Mot Hai Ba Gets 3 Stars, and More Reviews

Leslie Brenner reviewed Mot Hai Ba: There are plenty of exotic flavors worth savoring at the new Vietnamese restaurant from Colleen O'Hare and Jeana Johnson, but the starters category is more compelling than the entree section. A banana flower salad is "captivating," and imperial rolls, barbecued chicken wings in a "sweet-salty five-spice marinade" and fried frogs' legs are all worthy choices. Main dishes "lack the kind of attention to detail lavished on the appetizers," but the best of the bunch is Dungeness crab. Pho, served only at lunch, suffers from a disappointing broth, but overall the food and atmosphere are "enough to make it a destination." [DMN]

Teresa Gubbins ate at the new Campisi's in Fort Worth: It's business as usual at the newest outpost of the legendary Dallas pizzeria, and while the pies aren't exactly cutting-edge, they're certainly worthwhile, bearing "an extra-thin crust with a crackerlike bottom," appropriately tangy tomato sauce and neatly diced toppings. Signature crab claws can be dried out; DIY bruschetta and a Tuscan salad with "soft cheesy croutons" are better appetizers. Don't miss the tiramisu. [DFW.com]

Malcolm Mayhew checked out DeVivo Bros. Eatery in Keller: This new red-sauce Italian fast-casual joint offers food that's "on the brink of fine dining, without the fine dining prices." Spaghetti and meatballs surprises with plump, hand-rolled meatballs and a zesty marinara, and calamari is "sheathed in a crispy, peppery batter" that holds up. Desserts are worth the calories, especially a housemade banana pudding drizzled with a "fiendishly sweet amaretto-caramel sauce." [DFW.com]

ELSEWHERE: The Taco Trail gushed over El Taco del Rincon de Villa; Confection Confessions checked out The Hospitality Sweet; Regular Joe's Guide reviewed Cafe Herrera; TX BBQ Posse ate at WORK.

[Photo credit: Robert Strickland/EDFW]