Grand Lux Cafe - Dallas, Texas

When the founder of The Cheesecake Factory went on a culinary tour through Europe, focused on food, architecture, décor and design, it provided the inspiration for what Grand Lux Cafe was destined to become…a unique, casual global cuisine in an elegant yet relaxed atmosphere.



Jennifer's Rating: 4.4 total chews out of a possible 7 chews


Atmosphere (people & decor): 6 chews
Host Service: 2 chews
Wait Service: 4 chews
Menu (selection & design): 5 chews
Food's Appearance: 6 chews
Food's Taste: 5.5 chews
Authenticity (true to marketing):3.5 chews
Price: 4 chews
Location (curb appeal & parking): 6 chews
Special Notes: I suggest ordering the fresh-baked cookies. You'll thank me.
What to Wear: Casual.
Overheard: "Look at the size of that guy's pot pie!"
Post Chew:Comfy and ready to shop.


Jennifer Says:
Usually, when I hear the words “grand” and “lux”, “café” doesn’t really come to mind. But somehow they all come together at this “upscale”, “casual” restaurant…two other words that I wouldn’t think of together. That is, until I visited Grand Lux Café.


As soon as I walked in the front door and down the long dimly-lit corridor I felt like I was in an over-the-top Vegas restaurant — elaborate design, regal-looking fabrics and textures, marble floors and tabletops, hand-blown glass lighting and custom artisan-created details were every which way I looked. So, the “upscale” part was there in full-force….but where and when was the “causal” going to come into play?


The menu took about an hour to go through. It’s a good thing they bring you a bread basket full of yummy, super-soft bread to munch on while you decide. The menu has a little bit of everything…interesting dinner salads, pages full of appetizers, pastas, steaks and even comfort foods like chicken pot pie and hearty soups.


When our waitress was asked how she would describe Grand Lux Café, she looked a little confused and then responded with “a global café…I think.” And I’d agree with her. They have styles of food from all over the world...and the best part is they all come in huge portions and aren’t as expensive as you would think from the “upscale” decor.


After the difficult task of deciding what to order, I settled on a grilled chicken, mozzarella and basil pasta dish. It was delicious just as I expected it would be. And combined with the cozy feeling this place gave me, it made me love this place even more.


I can’t say it enough…the atmosphere is amazing. Not only because of the décor, but the dimly lit dining room, white tablecloths, friendly staff and extra-comfy seating…so I guess that’s where the “casual” popped up. Upscale, casual…it does exist!


I seriously don’t have anything bad to say about Grand Lux Café, and that’s a big deal if you know me!


So if you’re in Dallas and want to feel fancy….without fancy prices…you need to try Grand Lux Café. It’s perfect for a nice lunch or dinner with friends. Plus, it’s attached to the Galleria Mall….which makes it perfect for pre or post shopping fuel.




Matt's Review: 4.3 total chews out of a possible 7 chews



Atmosphere (people & decor): 6 chews
Host Service: 2 chews
Wait Service: 5 chews
Menu (selection & design): 5 chews
Food's Appearance: 5 chews
Food's Taste: 5.5 chews
Authenticity (true to marketing): 3 chews
Price: 4 chews
Location (curb appeal & parking): 3 chews
Special Notes: Everyone was staring at my chicken pot pie...made me a little nervous.
What to Wear: Casual, or prom.
Overheard: "What is that?!?" (referring to my meal)
Post Chew: Nice, light and satisfied.


Matt Says:
When entering Grand Lux I felt as if I was walking into one of those never ending mirrors. The impossibly long entrance hallway then opens to a dessert display counter and host station. I never really felt a host presence but we managed to be seated in the spacious, luxurious dining room without much wait.


There’s plenty of atmosphere in Grand Lux and I like the café style seating. It seems like you can chat up your neighbor who you may not even know, which I did. Only because they were so intrigued by my massive chicken pot pie. I swear, every table within 100 feet could see this gigantic thing. At first I was shocked and confused. I thought, “did the waiter misunderstand my order because this is the family size portion?” No, this is the normal size of this thing…DAMN! It seemed intimidating at first but once I cracked the golden brown crust on top and mixed it in the dish, it was manageable. While still being a pretty large amount of food, it was piping hot and had plenty of flavor. The tender chunks of chicken and carrots played perfectly against the crunchy pop of the pearl onions and peas.


I would definitely go back but it is a little over priced in my opinion. Maybe I’ll order from the kids menu next time.

Anamia's - Coppell, Texas

A combination of the owner’s wife and daughter’s names, Anamia’s is a hidden local treasure offering Tex-Mex favorites and interesting culinary adventures. Dine in, take-out or have an event catered…Anamia’s offers it all.


Introducing the Guac-o-meter:



Jennifer's Rating: 4.3 total chews out of a possible 7 chews


Atmosphere (people & decor): 5 chews
Host Service: 5 chews
Wait Service: 4 chews
Menu (selection & design): 3.5 chews
Food's Appearance: 3 chews
Food's Taste: 5.5 chews
Authenticity (true to marketing):5 chews
Price: 4.5 chews
Location (curb appeal & parking): 5 chews
Special Notes: Guacano overflowed with flavor!!
What to Wear: Casual & comfy
Overheard: Myself chowing down on quac.
Post Chew:Really full and a little tipsy.


Jennifer Says:
I’ve driven past Anamia’s for years….but never went in because of my fear of strip-mall restaurants. So I was nervous when my co-workers took me here for lunch. But after that first trip, I’ve been going back ever since.


When you first walk in, the dimly-lit entry room is always full...which is usually a good sign. You’re immediately pulled into the cozy bar where you can get a delicious margarita and wait for your table to be ready. Sometimes I wish we could just stay in the bar area and eat, the atmosphere is just so amazing and comfy I never want to leave.


The menu has all of the usual Tex-Mex suspects. But if you’re not super hungry, I suggest getting a bowl of the chicken tortilla soup and some tableside guacamole.


Now, I consider myself to be a fresh guacamole connoisseur…and Anamia’s tableside guac is some of the best I’ve ever had. Big plus in my book! And on this particular night the quac came in a HUGE bowl…which Matt and I dubbed the Guacano. It was overflowing in deliciousness. So for the first time in my life, I was unable to finish the quac. Matt was shocked.


The waiters are sometimes a little over-the-top cheesy, but it just adds to the loud, fast-paced Spanish villa atmosphere. The place is always packed with lively staff, tons of families, groups of women out for a ladies-night dinner, little league teams after their games…it’s a true cross-section of the all-American local residents of Coppell.


So don’t let the local strip mall location fool you. This isn’t your usual Tex-Mex place...there’s an extra flair here in the food and atmosphere. Anamia’s truly does it right. And a place that makes guacamole like they do is alright in my book….my quac book that is.



Matt's Review: 4.2 total chews out of a possible 7 chews



Atmosphere (people & decor): 5 chews
Host Service: 2 chews
Wait Service: 4 chews
Menu (selection & design): 4 chews
Food's Appearance: 4 chews
Food's Taste: 5 chews
Authenticity (true to marketing): 4 chews
Price: 4 chews
Location (curb appeal & parking): 4 chews
Special Notes: Drinks at the bar were really nice and the bar atmosphere is great. The bar has a cool buzz when busy. My only concern is why they would hire a high school kid with no personality to host this great "family" Mexican restaurant...doesn't fit with the rest of the staff.
What to Wear: Casual.
Overheard: "...and that Lockheed Martin thing...I could've done that in twenty minutes."
Post Chew: Satisfied and full.


Matt Says:
Anamia’s boasts a no “turn and burn” atmosphere, which is strange considering the server barely had enough time to give us the guacamole before our entrée’s were served. I’m not complaining by any means, because the service was great (except for when I ordered my meal and the server laughed at me and called me a “cowboy, huh?”) as well as the food.


Jennifer and I couldn’t believe how quickly our meals came and we were amazed to the point of hilarity at the size of our guacamole bowl (which we dubbed the GUACANO). I ordered the Cowboy (One brisket taco, one shredded beef enchilada, one pork tamale, beans and rice) and ate every bit of it. The highlight was definitely the brisket taco, which I saved for last. The other items were delicious as well, including the rich and creamy guacamole.


I would definitely recommend Anamia’s to all Mexican food lovers…one of the best tasting and reasonably priced in the area. Jennifer and I are regulars at the Cristina’s in Lewisville, but from now on…I’d rather go to Anamia’s.

Parma Pizza & Pasta - Lewisville, Texas

Their website (parmapastapizza.com) boasts “Authentic Italian cuisine, right in the heart of Lewisville.” Neither is entirely true, but it’s the cities only affordable, alternative to Italian chains like Olive Garden, Macaroni Grill and Johnny Carinos. And FYI, “due to increased fuel prices” they say delivery is no longer available.


Jennifer's Rating: 3.4 total chews out of a possible 7 chews


Atmosphere (people & decor): 4 chews
Host Service: 5 chews
Wait Service: 4 chews
Menu (selection & design): 2 chews
Food's Appearance: 3 chews
Food's Taste: 5 chews
Authenticity (true to marketing):2 chews
Price: 4 chews
Location (curb appeal & parking): 2 chews
Special Notes: Tables are too small.
What to Wear: Anything goes.
Overheard: "You've been spooned"
Post Chew:Annoyed.


Jennifer Says:

With a grammatically incorrect motto like “Mangia bene, vive bene!” (Eat good, live good) you would think I wouldn’t even bother going inside this strip mall Italian eatery. But I have. Many times.


I first visited Parma Pizza and Pasta a few years ago to visit a friend that was working there. Usually I’m not one to visit strip mall eateries, but this was free food so why not? And as an added bonus it turned out to be pretty good. Double score!


Over the past four years I’ve seen Parma grow up, getting a little more modern every year. They’re at about a year 1984 right now. Bright yellow walls, random “Italian” mobster photographs under the glass tabletops, an oversized New York black and white print from Ikea, a huge plasma screen (usually tuned to Food Network) and tiny square tables with candles flickering. Everything about Parma screams, “A middle aged man decorated this place!!!”


If you can get past the horrible décor and the menus that look like grandpa just typed them up on his typewriter, then you’re up for an interesting waiter-lottery. You might get lucky and have one of the nice, straight-to-the-point female staff, or you might get one of Parma’s assorted creepy male staff. One in particular enjoys bringing you things like a spoon and then informed you that “you just got spooned!”…”you just got alfradoed”...”you just got breaded”…you get the point. In one word…annoying.


I’ve had dishes like baked ziti, manicotti, chicken cody, chicken marsala, and shrimp scampi…but for some reason never their pizza. And I can honestly say that everything I’ve ever eaten at Parma has been great. It doesn’t taste like cookie-cutter Olive Garden. It tastes like homemade Italian food. And I like that.


Parma isn’t a fancy place. It’s not expensive and you may have to deal with some annoying staff members…but I guarantee there will be at least one thing on the menu that you will enjoy. I highly suggest not sticking with the ol’ Italian standbys like spaghetti and meatballs. From looking at other tables, it seems like Pizza and their chicken dishes are their big sellers. Instead, you should choose something out of the usual, preferably with a wine sauce. I think these are Parma’s best dishes. Oh, and don’t forget to BYOW. You’ll need lots of it if you happen to get “spooned.”





Matt's Review: 3.3 total chews out of a possible 7 chews



Atmosphere (people & decor): 4 chews
Host Service: 5 chews
Wait Service: 2 chews
Menu (selection & design): 1.5 chews
Food's Appearance: 4 chews
Food's Taste: 4 chews
Authenticity (true to marketing): 2 chews
Price: 4 chews
Location (curb appeal & parking): 3 chews
Special Notes: Ditto on the tables.
What to Wear: Anything goes.
Overheard: "You've been alfredoed"
Post Chew: Heart heavy. (Note from Jennifer.....I have no idea what this means)


Matt Says:

It’s a great feeling when you’re in on the secret. You know, when you and your friends are into some band that no-one’s ever heard of. You go to the show and your one of about fifteen to see an amazing performance right in the front row, then six months later the band blows up and is on the cover of every cool music mag. That’s the feeling I wanted to have about Parma. It didn’t happen.


Parma valiantly tries to offer authentic Italian food without the chain restaurant vibe, which I applaud. It’s tough to find local eateries in my neck of the woods and that’s why I expect the one’s I visit to stand out…above the corporate giants like Olive Garden, Macaroni Grill, and Carrabba’s. Sadly, Parma does not stand out. Well, unless you like really annoying wait staff (see overheard). Parma looks like a pizza hut painted yellow, nestled in a strip mall, so the dress code is pretty much a non issue. I have a feeling their strength lies in quick pizza for lunch. As for a pleasant, enjoyable Italian dinner for four…skip Parma. Save your money and set your sights higher for an authentic Italian meal.



Special Guest: Matt's Mom Cindy's Review: 3.3 total chews out of a possible 7 chews



Atmosphere (people & decor): 3 chews
Host Service: 5 chews
Wait Service: 4 chews
Menu (selection & design): 2 chews
Food's Appearance: 3 chews
Food's Taste: 4 chews
Authenticity (true to marketing): 2 chews
Price: 4 chews
Location (curb appeal & parking): 3 chews
Special Notes: I needed Tums afterwards.
What to Wear: Anything goes.
Overheard: "You've been "
Post Chew: Stomach hurts.




Special Guest: Matt's Dad Toby's Review: 2.8 total chews out of a possible 7 chews



Atmosphere (people & decor): 3.5 chews
Host Service: 4 chews
Wait Service: 4.5 chews
Menu (selection & design): 2 chews
Food's Appearance: 2 chews
Food's Taste: 2 chews
Authenticity (true to marketing): 2 chews
Price: 4 chews
Location (curb appeal & parking): 2 chews
Special Notes: My chair was wobbly.
What to Wear: Anything goes.
Post Chew: Annoyed, bloated.


Matt's Parents Say:
Recently we went to the Big D, subset; Lewisville to visit our son and his GF Jennifer. On the final night of our visit, we were struggling to find an Italian restaurant that would be close, and yet not one of those chain establishments that you can dine in no matter where you happen to be. You would think in a mega-plex like Dallas and burbs it would be no struggle, but it was. We finally decided on Parma Pasta Pizza. Not a long drive, not part of a chain, Italian cuisine, should fit the bill.


First impression- strip mall. Ok…. Let’s go in. We were greeted by an exceptionally pleasant person… my impression is improving. Nice table, although a little small for 4, but has a tablecloth and a candle. Then we started to look around. The place was pretty packed and everyone seemed to be having a good time. The décor is confusing… hanging lights that look like little flying saucers, big posters of New York, and various references to the Godfather. I think curtains on the large picture windows would have helped to block out the parking lot and improved the feeling of the place.


Now to the food, which is the primary reason for being there. I don’t think you can be called Italian if you can’t make Spaghetti and Meatballs. If that definition holds true Parma is as Italian as a Burger King in Rome. The meatballs were merely hamburger with little seasoning added and the sauce was , let’s say, not as good as Prego. To sum up the meal, I needed 3 Extra Strength Tums to quell the rising acid following the meal. Not my idea of dessert.


Now for the Chicken Alfredo. Dry chicken, sauce out of a jar, basically something that would taste better at home if you opened a microwave dinner and nuked it. You’d be more comfortable too because you’d be sitting in your living room in your jammies watching The Godfather.


This review in no way reflects on the two people who took us out to dinner. We did have a great time, not because of the surroundings or food, but because of the company and the conversations that this place inspired. Where could you ever go and get breaded, alfredoed and spooned all in one place?

Chili's - Lewisville, Texas

Instead of information about the company, Chili’s website is just one big advertisement for their menu and gift cards. It has a nice little animated slideshow about their newest menu items, myspace page décor, you can even listen to Chili’s radio…but a simple “about us” is missing. Perhaps giving this information out to the public is too revealing? What do you have to hide, Chilis?


Jennifer's Rating: 4.4 total chews out of a possible 7 chews


Atmosphere (people & decor): 5 chews
Host Service: 4 chews
Wait Service: 4 chews
Menu (selection & design): 6 chews
Food's Appearance: 3 chews
Food's Taste: 4 chews
Authenticity (true to marketing):5 chews
Price: 5 chews
Location (curb appeal & parking): 4 chews
Special Notes: You can play tic-tac-toe with the coasters on the table.
What to Wear: Whatever you want.
Overheard: "It's hawt!"
Post Chew: Same ol same ol Chili's feel.


Jennifer Says:

Pepper in some fun TM. Pepper in this. Pepper in that. Ok, I get it. Chili pepper…the logo. Very clever.


Chili’s has been around for a long long time. It’s the quintessential teen date night spot right before the movies. The easy choice for lunch or dinner. A friendly face on a long road trip. No matter where you are, every Chili’s tastes the same….looks the same…smells the same. This can either be boring or comforting.


I don’t love Chili’s. I like it. Everything tastes fairly good, the staff is usually always very friendly (due to their overbearing managers) and they’re usually near a mall or movie theater for easy access.


You can never go wrong with the Chicken Club Tacos, Chicken Crispers, Fajitas or any of their countless burgers. They’ve even caught onto the mini burger craze. FYI: Their skillet queso is amazing, I suggest you dip your equally yummy fries into it. Then when you’re done, take your date to the movies and have a good ol’ teenage makeout session.


Go U.S.A! Go Chili’s!




Matt's Review: 3.5 total chews out of a possible 7 chews



Atmosphere (people & decor): 2 chews
Host Service: 4 chews
Wait Service: 2.5 chews
Menu (selection & design): 4 chews
Food's Appearance: 3 chews
Food's Taste: 3 chews
Authenticity (true to marketing): 5 chews
Price: 5 chews
Location (curb appeal & parking): 3 chews
Special Notes: Too bored to come up with anything.
What to Wear: Anything goes.
Overheard: Nothing.
Post Chew: I felt like I just had lunch.


Matt Says:

We’ve all been there. You know what’s on the menu. It’s easy to get lazy and say, “you wanna just go to chili’s?”


Today was one of those lazy days I guess. Jennifer and I went to Chili’s not intending to review it, but we thought, “what the hell…let’s give em a go.”


I ordered the chicken ranch sandwich, a staple to the Chili’s menu. I bet those people sell a million of these things every month. I was starving and my sandwich was tasty. Hell, I probably could have eaten my plate I was so hungry. We were laughing at the menu and how everything pictured is splashing and sloshing all over, like when they had the food photographed there was a giant earthquake or something. Chili’s, why is your menu head-banging to Slipknot?

Denny's - Lewisville, Texas

According to their website, Denny’s is the most recognized name in family dining. There's about 1,500 restaurants across America offering casual, 24 hour service.


Jennifer's Rating: 3.6 total chews out of a possible 7 chews



Atmosphere (people & decor): 1 chew
Host Service: 4 chews
Wait Service: 4.5 chews
Menu (selection & design): 4 chews
Food's Appearance: 3 chews
Food's Taste: 3 chews
Authenticity (true to marketing):5 chews
Price: 3 chews
Location (curb appeal & parking): 5 chews
Special Notes: My heart hurts. Syrup is gross.
What to Wear: Whatever you'd wear around the house on a Saturday morning.
Overheard: Matt saying "yummmm."
Post Chew: I felt sticky, dirty and overall gross.


Jennifer Says:

I hate Denny’s. There. I said it. Always have. Always will. For some reason everything about Denny’s makes my stomach tie itself into knots and my lungs gasp for air. It’s as if my brain is telling me “Jennifer don’t do it! Go somewhere healthy and less trashy!” So you might be wondering why I keep going there. Well, his name is Matt.


When Matt and I first started dating, his love of Denny’s was apparent. And for some reason it didn’t bother me. We went there pretty much every Saturday morning after a long night of drinking. I basically didn’t care where we went, I just wanted to be with him.


But that was then. Now we only go there on “special breakfast occasions” or when he begs. Which was the case this morning. “Boo hoo I never get to go to Denny’s…..pleaseeee can we go?” Who could resist that?


As soon as I opened the car door in the Denney’s parking lot I could smell it. Grease. I could feel it. Grease. I could taste it in the air. Grease. And I could see it. Greasy fingerprints on the front door.


It was crowded. Which is usually a good sign. But in this case, it was crowded with people who looked like they just rolled out of bed or got off the late shift at Wal-Mart.


The menu was full of unhealthy options. I think the only thing without some sort of cheese or gravy poured all over it was a salad or a Boca burger. But neither looked very interesting, so I went with the cheeseburger.


Our waitress was friendly in a “hurry up and order, sweetheart” kind of way. She knew the menu like it was the back of her hand, which was nice. She was very attentive and didn’t smell - a big plus in my book.


The décor is…well….not décor at all. Horribly fake, dusty flowers and random grease covered frames is as much as you get at Denney’s. Well, I take that back…they have very modern pendent lamps hanging over each table. However, these just make the rest of the “décor” seem old and outdated beyond belief.


After a few minutes, our food arrived. There’s no flair or pizzazz at Denny’s. What you ordered comes plopped down on a plain white plate. The silverware reminded me of the elementary school kind that you could bend around your wrist. The burger was ok. Nothing to write about. So I won’t. Get it? Get it? The fries were cold and the mayonnaise smelled funny. I think my glass of water was the best thing about my meal.


Bottom line, Denny’s is exactly what you’d expect from a chain trying to seem like an old school diner. If you’re too stupid and/or lazy to scramble your own eggs at home, hungover or a perv looking for a place that it’s ok to stare at girls while wearing a dirty tank top….Denny’s is for you.



Matt's Review: 4 total chews out of a possible 7 chews




Atmosphere (people & decor): 2 chews
Host Service: 5 chews
Wait Service: 5 chews
Menu (selection & design): 2 chews
Food's Appearance: 5 chews
Food's Taste: 5 chews
Authenticity (true to marketing): 5 chews
Price: 3 chews
Location (curb appeal & parking): 4 chews
Special Notes: Not fine dining or fresh ingredients, but overall a filling breakfast.
What to Wear: Anything goes, even flip flops. Gross.
Overheard: (Cell phone ringing)Elderly man says, "Can you hear that?" Elderly woman says, "Why don't you try one of the other ring tones?"
Post Chew: I felt sticky, greasy, satisfied and heavy.


Matt Says:

It’s true, I love breakfast, however, that doesn’t mean Denny’s is my favorite place to eat it. Denny’s is an easy, affordable, no-brainer for any American palette. It’s chain restaurant, diner wanna-be atmosphere is mindless and outdated with the exception of the bacon inspired pendant lamps that hover over your meal, urging you to shovel it in.


I had the French Toast Slam, (Two thick slices of our Fabulous French Toast with two eggs*, two bacon strips and two sausage links.), that I willingly shoveled into my pie hole. The syrup that I drenched everything in helped it all go down nice and smooth. Topped off with a cup of decaf coffee and a glass of water, I cleaned my plate and was pretty satisfied with the experience as a whole. No big surprises or any real choice when it comes to healthy eating, but then again, I knew that when I decided to give Denny’s my hard earned cash.


Our decision to review Denny’s was part no option given in the local eats app on my iphone and part love of my favorite and most important meal of the day…breakfast. We all deserve a tasty, amazing breakfast experience everyday, but in the real world…you could just settle for Denny’s. I guarantee there’s one near you.

Delicious News

"Where do you want to eat?"
"Umm I don't know, where do you want to go?"
"Let's just do the usual."

Sound familiar? It does to us.

Hi! We're Matt and Jennifer. And even though we're small, we love to eat. Whether it's going out or creating a feast at home...eating is our favorite thing to do.

We understand that trying new foods and restaurants can be a little scary. That's why it's so easy to get into boring meal routines. But seriously, do you want to keep eating the same foods over and over? Of course you don't! That's where iChew comes in.

With the help of our iPhone, we've created iChew to give real people real reviews.
How much does it cost?
Is the staff friendly?
What does the food look like on the plate?
Is it worth it?
What does it actually taste like?
Does it make good leftovers?

In a nutshell, we chew so you don't have to.

Our rating system is simple:
We award several categories with a range of 0-7 chews each, 7 being the best.

We hope you enjoy iChew.

Your new pals,


Matt & Jennifer