Top 10 New Business Lunch Restaurants 1999 By Jim White Once again, the “ghost of lunches past” flickers in my consciousness. I am compelled to bring you the best business lunches circa ‘99 as we anticipate the foie gras and expense accounts for “MM”. il Sole. Great food, service, wine, décor and attitude from Sonia and Brian Black and Executive Chef Tim Penn. For business or romance, this place is a home run. Bask in the sunny pleasures of Tuscany and Napa in the beautifully conceived and executed upscale new American restaurant; my favorite new lunch restaurant of the year. 4514 Travis Street, Suite 201 (214) 559-3888. Maguire’s. Delicious “regional” cuisine in a slick, upscale setting. Executive Chef Cherif Brahmi and the Maguire brothers bring a reflection of North Dallas style and tastes. Memorable starters, salads, sandwiches and main courses. 17552 North Dallas Parkway (972) 818-0068. Bizu. Accomplished restaurateur Alberto Lombardi gave us his vision of a French bistro “Cote d’Or” style. Romantic and energetic with an appealing menu and user friendly wine list. Leading the bistro renaissance in Dallas. 2504 McKinney Avenue, (214-) 303-1002. Le Paris Bistro. A labor of love from Jean-Michel Sakouhi. Making the ideal of the good life in the French countryside even more seductive to Dallas diners. Arguably, the most charming and authentic of the recent spate of bistro redux. Romantic and affordable. 2533 McKinney (214) 720-0225. Bistral. Offering what European bistros are famous for: a simple menu with reliable and consistent food, and a locals-friendly atmosphere. Comfortable design, soft colors and cool jazz help create a “soothing environment”. Chef David Holben oversees the cuisine. 2900 McKinney (214) 220-1202. Capital Grille. Power lunching Dallas style. Exuding style and confidence. Great steaks, seafood, salads and a power wine list. The place to cut a mega-deal. 500 Crescent Court, Suite 135 (214) 303-0500. Mel’s on Main. Likeable spot in Deep Ellum with an uptown menu and contemporary setting. Seasoned veteran Bruno Mella and his partner Judy Chorbajian bring experience and care to the table. 2612 Main Street (214) 748-7711. Blue Mesa, Lincoln Park. Bold flavors of New Mexico in a lively setting. Jim and Liz Baron along with partner Jack Lavine have defined southwestern cuisine for the casual dining market. 7700 W. Northwest Highway, just west of Central (214) 378-8686. La Calle Doce, Lakewood. Wonderful Mexican seafood and Tex-Mex in a bright, comfortable setting. Friendly service, reasonable prices, big servings. 1925 Skillman Avenue (214) 824-9900. Houston’s, Preston Center. Good, consistent food; friendly, knowledgable service from a restaurant industry leader. The new location has the feel of an alpine ski lodge. Grilled items and salads the best. 8300 Preston Road (214) 691-8991. Happy Holidays! Send me an Email: jwdineline@aol.com