We haven’t eaten at Taverna in years.
Not because we had a bad experience or didn’t like the food, but simply because we rarely have time to revisit old favorites when there are so many new restaurants in Dallas.
So when we were invited to come in and enjoy brunch for the first time since they moved out of the old location and onto Knox Avenue, we jumped at the opportunity.
It had been so long, in fact, that we forgot they don’t have a full bar. So our request for a Bloody Mary, our traditional kick-off to every brunch, was politely denied. Instead, we started the feast with a refreshing glass of white sangria, perfect for a warm Sunday afternoon on the patio. And quite possibly a new brunch ritual.
Then, the parade of food commenced.
Eggs Benedict, which we tried with luscious lump crab meat, wowed with perfectly poached eggs and a velvety, rich hollandaise. Even the potatoes, which we typically skip, made us do our yummy dance.
An off-menu special, pork chop milanese with over easy eggs, fried basil, balsamic glaze, tomatoes and fresh mozzarella (pictured at top) was one of the best things we’ve ever eaten, so consider this our official plea to add this to the permanent brunch menu.
Per favore! (Hoping our use of Italian will score us extra points).
We also enjoyed beignets, fritto misto (fried calamari, shrimp, shallots, zucchini, carrots), a chopped salad, and whole wheat spaghetti with turkey meatballs. The pasta was our attempt at being healthy, but it’s also the only dish we wouldn’t order again.
Everything else, however, was superb.
Or as they say in Italy, superbo.
Taverna
Brunch served Saturday and Sunday
10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
3312 Knox Street, Dallas
450 Throckmorton Street, Fort Worth
tavernabylombardi.com
Photos by Steven Lindsey
