EATS

Posted by pf @ 10:09 PM Wed, Mar 05, 2008

Whats in a Name - Three stars for Al Biernat's dated decor, bad risotto, overcooked lamb, undercooked steak, mushy crab cakes, thin blue cheese dressing, service out of sequence and inconsistent wine service. I guess the peanut butter pie, along with Mr. Biernat must be the stars of this show.

Posted by Russ Vandeveerdonk @ 5:49 AM Thu, Mar 06, 2008

In regards to the Al Biernat's Restaurant review, here in Dallas, "it's all in the name".
I have always found the food to be good, not spectacular, but good. I agree with your critic. If I wanted spectacular, I would go to Aurora's. But Aurora's is not a place to go to every week.
Thanks!

Posted by Rodney Haas @ 9:34 AM Thu, Mar 06, 2008

Your reviewer must have eaten at a totally different restaurant than my group. I found the shepherds pie non edible a better word might be horrific. The fish and chips had so much pepper that they were sent back. The boxty was the one saving grace. They had no beer menu and the waiters were less than knowledgeable. Must of the group of 20 said they would not go back.

Posted by oklahomie @ 9:49 AM Thu, Mar 06, 2008

Commendation to Michael Hiller on Al Biernat's review.... for years its been overrated. This is yet to be the most accurate portrayal of the ambiance, service, presentation, and food. There are more appealing steakhouses out there to cater to EVERY customer, EVERY time

Posted by Kersten @ 10:16 AM Thu, Mar 06, 2008

Glad you like the Siduri pinot noir and I'm glad Todd has it on the wine list. He is an excellent sommelier. I visited Siduri in its industrial park setting but was really impressed by their wines.

Posted by scot c. @ 10:45 AM Thu, Mar 06, 2008

With a review like that for Al Biernat's - I'm surprised Mr. "Special Contributer" didn't give it two stars.

Jeez.

This restaurant hasn't thrived in the same location for over ten years (IN FICKLE DALLAS, no less) because the the experience is overall ho-hum. It's because it's a rock-solid, dependable, filling Texas meal with excellent service and an owner who nurtures his business, and his customers.

It's absolutely one of the top restaurants in Dallas, and deserves a solid four stars.

This special contributer should go back from whence he came and never return again.

Posted by brian @ 10:57 AM Thu, Mar 06, 2008

undercooked steak? what's that?

Posted by Kelli @ 12:11 PM Thu, Mar 06, 2008

Every meal that I have had at Al Biernat's has always been over the top-excellent! Not sure about the reviewers opinion on the lobster risotto? It's an excellent dish and as he said one of the most highly recommended for a reason. The atmosphere IS synonymous with the food and should have received better recognition!

Posted by Donna @ 12:24 PM Thu, Mar 06, 2008

Have to agree with Rodney that Lochrann's was a really underwhelming experience. We sampled many of the same things as Kim but they just didn't do anything for the group. BTW, shepherd's pie is made with lamb. Lochrann's version should be called by its proper name, cottage pie (made with beef).

Posted by SE Martin @ 12:27 PM Thu, Mar 06, 2008

Shepherd's Pie is made with lamb (typically the leftovers from a roast leg) and never contains peas. Cottage Pie is made with beef. As for using Kobe, what a waste.

Posted by Lee @ 1:40 PM Thu, Mar 06, 2008

I am a nobody. I don't live in Highland Park and I don't go to Al Biernet's regularly. But, each time I have gone, I have been warmly welcomed and, as far as I can tell, treated with as much attention as anyone around me. Among the steakhouses, I have found the food to be excellent. I don't think steakhouses get into the 4 star realm, but Al Biernet's is pretty darn close and 3 stars is easily justified. My $.02.

Posted by Ron @ 3:07 PM Thu, Mar 06, 2008

I've dined in every major restaurant in Dallas and Fort Worth and you will not find a more warm, friendly and vibrant atmosphere coupled with consistently great food and attentive, excellent service as you will at Al Biernat's. So I guess over the years the thousands of people who've enjoyed the lobster risotto don't know what their eating? I suggest the reviewer not give up his day job.

Posted by david belcher @ 4:46 PM Thu, Mar 06, 2008

I have to agree with the review on loft 610 as far as the atmosphere and the appetizers. But do I really care about "parsnip"??? Or wether or not he liked the spoon bread??? I've had the scallops and thought they were amazing! I also find it funny he didn't try the bread pudding which I was told is the signature dessert and enjoyed...

Posted by joey @ 5:41 PM Thu, Mar 06, 2008

loved the al review...too bad i don't like steakhouses or their welltodo patrons. i can see the elk in colorado right now (i'm a visionary). very well written. kudos.

Posted by Robert Rankin @ 10:12 AM Fri, Mar 07, 2008

I'm in total agreement with the review of Lochrann's Pub in Frisco. I also expierenced the poor quality of the fish and chips. Burgers were great.

Posted by Mike in Grapevine @ 10:32 AM Fri, Mar 07, 2008

RE: Biernats---typical DMN review, the guy calls it like he sees it but when it comes time for the stars he overrates it by two stars. I'll stick with Bud Kennedy...

Posted by Jim Kull @ 3:45 PM Fri, Mar 07, 2008

I can not believe Kim ate at Lochrann's. This place is awful. What are those potatoes with the fish - it ain't chips and they are inconsistently cooked. If corned beef and cabbage is supposed to be cold, theirs is great. The signature sandwich is beyond bad. Now, to be positive - the girls are cute and the beer is cold.

Posted by kathy @ 9:34 PM Fri, Mar 07, 2008

Al Biernat's - one of the best restaurants in Dallas. Michael Hiller may be a special contributor, to bad he doesn't know a good restaurant when he sees one. I have been in the restaurant more times that I can count and I have always been treated to wonderful hospitality and great food. Mr. Hiller why don't you try it again maybe you can get it right this time!

Posted by William H @ 12:55 AM Sat, Mar 08, 2008

What the heck? I have been to Al Biernat's many times entertaining clients, and I have always loved the food, wine list and service. I also have dined at Loft 610 three times since they opened and have been wowed each time. I've been to Lochran's once –that’s all it took. I am amazed at the reviews most recently posted -- most notably in regards to the food ratings. Per these reviews, I am expected to believe that Lochran's Irish Pub is serving the same level of food as Al Biernat's and one star better than Loft 610?!?! Really? Al Biernat's is consistently great. Loft 610 has brought an inventive, well-developed culinary experience to the suburbs of Dallas. Finally. Lochran’s is a bar with mediocre bar food. I think the review team needs to have a huddle regarding ratings. Oh, and check the attitude at the door. Try and remain subjective and on point. We are looking for scoop on restaurants, not an expression of self-importance. For goodness sake, cheer up!

Posted by Stacy Crossley @ 12:26 AM Tue, Mar 11, 2008

How many restaurants last more than 1 year, 5 years or 9? You must be doing something right to last this long in Dallas. If you want perfect you will need to talk to the Patriots...oops I mean the Dolphins. Keep up the good work Al.