The Best in DFW

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FINE-DINING CHEFS

This week, we celebrate North Texas' most creative and accomplished culinary auteurs in the high-end arena.

In considering fine dining in the area (a broad category, granted), we decided to take the opportunity to highlight chefs in upscale, special-occasion restaurants that produce the most gracious and engaging meals served locally.

Turns out, when we really thought it through, there were quite a few of them. And our dining scene is all the richer because of how excitingly different each chef is from the others. Consider the poetic unfussiness of Sharon Hage's cooking at York Street vs. the showstopping luxury crafted by John Tesar at the Mansion Restaurant. Or the wonderfully out-of-left-field foie gras chile relleno served by Lanny Lancarte II at his self-named Fort Worth restaurant, in contrast with the elegant traditionalism of Chris Ward's lobster soufflé at the Mercury.

Critics' picks are presented alphabetically.

About the Best in DFW series

The Best in DFW series presents critics' picks and asks readers to chime in with their favorites on the blog.

This biweekly feature focuses first on the area's best restaurants in various dining categories.

When you see this symbol on GuideLive.com, you'll know that location is a critics' pick.

Selections are based on recent reviews and dining experiences by Dallas Morning News restaurant critic Bill Addison and other regular reviewers, including Kim Harwell, Michael Hiller, Kim Pierce and Lawson Taitte.

This series will be expanded later to other high-interest areas.

How we choose

Selections are based on recent reviews and dining experiences by Dallas Morning News restaurant critic Bill Addison and other regular reviewers, including Kim Harwell, Michael Hiller, Kim Pierce and Lawson Taitte.

When you see this symbol in on GuideLive.com, you'll know that location is a critics' pick. Critics' picks are presented alphabetically, without ranking. For more details on our price key and star ratings, check GuideLive.com's Restaurant Frequently Asked Questions. To join in and view other dining features, check the Restaurants page at GuideLive.com.