#229: Cattlemen's Steakhouse (pg 692; Listed as Oklahoma City's Cowboy Culture in 2nd Ed, pg 852)

Oct. 7, 2018

We drove to Oklahoma City from Dallas and headed to Cattlemen's Steakhouse for dinner.

We checked in with the Hostess and they handed us a buzzer and told us to head up to the "Waiting Room".  It was a huge room with a (closed) bar and we were the only ones up there.  So we kicked it for 10 minutes or so until our buzzer buzzed and we headed to our table.

 The menu.

I chose the the Small Filet.  All steaks come with a salad, baked potato and homemade roll.

The history

The dining room

Bon appetite!

The plate in the middle was full of toppings (whipped butter, cheese, bacon crumbles, sour cream) for the baked potatoes. Yum!

Here's my analysis of the food..... I ordered the steak medium well.  I debated between medium and medium well. I like a "little pink" but sometimes when I order medium, there's way too much pink for my liking and sometimes when I order medium-well, there's no pink at all, so I always debate what to order.  So I basically said as much to the waiter hoping it would come back perfect!  It didn't. It came back with no pink at all.  It was definitely well done. So, if I ever go back, I'm definitely ordering medium!  Anyway, regardless of the steak being a little too well done, it was seasoned to perfection and tasted delicious.  The salad was "fine" (nothing to write home about, but fine).  The baked potatoes and toppings were yummy.  The rolls were dry and didn't really taste homemade.

The vinyl bench covers could use some refurbishing....

The Open Seating/Counter area

And they even have the book on display!

Verdict: No.  The steak was yummy and there's some definite history in this place.  I love that it's located in the middle of the Stockyards.  But, honestly, I have no idea how it earned a place in 1000 Places to See Before You Die.... because it's not. Not even close.  Maybe in 10, 000 Places to See before you die?  Maybe.  But not 1000. No Way.  It's just a good steakhouse with a very casual, somewhat charming, historical atmosphere. 

Note:  The new edition mentions this restaurant as part of a broader entry under "Oklahoma City's Cowboy Culture" which talks about the Stockyards (where we stayed) and more.  And while I think this is a much more appropriate entry, it's still not a must-do before you die.  As I've mentioned about some other sites, this would be a more appropriate entry in the 1000 Places in United States and Canada but I don't think it should make the top 1000 in the world list. 

#228: The Mansion on Turtle Creek (pg 715, Listed as The Dallas Arts District in 2nd Ed, pg 877)

Oct. 6, 2018

The Mansion on Turtle Creek is just a 15 minute drive from the Dallas Love Field airport, which worked out great for me since my flight landed at 11:30 and I had 12:30 Brunch reservations.

We pulled up promptly at 12:30 and Valet (complimentary) was waiting and parked our car.

The Mansion is a 5 star hotel and also a restaurant. 

They serve Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner M-F and Brunch and Dinner on Sat and Sun.

We went for brunch.  The first thing they did was bring out a basket full of rolls.  There were 5 different kinds and we were told they bake them fresh and switch them up on a regular basis.  We of course tried them all and the winner is.....

The scone!  This was the best scone I've ever tasted.  It was warm and buttery and oh so flavorful!  It was cranberry/citrus flavor.  They said they change their scone flavor on a regular basis and if you have a particular favorite, you can call ahead and they will make it for you.  Talk about service!

They are famous for their tortilla soup.

And here's what I have to say about it..... It was very tasty.  Even though it was delicious, it still isn't the BEST tortilla soup I've ever tasted......

But it was by far the best presentation!

They bring out the bowl with fresh avocado and other ingredients and then pour the broth/base over the ingredients as they serve it to you.

And the salad with the citrus vinaigrette dressing was 👌

The dining room was beautiful - there is indoor seating, patio seating, outdoor seating, private rooms and a bar area.

I always check out bathrooms in places like this and they were as I expected - beautiful.  Each sink was a separate vanity with linen cloths.

My college roommate lives in Dallas, yet this was her first time visiting The Mansion.  I'm guessing it won't be her last!

We of course also checked out the beautiful hotel area.

The entrance to the restaurant. 

Verdict:  No, this isn't something you have to do before you die.  It's a lovely hotel and a beautiful restaurant with delicious food.  But I've been to many lovely hotels with great restaurants, so you don't need to go to this one in particular before you die.  BUT the service was spot on (our server was Barbara and she was lovely) and if you ever find yourself in Dallas, then I highly recommend!

Note:  This is listed under the wider topic of "Dallas Arts District" in the 2nd Edition, which is more appropriate.  Dallas is not a country bumpkin city!  There are so many nice hotels, restaurants, museums, concert halls, etc.  So, Dallas is a pretty cool place to visit.  I'm still not sure I'd place in the must-do-before you die category, but it's definitely higher up the ranking when viewed at as a whole rather than this one specific hotel/restaurant.