There are some fantastic concerts happening tonight in Dallas.

John Mayer with Ben Folds is performing at Smirnoff Music Center in Fair Park. Take a tarp as things might be a little wet as you enjoy these amazing artists.

The Polyphonic Spree, which is the brainchild of former Former Tripping Daisy member Tim DeLaughter, makes it’s presence known at the Granada Theater on Lower Greenville. Check out the Spree’s new look and sound - but take note, they’ve ditched their robes!

If you aren’t in the mood for a concert, head down to Deep Ellum and check out Crustacean’s. I can honestly say that it’s more “N’awlins” than New Orleans is right now. Yes, I know of what I speak as I was down in Gulfport and New Orleans last week doing fact finding for a possible upcoming project. As cameraman Roman Pena and I drove in on I-10 from Gulfport, we were stunned by the massive amount of destruction still so evident almost 2 years after Katrina. We made our way to the French Quarter and were shocked to find shops and restaurants closing up by 9pm. The only thing that seemed the same was Cafe du Monde but beignets and cafe au lait only fulfill a small portion of the creole craving.

So, we in Dallas are indeed fortunate to have the wonderful people from Crustaceans to fill that culinary void. Displaced due to Katrina, Chef Ronald Honore’ and his wife Judy were assisted by the Greater Dallas Restaurant Association with rent, furniture, kitchen equipment and other supplies so the Chef and his wife could re-establish themselves. You may visit Crustaceans once to support the Honore’s and their crew but you will happily return again and again.

The corn-and-crab bisque is a true taste delight and though it is thinner than in other restaurants it is fat with flavor. From there, it is a must to move on to the stuffed bell peppers which are chock full of minced shrimp, crabmeat and crawfish with a bread base rather than the typical rice. The seasonings are sheer perfection and it’s easy to have this appetizer as your main dish.

And speaking of main dishes, there is no shortage of pastas, blackened, fried and grilled shrimp, fish and chicken entrees.

The Facts on Crustaceans:

  • 2711 Elm Street (at Crowdus)
  • Dallas 75226
  • 214-747-0900
  • Monday - Saturday 11am - 10pm
  • AE/V/MC
  • Average Meal: $10 - $25