Table Talk

Hibiscus, Tristan Simon's 3½ -year-old New American chophouse and grill, has debuted a new menu for late summer and early fall. Executive chef Garreth Dickey has added a handful of new offerings, including a seasonal mushroom salad, a roasted lobster cornucopia and a prime hamburger topped with aged Vermont cheddar and served with truffle fries. Old favorites such as the 18-ounce bone-in prime "brick" and the deep-dish mac 'n' cheese casserole remain available.

The wrath of Khan

If you think the heyday of Mongolian barbecue peaked somewhere in the late '90s, well – you're probably right. But don't count Genghis Grill out just yet. The local standard-bearer in build-your-own stir-fry cuisine is in expansion mode. The Dallas-based chain has 23 locations in nine states, with plans for nearly 30 more in Texas and Oklahoma in the next three years. Its newest area outpost opened last month at 4140 Lemmon Ave., next door to Gloria's in the space that formerly housed Aqua Italian Bistro (and, well before that, 36 Degrees). Look for upcoming openings in Denton, Rockwall and Garland's Firewheel Town Center.

Say Uncle

Uncle Julio's, the Irving-based Tex-Mex chain known for its signature sangria swirls and mesquite-grilled meats (yea, frog legs!), is opening its 13th outlet this fall in the Village at Allen. The restaurant, designed to look like a century-old hacienda (albeit one decked out with indoor and outdoor fireplaces and a 60-inch TV in the bar), is scheduled to open Oct. 6. Uncle Julio's launched in 1986 and has restaurants in Chicago, Atlanta and Washington, D.C., as well as the Dallas-Fort Worth area.

All in the family

Speaking of Firewheel Town Center, the open-air shopping complex has a new full-service restaurant. Esteban's Restaurante opened about two weeks ago across from Barnes & Noble. Owner Gregg Esteban Rios pulls from his family's culinary roots in Michoacán, Mexico, for his extensive menu of south-of-the-border fare. House specialties include brisket tacos, Aztec entrees (sizzling fajita meat served withzucchini, green cabbage, squash, mushrooms, cilantro and white rice) and a Wednesday night special of meat- and roasted-almond-stuffed chiles rellenos. Breakfast is served all day, and there's a good assortment of domestic and Mexican beers, as well as margaritas and cocktails.

Bits and bites

• The highly anticipated Tei-An has finally opened in One Arts Plaza. The stylish Asian restaurant specializes in freshly made soba noodle dishes, served hot and cold. The restaurant is owned by Teiichi Sakurai, well-known as the founder of Teppo and Tei Tei.

• Love Fireside Pies? Hate waiting for a table? Got five friends? You're in luck! The gourmet pizzeria's new(ish) Park Cities branch is now accepting reservations for parties of six or more.

•  Chuy's, the popular Austin-based Tex-Mex chain renowned for its "Big As Yo' Face" burritos and Elvis Presley Memorial Combo plate, will soon open in Plano. The restaurant already has one Dallas location on McKinney Avenue; its second area spinoff will take the place of the recently closed Shady Oak Barbecue at Central Expressway and Parker Road.

• The hot, humid weather might not say "football season," but Krispy Kreme is doing what it can to fire up area pigskin fans. Through Sept. 30, participating shops will offer football-shaped glazed doughnuts decorated in team colors. Visit www.krispykreme.com to find a location near you.

Kim Harwell is a Dallas food writer.