It’s hard to imagine Texas Red Chili that doesn’t contain a lick of meat would be a hit anywhere in Texas, but apparently Dallasites were primed for chef Graham Dodds’ experimentation — although he’s admittedly a little surprised himself at its success. The appetizer, which is made from beets and served with cashew crema (instead of sour cream) and quinoa crackers, started as temporary special when Wayward Sons opened on Greenville Avenue in December, but it has since become a staple at the restaurant and one of the restaurant’s most popular dishes. “I’ve been talking about taking it off the menu because it’s getting warmer, but I’m getting pushback about taking it off,” he says. Go figure. That fits perfectly with Dodds’ overall focus for Wayward Sons. The popular Dallas chef made a name for himself with his “farm to table” mentality at Bolsa then Hibiscus, and he aims to make Wayward Sons the next level of that food trend. “I wanted to be more vegetable focused here,” Dodds explains. “There has been a shift in the way people are eating. They’re eating lighter and healthier, more vegetable-centered. That has been the national trend, and I think Dallas is catching onto that. I want it to be friendly for vegetarians, vegans and people who are gluten free.”
Wayward Sons
3525 Greenville
214.828.2888
waywarddallas.com
Atmosphere:
Dressy casual
Price range:
$7-$54
Hours:
Sun-Wed 11 a.m.-10 p.m.
Thurs-Sat 11 a.m.-12 a.m.
Did you know? Wayward Sons grows some of its own ingredients in big planters on the back patio.
More veggie spots
Kalachandji’s
Dallas’ oldest vegetarian restaurant offers a freshly made lunch and dinner buffet in a tranquil temple setting, included a patio shaded by a tree. The rich Indian spices can be smelled down the block and the filling curries means you won’t miss the meat dishes.
5430 Gurley
214.821.1048
kalachandjis.com
Roots Juice
While you can’t get a full meal, these cold press juices are basically a liquid salad, right? A wide range of fruit and veggie blends are pressed from farm-fresh ingredients on site. If you hate veggies, this is a tasty way to get your vitamins.
1906 Abrams Parkway
469.930.8855
rootspressedjuices.com
HG Sply Co.
There are plenty of meaty favorites on the menu, but all of the restaurant’s signature bowls are all offered with a quinoa patty option. As a bonus, they also offer a wide range of fresh pressed vegetable juices, some of which come in cocktail form.
2008 Greenville
469.334.0896
hgsplyco.com
