Anamia's Tex-Mex ~ Southlake, Texas

May 13, 2022 update: There are currently 6 locations in DFW: Southlake, Coppell, Plano, Trophy Club, Flower Mound, and McKinney. 

Latest visit: Feb 2018 (Southlake)

First visit: 2003 (Southlake)

As far as the RJG is concerned, Anamia's remains our favorite Mexican restaurant in NE Tarrant (as I update this post in 2018). And we award them with the very rare and coveted 5.0 rating! We've been going to Anamia's ever since we first moved back to the area in 2003, so this recommendation has some heft to it. Anamia's is not inexpensive, but it's worth the extra dollars for a consistent, high quality meal, every time!

Despite having "Tex-Mex" in their name, I would avoid the combo plates (they're average at best). We recommend you go straight for the Mexican specialties and never look back. Mr. RJG personally recommends Rickey's Tacos which features charbroiled white meat chicken in a homemade soft corn tortilla, heavily seasoned, that is served with rice and many condiments (onions, diced jalapeno's, and cilantro). Along with a wonderful, and entirely unique, fiery dark red pasilla sauce. Mrs. RJG gets a monthly craving for their shrimp enchiladas, which she says are the best she's ever had - any city, any place. And the few times she lets me sneak in a bite, I can see her point. One thing that Anamia's does, and it seems like such a simple concept but so few do it, is they season the meat / fish before rolling them in the tortilla. That is to say, the shrimp could be eaten ala carte and still be delicious. Most places will just add plain boiled shrimp and hope the enchilada ingredients take over from there. Not Anamia's. When looking for lighter fare, I recommend Pollo Cancun which is a heavily season chicken breast, and comes with rice and charro beans. This dish isn't always on their menu, but you can still ask for it. Mrs. RJG also recommends the Tortilla Soup, and she mentions to make it "super hot temperature", perfect for a cold winter day. And to think I'm this far into the review without discussing the chips. Once again, Anamia's does not skimp on quality. Homemade crispy chips with a great corn flavor on its own - and the salsa has a slight punch with a strong chili pepper / garlic taste. It's a one-of-a-kind salsa - I can give no better compliment than that. They also have what they call a "molcajete" sauce, which is in reality their fire burner, and it looking for extra heat, ask for it by name.  Also worth mentioning that Anamia's has dedicated servers for chips and salsa, so you never have to trun your heads looking for a refill! The tableside homemade guacamole is also a hit, and we see many families go for this option.

I have to say that Anamia's is tops when it comes to house margaritas. Mrs. RJG gets it on the rocks, and I always get it frozen. Always great - every time! They actually put tequila in them (imagine that?). Even their regular/small size packs a punch, And that's all we need to be satisfied. They have a full bar, with plenty of Mexican lagers and a wine selection as well.

Anamia's is a stand alone building on the NW corner of Southlake Blvd and Gateway (Commerce). It's just west of 114, so it's easy to get to if you are anywhere near DFW airport. The restaurant itself is cozy (or as cozy as a family Mexican restaurant can get). We like the bar area, where we can relax in the lounge chairs, and perhaps escape some of the screaming children, and also take a sneak peak at the games on the various televisions nearby. Also worth noting is the quality of the help staff. This was an issue in the early days for Anamia's, but strong management has obviously fixed this problem in the last 7 or 8 years. We see many of the same smiling faces each time we visit, and now know some of them on a first name basis. I also like that they wear sharp uniforms, adding to the professionalism. My dad was in the uniform business, so the RJG tends to notice those details... If you go during primetime (Fri/Sat dinner or Sun lunch especially), be prepared for Mr. RJG's personal nightmare: The long wait and the black ashtray buzzer. But we've never had issues getting in any other day of the week.

Anamia's started in Coppell in 1996 and has since branched out to Flower Mound, Southlake, and Plano. The RJG visited the Plano location in 2016 when meeting some business associates. It was just as good as our local Southlake branch.

10/27/08 (new entry); 5/22/17; 2/18/18

Meat U Anywhere ~ Trophy Club, Texas

Latest visit: Feb 2018

First visit: Jun 2016

We haven't been to Meat U Anywhere for a couple of years, even though we were - and are - praising. I can't really give a good explanation as to why, but this time we dragged along a one Mr. Music. And a good time was had by all... lol. Notes from our first visit continue on below. Not too much to add other than we keep trying different meats to our liking.

After receiving our lunch, it didn't take long for Mrs. RJG to proclaim "this is the best barbecue I've ever had!". We don't claim BBQ aficionado status (not by a long shot), but we've had our share over the years, so it was a bold statement. And to be honest, I was inclined to agree with her. Pound for pound, meat by meat - no - we have a long way to go to prove that. But for what we ordered, we were mightily impressed right from the get go. I had a pulled pork sandwich, which was more of a mixture, similar to how chopped beef is normally prepared, to keep it from drying out it. It was very good - and satisfyingly filling. I would have preferred the bread to have been more unique and/or a bit toasted, but it's a small matter. She had the baked potato loaded with chopped beef, and we both loved the flavor of the beef. It weighed a ton, so come with an appetite. She ate it all anyway. Where the accolades come from, though, were with the sides. Generally the sides are an afterthought, something to fill out the meal. At MUA, they are chef creations, or so it seems. I had the jalapeno bacon mac and cheese. Oh my goodness, what a great dish this is. Spicy with a strong bacon flavor, and hot creamy cheese, over large ziti noodles. Yes, not the usual boring elbows. The Mrs. had the Cowboy Campfire beans, which are loaded with bbq beef, and tastes more like a chili than the usual boring ol' frijoles. Barbeque sauce is on each table, and it's excellent too, with a smoky flavor - not sweet or spicy, but just right. And if you do like it hot, they also provide a spicy homemade salsa. Which reminds me, they open at 6 for breakfast, and have barbeque breakfast tacos. That sounds delicious too! I cannot wait to try their ribs, brisket, ham, sausages, and other staples of the barbeque house. I have a distinct feeling they are going to be the "best", whatever that may mean. We certainly hope so. We'll update this post as we go. I will say, it's a bit on the pricey side. A sandwich, a baked potato, one extra side, and one fountain drink came to $27. As they say, you get what you pay for. But this isn't a place to come to if on a budget.

As for drankin', there's no sinnin' goin' on here, so no alchyhol (update: However they now are BYOB - so perhaps even better!). Meat U Anywhere is an old school Christian Texas barbeque house. Which is fine with me, since I'm an old school Christian Texan. But I was raised Lutheran, so we had beer and wine at church events! (nya-nya). Haha, in any case, they have the usual fountain and bottled drinks. And iced tea probably sells by the barrel load.

You'll find Meat U anywhere in a newly constructed Hill Country styled building at the NW corner of Westlake Pkwy/Trophy Club Dr and TX-114. Had to cost a pretty penny to build, especially in this neighborhood, so business must have been brisk at the Grapevine location. Parking is a bit odd, but just find your way to the back of the building. Like the Grapevine location, they do have a valet, but it's not compulsory, as long as the free spots are empty. When you arrive, walk around the boxes, and order up at the counter. They'll prepare what you ordered right there and send you on your way. Plenty of seating - on large park benches or the many 4 person tables.

From the website: "In late 2012, after more than 10 years of building up a regional BBQ franchise, I was told that the company “was going the corporate route and those plans don’t include you.” Lifted by my faith in the Lord, with the support of family, friends and soon-to-be business associates, and refusing to become a statistic in tough economic times, I launched MEAT “U” ANYWHERE BBQ & Catering. The aim was to avoid being “boxed in” by a corporate mentality, but to serve great food and to continually exceed customers’ expectations. We took that philosophy to the street for all types of catering venues, forging great relationships and winning loyal customers. Now, the next chapter of our young history is being written with our first store opening in Grapevine, Texas, where you can get our wide selection of smoked meats, exclusive sides and ultimate breakfast tacos. Created out of a necessity to care for my family, MEAT “U” ANYWHERE BBQ & Catering has blossomed because of the commitment to great food, great customer service and countless loyal followers. Come try us in Grapevine or at our new location in Trophy Club. Or for that special event, remember, we will Meat “U” Anywhere."

6/24/16 (new entry); 2/11/18

Grimaldi's Coal Brick-Oven Pizzeria ~ national chain : Grapevine, Texas

Latest visit: Feb 2018 (Grapevine, TX)

First visit: Jul 2012 (Grapevine, TX)

May 13, 2022 update: Grimaldi's exists in 11 disparate states. Texas has the most with 18. Total looks to be around 43. There was one in Denver, but it was gone before we could go, and that's a real bummer!.

Basically, Grimaldi's has perfected the coal oven baked pizza formula. Apparently they use a special coal imported from Pennsylvania, that burns hotter and cleaner than traditional coal. Grimaldi's, of course, insists that all of their outlets use this coal. We've been many times over the years, and the pizza is perfect every single time. The ingredients are out of this world, and most are homemade. The sauce is delicious and the mozzarella is clearly made from local produce. I'm not even sure you can make a pizza better than this. As Dan Patrick is fond of saying: "You can't stop them, you can only hope to contain them". And we haven't even started on their delicious salads, which Mrs. RJG devours - and I fortunately get to help. Their Mediterranean Salad is outstanding, with fresh greens, a splendid vinaigrette dressing, feta cheese, and lots of olives, tomatoes, and cucumbers. Worth noting the nomenclature Grimaldi's uses. When you see the term "personal", think "small", When you see "small", think "large". That's the kind of portion size we're talking about here.

Grimaldi's has a fine selection of wine and beer as well. And nothing goes better with a Grimaldi's pizza then an ice cold bottle of Brooklyn Lager. Or a pint of Peroni on draught. They have a nice bar area, that we've yet to take advantage of. But it looks appealing if I were to be on my own. Grab a pint and a personal pizza, and I'd be in heaven.

Grimaldi's sits at the corner of a new center (in 2012 that was) built on the NE corner of 114 and William B Tate. Now that the airport freeway road construction is complete, getting here is a breeze. The interior is awesome with dark woods, and plenty of black and white pictures of The Big Apple. Plenty of flat screens in the bar too, and it's a welcoming place if you're single and perhaps traveling on business.They also tend to play classic pop in the Frank Sinatra tradition, which I prefer in places like this. No small detail is overlooked.

We first came across Grimaldi's with their Brooklyn Bridge location, and there were lines a mile long it seemed. So we never took the time to eat there (if you can't find good pizza while in Brooklyn, you are truly an unlucky person). Some very wise investors from Arizona decided to replicate the concept and bring it nationwide. It seems they are holding to a very strict standard, and if they continue to do so, will be successful for many years. My only advice to them is not to go to the public markets. Once they do that, profit will become more important than high standards. DFW is fortunate to have a few locations throughout, including Northeast Tarrant's own in Grapevine.

7/12/12; 3/16/13 (new entry); 9/11/13; 4/13/17; 2/4/18

Grapevine, Texas