'A Whole Lot to Like' at Hillstone; Baker's Ribs

The city's critics were noticeably quiet this week: Scott Reitz took the week off from reviews (too busy mourning the loss of the Oak lunch menu and the Coors Light party ball, presumably). [City of Ate]

Leslie Brenner hit Hillstone (or the restaurant formerly known as Houston's) and had few complaints for the Park Cities mainstay: The noise is kept to a reasonable din, lighting is flattering but bright enough to read menus, prices are "pretty reasonable", and there are some "incredible values" on the wine list. Brenner also sampled the Sunday brunch buffet at Q de Cheval inside the Intercontinental Dallas and declared it one of "the city's best-kept secrets" for a mere $29.95 a person. [Dallas Morning News/Eats Blog]

DFW.com trekked out to Kennedale to sample Red's Roadhouse and found "crispy and flavorful" chicken and waffles, plus fried pies and "dragon fries". They also, for some reason, reviewed McAlister's Deli in Fort Worth and found a sadly Thousand Island-less Reuben and dry baked potatoes, although the chain does have "extremely courteous service staff". [DFW.com]

The Taco Trail dished on the cheesy, meaty goods at Mi Tierrita, a gas station taco stand across from dive bar Tradewinds Social Club. "BBQ Snob" Daniel Vaughn revisited Baker's Ribs in Deep Ellum and found brisket that was "just too dry", but fried turkey was "outstanding" and ribs, "excellent". [The Taco Trail/Full Custom Gospel]

[Photo credit: Steve Floyd]