The 2nd Floor Bistro (2FB) continues to surprise and impress me. I was invited to a media dinner to try some of the new menu items from the new executive chef Daniel Tarasevich, Chef Scott Gottlich’s right hand man. The food? Amazing. I wasn’t feeling awesome that night, so I couldn’t manage more than a few bites of each delicious course … but what I ate, I liked loved. Make sure you get your hands on some of the Hudson Valley foie gras mousse (this was some seriously delicious airy goodness) and a pork belly banh mai slider.
Now, let’s talk about the drinks, which they’ve done so well in the past. We started with a few sips of the Rhum + Rhubarb, Paloma Shandy, and Cucumber Sip. The Rhum + Rhubarb (barbancourt aged rum, rhubarb liqueur and syrup, muddled strawberry) was a pretty mind-numbingly awesome start to the meal with just the right amount of sweetness. I’m not the biggest rum fan, but I’d drink this again (for realz). The Paloma Shandy (agave nectar, beer, silver tequila, grapefruit juice, and ahi amarillo chile salt rim) was pretty … pretty interesting. If you’re a regular reader (or friend*), you’re aware of my disdain for grapefruit and tequila (it’s nothing personal … college happened). That said, I actually enjoyed this drink. The beer was an unexpected addition and the grapefruit wasn’t overpowering. I really loved the chile salt rim. Lastly, the Cucumber Sip (Square One cucumber vodka, St. Germain, lime, strawberry) was amazeballs really good. This is a drink I can really get on board with in the summer thanks to its refreshing flavors. I’d liken it somewhat to a vodka Pimm’s Cup.
Next up: the seasonal sangria (more like san-great-a). This drink was not only gorgeous, but it was some of the best sangria I’ve ever had (and I drink a lot of sangria when the mercury starts rising). Packed with flavor, this glass of heaven will keep me coming back.
The rest of our meal offered wine pairings from Italy, Texas, and Spain (I felt like a world traveler by the end of the meal). The pairings were a good sampling of the 2FB’s wine list‘s excellent selection. They offer wines by the glass and bottle from Lodi, CA to Argentina to Australia.
Last word: All in all, nausea taken into account, the meal at 2FB was out of this world. If you’ve avoided this place simply because it’s in a mall, then SHAME ON YOU. Get your ass in there and try some of their amazing bites and sips.
The Second Floor Bistro
thesecondfloorrestaurant.com | @2ndFloorBistro
13340 Dallas Parkway (in the Galleria, use the Westin entrance)(972) 450-2978
***Please note: this meal was on the house.***