January
Customers rally around Plano restaurant Bella Italia Ristorante
Just as Bella Italia celebrated its one-year anniversary, restaurants were forced to close due to the coronavirus pandemic. Husband-wife duo Ari Isufaj and Blinera Shurreci worried that despite a successful first year, their restaurant would not survive the pandemic. Loyal customers put their fears to rest.
February
Guyana natives bring Caribbean flavors to Taste of the Islands in Plano
Taste of the Islands owner Rehan Bacchus said she spent much of her childhood in Guyana in the kitchen with her grandmother, who would have Rehan act as sous chef, grabbing ingredients and tools as needed.
March
Blue Goose Cantina in Plano boasts familial environment
Many residents of the Dallas Fort-Worth metroplex are familiar with Blue Goose Cantina because of its quick service, strong margaritas and Tex-Mex food, which is made with fresh ingredients, according to managers.
April
Plano fixture The Latin Pig offers home-cooked, savory food and casual vibe
The Latin Pig’s most consistent top seller is its Sandwich Cubano, which features roasted pulled pork, ham and Swiss cheese. Other popular dishes include anything with brisket or pulled pork and Cuban coffee, co-owner John Guerrero said.
May
Big Tony’s West Philly Cheesesteaks puts customers first in Plano
Big Tony’s offers a full array of cheesesteaks, burgers, hoagies, seafood, salads and side items. Big Tony’s also offers monthly specials. May’s special is a Mexican Cheesesteak that includes chopped nacho-breaded shrimp in honor of Cinco de Mayo.
June
Plano restaurant Pho Mac serves authentic Vietnamese food in a family setting
The menu features staples from the Southeast Asian nation, such as banh mi, the ubiquitous Vietnamese sandwich with choice of protein, fresh cut veggies and pickled carrots on a toasted French baguette. Other familiar offerings are egg and spring rolls and specialty noodle soups.
July
JC's Burger House in Plano offers 10 hamburger varieties, sides
The menu includes 10 burger options, three chicken sandwiches, chili, sides and salads, Blue Bell ice cream and more. All burgers are hand-packed and made fresh daily using USDA choice chuck, owner Bill Oglesby said.
August
Coastal-style eatery Dock Local serves seafood dishes in Plano
Popular dishes like the garlic lobster fries, the lobster roll and lobster grilled cheese are hard to come by in Texas, owner Brett Curtis said.
September
XO Coffee Company brings coffee, love to downtown Plano
Husband-and-wife duo David Martin and Linda McCall opened XO Coffee Company in downtown Plano in 2017. They said the shop’s name is symbolic of the relationship they formed while sipping coffee together.
October
Plano diner Red Truck Cafe offers affordable breakfast, lunch, dinner options
Red Truck Cafe offers breakfast, lunch and dinner with a variety of daily specials. Owner James Wells said he strives to use fresh ingredients and offer a menu of different affordable options.
November
Unique liquid nitrogen process at the heart of OMGelato in Plano
Father-son duo Mehrdad and Reza Tabrizi said it took two years to finalize the recipe for their homemade gelato. What they came up with cannot be found anywhere else in Texas, Reza said.
December
Wing Daddy’s Sauce House in Plano offers 23 homemade sauces
Mike Peters’ story is emblematic of the American Dream. Originally from South Korea, Peters was adopted at age 3 by an American family. Upon becoming old enough to enlist, he joined the U.S. military as a tanker.
