Solid Ramen in an Addison Strip Mall, and More Reviews

Scott Reitz reviewed Ramen Hakata: The buzzy ramen spot in an Addison strip mall is the place to go for "addictive" chicken karaage and tonkotsu ramen with a "very rich" broth that's "easy to get lost in." Unfortunately, the restaurant "is a victim of its own success"; the kitchen sometimes struggles to keep up, resulting in uneven food. Overall, "some subtle tweaking could take Hakata from a good ramen shop to a great one, but there are many who will happily get lost in things just as they are." [Dallas Observer]

Leslie Brenner went to Toulouse: The cooking at this "ever-popular French bistro on Knox Street" has "gotten markedly better" in recent years, thanks to chef Yoann Lardeux. Charcuterie is now mostly made in house, including a "soulful country pâté." The menu here is hardly "groundbreaking or cutting edge ... But it’s mostly just right," from an "unfussy steak tartare" and classic mussels to Dover sole meunière and duck confit. Desserts "are mostly fine but unremarkable," but warm beignets with espresso pot de creme are a standout. [Dallas Morning News]

ELSEWHERE: DFW.com went to the new Cheesecake Factory in Sundance Square (spoiler: it's got a "seemingly endless menu); Fort Worth Weekly checked out Wild Mushroom Steak House; City of Ate tried the burger at Henry's Majestic.