Chaplin is not dead. He just moved down the road. No, not Charlie, but Jack. The long-time Dallas restaurateur has opened a new eating establishment, Daddy Jack’s Lobster and Chowder House, a couple of doors from his old Chaplin’s, now under new ownership.
Daddy Jack’s has taken over the former Ruby’s Café’s at 1916 Greenville. The interior, with red-checked tablecloths and neon signs, is nothing special except for the menu art, which consists of drawings by local students.
But don’t let the surroundings fool you because the food is special. The chef really knows his seafood – it’s fresh and cooked to perfection.
The menu is limited but pleasingly unusual. We sampled as many of the items as we could, and we brought a couple of friends along. They enjoyed Daddy Jack’s as much as we did.
The soups include a clam chowder and a crab bisque, presented in light and flavorful sauces that will give chowder a whole new name. Prices are $3-$4.50. Appetizers include steamed clams, mussels and crab fingers. Not a bad deal for $6.
The entrees introduce an entirely new way to make shrimp scampi. It’s just not scampi as we know it. The stuffed shrimp, with black bread in an olive oil and garlic sauce, also is unique.
The catfish is lightly fried until golden brown, covered in a mild mustard sauce, decorated with fresh steamed asparagus and served with a tasty baked potato. The halibut is something to be remembered. Entrees are $13-$17.
The restaurant offers a limited but sufficient selection of wine and beer.
I like this new addition to Lower Greenville. I would take my mother there – and she is one of the best cooks I know, particularly for seafood.
