Toulouse Opens at Legacy West Plano

Story and photography by Kimberly Stephens

I’m back at Legacy West in Plano and if you can’t tell, I’m loving this area so full of life, high-end retail shopping, and fantastic (and endlessly growing) dining options. Lombardi Family Concepts (who are also the owners of Taverna and Bistro 31, to name a few) have recently opened a second  DFW location of Toulouse Cafe right here at Legacy West.  If you haven’t made it to France just yet, you can enjoy a small taste of it right here in Plano, Texas. 

Toulouse has been open for two months, and I before I dive into what I had for dinner, I wanted to take a few moments to talk about the aesthetics of this new space. Toulouse displays a classical French interior with a stunning bar top studded with rich purple armchairs that will make you feel like true royalty. Pictures truly doesn’t do this place justice, you have to go in and see it for yourself. 

To begin our dining experience I chose the Mussels Marinéres and the Oysters Rockefeller. I must say that the mussels were superb. With plump and juicy mussels swimming in a broth of garlic, white wine, and butter, the mussels were seasoned quite well, and softly melted in your mouth. The Oysters were baked in a pretty classic Rockefeller style with spinach, Pernod, a touch of bacon and Parmesan. 

Don't you think for a second that I forgot to order cocktails. I’m a sweet drinker, so I chose the Grapefruit Collins and the Rita Royale. Both drinks were refreshing, smooth and a sophisticated choice, if I do say so myself. The Grapefruit Collins is made with smooth Belvedere vodka, lemon, and grapefruit soda and was not overwhelming in bitterness to my surprise. The Rita Royale reminded me of a margarita which is always a good thing in my book. Made with El Jimador tequila and Combier fruits rogues liqueur this is a drink that will definitely sneak up on you if you're not careful.

One entree in particular was the absolute highlight of the night: The Colorado Lamb Chops. You might be thinking, "I would never pick the lamb entree" because often times if you’re not a fan of earthy flavors you might shy away, but these lamb chops paired so well with the currant and goat cheese bread pudding. The combination of the two allow you to embrace the flavor of the lamb and compliment each other perfectly. The lamb chops were perfectly executed -  baked and then seared to a medium rare which formed a perfect layer of crust. 

90% of the time, if I see a short rib entree, I will always pick this for my meal. Toulouse has a 48 hour short rib entree with celery root puree, roasted vegetable and demi campignon that is also a great option to please the taste buds.  

For dessert, the Mousse au Chocolat Dacquoise was a show stealer with the perfect symphony of a burgundy reduction, creme fraiche ice cream and luxardo cherries that I simply couldn’t get enough of. 

Toulouse is also coming through for us with brunch being served on Saturday and Sunday from 11am-2pm and happy hour Monday through Friday from 3-6pm. 

P.S. In the near future Kai, a new Japanese fusion restaurant will be opened directly upstairs from Toulouse which will serve for those who like to stay out later than usual for a nightcap at a rooftop facility. I can’t wait for this to open! 

Thank you to Jordan who was our wonderful server and Ricardo for the hospitality! 

Toulouse Cafe Plano is open:

Monday – Friday 

Lunch: 11am – 4 pm

Sunday – Thursday 

Dinner: 4pm – 10pm

Friday – Saturaday 

Dinner: 4pm – 11pm

Saturday – Sunday 

Brunch: 10am – 3pm

Toulouse - Legacy West

7301 Windrose Ave suite C150

 Plano, TX 75024

West Side Gimlet- Ford’s gin, lime, cucumber, mint, agave soda         

souffle- Grand Marnier bitter orange ice cream, almond crumbles