As a countdown to the Dallas Observer's "Best of Dallas" 2010, City of Ate is serving up 100 of the favorite dishes we crave, savor and hope to scarf down again soon. These dishes are in no particular order. Some are little known, others celebrated. Some are pricey, others can be eaten on the cheap, but all are delicious to the extreme. Don't hesitate to share your own nominations in the comments. More of the dish's tasty details are after the jump.
No. 90 The Bob Armstrong Dip at Matt's Rancho Martinez
Not many appetizers come with their own origin myth, but the Bob Armstrong Dip has actual folklore to back up its "I can't stop eating this!" taste. Former Texas Land Commissioner Bob Armstrong frequented Matt's El Rancho in Austin, and one day wanted something different--something off the menu.
Legendary restaurateur Matt Martinez supposedly heeded the call by grabbing whatever he could get his hands on: taco meat, guacamole, sour cream and queso, and layering them in a single dish. The result not only took the state capital by storm but crossed several county lines, successfully landing on the Dallas menu of Matt's Rancho Martinez in Lakewood. The killer queso is just the right texture, just the right taste, and just the right weight for Matt's killer chips, which can hold the Bob dip without breaking. Commence dipping on Matt's amazing patio, beverage up with a Mango Rita, then sit back and celebrate Texas in all its diversity.
Matt's Rancho Martinez
6332 La Vista Drive
214-823-5517
www.mattsranchomartinez.com
Check out our previous favorite dishes by clicking on these links:
No. 100 Oatmeal Pancakes at Legal Grounds
No. 99 Shanghai Buns at Jeng Chi Dumpling House
No. 98 Mashed Tater Parfait at Cowboy Chow
No. 97 Chicken and Waffles at Victor Tango's
No. 96 Colorado Lamb Osso Bucco at Hibiscus
No. 95 Flatbread Pizza at Dish
No. 94 First Chinese Barbecue in Richardson
No. 93 Elotes at Fuel City
No. 92: Summer Platter For Two at Big Shucks
