Posh Nosh

We never made it to Aurora, the Samual Avner fancy smancy eatery in Oak Lawn because by the time we were ready to splurge it had closed down.
In its place Avner opened NOSH a self claimed Euro Bistro and looking at the menu it appeared cheaper and more relaxed that the original.
Given Dallas' fickle restaurant business we thought we had better pay it a visit before that too vanished.

Nosh is new (opened in September 2010) but already seems to have a steady following. The restaurant was busy, all tables taken and a steady stream of chatter resounding from the walls
Tonight was an older well heeled crowd. I'm thinking they are loyal diners from the Aurora era; given their age and their intimacy with Avner and his wife Celeste who worked the room greeting patrons as old friends.
The bar was fantastic... Thick old wood with heavy comfortable chairs. The barman was knowledgeable and friendly and best of all behind the bar there's a flat screen TV showing screens from the kitchen and the chefs in action. The voyeuristic appeal is high but the new chef they brought in (Jon Stevens) didn't appear to be as volatile as a Gordon Ramsey type making for tame watching. Even without the television its easy to see the goings on, as the kitchen is open to the restaurant with some key seats right there along the kitchen counter (I'm sitting there next!)
The boys started with a couple of Blueberry Collins (a take on the Tom Collins) whilst we waited for our table
A+ for first impressions Nosh

Nosh Euro Bistro

Now on to the food

The menu has a good mix of small plates -"To Nosh on"- as well as Mains. I'm not sure what really defines a menu as European/Mediterranean but being a fan of French cuisine (they have to have something good right??) I opted for the escargot fritters which didn't disappoint and for $5 quite a good price! A little easier on the American palate than regular escargot these are fried up with Parmesan and tasted decadent

Escargot Fritters

The other dish to Nosh on which my dinner companions ordered was the special. An egg custard type dish which sounded like it belonged on the dessert menu. Arriving at the table it looked more like the soft boiled eggs we eat in England (with soldiers) but the shell was stuffed with creamy egg and mushrooms...heaven!

Egg custard special

Service was impeccable. In fact our waitress saw that it ran like clockwork. A less keen eye would have missed a few minor errors that she quickly corrected with subtle flair
The MAINS continued to impress. Seared diver scallops so tender they melted in your mouth and better than I have tasted at other seafood establishments for a lot more than the $19 these cost. Expresso braised beef short rib  served with the cheddar grits in an accompanying pan for $16. For my dish i chose the crispy duck confit ($15) which came with a side of cauliflower leek mash and never have vegetables tasted so good. The duck was beautifully presented and had a crisp skin with tender meat inside



Crispy duck confit



Expresso Braised beef short rib

With all that good food we couldn't possibly manage dessert so coffee it was til my greedy hubby spotted the apple tart on the menu and "just had to have it".



Apple tart tatin with Tahitian vanilla ice cream

 Coming out looking more like a brownie a la mode with a dark rich crust the apple tart was delicious. Drizzled in caramel sauce the outside was crisp with a soft apple center.
Need I say more......
Nosh translates as a snack or light meal. Nosh Euro Bistro is a whole lot more than that.....I think Avner Samuel is on to a winner here!