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The seafood pasta at Ida Claire in Addison, Texas, looks creamy and delicious, but I\u2019ll have to take my family\u2019s word on its tastiness due to my shellfish allergy<\/p>\n
Photos by Janecze Wright, Fort Hood Public Affairs<\/p>\n
ADDISON, Texas \u2014 There\u2019s something indescribable and undeniable about down-home Southern food.<\/p>\n
The type of food with aromas that greet you with the warmest hug and stick to you like those last 10 pounds.<\/p>\n
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The blackened Texas Redfish with orzo pasta, spinach and cipollini onions was deliciously charred and savory, and the fish was light and flaky but still meaty at Ida Claire in Addison, Texas.<\/p>\n
It\u2019s food that can cure whatever ails you and puts a smile on even the most pessimistic of faces.<\/p>\n
Ida Claire, about three hours north of The Great Place, claims to offer Southern hospitality and comfort food staples. I was fortunate enough to find out for myself.<\/p>\n
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The sign in the seating area of Ida Claire in Addison, Texas, is a mixture of the restaurant\u2019s nostalgic and vintage charm.<\/p>\n
From the moment you walk in, you are transported to a time where the living was easy, and simplicity made the biggest statement.<\/p>\n
Vintage d\u00e9cor and eclectic artwork adorn the walls, a cozy seating area and welcoming atmosphere make guests feel right at home while setting the stage for a dining experience that feels both nostalgic and refreshingly modern.<\/p>\n
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PHOTOS BELOW: The Airstream parked adjacent to the outside patio of Ida Claire in Addison, Texas, reflects the same nostalgic Southern vibe as the restaurant and can be reserved for parties up to 12 seeking a unique dining experience.<\/p>\n
Details such as the flowers adorning the tables and vintage birdcages dangling from the ceiling as light fixtures reflect the restaurant\u2019s playful personality, making it just as memorable as the menu itself.<\/p>\n
After my family and I were seated in a cozy booth, we were given a run-down of the specials. The menu featured shareable Southern dishes with a twist like Devilish Eggs and Bacon, fried green tomatoes and crawfish corn fritters; as well as entrees such as gulf shrimp and grits, Nashville Hot Tenders and the restaurant\u2019s namesake Ida\u2019s fried chicken.<\/p>\n
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Not to be outdone by the mains, the menu offered a variety of Southern sides that deserved to be front and center such as Hoppin John, which reminded me of my grandmother\u2019s simmered black-eyed peas; red beans and rice, decadent mac and cheese and jalapeno cornbread with honey butter.<\/p>\n
We decided on fried green tomatoes and Devilish Eggs and Bacon to start and demolished them in record time. They were the perfect prelude to the main course.<\/p>\n
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Our main entrees included blackened Texas Redfish with orzo pasta, spinach, cipollini onions, tomatoes and garlic in a white wine cream sauce; seafood pasta with lobster, crawfish, shrimp and lemon pepper linguine with parmesan cream sauce; and the Tasso-spiced pork chop with a side of gooey mac and cheese.<\/p>\n
Everything was seasoned perfectly and tasted delicious. I\u2019ll admit, I am a mac and cheese snob, but I was pleasantly surprised at the hot and gooey dish that accompanied my meal, and I loved they prepared it with cavatappi pasta. I\u2019m told the seafood pasta was a hit, though I was unable to try it due to my shellfish allergy.<\/p>\n
I requested a doggie bag for my entree just so I could indulge in the hummingbird cake on the dessert menu. It was a huge slice, and it eased my guilt to share the delicious confection.<\/p>\n
Stuffed to the gills with leftovers in hand, we noticed an Airstream parked adjacent to the outside patio as we exited the restaurant. The custom and completely private, climate-controlled space is available for parties up to 12 seeking a one-of-a-kind dining experience.<\/p>\n
We left Ida Claire\u2019s satisfied and I can\u2019t wait to go back and try out the Airstream!<\/p>\n
Ida Claire has locations in Addison and San Antonio and serves breakfast, brunch, lunch and supper.<\/p>\n