Update on Area Restaurants in Northeast Texas and Southeast Oklahoma

Inside Liefie li Vine Restaurant in Winnsboro, Texas

Over the last seven years, I have written of “things to do” in Paris, Mt. Pleasant, Sulphur Springs, Greenville and other close-by communities.  A few eating suggestions were included but now I have discovered some new eateries of note – all within driving distance for lunch or dinner. 

Exterior of Thai Lanna's

Inside Thai Lanna's in Mt. Pleasant

On the exterior,  Thai Lanna’s is as indistinctive a restaurant as one would ever frequent.  Located on the access road to I-30 in Mt. Pleasant and next to a Super 8 Motel, it’s easy to miss.  But inside is a beautiful, clean space with freshly made Thai food to order.  Owner Kanyasiri  “Jeed” Castle closely supervises the kitchen and often delivers dishes directly to a customer’s table.  Her mango and sticky rice dessert charmed even my chocolate loving husband.  If you’ve never experienced Thai cuisine or if you’ve been missing it, try this nearby locale.  Just don’t expect fiery.

Downtown Sulphur Springs continues to improve with a completed square renovation and updated, landscaped side streets.  As so often happens, restaurants follow improvements.  In addition to previously recommended Lou Viney’s Restaurant and Pub and the Pioneer Café, Cajun food is now available at Bayou Jack’s Cajun Grill on the square.  Their gumbo was authentic and shrimp salad satisfying.  The lunch crowd of working men seemed to appreciate the portions.  Save dessert for the Idzi Bitsy Bakery around the corner. 

Lobby of Texan Theater in Greenville, Tx

Inside Texan Theater in Greenville, Tx.

A very recent addition to downtown Greenville is the stunning Texas Theater, a former Opera House that had been shuttered since 1975.  Native Barbara Horan took on the challenging project of renovating an old theater and the results are spectacular.  In the lobby is a sleek coffee shop where a very decent cappuccino can be had as well as breakfast and lunch offerings.  Inside, tables seating 120 face the stage and are placed on several levels.  Recent performers have included Rick Springfield, Jimmie Vaughan, David Alan Coe, The Mills Brothers and Jeremiah Johnson.  Prices for tickets are high but include a four course meal, all drinks, tax, tip and the show.  It’s amazing to have this offering within driving distance.

Dipping south a bit to Winnsboro is Liefie li Vine, a South African themed restaurant owned by the Styrdom family.  Few know what to expect on first visit but waiters and owners are ready with explanations of anything on the menu.  Many American favorites such as prime rib are offered but it’s the ethnic offerings that are most intriguing.  Flat iron steak comes with a splash of traditional  monkey sauce .  I leave that to you to get an explanation.  A covered patio in the back makes for a relaxed evening.  My favorite part was the opportunity to sign up for a safari as you entered as well as the African gift shop.  This place is very popular.  Try going early and visiting downtown Winnsboro before dinner.

Shannon Mitchell's Grateful Head T-Shirt

Back north of the Red River are some relatively new restaurants in Broken Bow.  One stands out – Grateful Head Pizza Oven and Taproom - named after the owners’ favorite band.  This popular pizza place has had to expand 5 times and now includes its own gift shop.  I realized it had been discovered locally when I saw a Grateful Head t-shirt on a Lamar County Clerk’s employee.  Shannon Mitchell declared the restaurant her family’s favorite and we compared pizza choices.   By internet standards, the Funky Chicken pizza appears to be most popular but Shannon and I preferred the Tree Hugger.   Best time to go is in the evening when live music is available.  You may even catch Lamar County Deputy Reggie Daus playing in the Krissy Green Band.

I don’t want to forget recent additions to the Paris scene, especially downtown.  Perry’s Off the Square describes its offerings as “elevated comfort food”  - translated as favorites with a twist.   The decor is lovely and hopefully, we can dine outside soon if the weather would stay cleared.  107 wishes the same thing.  On nice evenings, this open air bar is wonderful for a cold beer and light dinner.  According to friends, nearby Phat Phil’s serves up good BBQ, coleslaw and potato salad from a trailer near Market Square.  And, Paris finally has its own Louisiana fare with Cajun Moon Grill and Bar on the west side of town – a welcome addition to an area with few food offerings.  Families, couples, and singles like this lively restaurant.  It works for lunch or a Friday night celebration.

The good news is the independent restaurant explosion in the U.S. has moved into our territory.  Chains are no longer our only option.  We just have to drive a bit to sample them all and this summer would be a good time to start. Bon appétit.