Avanti Euro Bistro By Jim White The Addison Circle area is a marvel of urban planning. I hadn’t been in a while, and I was amazed the other day. It has a “street friendly” feel more like San Francisco than Dallas. One could actually stroll and shop, run some errands, have a bite and then head home without doing any driving. The shops, stores, apartments and restaurants create a real neighborhood more focused on people than cars. What a concept. This nifty area is the location for Jack Ekhtiar’s third restaurant, Avanti Euro Bistro. It’s sleek, artistic and very sophisticated. Much like Mr. Ekhtiar’s other locations, downtown and in Uptown, each has its own personality and style. I’m fondest of the new place. The French and Moroccan cuisine is extremely well done. Service is smooth. The design is striking. This should be a “destination” business lunch setting if you aren’t nearby. From an interesting list of appetizers we chose ceviche. It was fresh and tangy ($5). The shellfish is marinated in vodka cilantro sauce. Also, calamari was tender and tasty ($5). Under “plates two share”, the mazza provides a nice taste of the Middle East ($8). It’s a blend of salad, yogurt, cucumbers, dolmas, hummus, tabouli and lavash bread. Also choose from smoked salmon ($10), steak tartare ($10) or Beluga caviar ($34 for 1 oz.). Another hot weather taste treat is the roasted duck, portobello and mango salad ($8). It’s light and refreshing with tender, flavorful duck. Main courses are called “Avanti Artwork”. The palette is laden. Chicken scampi is a winner ($11). The dish is accented with a Chardonnay garlic lemon sauce. Chilean Sea Bass ($12) is delicate. It’s pepper seared over mango and a ginger butter sauce. A hearty NY strip is sliced and served with Napoleon of vegetables and saffron rice ($12). Desserts are five dollars and include a wonderful poached pear and tasty tiramisu. Addison Circle has quickly become of the area’s most interesting neighborhoods, thanks in large part, to quality restaurants like Avanti Euro Bistro. Avanti Euro Bistro 5001 Addison Circle (972) 386-7800 Send me an Email: jwdineline@aol.com