Latest visit: Jan: 2015 (Plano)
First visit: Jun 2008 (Grapevine)
Grapevine closed in 2016
Restaurants that sound like 19th century novels is a dicey proposition at best. When I first heard that our team dinner meeting was at Love and War in Texas (LWT) , my first reaction was "what the hell is that?". I had visions of a touristo trappo, with slide shows, dancers, costumes and other annoying gimmicks. But much to my surprise, the only gimmick here is that LWT focuses on the various culinary traditions of the diverse regions of Texas. And not only that, but everything is grown or made here, including the wine. And my response quickly went to "what a great idea!"
The five regions LWT define are: The Border, Texas Gulf Coast, Hill Country, The West Texas Plains and East Texas Piney Woods. And that's a pretty good designation, especially considering that the Texas state constitution has a provision to break into 5 different states. Each one naturally has a culinary theme: The Border focuses on Tex-Mex; West Texas is steak; Hill Country mixes wild game with German food; East Texas gets the BBQ, burgers, catfish and the like; And finally the Gulf Coast has a seafood focus - of course. I went with the Border menu and tried the Spicy Chicken and Shrimp Platter, which was served fajita styled on a bed of sizzling onions. Everyone at our table had something different including what looked to be some fascinating habanero tacos. Mine was excellent, and I heard similar sentiments around the table.
LWT is located near the Grapevine Mills outlet mall (Gravepoint Wills) and housed in the former Trail Dust Steakhouse. And according to the bartender, they've been there for 3 years. I'm always looking for places to take out of town guests, including business associates, and I'd rank this along with Texana in Arlington (now sadly closed) and Tolberts in Grapevine as a truly Texan experience.
The five regions LWT define are: The Border, Texas Gulf Coast, Hill Country, The West Texas Plains and East Texas Piney Woods. And that's a pretty good designation, especially considering that the Texas state constitution has a provision to break into 5 different states. Each one naturally has a culinary theme: The Border focuses on Tex-Mex; West Texas is steak; Hill Country mixes wild game with German food; East Texas gets the BBQ, burgers, catfish and the like; And finally the Gulf Coast has a seafood focus - of course. I went with the Border menu and tried the Spicy Chicken and Shrimp Platter, which was served fajita styled on a bed of sizzling onions. Everyone at our table had something different including what looked to be some fascinating habanero tacos. Mine was excellent, and I heard similar sentiments around the table.
LWT is located near the Grapevine Mills outlet mall (Gravepoint Wills) and housed in the former Trail Dust Steakhouse. And according to the bartender, they've been there for 3 years. I'm always looking for places to take out of town guests, including business associates, and I'd rank this along with Texana in Arlington (now sadly closed) and Tolberts in Grapevine as a truly Texan experience.
First appearance in the RJG: Jul 1, 2008 (Grapevine)
7/1/2008 (new entry); 11/24/11; 1/27/15
4 comments:
The wife and I visited there when they first opened up. It was good. We don't get that way much, so I haven't been back, but I might have to get back up there again, soon.
Thanks cowboy fan. I agree, a place worth visiting a few times!
Unfortunately, I would not recommend the place. I have eaten there a minimum 3 times and each time I thought to myself that all the sides were fresh out of a can. Green beans, baked beans, etc.. The dinner rolls are good, but nothing super special to right home about. Just another plain middle of the road quite bland tex-mex place to eat at. My job has me in hotels more than half of the year all around the world. So eating out in hotels is quite the norm. Trust me folks, just another bland tex-mex place. You'd be better off next door at Cozymel's or 15 minutes further down the road south on 121 at Hacienda Ranch. Both with much better quality food with regard to tex-mex...
Hi Anon,
Thanks for your comment. My only response would be that I don't really consider LWT a Tex-Mex place per se. I doubt I've even tried the standard tacos or enchiladas. But I do think they serve the various regions of Texas food very well. To each their own of course.
Thanks again for reading!
- RJG
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