It's a testament to the obsessive persistence of owner Michael Vouras that he could plant his culinary flag on the iffy eastern landscape of downtown Dallas nearly nine years ago and grow his small mom and pop (and grandma) shop into a destination restaurant for so many downtown lunchers. Then again, the food didn't hurt either. Vouras dishes out family recipes that once graced the tables of the high-end Chateaubriand (1958-1982). Wednesday is reserved for crab cakes, and you'd best come early if you want to catch a pair; it's sided with black-eyed peas and coleslaw, which when combined create their own unique great taste. Other daily specials include meatloaf, taco salad and Greek chicken—all good. Soups are all-natural and healthy—culled from grandma's 21 authentic recipes. She also makes the mouthwatering cakes and pies. And with the downtown law school likely opening up next year, and weary law students seeking a quick coffee buzz and breakfast sandwich, the Metropolitan's future seems assured.