PS Gets One Measly Star From Leslie Brenner, & More

Leslie Brenner skewered PS (formerly Private Social): While she was a vocal fan of former chef Tiffany Derry's cooking, she's much less enchanted by new chef Najat Kaanache and her gimmicky, modernist plates. Bizarre presentations like an edible phyllo canvas and cured salmon hanging from banana hooks are certainly eye-catching, "but not necessarily in a good way"; on the whole, Kaanache offers "a whole lot of impressive-looking but dull-tasting components that didn't add up to much at all." A dining room dispute with the chef over a "foie gras" mousse didn't help matters, and Brenner gives PS just one star. [DMN]

Scott Reitz reviewed Urbano Cafe: The charming East Dallas cafe offers an eclectic menu with everything from a solid pasta Bolognese to pork belly with pickled mustard greens; "salads shine here with greens that are fresh and substantial", and often sourced from neighbor Tom Spicer's FM 1410. The BYOB policy makes the cozy neighborhood spot even more appealing. [Observer]

Teresa Gubbins reviewed FM Smoke House in Irving: All the "rural comfort food" at this new joint from the owners of Plano's Holy Grail Pub is made from scratch, with creative touches like bacon-injected brisket and fried smoked turkey. Sides are worth the stomach room, "especially the unusual warm salad combining beets and Brussels sprouts"; the standout dish is a chicken-fried steak made from smoked prime rib. Service could use some work, but 42 beers on tap makes up for a lot of sins. [DFW.com]

THE BLOGS: Town Square Buzz checked out Frogg Coffee Bar & Creperie in McKinney; North Texas Daily scoped out Old House BBQ in Denton; Sacred Strawberry investigated Be Raw Food & Juice.

· More Week in Reviews posts [-EDFW-]

[Photo credit: PS/Facebook]