Everyone is trying to tap into this zeitgeist (cool band name, by the way). Record stores are popping up everywhere, which is a good thing. But we’re also seeing a wave of boutique bookstores and coffee shops trying to lure these new analog kids into their establishments by festooning their walls with LP record album sleeves even if they don't always provide the sonic delights that LPs supposedly impart. Enter Seager & Sons, a new restaurant located at The Boardwalk at Granite Park in Plano. They came up with an advertising slogan that is as catchy as a hook from an ABBA song found on a '70s record:
“Hi-Fi Eats and Lo-Fi Beats.”
One almost wonders if they thought of this first, and built a concept, any concept, around it. They didn’t sleep on the pun potential on the menu, either. The host stand is littered with a slew of personalized guitar picks with “Seager & Sons” proudly emblazoned upon them, along with piles of match booklets (remember them?) done in a retro art design style that immediately sets the mood. We grabbed a handful of each and only wished they also handed out guitar strings (light gauge, please, if decision-makers are reading this).
Walls on both sides of a 20-foot corridor are shelved and full of vinyl and other things of a nostalgic nature: a small Squire guitar amp, a tabletop radio that would have fit in well in an avocado-and-orange-accented kitchen of yesteryear, an old tube receiver, one of those brass apple sit-pretties that everyone’s grandmother had in their front room, etc. It definitely sets a vibe.
The shelved walls are full of vinyl LPs along with pieces of '60s and '70s nostalgia like amps, record players and tube receivers.
Hank Vaughn
The black cherry bourbon slush was a frozen drink made with bourbon, Coke and black cherry and was about what you’d expect. It cost a not-outrageous $13. There are several nonalcoholic options as well, so we tried the Foxy Lady: zero proof gin, lavender, lemon and blueberry ginger ale. It was fine, and whatever zero-proof gin is, it seemed to do the trick.
Boilermakers, wine and beer are also available, including several draft choices from Union Bear Brewing (part of their parent company). Other libations come in bottles and cans such as Heineken and Shiner Bock and craft selections like Breckenridge and Austin Eastciders.
Our starter was the cacio e pepe fritters, because we’ll always try anything called cacio e pepe. These turned out to be more akin to arancini: fried panko balls of Parm reg and black pepper, sitting atop an ample supply of Calabrian chili sauce and dusted with parsley. Pretty good, with a good bite provided by the chili.
Pizzas are 14-inch hand-stretched Neapolitan-style pies that appear larger than the stated size. They all go for a reasonable $18 including the build-your-own and others with names that reflect the theme: Play that funky music (broccolini, bacon lardons, smoked gouda, ricotta), Bohemian Rhapsody (cremini, tomato, provolone, cherry peppers, spicy pomodoro sauce and crispy onion dust), and others.
We went with the Blues Brothers, which was topped with Luscher’s Italian sausage, house cheese, garlic roasted mushrooms, hot giardiniera and basil on a classic red sauce. A perfect fire-roasted crust with an ample amount of toppings and a flavorful sauce. Crispy and chewy and a perfect thickness. We will definitely be trying more.
Having checked off craft cocktails and pizza, we had to get the chicken, a family recipe that is fried fresh to order and served with two sauces: chipotle hot honey and “green stuff.” We opted for the half-bird priced friendly at $16, and it was great. Crunchy outer, moist inner, easy to determine which part was which, pleasantly presented. The green dipping sauce was reminiscent of Indian chutney and an interesting addition, and the hot honey worked for those who like sweet and spicy. There were leftovers.
Other mains include eggplant parm, pasta, grilled redfish and oven-baked sandwiches, but what really intrigued us but will have to wait for another visit is the lobster thermidor: broiled tails, bechamel, mushroom and brioche stuffing served with compound butter for $42. That could be shared while listening to the B-52s' debut album or something.
No room for dessert, though it’s offered. Herb Alpert & The Tijuana Brass’ “Whipped Cream & Other Delights” would have provided a great soundtrack for such an indulgence, assuming the LP was sitting on one of those shelves. Who are we kidding? Of course they’d have that album.
5864 State Highway 121, No. 106, Plano. Monday – Thursday, 11 a.m. – 11 p.m.; Friday –Saturday, 11 a.m. – midnight; Sunday, 11 a.m. – 10 p.m.
