Modern Lifestyles SUMMER 2015 | Page 60

T he appetizers span the globe of interest and taste. I was looking forward to trying the lamb ribs featured on their website menu. Unfortunately, during my first visit to Hibiscus, the lamb ribs were no where to be found. Fortunately, on my return visit, our server Michelle, mentioned the lamb ribs as an off menu item. I was thrilled to engulf one of the specialities of the house because it was a hidden offering that didn’t appear on the first courses on the April menu. Over a two night dining extravaganza, we experienced all of the first courses on the menu. The Charcuterie plate has been called a meaty glory by well known Dallas foodies. Mastering old school techniques with modernized takes on in-house salum, rillettes, torchons and mousses. The wood platter also comes with an array of house made pickles, vegetables, and mustards. There are veggies like beets, cauliflower, and mushrooms that are graciously mixed with fresno, tabasco, Serrano, and banana peppers. The meats were exotic from rabbit pate to goat chorizo and duck breast. The highlights of the first course were the Akaushi Carpaccio which we also experienced as an 18oz bone-in strip for one of my main courses. On my first night, I sampled the P.E.I. Mussels in a pleasant broth rich with caramelized onions, bratwurst and the house pumpernickel. Another regular favorite is the Foie Gras Chicken Liver Pate with a fennel & orange marmalade lathered onto toasted brioche. For the second course, Chef Dodds has gone to the farm to create salad masterpieces with his own creative interpretations. I am always amazed at the salad station and their efforts. It was a great touch serving the salads on chilled plates for fresh crispness. The second course 58 ModernLifestyles.tv