Reunited And It Feels So Good

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Reunion with The Porch

This past week we had Valentines Day. 

Love - you know when it happens - an unmistakable feeling that your life wasn't complete before.

I found it five years ago when I unconditionally fell in love with The Porch. The cleverly crafted cocktails, the twist on classic comfort food, the oversized bar area, the plush booths, not to mention the namesake porch, there wasn't one thing I didn't adore.

Back then, The Porch was just another new kid on the block with the perfect recipe for success. Today it is a staple hot spot in the Knox-Henderson area, attracting socialites and hipsters alike. As it gained more followers, I, too, found my eyes wandering to new and exciting eateries. However, after much time away, I recently became reacquainted. I was thrilled to fall in love with the restaurant all over again.

I prefer sitting outside to watch the commotion of Henderson; however, on this occasion it was a bit too cold. Nevertheless, I was completely content sinking into a cozy booth and turning my mind to drinks. I have never made it out without having at least one of their signature cocktails. This reunion was no exception. I carefully mulled over my options, eventually narrowing them to three: the Blood Orange Margarita, a creation that enhances the classic libation with blood orange puree; the Strawberry Crush, a vodka drink concocted with hand pressed strawberries, mint, fresh lemon juice and ginger ale; or the Grapefruit Agave Gimlet. In the end I chose the gimlet, a superb cocktail that combines grapefruit-infused vodka, freshly-squeezed lime juice and agave. It was just the sort of flawlessly fresh complement I was going to need to balance the feast of comfort food I was about to order.

(pictured) is the Grapefruit Agave Gimlet

When the waiter came back with the drinks I was ready. I have never been good at practicing self-restraint at The Porch. In fact, I jump all over the menu like a person who has just completed a three-day cleanse. To start I ordered the Spinach and Parmesan Dip, a warm and creamy dip with the perfect balance of flavors served with tortilla chips. Next, the Buttermilk Fried Chicken Cobb Salad, all the fixings of a cobb salad served with strips of mouthwatering fried chicken and toasted honey mustard dressing. As a side, I chose the Smoked Ham and Cheese Casserole, the ultimate comfort food made to perfection. Finally, to end, the Gooey Butter Cake, a creation that tastes like a fresh-out-of-the-oven sugar cookie and melts ever so nicely in your mouth. Now I know what you are thinking. Yes, it was a cornucopia of food, but before you judge me, I wasn't dining alone. Though I probably could have polished off the meal myself, I figured that might result in the actual need for a three-day cleanse, so my friend and I happily split the items two ways.

(pictured) Gooey Butter Cake

Walking out, I was further reminded of my love when I grabbed a Starburst instead of the traditional mint. These are the details that capture my heart in the first place and I was glad to see nothing had changed. Though our reunion had been a long time in the making, the great thing about it is I could always come back and my Starburst and gimlet would be waiting for me.

-Kelly Haser

An Ode to The Porch:

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The Porch

2912 N. Henderson Ave.

Dallas, Texas 75206

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214.828.2916