From left to right: the Rock and the Azzurro are two combinations suggested at OMGelato. (Community impact newspaper staff)
Here is an overview of the restore features that appeared in the Plano edition of Community impact journal in 2021.
January
Customers gather around the restaurant Plano Bella Italia Ristorante
Just as Bella Italia celebrated its first anniversary, restaurants have been forced to close due to the coronavirus pandemic. Husband-wife duo Ari Isufaj and Blinera Shurreci feared that despite a successful first year, their restaurant would not survive the pandemic. Loyal customers allay their fears.
February
The natives of Guyana bring Caribbean flavors to Taste of the Islands in Plano
Taste of the Islands owner Rehan Bacchus said she spent much of her childhood in Guyana in the kitchen with her grandmother, who would have Rehan take on the role of sous chef, grasping the ingredients and tools.
March
Blue Goose Cantina in Plano enjoys a family environment
Many residents of the Dallas Fort-Worth metroplex are familiar with Blue Goose Cantina because of its quick service, strong margaritas, and Tex-Mex food, which is made with fresh ingredients, according to managers.
April
Plano The Latin Pig luminaire offers tasty home-cooked food and a relaxed atmosphere
The Latin Pig’s best seller is its Cubano Sandwich, which features roasted pulled pork, ham, and Swiss cheese. Other popular dishes include anything with belly or pulled pork and Cuban coffee, co-owner John Guerrero said.
Can
Big Tony’s West Philly Cheesesteaks puts customers first at Plano
Big Tony’s offers a full line of cheesesteaks, burgers, hoagies, seafood, salads and sides. Big Tony’s also has monthly promotions. The May Special is a Mexican cheesesteak that features nacho breaded shrimp chopped in honor of Cinco de Mayo.
June
Plano Pho Mac restaurant serves authentic Vietnamese cuisine in a family setting
The menu features staples from the Southeast Asian nation, such as banh mi, the ubiquitous Vietnamese sandwich with a choice of protein, fresh cut vegetables, and marinated carrots on a toasted French baguette. Other familiar offerings are egg and spring rolls and specialty noodle soups.
July
JC’s Burger House in Plano offers 10 varieties of burgers, sides
The menu includes 10 burger options, three chicken sandwiches, chili, sides and salads, Blue Bell ice cream and more. All of the burgers are hand-wrapped and prepared daily using a USDA’s choice chuck, owner Bill Oglesby said.
August
Coastal-style Dock Local restaurant serves seafood dishes in Plano
Popular dishes like garlic lobster fries, lobster roll and grilled lobster cheese are hard to find in Texas, owner Brett Curtis said.
September
XO Coffee Company brings coffee and love to downtown Plano
Husband and wife duo David Martin and Linda McCall opened XO Coffee Company in downtown Plano in 2017. They said the shop’s name symbolized the relationship they formed while sipping coffee together.
October
Plano diner Red Truck Cafe offers affordable options for breakfast, lunch, and dinner
The Red Truck Cafe offers breakfast, lunch and dinner with a variety of daily specials. Owner James Wells said he strives to use fresh ingredients and offer a menu of different options that are affordable.
November
Unique liquid nitrogen process at the heart of OMGelato in Plano
Father-son duo Mehrdad and Reza Tabrizi said it took two years to finalize the recipe for their homemade ice cream. What they proposed cannot be found anywhere else in Texas, Reza said.
December
Wing Daddy’s Sauce House in Plano offers 23 homemade sauces
The story of Mike Peters is emblematic of the American dream. Originally from South Korea, Peters was adopted at the age of 3 by an American family. When he got old enough to enlist, he joined the US military as an oil tanker.
