Stephen pyles has one of the more creative menus in Dallas. For example, the menu offers mouthwatering descriptions such as Seared Foi Gras and Spit Roasted Suckling Pig with Mascarpone Polenta and Plum Jus and Frozen Guanabana Soufflé stuffed with Passion Fruit Curd on Vanilla Bean Panna Cotta with Prickly Pear Ravioli. I have made three visits to this restaurant so let me start with the first. I started with the sea bass ceviche, accompanied by avocados and tomatillas. Although the fish was undoubtedly fresh, it was beyond salty. My next dish was a salad of Artichoke, "Duck Bacon", and Fava Beans with Garlic Toast. It was a combination of diverse ingredients that united beautifully to make a flavorful and unique salad. I also tasted the Roasted Quail with Dates and Goat Cheese from the tapas menu. It was also a fabulous dish. For my entree I ordered the Cured Rack of Lamb with Ecuadorian Potato Cake and Cranberry Mojo. The potato cake was delicious, the lamb was cooked to perfection and the sweet cranberry mojo was a delightful complement to the savory lamb. The only problem was that the lamb was highly over seasoned, requiring me to scrape off a thick layer of pepper, salt and seasoning. For dessert, I ordered Stephen Pyle's signature dessert, Heaven and Hell cake. It consists of alternating layers of moist angel food cake, devil's food cake, a sweet fluffy peanut butter filling all topped with a thick, rich chocolate ganache that melts in your mouth. It truly is heavenly. My next visit to Stephen Pyles was during lunch. I made the mistake of ordering the Lobster Salad Club with Smoked "Duck Bacon" and Meyer Lemon Mayo Sandwich. Not only was it a terrible combination of flavors, but it was greasy and overpriced. I also tasted gnocchi which was much tastier than my dish. For dessert, I ordered the Heaven and Hell Cake. My third visit once again at dinner time. I tried the flatbread as an appetizer and was disappointed with it. The flavors were off. For dinner, I tried both the Seared Salmon with Artichoke Heart, Fava Bean Purée as well as the Orange-Cardamom Vinaigrette and Coffee Cured Strip Steak with Chipotle Bread Pudding and Okra-Corn Stew. The salmon was mediocre at best and I would not recommend ordering it. The coffee cured strip steak, however, was excellent. The steak was tender and juicy with the perfect amount of seasoning and both the savory chipotle bread pudding and the okra-corn stew were divine flavors that I still dream about to this day. I even enjoyed the okra, which is usually a huge turn off for me. If you live in Dallas, you must try Stephen Pyles. One more thing: I love their bread, butter and smoked salt. Good bread is always a good sign.
Verdict: Eat
