The Love & War Restaurant in Texas, Grapevine, Texas

You can go to Love & War in Texas to eat, drink, dance or take a Defensive Driving course if you are at the Plano location. On this Saturday night in Grapevine, the crowd was light and it was too early for the music to start, but the service, food, and atmosphere were superb. The spacious lobby offered plenty of seating around a large fireplace, but we didn't have to wait. We were led by a cowboy-booted hostess into a dining room with a soaring ceiling. Texas flags, lassos and even a rattlesnake skin decorated the walls.

Our friends talked about this restaurant for two days before we made the trip from Fort Worth. We were eager to munch on Texas Wagonwheels (fried dill pickle slices) and witness the hang-off-your-plate rack of ribs. When we sat down with our menus, we gawked at the variety of selections and our mouths watered as we read the descriptions from each section: Texas plains (steaks), Piney Woods (baby back ribs, catfish), Gulf Coast (fish and shrimp), Hill Country (wild boar, bratwurst), and the Border Region (fajitas, enchiladas). Of course, this isn't an exhaustive description of the menu. See for yourself on the printable menu. Prices are borderline high, but can be justified by the unique spices and flavors that set Love & War In Texas apart from chain restaurants.

After much deliberation (and knowing this wouldn't be a once-in-a-lifetime visit), I chose the mesquite grilled poblano pepper stuffed with smoked chicken. The restaurant's blend of cheeses added wonderful spice and heat. It was accompanied by a dish of Shiner Bock Beer beans and half a plate of Texican rice.

I secretly hoped my husband would order the Tejas platter so I could try the beef enchilada, cheese enchilada, handmade tamale and soft taco, but he made an equally delectable choice ... New Braunfels bratwurst cooked in Shiner Bock Beer. There were two smoked venison sausages and each one had to be a foot long! They were served on a bed of tangy pepper-bacon sauerkraut. I did get to enjoy a bite or two, plus his smoked corn on the cob.