ADVENTUROUS EATS

YOU DON’T HAVE TO LEAVE THE NEIGHBORHOOD FOR UNIQUE FLAVORS

CORN DOGS, peanut butter and jelly, and macaroni and cheese. The meals we adored as children are the foods many countries consider revolting. What we prefer, in part, depends upon what we eat as youngsters. A 2001 “Pediatrics” study proves our flavor preferences begin forming in the womb. And so what’s considered typical to some is unorthodox — even scary — to others.

TV shows, such as the late Anthony Bourdain’s “Parts Unknown,” gave viewers a sample of foods Americans typically deem exotic. But here in Lake Highlands, there’s plenty of restaurants to help you expand your palate. An open mind and sense of adventure are preferred but not mandatory.

We asked two of our neighborhood’s self-proclaimed foodies, Bob Johnston and Joey Stewart, to sample a few unconventional items at local eateries.

Taste-testers:

Joey Stewart, 11-year resident of Lake Highlands and a hobby food photographer

Bob Johnston, 44-year resident and the “Voice of Lake Highlands” at sporting events

Story by ELISSA CHUDWIN

Where: Resident Taqueria is owned by Andrew Savoie, who honed his skills under three-Michelin-star chefs Jean-Georges Vongerichten and Thomas Keller. The restaurant’s menu is a blend of classic favorites and inventive flavors, such as caramelized cauliflower and homemade chorizo.

More info: 9661 Audelia Road, suite 112

What they tried:

Picadillo taco: This Cuban stew is typically made with ground beef, tomatoes, olives, cinnamon, cumin and raisins. Savoie adds a twist with pepperoncini, pickled carrots and Maggi sauce on a homemade tortilla.

Lengua taco: Savoie braises the beef tongue for 18 hours with chiles, onions, Maggi sauce, cinnamon and Mexican oregano. He cuts the tongue, re-braises it and serves it on a homemade tortilla with angel hair cut cabbage, cucumber, salsa guacamole, radish and cilantro.

Photography by KATHY TRAN

Taste-testers’ thoughts:

Stewart and Johnston gave their seal of approval for both tacos, but the lengua taco was their favorite. “It was very tasty, very smooth, very enjoyable,” Johnston says. “The other taco we had was also enjoyable, but I liked the lengua the best.”

Other Places To Go

Bistro B serves authentic Vietnamese food and a few dishes that aren’t as familiar in Western culture.

WHAT TO TRY:

Oc buou, or apple snails in tamarind and steamed lemongrass. Pho ga long trung, a soup made with chicken meat, heart, gizzard, liver and egg.

More info: 9780 Walnut St.

Yama Sushi offers options much like an izakaya, or Japanese pub.

WHAT TO TRY:

Shio-kara, fermented squid a Japanese delicacy fermented with salt. Motsuni, Beef stomach, served with vegetables cooked with miso soup.

More info: 8989 Forest Lane, suite 112

Visit lakehighlands.advocatemag.com to see the taste test in action.

Restaurant Guide

THAI

Thai Opal

Happy Valentines Day from all of us at Thai Opal! We have infused the classical Thai cuisine with a modern ambiance.

• Take out • Lunch Specials

• Now Serving Beer & Wine

• Delivery Available (5 mi. radius)

6300 Skillman #156 thaiopal.com 214.553.5956

MEXICAN GRILL

Enchilada’s

Come Enjoy 1/2 Price 20oz

Margaritas enchiladasrestaurants.com

Every Wednesday! Plus, check out our other Margarita Specials Mon.-Thurs.

It’s time to ring in the Year of the Pig! In the Chinese zodiac, the pig brings friendship, love and prosperity. Sharing a plate of dumplings also brings friendship, love and prosperity. So come in to pig out this New Year with your favorite dumpling or two.

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For Catering Call The Fiesta Line 214.691.1390