Sweet and Decadent Unique Treats in the USA for the Holidays

Hello, dessert and sweet lovers. We have something special for you.

First, THANK YOU, Dr. Phil, for hosting us on your Merit Street in the Morning National Morning show with our delicious sweet treat destination list.

I love desserts, sweet treats, candies, cakes, cupcakes, and anything sweet. We’ve been traveling the USA coast-to-coast for years and compiled a list of some of the most creative, fresh, decadent, savory, and sweet treats everyone can enjoy.

If you are a true sweets lover, you’ll love this list. The great thing about this list is that you can visit one of the sweet treat locations in person to enjoy the sweet deliciousness or have them shipped. That’s right! Most can be shipped directly to your home, office, or anywhere with an address. It’s easy, and you can enjoy what we’ve been enjoying for years.

What is a sweet treat? A sweet treat is a unique and enjoyable food, such as candy, cookies, pies, pastries, desserts, donuts, chocolate bars, chocolate creations, and so much more. So many sweet treats are available that it’s truly an endless adventure. Sweet treats are suitable for your soul and can make you happy and pleasurable.

I’ve been addicted to discovering the best for years. In my travels, I found some fantastic dessert locations, candy shops, cookie makers, confectionery creators, and many others. I wanted to share them with you so we can all enjoy some savory, sweet deliciousness for the holidays.

Buckle up! It’s time to ride the sweet train to Deliciousville: 

 

Uncle Julio’s Mexican Restaurants – 10 states 40 Locations

They are a from-scratch kitchen specializing in authentic inspirations from Mexico with a Texas twist.

Trey’s Fav: SHAREABLE. DELICIOUS. A one-of-a-kind unique smashable dessert is a hanging piñata of dark chocolate filled with homemade churros and fresh fruit. It can be shared, smashed, and dipped into our decadent sauces.

Website: https://unclejulios.com

 

Cookie Society – 3 Locations Texas

They make big, buttery gourmet cookies baked in the homestyle way, served straight from the oven, and shipped fresh.

Trey’s Fav: Chocolate Chip, Salted Caramel, frosted Oatmeal, Snicker Doodle, Frosted Sugar

Website: https://cookiesociety.com

 

Cheese Cake Factory Restaurants – 41 States 215 locations

The menu has over 250 dishes and sweet treats prepared fresh from scratch and made to order using the finest ingredients.

Trey’s Fav: Riple Berry Bliss, Oreo Cheese Cake Extreme, Adams P.B. Fudge.

Website:https://www.thecheesecakefactory.com

 

P.F. Chang’s Asian Restaurants – 40 States 214 locations

America’s number one Asian bistro. They take pride in bringing life to every dish through the ancient art of wok cooking. Grounded in the rich flavors of Asian cuisine and presented with a modern twist, their purposeful ingredients elevate each of our expertly crafted recipes.

Sweet Treat Display #2: Banana Spring Rolls

Website: https://www.pfchangs.com

 

Mr. Apple New Orleans, Louisiana – Ships Nationally

Hand-crafted gourmet candy apples, praline treats, and candies prepared in small batches. Their apples are some of the most DECADENT and UNIQUE SWEET TREATS we’ve discovered in our travels.

Trey’s FAVS: PRALINE COVERED APPLE

Website: https://www.misterapple.net/shop

 

Willa Jean Southern Bakery and Restaurant – New Orleans, Louisiana

Willa Jean is a cherished bakery in New Orleans’ heart, known for its comforting southern fare. A favored spot for locals and visitors alike.

Restaurant seating, walk-ins and counter pick-ups, and TOGO orders.

Trey’s FAVS: The warm cookies and milk served with the cookie dough on the BEATER.

Cookies + milk 11 warm chocolate chip cookies vanilla milk + cookie dough

Website: https://www.willajean.com

 

Aunt Sally’s Creole Pralines and Shops – New Orleans, Louisiana

Made with our original family recipe and local ingredients, try Aunt Sally’s Pralines. Family-owned since 1935, taste our original family recipe at Aunt Sally’s Pralines. Family Owned.

Walk-ins, take-out, and custom order pick-ups are available.

Ships Pralines Nationally:  Classic and Creamy Pralines

Trey’s FAVS: Creamy Pralines

Website: https://auntsallys.com

 

Crumble Cookies – 980 USA Locations

Created in 2017 when co-founders Jason McGowan and Sawyer Hemsley teamed up on a quest to bake the perfect chocolate chip cookie, they dreamt of bringing people together over a box of the best cookies in the world.

Walk-ins, take-out, and custom order pick-ups are available.

Freshly Baked & Delivered Unique & Creative COOKIES

Trey’s FAVS: Cookies of the month – LTO’s

Website: https://crumblcookies.com

 

Barton G Restaurants – Miami Beach and Orlando, FL and Los Angeles, CA

Restaurant and bar seating reservations are suggested for all locations.

Trey’s FAVS: Over the Top MASSIVE desserts displayed like artwork.

Trey’s FAVS: Dollar Dollar Bill Y’all – GOLD BRICK JEWEL

Trey’s FAVS: Marie Antoinette – Cotton Candy Statute

Website: //www.bartong.com

 

BYRD’s Cookie Company – Savannah, Georgia

100 Years of delicious hand-crafted cookies and Rice Crispy Treats

Walk-ins, take-out, and custom order pick-ups are available.

100 Years of hand-crafted cookies and Rice Crispy Treats

Trey’s FAVS: Georgia Peach, Lemonade, and Key Line Cooler COOKIES

Website: https://www.byrdcookiecompany.com

 

Sweet Kiss Brigadeiro – Kansas City, Missouri

Sweet Treat location and Shipping Nation-wide

Walk-ins, take-out, and custom order pick-ups are available.

Brazil’s most beloved sweets and truffles are hand-crafted

Trey’s FAVS: Custom Brigadeiro sweet treat box 4-, 8-, 15-, and 30-piece box sets

Website: https://sweetkissbrigadeiro.com

 

Cinful Sweets – Austin, Texas

Chef-driven extraordinary treats are handmade in our Austin, Texas, kitchen using nothing but the finest quality ingredients. So, if you love chocolate, you’ve come to the right place. Truly unforgettable!

Walk-ins, take-out, custom orders, pick-up, and shipping are available.

Trey’s FAVS: Hand-Crafted sweet treats, statutes, artwork, confections, dessert bars, bonbons and more

Website: https://cinfulsweets.com

 

K & J Elegant Pastries – Birmingham, Alabama

A chef-driven custom cake shop specializing in crazy sweet treats, shakes, cupcakes, pastries, and cookies.

Walk-ins, Dine-in, take-out counters, and custom orders are accepted.

Trey’s FAVS: Hand-crafted Crazy Shakes, Cookies and Cup Cakes.

Website: https://www.kjselegantpastries.com/shakes

 

Delicious Candy Pickles Factory – Desto, Texas

First original hand-crafted candy pickle company. Over 250 flavors of delicious candy pickles

Walk-in’s, TOGO, Pick-up, and Shipping Nation-wide

Trey’s FAVS: Any candy pickles

Website: linktr.ee/deliciouscandypickles

 

Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory – USA Locations

Freshly prepared custom candy snacks, truffles, caramels, English toffee, caramel apples, and more.

We visited the sweet shop location in downtown Denver.

Walk-in’s, take-out, TOGO, and Nation-wide shipping

Trey’s FAVS: Gourmet English Toffee, Caramel Apples and Caramels.

Website: https://www.rmcf.com

FREEDS BAKERY & DESSERTS – Las Vegas, Nevada

Voted BEST of Las Vegas over 40 YEARS

Custom Cakes, Cup Cakes, Pastries, Cookies, Macarons, Cheese Cakes and King Cakes.

Walk-ins, take-out, special orders, and same-day delivery are available.

Trey’s FAVS: Anything they offer 

Website:https://freedsbakery.com

 

Peach Cobbler Factory – USA Locations

Walk-in’s welcome, take-out, dine-in, custom orders pick-up available

The Peach Cobbler Factory is home to the world’s most unique offering of desserts under one roof! You can enjoy warm, delicious cobblers with ice cream, banana puddings, savory, sweet cinnamon rolls, Pudd-N Shakes, Bigger & Better Cookies, Bigger & Better Brownies, Churro Stix w/Dipping Sauces, Belgian Waffles, and more! Wash it down with our Made-in-House Sweet Peachy Tea or Cold Rush Cold Brew Coffee.

Trey’s Fav: Peach Cobbler Flight

Website: https://www.peachcobblerfactory.com

 

POMPADOUR of Beverly Hills – Beverly Hills, California

Walk-ins, seating, and take-out are available.

The Patisserie of Hand-Crafted Luxury in the Heart of Beverly Hills

Trey’s FAVS: Pastry Treats, Custom Cakes, Macarons, Viennoiserie, MONO Tarts, and more.

Website: https://www.pompadourorders.com

 

Sprinkles – USA Locations

Sprinkles makes real celebrations taste better with premium, baked-fresh daily cupcakes, cakes, chocolates, cookies, and more. Since 2005, Sprinkles has innovated its way to an ever-growing, loyal fan base for its unexpected flavors, on-demand Cupcake ATMs, convenient online ordering, and steadily expanding footprint of design-forward bakeries coast to coast.

Walk-in’s, TOGO, Shipping Nation-wide, 24-hour cupcake ATM’s – aka sweet treat machines

Trey’s Fav: ATM Machines, cupcakes, cookies, and cakes

Website: https://sprinkles.com/pages/locations

 

Sugar Factory Restaurants & Candy Shops – USA Locations

Over the top smokey goblets, sundaes, brunch dishes, and burgers.

Restaurants, walk-ins, and take-out are available.

Trey’s FAVS: The Smokey Giblets, Monster Sundaes, and Monster Burgers.

Website: https://www.sugarfactory.com

 

fonut donuts – Los Angeles & Studio City, California

Two locations for dine-in, pick up and they ship Nationally for fonuts at home.

The enlightened donut baked NOT fried, Gluten free, and riddled with flavor in every bite.

Trey’s FAV: The fonuts all flavors and cookies

Website: https://www.fonuts.com

 

Baked Bread & Pastry Company – Granbury, Texas

Chef-driven hand-crafted sweets, pastries, bread, sandwiches, and more—cozy bakery sitting like a European sidewalk cafe.

Cozy bakery sitting, walk-ins, and take-out are available.

Trey’s FAV: Scones, Cookies, Cinnamon Rolls, Fruit Danish, and Chocolate Croissants

Website: https://bakedgranbury.com/menu

 

Mason Pickle Restaurant, Cocktails, & French DIP – New York. New York

It’s known for its signature delicious French Dips, but the 24-layer Chocolate Dip is UNFORGETTABLE.

Restaurant, bar seating, walk=in’s and take-out available.

Trey’s FAV: Twenty-Four Layer ONE pound Chocolate Cake that’s so decedent you will have naughty dreams about it.

Website: https://www.maisonpickle.com

 

Mercantile and Mash – Charleston, SC

Located in the historic Cigar Factory, Mercantile is an emporium of gourmet chef-driven culinary experiences. Offerings include a grab-and-go menu, coffee bar, butcher shop, pastry destination, chef’s counter, wine shop, and an elevated grocery program featuring products from local and regional vendors and purveyors.

Walk-in’s, Dine-in, take-out, TOGO and special orders accepted 

Trey’s Fav: The cakes and pastries 

Website: https://www.mercandmash.com

 

Bonnie’s Donuts & Cinnamon Rolls – League City, Texas

Walk-ins, take-out, and limited seating are available. (MUST pre-order big cinnamon rolls and donuts)

Hand-crafted regular donuts and Texas size cinnamon rolls and donuts. #3, #5, and #10 pound cinnamon rolls and donuts.

Trey’s FAV:  TEXAS SIZE CINNAMON ROLLS and DONUTS

Website: https://www.facebook.com/BonniesDonuts

 

River Street Sweets – Southern USA Locations.

Walk-ins, take-out, and custom order pick-ups are available.

Savannah, GA; Charleston, SC; Myrtle Beach, ATL; Ashbury Park, NJ; Greenville, SC; and Sarasota, FL.

Hand-crafted sweets, candies, bear claws, chocolates, fudge, and world-famous pralines.

Trey’s Fav: FUDGE and PRALINES

Website: https://www.riverstreetsweets.com/collections/all

 

Ena’s Secret Bake – Tampa, Florida

Chef-driven unforgettable hand-crafted Cuban sweets and pastries.

Walk-in’s, Dine-in seating and take-out available

Trey’s FAV: Everything we tried was unforgettable and loaded with flavor.

Website: https://www.instagram.com/ena.s.secret.bake/?hl=en

 

Bisous Bisous Patisserie – Uptown Dallas, Texas

Chef-driven, award-winning hand-crafted French pastries, cakes, Macarons, and much more.

Walk-ins, sidewalk seating, orders, and take-out.

Hand-crafted pastries, cakes, Macarons and so much more.

Trey’s FAV: Macarons, cakes, cruffins, danishes and croissants

Website: https://bisous-bisous.com/pages/menu

 

KILWINS SWEET TREATS – USA Locations

146 locations in twenty-six states and Shipping Nationally.

Since 1947, Kilwins has provided high-quality fresh chocolates, ice cream, and hand-crafted confections.

Walk-ins, Take-out, and TOGO, and some have limited sidewalk seating.

Trey’s FAV: All fresh hand-crafted MACKINAC ISLAND Fudge, confections, and ice cream treats

Website: https://www.kilwins.com

 

Thomas Craft Confections – Breham, Texas

After over 20 years of making sweets in celebrated kitchens worldwide, Chef Adam Thomas launched his brand, Thomas Craft Confections, in Brenham, TX. The rest is history, and now they are world famous for their sweet and savory confections.

Walk-in’s, Take-out, TOGO, and Shipping Nation-wide

Trey’s Favs: Butter Toffee, Milk Chocolate Covered Caramelized Pecans

Website: https://thomascraftconfections.com/confections/

 

Brian Freeze HTX, Houston, Texas

Cozy dessert shop preparing fresh, colorful, frozen treats & fruit-based drinks in Mason jars. Crazy over the over-the-top creations.

Walk-in’s, Take-out, Limited Seating and parking

Trey’s Favs: Everything they make

Website: https://www.facebook.com/BrainfreezeTexas/?_rdr

 

Fruit Riot Nature’s Candy –  USA Retail Locations

Real Fruit, Unreal Flavor. Frozen grapes, mango, and pineapple splashed with lemon juice and coated in a sour candy-coating. Only 45 calories per serving.

Walk-in’s to over 3000 locations, and Shipping Nation-wide

Trey’s Fav: Sour Grapes, Pineapple, and Mango

Website: https://fruitriot.co

 

Rock Island Candy Company – Chickasha OK

A small family-run candy shop with a large selection of fresh candies, custom mixes, box candy, and more. 

In April 2022, they purchased a renovated pop-up trailer and attended any event they were invited to in Chickasha, Oklahoma, and the surrounding areas. They had no idea how well received their little candy shop would be. They have a NEW storefront candy shop in downtown Chickasha inside The Production House at 111 N. 5th Street, Suite 1.

Trey’s Fav: Fresh candies, gift boxes, and Snackle Boxes

Website: https://www.rockislandcandy.com/about-us

 

Spot Dessert Bar 4 Locations New York & Cherry Hill, NJ

Spot brings together decades of restaurant and cooking experience to create a dessert concept that emphasizes tradition and innovation. Think colorful, unique, and flavorful  Western-style desserts influenced by Eastern flavors.

Walk-in’s, Take-out, and Dine- in Seating 

Trey’s Favorite is the Harvest Dessert, served with raspberry sorbet on a bed of Oreo crumbs, homemade raspberry foam, and fresh Earl Grey milk tea. 

Website: https://www.spotdessertbar.com/about-us

 

Joy MACARONS – Dallas and Fort Worth, TX

Their hardworking kitchen team strives each day to create exceptional French macarons, Texas-size macarons ice cream, and ice cream sandwiches using high-quality, real ingredients. All JOY Macarons products are gluten-free.

Walkin-in’s, Take-out, some have limited seating, Shipping Nation-wide 

Trey’s Fav: Texas size macarons ice cream sandwiches 

Website: https://www.joymacarons.com/menus/

 

Lady Fortunes – Canoga Park, CA 

Since 2004, Lady Fortunes has been manufacturing UNIQUE gourmet cookie and confection gifts and shipping nation-wide. They have been featured in publications like Entrepreneur Magazine, Macworld, Glamour, InStyle, ellen degeneres show, CNBC, food network, ABC, NBC, and many others. 

Shipping Nation-wide 

Trey’s Favs: GAINT fortune cookies and photo and logo cookies 

Website: https://www.ladyfortunes.com

 

Yonutz Awesome and Unique Dessert Shops – USA Locations 

A world where the ordinary is smashed! Hand-crafted fresh smashed donuts, smashed milkshakes, custom donuts andmore. They’re truly unique and prepared fresh to order at each location. 

Walk-in’s, dine-in seating, TOGO, take-out, and catering

Trey’s Fav: Smashed Donuts and Smashed Shakes 

Website:https://yonutz.com/about/

 

LA Sweetz Cupcakes – Miami, Florida 

Maimi’s famous award-winning UNIQUE cupcakes, cakes, and cake jars. Their founder and head chef, Letty Alvarez, has crafted a brand that goes beyond the frosting, rooted in a journey that began with hard work, determination, and a daring dream. From the heart of South Miami’s Sunset Place, Letty’s family-run bakery emerged, becoming a haven for those craving a taste of something extraordinary. LA Sweetz Cupcakes quickly rose to prominence, earning the spotlight on Food Network’s Cupcake Wars, TLC’s Cake Boss & The Next Great Baker, Sugar Showdown, Unique Sweets, and other culinary competitions worldwide. Featured on food network, cupcake wars, Martha Stewart weddings, People, Cooking Channel and more.

Walk-in’s, Dine-in seating, TOGO, take-out, and Shipping Nation-wide 

Trey’s Fav: Flavorful Mini Cupcakes, and Cake jars 

Website:https://lasweetz.com/home

 

The Yard Milkshake Bar – USA Locations 

The Yard Milkshake Bar was created by the husband-and-wife team of Logan and Chelsea Green. Chelsea knew she wanted it to be like no other dessert place she had ever been to and decided that crazy specialty milkshakes is just what they were looking for. That’s whenThe Yardwas born.

Walk-in’s, dine-in seating, TOGO, take-out, special orders, Nation-wide shipping

Trey’s Fav’s: Mason Jar Desserts, Icecream Cakes

Website:https://www.the-yard-milkshake-bar.com

 

FIREMAN DEREK’S Bake Shop – Locations Miami, FL 

Former Miami firefighter and Division-I football player Derek Kaplan, pie-lover and dessert extraordinaire, everything is baked from their award-winning shops from scratch. Fireman Derek’s Bake Shop focuses on bringing big flavors and smiles to our customers.

Walk-in’s, TOGO, Take-out, and Dine-in seating.

Trey’s Fav: Chocolate Peanut Butter No Bake Pie, Red Velvet Cheesecake Shake, Cheery Cheesecake Shake

Website: https://firemandereks.com/about/

 

Pure Milk and Honey – Dallas, TX 

It all started with a dream for better UNIQUE treats. At Pure Milk & Honey they are passionate about using natural, tasty, and wholesome ingredients. Their soft-serve ice cream is creamy and sweetened with just the right amount of quality honey to illuminate your taste buds and satisfy your sweet tooth. That’s right, HONEY! They use fresh and local Texas milk from a certified organic dairy farm, too.  To abide by their dedication to quality and natural ingredients, they do not add artificial colors or flavors to our ice cream, thus preserving the milk’s purest form. They only use raw honey and honeycombs that are 100% pure and natural.  They come from a local certified bee farm that manages their prized honey with the utmost care.  They love that something as sweet and delicious as pure honey can also have an assortment of positive health benefits. Their treats are so tasty that they are addicting. 

Walk=in’s, Dine-in seating, TOGO, Take-out and Delivery 

Trey’s Fav:  Everything they make! I LOVE this place. LOVE! 

Website:https://www.puremilkandhoney.com/about

 

Whiskey Cake Kitchen and Bar – USA Locations 

They’re serving up tasty farm-to-kitchen dishes and cocktails out of their from-scratch-only kitchen and bar. UNIQUE Sweet treats so savory and delicious you will naughty dreams about them. 

Restaurants, dine-in, TOGO, take-out, and special orders

Trey’s Fav: WHISKEY CAKE 

Website: https://www.whiskeycake.com

 

RINGS DONUTS and COFFEE – Dallas, TX 

Hand-crafted fresh prepared donuts using only the highest quality ingredients. They specialize in baked-from-scratch daily JUMBO DONUTS, donuts, kolaches, croissants, cookies, chocolate-covered strawberries, and they offer an expresso bar. 

Walk-in’s, Take-out, special orders, jumbo donuts 

Trey’s Fav: Jumbo Donuts and Kolaches 

Website: https://www.ringsdonuts.com

 

Please enjoy our sweet treats. Save the article and refer back to it when you need something sweet, you want to send someone a gift, or you need something for the holidays. It doesn’t matter the listr will be good anytime to satisfy sweet tooth cravings.

 

Trey (Chow Down) Chapman

 

Please follow our social media channels and stay in touch for more delicious destinations and great travel locations. 

 

 

KAAB00 TEXAS May 10-12, 2019 A Culinary, Music, & Comedy Fest for EVERYONE!

Trey’s Chow Down alone with KAABOO Texas are excited to introduce you to the complete culinary lineup for KAABOO Texas May 10-12 2019 at ATT Stadium, Jerry World. We’ve been waiting all year for these amazing culinary and music experiences to began.

The Maker’s Mark PALATE Stage will feature demonstrations by world-famous chefs, including features Michelin star honorees, James Beard Award winners, Iron ChefTop Chef, and Chef’s Table contestants + judges, and creators of some of the tastiest dishes around.

Grilled Cheese Heaven In TEXAS!

GOOD DAY CHOW HOUNDS,

The History of the Grilled Cheese Sandwich, posted by “How Stuff Works”, will tell you some three-quarters of people who buy sliced cheese make at least one grilled cheese a month. Similar grilled cheese recipes are even mentioned Ancient Roman texts—and, let’s face it, the French have been making their famous croquet-monsieurs since the early 1900s. TODAY’S common notion of the grilled cheese is traced back to the 1920s. During this time, an Iowa man now considered “the father of sliced bread”, invented a bread slicer that made distributing white bread easy and affordable. Shortly before that, James L. Kraft had patented processed cheese — you recognize the name, of course! Kraft’s entrepreneurship pursuit revolutionized the pasteurizing process and ensured that cheese wouldn’t spoil, even when transported long distances. By 1914, J.L. Kraft & Bros. Company (the precursor to Kraft Foods) opened its first plant in Illinois. Factory cheese was disparagingly termed “rattrap cheese” or “rat cheese” by the fiercely proud English folks who were proud of their cheddars. It was not considered a delicacy. To them, it was simply a cheap, nutritious, and scalable product.

Gas Monkey Grilled Cheese Photo/ Chef Hollister

you’re reading this article on “”Grilled Cheese Heaven”, then I’m guessing you love grilled cheese sandwiches just as much as I do… or more. I’ll be honest; I’ve been eating grilled cheese sandwiches since I could walk! In the summer months of my childhood, I always loved to seek out a delicious grill cheese for lunch. I remember going to the old time drug store, sitting at the bar and ordering a grilled cheese. I would ask for extra cheese because the cheesier, the better. I mean, dripping with cheese. The way to go is with thick buttered bread toasted to a golden brown perfection, over a flat grill or cast iron skillet. Now that… Is a grilled cheese.

Today, I’m still the same. Possibly worse! When I order a grilled cheese, I ask how many cheeses they have in the kitchen, and/or how many types they offer. Depending on the server’s answer, I ask for ALL of it. Sometimes it’s three cheese, sometimes it’s four, and maybe even five! There can never been too much cheese. In my opinion (on the amount of cheese in a sandwich), the more the merrier. The perfection also lies in the toasted and soaked-in-butter bread. I love butter! What is a grilled cheese without the buttery toast and loads of melted cheese running down?

Many chefs have gotten extremely creative in the art of grilled cheese making. Basically, they are taking the traditional sandwich to a whole new level. I like to call this “CRAFT grilled cheeses”. There is a variety of choices to add in from the type bread, house-made bacons, meats, tomatoes, house sauces, etc. The modernized grilled cheese is unbelievably delicious and wonderful to look at.

55 BEST Eateries & Eats in DFW 2019

Trey on ABC 8 DAYBREAK w/Kara Swell. Trey’s Chow Down Best Burgers DFW ON Victory Plaza Party.

I’m proud to write about the very BEST PLACES and DISHES I’ve eaten in the last twelve months and I’ve enjoyed my research time. I am passionate about what we do at Trey’s Chow Down and bringing the very best to you!  The named restaurants and chefs I have listed continually change the culinary landscape in DFW area. 

Food is an event itself and the chefs who prepare it are now celebrities themselves. It doesn’t matter what kind of food you’re talking about, whether it be a $1 dollar taco or a $250 steak dinner, it’s all taken the center stage in the last decade.

Any and all food can be prepared with a creative and colorful flair that’s packed with delicious flavors. Chefs have no boundaries in what they can create and deliver to anyone’s table. It can be at a food festival, a food truck, a taco shack, standing by a smoker in the middle of now where, in a restaurant with a white table cloth, or a food hall, it just doesn’t matter!

Great food creates bonds from friendships to business partnerships. We are being brought together over great meals more than ever. It is true, nothing brings us closer than a good meal. We have more fun, relax, and socialize when you have some food and drinks. It’s just a proven fact!

If you look back over the course of history, there are many photos of folks enjoying meals with big parties. Have you heard of the little thing called the Last Supper? I’m sure you’ve seen that photo. Also, kings and queens had big tables with extravagant parties for dinners. In the late 1800s to the early 1970s families would all sit down and eat dinner, breakfast and sometimes lunch.

Trey On Fox 4 Good Day Best BBQ Episode for the DFW area.

Why would they do this? It was a way to form a place for communication. An event where you could discuss your day, work, family, and any issues one might have. Somehow for three or four decades we lost that. Food became a necessity. We just ate in most cases to stay alive and keep moving so we could make more of the oh mighty dollar. I guess one might say for a lack of a better term it was GREED that halted the family and friendly food gatherings. We just didn’t have time.

Not any more! It’s back in our life’s and society has said, “Bring it on, let’s eat! We LOVE a great dining experience with family and friends it’s all about the food and drink NOW!”

There’s been a progression in competition in the food and chef wars, and I’m in happy about it. I’m in love with food and always have been. I love all that food offers us from and friendships and bonds it creates. I’m passionate about the chefs that create it and the restaurants that house it. This is why I wanted to give my fellow foodies my award-winning restaurant picks for 2019.

I spent all of 2018 chowing down, visiting with chefs, and locating some of the best food creations you will ever eat. I’ve eaten at some amazing places and I’ve listed them all.

These are my top places to CHOW DOWN for great experiences with some incredibly creative and delicious foods. From trailers to restaurants, nothing is off limits when it comes to eating deliciousness. Let’s sit back,  relax, and enjoy some incredible eats and eateries.

I’ve hosted a few of these restaurants and dishes on Fox Television Fox 4 GOOD DAY and ABC Channel 8 DAYBREAK. Please click on the restaurant or chefs name for more information or videos. 

#1 Knife

Dallas / Plano, Texas

Chef John Tesar video

Knife Dallas/Plano ?: @matthews_meals

Knife is much more than a steakhouse because John Tesar is incredibly passionate about his customer’s experiences. It’s a place where you can dine, drink, and socialize. Its a guarantee you’ll be having a fantastic time with friends and family here. It’s not stuffy but it is a classy place with a wonderfully comfortable atmosphere. Knife has some of the best flavor profiles in Texas. The steaks are award winning 44 Farms cuts of beef. You can get amazing dry aged beef from Chef John’s cooler. The choices are endless! John desserts, simply put, are just ridiculously delicious. I’m also in love with his Blue Cheese Wedge salad.  The lettuce was chilled to the perfect temperature and the dressing was so good I wanted to drink it. Knife is an all-time favorite for me and I’ve chowed down all over the world. They offer brunch at the new Plano location too. #FlavorRodeo

#2 Clay Pigeon Food and Drink

Fort Worth, Texas

Chef Marcus Paslay video

Chef Bri Downey

Clay Pigeon could possibly be one of those places where you could eat and drink every night. Chef Marcus is passionate about his restaurants and everything that is created in his kitchens. They change the menu four to six times a year and they only use farm fresh vegetables and ingredients sourced locally where available. I’ve loved everything at Clay Pigeon. At most occasions, I have even licked my plate clean. They change the menu so much I’m not going to list any particular dish. I’ll just let you know, everything I’ve had has been riddled with flavor and is so delicious you can’t stop eating until it’s gone. #FlavorCentral

#3 Grace Restaurant & Bar

Sundance Square in Fort Worth, Texas

Chef Blaine Staniford video

Grace has been on my radar and in my food directory since the first time I dined there. Chef Blaine changes his menu seasonally and always has some of the most creative dishes in Texas. His creativity has no bounds and his flavor profiles are always on point. Since the menu changes regularly I’m not going to give you any one dish, I just want you to dine at Grace and try anything. I do love Blaine’s Steaks and unique creations like his one-of-kind escargot dish. The snails for this dish are only fed fresh basil. They also have a seven-course tasting dinner option that is truly amazing!  If you’re looking for an incredible dining experience prepared by one of the most creative chefs in Texas then head over to Grace and try the Seven Course Tasting Dinner. #WorthIt

#4 Petra and the Beast

Dallas, Texas

Chef Misti Norris

I’ve eaten Chef Misiti’s dishes and they’re incredibly colorful, creative, and just beautiful to the eyes. Misiti is so passionate about her cooking, being a chef and most of all taking her creativity to the next level. She’s always trying to stay one step ahead of everyone in the culinary world by consistently creating new flavorful creations that amaze food lovers and chefs. Petra and The Beast is a must visit for any food lover in Texas. I can promise you, it’s worth the drive and trip from anywhere in Texas to dine with Chef Misiti and enjoy her culinary delights. Check her website for hours of operations and menu details.

#5 Sugarbacon Proper Kitchen

Downtown McKinney, Texas

Sugarbacon Rib Video 

Asian Mint Dallas Locations

Located in an old historic building in downtown McKinney, Texas, Sugarbacon has some amazing and creative items that are worth the drive from anywhere in the DFW area. I’ve tried five different items in 2018 and this place has never let me down. I love the pork belly dish. The desserts are stupid delicious too! After research and discussions, we discovered everything is farm fresh and sourced locally when possible from the McKinney-Dallas area. They offer  “Tender Belly Farms ” Pork, “ Morgan Ranch” Beef, and “ Lewellen Farms” greens. Seriously, it is local and farms fresh vegetables and ingredients ONLY. What more do you need? #Worthit

#6 Asian Mint

Dallas, Texas

Chef Nikki Phinyawatana

The flavor profiles and creativeness that chef Nikki is slinging from her kitchens is just ridiculous! It’s billed as Asian Fushion but all I can say is it’s like you own little “Flavor Land” with every single bite you take. Everything I eat is just riddled with goodness that will make your head snap back in disbelief. It will leave you saying, “I just can’t get enough”. Just last week I tried something as simplistic as “bacon fried rice” and I went back three more times. I couldn’t stop eating it! If you haven’t tried the MINT then I would suggest you do, and soon! #Delish

#7 BBQ On The Brazos

Cresson, Texas

Chef/Pit Master John Sanford

This place is a cozy little Texas hang out. The menu is loaded with items that will send your taste buds to the flavor rodeo. I don’t care what you eat, whether it be the brisket with thick delicious bark, chili, the gobble gobble sandwich, it’s all just packed with deliciousness. Everything is cooked, smoked, or prepared by the creative BBQ team at BBQ on the Brazos. No wonder they made the Texas Monthly Top 50 BBQ joints on Texas! #SmokyGoodnessAlways

#8 Buttons Restaurant 

Fort Worth, Texas

Chef Keith Button Hicks video 

My man and soul food legend Chef Keith Button Hicks… When I think about soul food of any type, Chef Hicks is always the first to pop in my head. I’ve known him for over a decade now and everything his kitchen is slinging is purely delicious. I will tell you, Chef Hicks has a “Chicken and Waffle” dish that is truly amazing. Anyone who eats this dish will fall victim to Chef Keith’s cooking spell. There are rumors that folks start babbling all kinds of soul food phrases after they eat his chicken and waffles like, “That was the best I’ve ever had”, “Man, that cat can really cook”, “That food was groovy baby”, “I found my soul food happy place with Chef Hicks”! Buttons’ Famous Chicken & Waffles is prepared with special seasoned fried chicken and a homemade Belgium waffle with blueberry infused butter. Served with sweet potato pommel frites and their signature collard greens. Oh man, you need this in your life (and it’s only 15 bucks). Get to Buttons and enjoy the comfort soul food. Life is groovy, baby.

#9 Little Red Wasp

Fort Worth, Texas

Chef Blaine Saniford  Video

J2 Steakhouse Lunch Sandwich Deliciousness.

The Wasp, as locals call it, has something for everyone. It’s the brainchild of Celebrity Chef Blaine Saniford of GRACE who has created a little world full of magic bites for everyone. The service is incredible, the staff is friendly, and the drinks are strong. I love so many items from this place I’m just going to list a few. The Rebun and Chicken sandwiches, the amazing fresh Chili Dog, the Cheddar Cheese Fried Chicken Biscuit, and of course the pot stickers. Jet head over to Wasp and enjoy some delicious creations from Chef Blaines culinary team! #TasteLikeMore

#10 J2 Steakhouse

Lewisville, Texas

Chef Jonathan Pauley

J2 Steakhouse has one of the most amazing atmospheres to me. It was built and created in an 1880 grist mill. They used the old equipment, furnishings, and antique items found in the construction and restoration project inside and outside the restaurant. I can’t begin to explain the creativeness and atmosphere J2 has except to say it’s wonderful. Chef Pauley has done an amazing job with his menu items. They have dry age cooler, a pasta room, dessert room, and a cold preparation room. It doesn’t matter if you’re eating one of his delicious pattie melts, a dry aged steak, or house prepared Mac-N-Cheese because everything is stupid delicious, period! Make the drive to J2 in Lewisville. #WorthTheDrive

#11 Billy Can Can

Victory Park Lane in Dallas, Texas

Billed as a vibrant saloon extraordinaire!  Billy’s Tale as stated by the restaurant: “Being that he was confident and enigmatic, Billy Can Can is an artful sensationalist a brooding bon vivant. Host, master of ceremonies, guru and social conductor, he keeps his distance from the action, while slyly orchestrating every happening”. The place simply put is freaking awesome! it’s everything they claim it to be and more. The staff is lively and the atmosphere is upbeat and wide open. It’s a saloon, it’s a restaurant, it’s a bar with creative cocktails, and a fun palace with creative delicious chow and creative drinks. I’ve tried several dishes but the best ones “SMOKED FISH DIP” and the “HOT FRIED QUAIL” both are packed with flavor and the presentation is awesome. If you want to have a great time at fun place head over to Billy Can Can because you CAN CAN! #SensationallyDeliciouness

#12 Fred’s Texas Cafe’s

3 locations in Fort Worth, Texas

Chef Terry Chandler

Fred’s and Chef Terry Chandler a.k.a. the Original Outlaw Chef has been slinging deliciousness for THREE decades now and is still going strong. Terry’s menu items keep things fresh and new. He has some of the best comfort food you will ever eat. If you love live music, Fred’s has that covered too. They have a “Chicken Fried Steak – Queso” that is amazing. They have so many dishes I love at Fred’s, but the chili, hamburgers, and fried pickles are superb. If you’re looking for some comfort food, great music, and cold ass beer then head to Fred’s.

#13 Michaels Cuisine

Upper West 7th in Fort Worth, Texas

Chef Michael S. Thomson Video

Michael’s Cuisine has been around for so long that I consider it to be a Fort Worth staple. Chef M.T. aka Michael Thomson works hard to keep his menu offering different dishes depending on the season, and he gives back to the community in so many ways. This cozy restaurant is located on upper West 7th. It has fireplaces, Texas décor, and an old-school Fort Worth feel. I truly love everything Chef M.T. creates and slings out the kitchen. I especially adore his appetizer “Texas Quail Pops”, and for my favorite cut of meat… It would have to be the “Cowboy rib eye” because it is so delicious, tender and juicy. I always want to order an extra to take home with me! When you have time to check out Michael’s, tell’em Trey sent you! See video here: Chef M.T. Quail Pops 

#14 The Biscuit Bar

The Granite Boardwalk

The Biscuit Bar Plano/Dallas Loaded Tots

Hwy 121 Plano, Texas

Yep, you read that correctly. A Biscuit Bar! I waited six months for this place to open last year and it was worth the wait. Nestled right off Hwy 121 in Plano, on a little man-made lake and a Board Walk, complete with water fountains and birds chirping. Boy, the atmosphere is perfect. Everything is prepared in-house from fresh ingredients to create big bold flavors of deliciousness. The El Jefe, The Fancy Chicken, and The Monte Cristo, all taste amazing. I’m in love with the fresh “Fully Loaded Tator Tots”. Just DAMN Delicious! They say everything tastes better on a biscuit and I completely agree. Check out The Biscuit Bar! #Yummy

Texas Best Chili for Chilly Weather!

It’s getting cold so that means it’s chili time in Texas, my friends. Who doesn’t love a bowl of delicious warm tasty chili layered with your favorite cheese and fixings? EVERYONE DOES.

I love chili. All my life being from Texas, I’ve tried so many bowls of chili, they have to number in thousands. Every year I judge at least 10 to 15 chili contests, and boy is that always a shocker. Just when I think I’ve tried every combination known to man, a new chili cook creates something crazy new. As a seasoned chili expert, it always surprises me. On the positive side, it’s fantastic that we have all these chefs and home cooks wanting to create some new delicious chili recipe for everyone to enjoy.

Quick Story! About two years ago I was judging a contest (I’m not going to state any names because I want to protect the integrity of the food-judging scene). At this contest, one of my good buddies was sitting next to me. I could tell by looking at his facial expressions if something was bad, good, and really tasty. Everyone started passing the chili around and we were about 7 chili bowls deep into the 20-something chili contest. I hear this gaging sound and little snicker. I look up and it’s my buddy looking like he’s about to puke all over the table. You know that look, lol! After a second he passed it to me and shook his head as if to say DO TRY THAT CHILI, DUDE. I figured he was acting or at best just exaggerating to get one over on me. When I put that big spoon full of chili in my mouth it didn’t take two seconds before I almost spit it out. It tasted like someone had put an entire container of salt and hot sauce and nothing else in this chili. That was just crazy. After the contest was over we tried to figure out what happened but we just assumed they screwed up on the mix. One would think they would try the chili before they serve it? Who knows? That’s just part of judging and one contest I’ll never forget.

On a good note, I’ve eaten lots of great chili this year and I wanted to share my great chili picks with each of you. That way you can enjoy some delicious chili in the chilly Texas weather.

My number one pick for 2019 has been around a while and knows a thing or two about some delicious Texas cooking.

The BEST Steaks & Steakhouses For 2018