So PMc convinced me to head north and check out the new Four Sisters Cafe in Richardson. Yes, I headed north of LBJ and almost north of George Bush (it's on the south side at the Jupiter exit). But I didn't mind because, 1) as you all know, PMc is one of my favorite people in the world and it had been awhile since we had caught up and 2) I actually kind of like Richardson. You see, I have a confession to make, loyal followers, I'm not really a Dallas girl. At my core I'm actually a Richardson girl. My first non-baby sitting job was at the Richardson Public Library (nerdy fact about me: there was a time in my life where you could name any non-fiction book and I could give you it's exact Dewey Decimal number. Hmmmm, this probably explains much about my high school dating life). I bought my first house in Richardson. Until recently, I was a member of the Chamber of Commerce. I just like the City and all it has to offer. Plus it has some great restaurants (some of the best Chinese and Indian food in DFW is in Richardson). So I was happy to make the trek to my old hood to see my dear friend.
I was also intrigued by Four Sisters because, well, I'm one of 4 sisters. But I couldn't imagine having a restaurant with my sisters. See, while I love them dearly, we are each completely different people. Our ideas about food and decor would be so incredibly different, our restaurant would always feel just a bit off as we each try to put our own spin on it. And that's kind of the feel I got with Four Sisters, just a little off.
First, the decor. It reminds me of a Houston's (aka Hillstone), if Houston's was housed in a New Orleans bordello. Big bar in front, lots of booths in the dining area and a big, open kitchen area. And the entire restaurant, minus the kitchen area is dark, very dark. But just when you are wondering if you could have a little more light, the light show begin. Yes, I said light show. I glanced over and all of a sudden I see red and green lines of light dancing on the walls. Huh? But then I remember the name of the place, and i instantly understand why those lights are there. See, here's how I bet how the lighting conversation went with the 4 sisters of 4 Sisters. Sis1: man, it's kinda dark in here, we should probably turn the dimmers up just a little bit. Sis2: why don't we buy some really cool lamps that would give the place a nice, warm glow. I saw these the other day, aren't they awesome (insert image of the Christmas Story leg lamp here). Sis3: we can't afford to turn the dimmers up. Do you know how much electricity costs in the summer? Glares and rolls eyes at leg lamp (while secretly thinking, "you're gonna poke your eye out."). Sis4: I saw this really cool light show at this bar I went to about 5 years ago. I want to do that and only that (stomp foot). And I'm going to mention it to you every minute for the rest of your life until you all give in to me because I know you've learned to pick your battles with me and my wacky ideas and this one is not worth fighting about. And, thus a light show.
The menu also has that "sister compromise" feel. Sis1: I want steak, potatoes and chicken; Sis2: I want salads and sandwiches; Sis3: I want sushi (stomp foot); Sis4: Exactly how many times did mom and dad drop you on your head as a child? Why are we doing sushi in the bordello? The menu is frustrating because there are no explanations of any of the dishes. Most of the dishes are named something so you have to ask to find out what you'll be ordering. The Tramp Salad (gotta wonder which sister that's named after) is actually a cobb salad. And, yes, there is sushi on the menu. They have gotten help from the Sushi Axiom people as there's my favorite roll, the Mustang roll, on the menu. Why it's there, I'm not sure but if you get a hankering for Sushi Axiom, I guess you can go to 4 Sisters.
We were given an amuse bouche to start. Didn't expect that. It was a mashed sweet potato pancake with an orange syrup on top. It was delicious but simply too sweet to start the meal. I would have loved it as a little bite of dessert or, even better, at Sunday brunch.
I ordered the fillet medallions and PMc ordered the beef and onions. All entries come with mashed potatoes and mixed grilled vegetables. PMc ordered the spinach instead of the potatoes and I ordered a side of mushrooms at the suggestion of the server. I received 3 filet medallions with my order, all very tender, all very salty and all medium instead of the medium rare I asked for. It was okay but there was no wow. The potatoes had a layer of liquid butter on top which made them tasty but the mixed veggies were grilled onions, red peppers, yellow squash and a couple pieces of asparagus. Bland, boring and 3 of my least favorite veggies on the planet. PMc liked, but was underwhelmed, by her dinner. Her spinach needed more flavor and the mushrooms were just not very interesting. Probably everything needed just a little garlic.
There's a full bar, and a decent but not very interesting wine list. Water is served with no ice. There's valet parking but plenty of free parking in the front and back so I don't think it's really necessary right now. Our server was nice and accommodating.
So my first impression of Four Sisters, meh. It's just not all that interesting. Maybe once it gets its legs underneath it it will be better but right now, it's just a little too disjointed and boring for me. Sorry, Richardson, you deserve more.
Cheers!
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