With school back in session and the weather just starting to cool down, it actually feels appropriate to eat things that aren’t ice cold. I still think we’re jumping the gun with the pumpkin spice lattes, but I’ll concede that the fall menus that are starting to roll out don’t feel quite as premature as they did even just a few days ago.
This week, our favorite bites are evidence of the seasonal limbo we now find ourselves in — still hot enough for cold beer and hot dogs, but not too summery for cinnamon-studded pastries.
Churro Cruffin at La Casita Bakeshop
La Casita Bakeshop’s rotating seasonal specials always tempt me, but the bakeshop’s Churro Cruffin —a mainstay — remains my favorite. It’s so good that I waited in line Saturday morning to get my fix. The hybrid pastry is a celebration of superb French viennoiserie (think croissants or brioche) and the churros that pastry chef and bakery founder Maricsa Trejo grew up eating. The cruffin is made by rolling up buttery sheets of croissant dough dusted with cinnamon sugar, and baking in muffin cups to yield towering, spiraled pastries; the crowning touch is a luxurious shot of caramel — a nod to cajeta — jutting out from the center. Want a guaranty of scoring these cruffins on Saturday? You can pre-order via the website, between noon Wednesday and noon Friday, for pickup at either La Casita in Richardson or Park’s Coffee in Carrollton. While you’re at it, add a seasonal pastry, quiche and sourdough loaf to your order. I’ve never regretted ordering big here. —Tina Danze, contributing writer
La Casita Bakeshop is located at 580 W. Arapaho Road, Suite 230, Richardson. lacasitabakeshop.com.
Beef Brisket Hot Dog at Mike’s Gemini Twin
When circumstances find you at Mike’s Gemini Twin at 1 a.m. on a Saturday, there’s a pretty decent chance you’d benefit from some food. That was my case this past weekend, when dinner turned into cocktails, which turned into a late-night stop at this fun-loving bar in the Cedars. Fortunately, the kitchen was still serving its menu. And by kitchen, I mean the little hot dog roller that sits on the corner of the bar. And by menu, I mean hot dogs — the one and only option, not counting an assortment of chips.
But they take hot dogs seriously here — no food touches the grill until you order it, which ensures proper chain of custody and freshness. The all-beef brisket hot dog from Texas Chili Co. was plump and juicy, and served on a warm bun with all the usual condiment options, plus a side of onions and jalapeños. I topped my dog with the holy trinity of mustard, relish and onions and lived to fight another day. – Kevin Gray, contributing writer
Mike’s Gemini Twin is located at 1906 S. Harwood Street, Dallas. instagram.com/mikesgemini/.
Shiner Tex Hex Desert Mirage Hazy IPA
I went on a bit of Shiner kick this past weekend. It’s bound to happen to just about any beer-loving Texan, I suppose. There was a time when such a scenario would’ve consisted of consuming only the brewery’s signature offering, Shiner Bock, but not these days. The Spoetzl Brewery has been cranking out an impressive assortment of flavors and styles in recent years, with this summer featuring a little something for everyone. Shiner’s latest Tex Hex IPA, Desert Mirage made my weekend Shiner binge a wise, delicious decision.
As is the case with Shiner’s other Tex Hex IPA, Bruja’s Brew, Desert Mirage is made with cactus water, which offers a light, natural sweetness that pairs well with the fruity flavors of the hops. Across the country, hazy IPAs have been en vogue for a couple years now, yet this one successfully stands out. Brewed with Strata hops, this beer pulls off the often difficult task of being refreshing yet flavorfully robust with an 8% ABV. The tropical fruit notes give way to a piney aftertaste that lingers without overstaying its welcome. – Kelly Dearmore, contributing writer
Bomb Brussels Sprouts & Potatoes at Invasion
It’s easy to go to Invasion in Old East Dallas and give your full attention to the fried chicken sandwiches (which arguably are some of the very best in the city), but the Bomb Brussels Sprouts & Potatoes on the appetizer menu are worthy of attention. The bomb sauce, which pops up in several places on the restaurant’s menu, is moderately spicy and acidic, and coats the charred Brussels sprouts and crispy potatoes. It all comes together in a spicy but sort of sweet, roasted, crispy and tangy situation that is shamelessly indulgent for a vegetable dish. – Claire Ballor, food reporter
Invasion is located at 4029 Crutcher Street, Dallas. eatinvasions.com.
