AmberJax 'Delivers Solid Seafood,' & More Reviews

Scott Reitz went to AmberJax: This Trinity Groves spot from former Rex's chef Larry Williams resembles a "seaside seafood restaurant from your annual summer vacation," but not all the dishes measure up. Deep, rich gumbo "doesn't need a thing other than a really big spoon," and carefully cooked fish specials "[show] off great ingredients at their finest." On the other hand, shrimp cocktail is overcooked, a fried seafood basket is way overpriced at $28, and crabcakes suffer from too much binder. "[The] dining room is packed more often than not," though, and if you can stomach the prices and "you order the right dishes, you'll likely have a great time here." [Observer]

Leslie Brenner re-reviewed Tei-An: The critic deems the omakase at this One Arts Plaza gem "one of the best dining experiences that can be had in Dallas," and declares it a bargain at $80 for seven courses. Standouts include "spectacular" sashimi, a $10 bowl of ramen that's "hands down the best bowl in town," and of course the house specialty, soba noodles. So why the reason for the downgrade from a five-star review back in 2010 to four? Brenner "frequently found [her]self wishing Sakurai was pushing the envelope creatively more." [DMN]

ELSEWHERE: DFW.com tried Taco Diner Fort Worth and Chop House Burger in Euless; Texas Monthly's Pat Sharpe reviewed KB's BBQ in Victoria; Fort Worth Weekly checked out Stay C's Jamaican Cuisine & BBQ in Arlington.

[Photo: Courtesy of Trinity Groves]