On the Thursday before the RMAF show opened (10/19), I flew to Dallas ,Texas to pay a visit to Captain Humble/Jeff. He has always invited me down, but I never really had a chance to go....until now.
Jeff is the owner of
Dodie's Seafood Cafe II.......a cajun style seafood restaurant in Carrollton, TX , just outside Dallas.
Having spent about eight months in New Orleans back in the 70's, I grew very fond of cajun food....ate it every day I was there...and washed it down with Dixie beer....it was a good combo. Here in NY sadly, you won't find many cajun places....
When I arrived, Jeff took me straight to Dodie's for lunch.
How'd it look inside ? Like I was on Bourbon Street ....had the exact same vibe.
The staff....very friendly....and very efficent....I was treated like I was home.....as were all the other customer's there. As a restaurantur, Jeff is an excellent host. Many of the customers greeted him upon his arrival....he is a very friendly guy.....and well liked....
The food....wow !! Jeff had asked what I wanted....I said ..."a little of everything"....and thats what I got. There's alot on the
menu.......and I tried most of it....
A few highlights....everything I tasted....tasted good.
Seafood Gumbo....perfect. Nicely spiced....and a little kick to it. Wish I had some now.....as well as the Chicken and Sausage Gumbo and the Crab Bisque.
Dodies Slaw....not your typical slaw....way better. The Cajun Fries, the Red Beans and Rice.....hit the spot. As did the Shrimp Remoulade.
He's got a special dish to start...ofcourse I forgot the name
....but its oyster's on the half shell, broiled with garlic and a sauce....out of this world. Reminded me of escargot (which I love)....except done with oysters.
Fried....its not a dirty word here. Not heavy at all....light....and very good. I had fried oysters, fried shrimp, fried crawfish, fried alligator.....and fried catfish.
And these were also sampled grilled and blackened.....
The only miss in the bunch....blackened/grill alligator....it was better fried.
I washed all this down with
Turbodog beer.......made by Abita Brewing Company. He's got a nice selection of beer....wine.....and the hard stuff.....and a very nice bar.
This was repeated at dinner.....I had to go again....it was that good !!!!
Matter of fact....even took a few fried catfish back to his place to have for breakfast the next day.....
All in all......I had a great time, and an excellent dining experience. You guys in Dallas are lucky....you can go whenever you want....its right there. Wish I could.
And if you traveling to Dallas....make it a point to visit Dodie's, say hi to Jeff, and have a great meal.......because....."You don't hafta go to New Orleans"....
Thank you Jeff....and Mich (his wife).....for your hospitality !!! I had an excellent time, and hope to visit again in the future.....
Chris
