plate aesthetics. Save room for dessert and speciality coffees, and of course, we craved the petite bites from the afternoon tea!

Reservations are strongly encouraged. Walk-ins at the dining room and bar are welcome based on an availability. Many guests come in for coffee and dessert after shopping at Highland Park Village🛍️

📍 Located on the second floor (58 Highland Park Village, Dallas)

*invited #dallasfoodnerd
Looking for the perfect movie for your next date n Looking for the perfect movie for your next date night or with friends? @theinvitemov is an absolute must watch!

It’s so refreshing to see Edward Norton and Penélope Cruz back on the big screen, and the recognizable humor that Seth Rogen brings to the table is unmatched. The clever camera angles and the flawless timing of the music alongside the comedy make the entire experience feel incredibly relatable, especially when it comes to the chaos of hosting a dinner party. 

Seth is just so honest. Quite frankly, it is incredibly relatable to hear him say exactly what we are all thinking, delivering the kind of humor that everyone in the theater will love.

Grab your popcorn and don't miss it. “The Invite” is out now in select theaters and will be out nationwide July 10. 

Thank you, @fonspr for the invite!
Movie images from @a24 
#dallasfoodnerd
NOW OPEN in McKinney! *partner @southernsteermcki NOW OPEN in McKinney! *partner

@southernsteermckinney is officially open in DFW, just in time for summer grilling season, and we’re here to say it’s a must‑visit! 

We stopped by during their grand opening and the place is stacked with gorgeous marbled cuts sourced from premium sustainable farms, plus all the in‑house sauces & seasonings that make cooking dinner at home easy.

We especially love that the team doesn’t just wrap your steaks and send you on your way. Their staff is trained as Culinary Consultants, ready to share cooking tips, seasoning advice, and ways to get the best results on your grill.

They’ve also got easy meal solutions for dinner on the go, frequent buyer discounts, and are planning cooking events down the road that sound like fun! 

Give them a follow and stop in the shop soon. Your summer grill season will definitely thank you! 

📍5100 El Dorado Pkwy, McKinney

#dallasfoodnerd
Why Mexico when you can Mesero❓ This Summer of So Why Mexico when you can Mesero❓

This Summer of Soccer, swing by any of the 7 @meserorestaurants locations in Dallas/Fort Worth for a true taste of Mexico ⚽️🇲🇽

Are you Team Taco or Team Enchilada? Either way, we’re not referees here! We cheer for both, because every bite is packed with flavor.

What we ordered:
🍹 Cocteles: Prickly Pear Paloma & Meserita
🌮 Tacos: Fish à la Playa & Salmon
🫔 Enchiladas: Oaxaqueñas
🌮🫔 Combinaciones: #1 — Oaxaqueña enchilada, asada taco, Mesero slaw, arroz

*hosted
#dallasfoodnerd
*ad Wingstop’s House of Flavor is taking over @the *ad Wingstop’s House of Flavor is taking over
@thebombfactorydallas in Deep Ellum now through Friday, July 3 with live soccer games on giant screens, DJ sets every night, interactive games, photo ops, a barber shop & of course, WINGS! 🍗🍗🍗

Whether you’re a soccer fanatic or just here for the vibes, this one’s worth checking out. Thanks, @wingstop for having us!⚽️⚽️⚽️

#dallasfoodnerd #wingstop 
📸 @jeanerjeaner
Chinese food in Frisco! 🍤🥡 Lunch at @dumplinghous Chinese food in Frisco! 🍤🥡

Lunch at @dumplinghouse.frisco in Frisco NEVER misses. This authentic Chinese restaurant has been one of our go‑to spots for years, & it’s always incredible. 

We ate a ton while we were there and grabbed extra to take home for the week. If you’re craving Frisco Chinese food, add Dumpling House to your must‑try list.

APPETIZERS: 
🥟Crab Rangoon🥟Crawfish Pork Dumpling 🥟 Crispy Squid w Spiced Salt
🥟MUST GET the Beef Pancakes! 🤤

ENTREE: 🥟Golden Garlic Beef

📍Preston Rd, Frisco 
*hosted #dallasfoodnerd
One of the top Nashville hot chicken spots is now One of the top Nashville hot chicken spots is now open in Plano! 🍗🔥

@hattiebs has opened only its second DFW location & 17th overall in Plano. Their crunchy on the outside, juicy in the inside chicken ranges from the non-spicy Southern and Sweet & Smoky all the way up to Damn Hot and Shut the Cluck Up—what Chef Brian Morris calls “The best legal 20 minutes you can experience.”

We tried the whole range, or at least my brother did, while I personally made it as far as medium. They serve it as traditional bone-in, tenders & burgers, but also in a salad & in something called Dirty Bird Fries—fried or grilled tender bites with pimento mac n cheese, smothered in their famous comeback sauce. Speaking of the sauces, we also got to try their newest creation, Hattie Q—like barbecue, get it? It was alarmingly addictive.

The chicken was as advertised & the staff & the owners were so beyond lovely. We expect it’ll be a very welcome addition to the Plano lunch scene.

📍Park & Preston, Plano

*hosted #nashvillehotchicken #dallasfriedchicken
📷: @amypyen
Canadian favorites in Texas?! That’s exactly what Canadian favorites in Texas?! That’s exactly what you’ll find at @mapleleafdiner

We stopped in to try their Canada Day menu and some of their classic menu items 🇨🇦 

We tried:

Maple Bacon latte and Maple Sweet Cream Soda 🥤 

Southern Poutine (think crispy fried chicken and gravy over perfectly crisp fries) 🍟 

Chicken and waffles topped with Maple bacon 🥓 

Classic fish and chips 🍽️ 

Butter tart (perfectly sweet to end the meal) 🥘 

What’s your favorite Canadian dish? Don’t have one yet? Stop in to Maple Leaf Diner to find your fave. 

📍12817 Preston Rd #129 Dallas TX
🇨🇦 Canada Day menu available thru July 1

*hosted
📷: @ashleemademedoit
Murder, mystery, cocktails, and laughs? Case close Murder, mystery, cocktails, and laughs? Case closed. 🕵️‍♀️

🔎 Catch Clue at @broadwaydallas through June 28 🎭

Don’t miss the show’s specialty drink, the Whodunnit! 🍍🍒made with vodka, pineapple, cranberry, and lemon-lime soda (mocktail available too).

🎟️: BroadwayDallas.org 

*invited #dallasfoodnerd
📸 @jeanerjeaner and Broadway Dallas
DYK @ClassicCafe has been open for 33 years in Roa DYK @ClassicCafe has been open for 33 years in Roanoke??

The long-standing, family-owned restaurant has a robust menu of steaks, seafood and comfort food with farm-quality, seasonal ingredients. They even have their own garden out front where they source a lot of their ingredients like the okra! (pro tip: order the okra😍)

This is the spot to treat yourself to a nice meal in a cozy restaurant with attentive service. Get all the small town charm with great food in this iconic blue house with a storied past. 

Apps:

House-smoked salmon 

Gazpacho

Cream of tomato basil soup

Shrimp and okra fritters 

Entrees:

8oz beef tenderloin medallions (Allen Brothers) with mint chimichurri sauce 

Applewood-smoked salmon with radiatore pasta

Desserts:

Housemade vanilla bean crème brûlée 

Jalapeño apple cobbler with Denton’s own Beth Marie’s vanilla ice cream

Open for dinner Monday - Saturday from 4-9pm. 

📍 504 N Oak St, Roanoke 

*invited #dallasfoodnerd
Sizzling fajitas to-go🔥🔥🔥 @AdiosFajitas has every Sizzling fajitas to-go🔥🔥🔥

@AdiosFajitas has everything you need for the ultimate Tex-Mex takeout feast. They even use Texas Akaushi Wagyu beef 🥩, free-range chicken 🍗, and wild Texas Gulf Coast shrimp 🍤 in their dishes. 

We picked up their combo chicken & beef fajitas with grilled veggies, rice, beans, and all the toppings for build-your-own fajita tacos at home.

Don’t miss ordering thee apps:

🥑 Guacamole

🧀 Queso

🥟 Beef empanadas + creamy jalapeño ranch

🍤 Bacon-wrapped shrimp with ancho chili butter

Every good fajita night deserves margaritas!

🍹 Traditional frozen margarita

🥭 Mango frozen margarita

And you can’t go wrong with any of the desserts! 

🍋‍🟩🥧 Homemade key lime pie

🍫🍌 Nutella banana empanadas

✨ Churros with caramel & chocolate dipping sauces

Whether you’re feeding a crowd, planning a family dinner, or just want a night off from cooking, Adios Fajitas makes takeout easy with both pickup and delivery options 🎉🌮🍹

📍Lovers Lane, Dallas, plus Rockwall 

#invited #dallasfoodnerd
Grad party balloons 🎈🎓✨ If you’re looking for a w Grad party balloons 🎈🎓✨

If you’re looking for a way to make a big statement at your next event, @BalloonKingsDallas has you covered. We were gifted four balloon trees for our writer’s graduation party, and they lit up the space!
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