#table 13

I’m a huge Frank Sinatra fan.  Like ... huge.  While it’s just a coincidence that his drink of choice (three fingers of Jack Daniels, 4 ice cubes, and a splash of water) is one of my favorites, I prefer some of the other classic cocktails that Frank and the rest of the Rat Pack enjoyed ... which is exactly what Table 13 in Addison offers.

My girl Oh Hey Dallas was invited out to Table 13 to try out some of their food offerings, and she was nice enough to let me tag along.  I am so glad that I was able to do so, because I’ve found a new date spot.

Table 13 is named after the number of members of the Rat Pack* (including the ladies), and offers some of the trappings of the time, from a crooner at the piano to throwback desserts to some of the best service I’ve experienced in a while.  We started our evening with a cocktail (obviously) and it was a struggle to choose which as they had so many that appealed to me.  I let our waiter choose my first drink (as I enjoy seeing what they decide to serve) and he chose very well.  The Ryes Up was a nice take on an Old Fashioned without being too traditional. I’ll be ordering this baby again.

We dined (but didn’t wine) on some of the most gorgeous deviled eggs I’ve laid eyes on, escargot (yes … snails) with fluffy pastry nestled on top like a little hat, and a buffalo mozzarella and tomato salad that knocked my sandals off. (Fried capers are a revelation.)  These delicious appetizers were accompanied by Bartender Dave’s award-winning Manhattan.  Dave’s Manhattan was anything but the classic recipe and had the perfect touch of cherry flavor (Woodford Reserve, sweet & dry vermouths, Pechauds, Laphroig, cherry juice, and Frangelico).  Don’t try to make this yourself … just visit Dave.

Dinner for me was a 6oz Filet au poivre and a custom drink made by Dave and sides of mushroom bucatini and onion rings.  While many may not have the same appreciation as he and I do for huckleberry, the drink he whipped up can be enjoyed by all.  Not too sweet and pretty damn potent, the huckleberry vodka used is the only think like it in Dallas (that I’ve found at least).

Some highlights: 

The perfect ambiance for a date night -- make sure you dress appropriately and are prepared for it to be a bit loud

Potent and flavorful drinks, just like the Rat Pack would have liked

Incredibly nightly entertainment that isn’t too loud or disruptive (some nights they bring in acts like Hunter Sullivan, Ricki Derek, and Goga)

One of the owners, Mike McRae, is a restaurant pro and a flat out friendly guy that will charm your socks off

Impeccable and friendly service from a staff who knows exactly what they’re doing 

Art of naked ladies allllll around the restaurant

A bathroom that smells better than any bathroom I’ve ever smelled (seriously … buy one of the candles they sell at the hostess stand)

Martinis are $3 during lunch (11am-4pm weekdays)

Plastic drink ornaments that have a great story behind them (Mike told us that he remembers visiting his uncle and they’d go to the country club where he would order drinks that had monkeys on them)

A vast and well thought-out wine selection (bottles $30-375, selections from California, Texas, and beyond)

Dave behind the bar is not only a sommelier, but also a cicerone

TABLE 13 www.table13addison.com | Table13Addison 4812 Belt Line Rd, Addison (972) 789-9558

HAPPY HOUR ~ 4 to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday. LIQUID LUNCH ~ $3 Martinis 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekdays

Adam's parents picked me up and took me out to lunch at a sub place that was right next to the hotel we were all staying at. Adam came with his groomsmen and they sat down and ate with me while his parents went back to the room to get ready. It was soo surreal seeing him again and that we were all excited to hang out although we all didn't know each other. We joked around in the room for about 45 min until we left for the church. The car that was taking Adam to the church ended up getting a flat on the way there. His dad dropped me, his mom, and family friend, Sue, off as he went to pick Adam back up.

I wandered around the church for a couple hours as everyone was getting ready. I met one of the church custodian guys and we started talking about sound and media equipment and then he showed me it as soon as he found out I have a degree in it. I enjoyed meeting people the whole weekend.

Everyone showed up and the ceremony was fun to watch. Then, since Adam's parents were my ride the whole weekend I stayed while they took pictures. Then we went to where the reception was taking place. I forgot what the place was called where we went, but I really liked it. I sat at Table 13, and I tell you that because we were the most LEGIT table there! Haha, yes sir we were! I loved meeting the other 7 people at the table that knew Adam and/or Adrienne one way or another.

So, one girl didn't have dressing on her salad and she didn't want to ask one of the waiters or waitresses to get some salad dressing, so one of the guys asked for her. A waitress came and apologized and brought back her salad with dressing. Then, she added some sass and said, "Does anyone ELSE want salad dressing?" We all said no because we all had it. Literally 3 minutes later another waitress came with a pitcher full of salad dressing and apologized and asked if we needed anymore. Already we could tell that we were going to be "that" table. The table that all the wait staff hates. 

2 people left to get a drink at the bar or something and another lady sat down to say hi to everyone that everyone knew except me. Our waitress, Ashley (found her name out later), came and passed out HOT bread. I put the emphasis on HOT because she kept saying "HOT bread" as she placed it on our plates (It was warm bread). The lady that sat down asked Ashley if she could put more bread on the empty h'orderves plates with. She gladly did and went to all the other tables. She returned to our table and asked us if we wanted some more bread, but we thanked her and refused it. 

I forget who actually started the idea, but we thought it would be a great idea to shift our table towards the front of the room. One of the guys, Chris, pulled out his iPhone and searched for a time lapse app. He found and bought one for $2. He snuck upstairs and tied a tie to his iPhone and the banister. It took a picture every 2 minutes. We were pretty sneaky with moving the table. We had already moved it a good 2 feet or so before we started the time lapse. Then, they turned the lights off for dancing, but there were still candles lit on every table, so it was still cool to watch the video after and see it. We ended up talking with our waitress, Ashley, and she said, "I thought something was up with you guys, but that's really cool!" She was a really fun waitress; The whole serving staff was fun. They all joined in and danced with us. 4 of us from the table actually started a mini dance party where our table was supposed to be and then the rest of the table joined in a few minutes after. Then, we went to the actual dance floor and danced the night away.

This day was soo enjoyable and I loved every moment of it and loved meeting all the people I met. My flight did not leave until 6:05pm the next day, so I slept it a little. I got to the airport around 1:15pm and got lunch there. Then, I just sat down and opened up my Bible and began studying the Gospel of John. Ah, Jesus is sooo good! I love learning more about the Bible :) I had a layover again in Houston, but for about 30 minutes this time. Then, I got back to Ontario about 10:30pm. My dad picked me up and we went home.