Sloppy Seconds: Twists, Turns and the Dining Double-Cross

This week’s round of local food news proves it: appearances can be deceiving. A fine Japanese spot can be hidden deep in a mess of chain sprawl, a food-lover who relishes subtlety can prove to be a karaoke superstar by night, and an initially disappointing pizza can prove, on a second try, to be just fine — if you can get over its lack of meat.

The Week in Review(s):

• Your own Dallas Observer: Dave travels deep into the Siberian-scale dining desolation of chain-land northwest Dallas, and catches a surprisingly solid seafood option in Nori Sushi Bar and Grill.
• Dallas Morning News: Leslie Brenner visits Central 214, and finds that dressing a restaurant up in a three-digit number isn’t enough to make it in Dallas these days. A disappointing bout with Roaster’s rounds out her week.

Highlights from City of Ate:

• Hophead: Ephemeral Stardom at the Social House
  Mr. and Mrs. Hophead find subtle good taste in the Social House’s brew selection, and something else entirely in its karaoke books.
• Pizza By Marco (Part Deux)
  Marco — if that is his real name — makes the most of his second chance at impressing Veggie Girl with his vegan pizza.
• On the Range: Carnitas
  With a nod to straight-forward exteriors, Chris offers a look at one of Tex-Mex’s most literally named options.
• Dude Food: Chubby’s Family Restaurant
  Last, the dining dude puts things in perspective, proving that a place called Chubby’s can make you feel just that.