After polishing off an array of frozen meals and quick takeout over the past few months, we’re ready to revel in the exquisite eats available in our dining community. You won’t find any cheat meals on this list — there’s nothing to feel guilty about when indulging. Rather, we’re rounding up splurge dishes worthy of a try. The following grub may not boast many greens, but we all deserve a little luxury. And calories don’t count in 2020 anyway.
KK’S CHICKEN AND WAFFLES
Sweet and savory balance finds a whole new meaning at Lo-Lo’s Chicken & Waffles. The Southlake location has 10 different varieties on the brunch menu, but the KK’s provides the largest spread. With three pieces of Southern fried chicken, two waffles, grits and two eggs with cheese and onions, diners better come hungry if they’re planning on ordering this splurge item.
BLACKLAND PRAIRIE FARMS PORK BELLY
Malai Kitchen’s Southlake location is known for its hearty Southeast Asian cuisine, with bold dishes inspired by Thai and Vietnamese recipes. While healthier specialities can easily be found on its menu, the Blackland Prairie Farms Pork Belly provides both deep umami flavors and richness.
“This dish is definitely the Vietnamese version of comfort food — warm, rich broth, noodles and, of course, melt-in-your-mouth pork belly,” Malai Kitchen chef and owner Branden Wages says.
Slow braised in broth for eight hours, the pork belly is served with crispy potato straw, marinated shiitakes, rice noodles, tofu, scallions and a soft tempura egg, making for a filling dish complete with diverse tastes and textures.
LASAGNA ALLA BOLOGNESE
Ride the comfort food train all the way to Italy at Loveria Caffe in Colleyville. The sleek bistro sweeps guests away to Emilia-Romagna thanks to its warm environment and delectable pasta dishes, including its signature Lasagna Alla Bolognese.
Made with five hand-rolled spinach pasta layers with housemade bolognese sauce, Parmesan and besciamella sauce, each bite provides warmth and heft. While the dish is made with traditional ingredients, its freshness ensures the end product is bright instead of greasy — and will only run about 340 calories per serving.
“Due to the ingredients used, it is definitely lighter, less cheesy,” owner Andrea Matteucci says. “[It’s] rich in flavors.”
CHILI CHEESE FRIES
Grapevine’s Tolbert’s delicious starters are anything but “less cheesy.” Served with either pickled or fresh jalapenos or serranos, Tolbert’s chili cheese fries come in around 432 calories, but each bite is packed with flavor.
“We give a large portion of cheese,” Tolbert’s owner Kathleen Ryan says. “It seems everyone loves melted cheese.”
But the magic is in Tolbert’s hearty topping — its world-famous chili.
“The chili cheese fries are special because we use our famous Tolbert's chili we have been serving for over 44 years,” Kathleen says.
CHICKEN-FRIED LOBSTER
A splurge in ingredient selection and overall taste, the Chicken-Fried Lobster at Colleyville’s Next Bistro is a must-try. The 6-ounce fried tail comes with a fresh remoulade sauce, maque corn choux and spinach, providing balanced yet lavish flavors. Around 400 calories, this appealing appetizer is sure to add some pizzazz to any night out.
“It is difficult to not enjoy the rich flavor of a good lobster tail and then adding the simple pleasure of frying it is simply the icing on the cake,” Next Bistro owner Tom Aikens says. “It is simple, delicious elegance on a plate — a truly great indulgence without being stuffy or pretentious.”
GREEN CHILE QUESO
We can’t talk about comfort food and forget queso. Nicknamed the golden elixir, Torchy’s Tacos’ Green Chile Queso, topped with guacamole, cotija cheese, cilantro and its signature diablo sauce, provides freshness, creaminess and a touch of heat. At 664 calories per 8-ounce serving, it’s well worth the happiness it brings.
“It’s just magic. Whether it’s your go-to comfort food after a hard week or the appetizer at your first date, queso is like a warm hug that makes you feel like things are going to be OK,” Torchy’s Tacos PR representative Emory Hood says.
NOT-SO-TABLESIDE GUACAMOLE
With sun-dried tomatoes, bacon and wood-roasted serrano peppers, Mi Dia From Scratch’s Not-So-Tableside Guacamole gives diners a gourmet start to their dining experience. After starting with three large avocados, chefs will craft the appetizer to appeal to each individual’s palate.
“We really don’t have a standard recipe for guacamole at Mi Dia From Scratch, but that is what makes our guacamole so special,” Mi Dia From Scratch chef Gabriel DeLeon says. “I like my guacamole with all of our fresh mix-ins, but with extra spice from our serrano peppers, extra lime juice and served with a side of organic blue corn tortillas.”
MR. PRESLEY FRENCH TOAST
Townhouse Brunch in Colleyville offers four different variations of French toast, but only one is named after the king himself. The Mr. Presley, egg-soaked brioche bread slices that start out around 500 calories are then topped with creamy peanut butter, bananas and bacon bits, providing both sweet and savory flavors.
“With buttery edges and soft insides, it will conquer anyone’s sweet tooth,” Townhouse Brunch owner Rima Sejdini says.