Oh,
the sure!
Nearly every time we have driven by 3609 Shire Boulevard in Richardson, Vivian has stated, “Look, there’s the TEXAS! I have always wanted to eat there.” And, nearly every time, I have responded, “Well, let’s stop and eat, or make a definite plan for us to go.” But, that has never happened— we are there too early or too late, or we don’t have the time, or we haven’t reserved a spot. It is only open Monday through Saturday from 4:00 to 10:00 p.m.
So, on the way home from Granddaughter Kherington’s basketball game not long ago, I said, “Honey, let me take you to the TEXAS for Valentine’s Dinner. Make the reservation when we get home from Church and are getting ready for the Super Bowl.” Her reply was, “Ok, and that will be my gift to you, also.” And this time we followed through and made a reservation for 4:30 on Valentine’s Day.
The day arrived, and off we went, killing two birds with one stone, as on the way, Vivian delivered a Valentine “basket” to an “older” lady who doesn’t get out much any more. We arrived, sat in the car and talked a few minutes, and went in. The restaurant was larger than it had seemed from the highway!
According to the posted information, this restaurant had its beginning on Tuesday night, November 11, 2011, at 8:30 p.m., during a “Texas Hold-em” poker game that had lasted 9 hours and 23 minutes, as DALE FRANCIS WAMSTAD went “all in” with the FOUR SISTERS, who were trying to “stare down” Dale, who only had a pair of 4s. Dale called the bluff and won with a king-high pair of 4s! He then had complete control of the Magnificent New Frontier and immediately changed the name of the restaurant from “The Four Sisters Cafe” to TEXAS, added a new flare to the menu, and changed the servers’ outfits to Texas/ Vegas style. He and his children, Dale, Dane, and Shelby, hope this establishment lasts many years to come. Dale also is the sole founder of two other iconic steakhouses, Del Frisco’s Double Eagle and III Forks.
We arrived at the hostess station about 5 or 10 minutes early, but were promptly and graciously seated (by one of the scores of young men and women who seemed so adept at not being in anyone’s way but always being where they were needed) in one of the side rooms that had about 10 or 12 tables in it and was very nicely furnished and decorated with interesting pictures and historical wall plaques. The waitresses and servers were prompt and courteous and made us feel welcome and sort of like “part of the family.” Before the meal was complete, the owner and other family members made a visit to our room, and to the others we could see, to greet each person individually at every table, ask if all was well, thank us for choosing to dine with them, and express hope that we will join them again. I can’t remember that that has ever been the case at any other restaurant, especially of this size, and I am pretty sure there had to be well over one hundred guests just in the areas we could see.
We ordered from the Valentine’s Day Menu, beginning with beverages, an appetizer of shrimp cocktail, a “West Texas Salad,” and our main courses—Vivian had a filet mignon with whipped potatoes, roasted vegetables and burnt corn, and, of course, bread. I had the Scottish salmon with the same sides. For dessert, I had strawberry-lemon chiffon cake, and Viv had Texas pecan praline ice cream.
As we finished our meals, the two of us were debating going to a movie, but could not quite decide, “Yes or No,” since we did not think we had an ounce of room left for the popcorn and soda we ALWAYS share. And, when the hostess presented Vivian with a heartshaped box of chocolate candies as we departed, we knew we would not need popcorn!
We do not think you will be disappointed if you try the TEXAS. If you read the reviews on the “web,” I think you will see that nearly everyone agrees with our assessment. The staff and restaurant interior, not to mention the food and general service, are delightful. And we plan to return to hear the saxophone player, who was walking down the stairs, while making music as we left. He briefly stopped and shook my hand and said he hoped he would see us again.
By the way, a young lady stopped to say, “Hello, Mr. Themer,” as we were heading to our vehicle and she was heading into the restaurant with a young gentleman— Katie Koerner and Drew Whitehouse, Class of 2006. I am proud to say they were both still young looking, genuinely polite and well-spoken, and made this “old teacher” and his younger teacher wife happy that they remembered us and wanted to talk. If they read this article, maybe they will respond with their assessment of the meal and of “life in general” for them!
“Long live TEXAS!”
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