We’ve all gone to search for local food options on our smart phones. I was staying in North Dallas and the Maple Leaf Diner popped up as an option just a few miles away at Preston Rd. and LBJ (I-635). As I dug a little deeper I realized this little diner had quite a reputation. In fact, this place has been featured on both Food Network and the Travel Channel, it’s Canadian and only 2 miles away? Sold! With that, we hopped in the car and arrived in the rather typical Dallas area shopping plaza.
When we walked in there was a brief wait while they cleared a table. The time was just after 12 noon so we had arrived at the peak of the lunch rush and the place was full. Notably, the host was super friendly. Is he Canadian or did he just get the memo on how nice Canadians are I wondered? Once we were seated the server was also quite friendly herself. A pleasant trend was emerging. I was super excited to see the menu and try something new.
First, the menu had a huge variety. English pot roast in a bonnet or Nonna’s pasta? Then I found the Canadian Classic section and it included Chicken Fried Steak (as featured on Travel Channel’s Food Paradise). I’m always on the hunt for a new and great chicken fried steak. This one was smothered in beef gravy with cheese curds, a poutine! Yes, I had made a decision and couldn’t wait to give it a try. Justin had settled on the flagship chicken sandwich.
The chicken sandwich arrived first. Crowned with a flag of mozzarella sticks and stacked high with bacon, cheddar, tomatoes, peppers, onions and lettuce it was a sight to see. I’ve seen my fair share of cooking competitions and this is a 10 for plating if I’ve ever seen one. Then my chicken fried steak arrived piled on a bed of french fries covered in beef gravy. I’ve grown up a Texan and never had anything quite like this before. All the anticipation was over, it was time to compare the hype to the reality–it was time to eat.
I did grab a quick bite of the chicken sandwich first. Perfectly cooked chicken breast with a crispy coating. Everything was in proportion. The dill sauce, homemade bun and banana peppers all added such depth and flavor to the chicken and veggies. It reminded me of one of those Bloody Marys with a full breakfast skewered to the top and not knowing where to start. It was a fantastic chicken sandwich, arguably of the best ever.
On to the poutine chicken fried steak. Ok, cheesy goodness is always a thing. On my first bite I had to get the cheese curd included. While curds aren’t typically known for their cheese pull I got one on my first bite! Bliss. Now I’ve taught a cooking class on how to make chicken fried steak, after all I am Texan and my California friends needed some help but I’ve never had anything like this before. Cheese & chicken fried steak together, that’s a delectable bite! This had all the beauty of a chicken fried steak and all the lusciousness of cheesy goodness.
I only know a handful of Canadians. Sitting in this place, looking at all the hockey and Canadian memorabilia I couldn’t stop thinking of them. To my friends from the British Columbia area that I met on a Mexican cruise many years ago and to Esther Herbert from Stouffville, Ontario who I met at the Blackeyed Pea restaurant in Arlington, TX, thank you for showing me how amazing Canadians can be! Aside from just an amazing meal with excellent service this place reminded me of you. You are some of the kindest, nicest people I’ve met in my entire life and I’m a better person for having known you!
If you have an opportunity to check this place out, do it! It’s open 7 days a week, 7am to 4pm on Sat. & Sun. and 7am to 2:30pm Mon. – Fri. They’ve been in business since 2015 serving up Candian classics. They’ve racked up significant recognition from a Neighborhood Favorite, Best of Advocate in 2024, Best in DFW People’s Choice Award and 2022 Travelers’ Choice Awards. Located at I-635 and Preston Rd. on the SW corner (www.mldiner.com). It’s worth the drive. Check it out and let me know what you think.
For everyone locally in Dallas, TX. If you would like to be reviewed and featured in the blog plz reach out to me directly @justindennis1@outlook.com.
