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The party lasts for days, beginning Sunday, February 15 through Fat Tuesday, February 17.

Rockwall, TX - Dodie’s Cajun Diner in Rockwall knows how to do Mardi Gras! Throw on your beads, don a festive mask, and get ready to experience the fun that New Orleans is known for - right here close to home.

New Orleans celebrations last for days, which means at Dodie’s our party does too! We have never-ending food, and drink specials from Sunday, February 15 through Fat Tuesday, February 17 with Gator Bites, King Cake, Hurricanes (the cocktail New Orleans is famous for), and much more!

Mardi Gras Specials:

Sunday, Feb 15 – Monday, Feb 16 – Enjoy the cultural favorites of New Orleans with Gator Bites ($10.99), King Cake and ice cream ($6.99), Hurricanes and Margaritas (just $5.00). PLUS, a Crawfish Special that fits the celebratory vibe – from 5:00pm until close get our special 5# Crawfish and a bucket of beer.

The Big Fat Tuesday Party starts at 2pm and lasts until the clock strikes midnight! Dodie’s is your local place to celebrate FAT TUESDAY! Join us starting at 2:00pm (no cover) for great music, good food, and a carnival of fun. Can’t join us until later? That’s ok because the party goes until close. ($5 cover starts at 5:00pm)

Our Fat Tuesday party includes live music with Griffin and Big Daddy Band, free beads all day, a bead contest, and the best Cajun food and drinks.

Of course, the authentic and flavor-filled food specials continue but we ramp up the drink specials from 6:00pm – 7:00pm with $3.00 Margaritas, Hurricanes, and Miller Lite on tap.

The award-winning Dodie’s Cajun Diner is located at 2067 Summer Lee Drive on the shores of Lake Ray Hubbard in Rockwall offering stunning views of the lake while you dine indoors or outside on the patio. Featuring authentic Cajun favorites and a festive New Orleans vibe, Dodie’s is the place to celebrate with family or friends. Visit us at Dodie’s Cajun Diner or call 972-771-0004 for more information.

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Dallas, TX – Valentines weekend at McRae’s American Bistro & Cocktails makes for a celebration of love, flavor, and casual sophistication. Chef Alejandro has crafted menus especially for the occasion beginning, Friday, February 13 through Sunday, February 15.

Saturday’s three course Prix Fixe dinner menu sets the scene for a cozy and romantic Valentine’s evening. Offered exclusively on Saturday, February 14, your appetizer course begins with Texas Pimento & Gulf Shrimp, Texas Twinkies, or Blueberry & Fig Crostini followed by Love Salad or Lobster Bisque. Dinner entrees include Surf ‘n Turf ($79), Herb Crusted Salmon Oscar ($69), Pear & Strawberry Glazed Pork Chop ($59), and Lemon Caper Chicken ($59).

This memorable culinary experience is perfectly complemented with the addition of a luscious dessert of Chocolate Espresso Cake, Crème Brulee, or Tiramisu ($10 each).

On Friday and Sunday evening, our regular dinner menu includes several select specials - Surf & Turf ($55) or Herb Crusted Salmon Oscar ($39).

Those celebrating during the day will enjoy $5 Mimosas with our weekend lunch Prix Fixe menu ($39/person) featuring many of our favorite chef specials listed above. Lunch is offered Saturday and Sunday beginning at 11:00a.m.

With intimate seating, reservations are highly recommended at McRae’s American Bistro & Cocktails. While walk-ins are welcome when available, advance reservations ensure your table for this special holiday. See our website for the full Valentine’s weekend menu offerings.

McRae’s American Bistro & Cocktails is located at 9913 Garland Road near White Rock Lake and offers an eclectic menu, creative cocktails, and a relaxed yet sophisticated vibe to celebrate your special someone. Reservations can be made online or call 214-792-9944 for more information https://mcraesamericanbistro.com/valentines-day/

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A stroll along the Harbor leads to a special Sweetheart menu.

Treat your special someone to a Cajun-inspired dining experience at Dodie’s on the Harbor in Rockwall.

The prix fixe Sweetheart Menu, offered with dinner service from Wednesday, February 11 through Saturday, February 14, blends several of our favorite authentic recipes, a warm and cozy atmosphere, and waterfront views - making for an unforgettable evening.

Your dinner begins with a shared appetizer of classic Oysters on the Half Shell or Crab Cakes followed by your choice of signature entrees - Blackened 12 0z Ribeye, Redfish Pontchartrain, Lobster Ravioli, or Chicken Caprese. Finally, indulge in a sweet, shared dessert of Chocolate Covered Strawberries.

The Sweetheart Menu is offered for $69.99/couple and, if you choose, you may add a bottle of wine (Chardonnay, Cabernet, or Champaigne for $19.99. Have a favorite dish from Dodie’s - our regular menu will still be available.

Take in the ambiance of lakefront dining with sailboats, sunsets, and special memories with your Valentine. Reservations are highly recommended for our limited-time Sweetheart menu. To reserve your table, please call 972-771-0004 or complete the online reservation form.

Dodie’s Cajun Diner, located at 2067 Summer Lee in The Harbor, is an award-winning destination for authentic Cajun flavors. See the full Valentine’s menu https://dodiesattheharbor.com/valentines-weekend-sweetheart-menu-dodies-rockwall/

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Ring in the New Year at Dodie’s Cajun Diner at The Harbor

Rockwall, TX – Dodie’s Cajun Diner at The Harbor, Rockwall’s lakeside destination for authentic Cajun flavor, invites guests to celebrate New Year’s Eve with New Orleans style! Close out 2025, with a memorable evening as you enjoy a special Prix Fixe menu overlooking Lake Ray Hubbard.

On Wednesday, December 31, Dodie’s will offer three exclusive seatings at 5:00 p.m., 7:00 p.m., and 9:00 p.m. At $25.99 per person, this chef-inspired menu features a selection of favorite Cajun dishes, complemented with a champagne toast to welcome the new year.

The New Year’s Eve menu includes appetizer selections of Crab Cake or Chargrilled oysters (choice), followed by either Dodie’s House Salad or Caesar Salad. Choose from delicious entrées of Almost Crusted Salmon, Chicken Caprese, or Jambalaya Pasta capped off with a rich, sweet Chocolate Hershey Brownie.

Dinner reservations are recommended for this special event and can be made online or by calling 972-771-0004.

The celebration continues into 2026, as Dodie’s popular weekend brunch menu takes the stage.  Available on New Year’s Day from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. guests will enjoy more of their Cajun favorites with special $4 drink offerings (Mimosa, Tequila Sunrise or Bloody Mary).

Whether your festivities surround dinner or brunch, combining bold flavor, waterfront views, and lively New Orleans’ style, Dodie’s creates a memorable backdrop for your New Year’s celebration! Visit https://dodiesattheharbor.com/new-years-eve/ to see the complete menu selections.

Dodie’s is located at 2067 Summer Lee Drive in Rockwall’s Harbor district. Known for their award-winning Cajun dishes, Dodie’s features fresh seafood, signature cocktails, and a vibrant atmosphere for casual dining.

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Rockwall, TX - Rockwall’s home for authentic Cajun food, Dodie’s Cajun Diner, serves a relaxed and flavor-filled Christmas Eve brunch and dinner. Whether gathering with family or friends, a large group or small, Dodie’s has something for every taste and preference – all in a fun and festive setting.

Begin your Christmas Eve celebrations early with Dodie’s regular weekend brunch menu from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Our chef will be serving traditional Southern favorites of Chicken & Waffles or a New Orleans’ style Crab Cake Benedict, along with comforting burgers and more. True to Cajun style, add a Mimosa, Bloody Mary, or Tequila Sunrise for an extra splash in your celebration.

If you prefer something heartier or added kick, order from our regular dinner menu between the hours of 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. Enjoy a hot and spicy bowl of Seafood Gumbo, creamy Shrimp and Grits, classic Jambalaya, or one of our added Christmas Eve specials - Blackened Catfish on greens, Cajun Scramble, or a Holiday Omelet. Whatever you choose, the rich flavor of our Cajun style elevates your celebration!

While you dine, take in the relaxed setting with a view of Lake Ray Hubbard and feel the holiday stress fade away. The work is done so the time to celebrate is now – and Dodie’s is the perfect place to sit back and let your holiday festivities begin!

Dodie’s will be open from 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. on Christmas Eve and reservations are recommended. Make your reservation or review the full menu online  https://dodiesattheharbor.com/christmas-eve-at-dodies-rockwall/

Dodie’s Cajun Diner is located at The Harbor in Rockwall, 2067 Summer Lee. Laissez les bons temp rouler!

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IMG_4463 Dodies Cajun Fried Turkeys Plated Christm

This holiday season, Dodie’s Cajun Diner in Rockwall is making Christmas dinner unforgettable with the plump and juicy flavor of Cajun-fried Turkeys ($89.99 each) and heat-and-eat Cajun feasts that include the bird and all the fixings ($159.99)!

Dodie’s has perfected the art of the Cajun-infused turkey, becoming a staple on many local tables each holiday season. Our fresh, 12 lb. turkeys are brined and injected with our special blend of Cajun seasonings and spices, then fried to perfection. Turkeys are limited so please order soon to dress up your table with Cajun style.

Want even more zest for your holiday feast? Our holiday family packs include the delicious turkey and the mouth-watering extras – garlic and green onion mashed potatoes, green beans amandine, charred bourbon corn, cornbread stuffing, homemade cranberry sauce, French bread, and Dodie’s famous bread pudding! This full holiday spread of delicious Cajun-inspired recipes feeds 6-8 people for just $159.99! 

Got a larger crowd? Add on another turkey or select sides. We even have homemade pies and beverages to go!

All turkeys and feast orders can be picked up now through Christmas Eve at 5:00 p.m. However, to ensure each order is made fresh for you, a 48-hour notice is required for each order. Cajun-fried turkeys are available while supplies last so order soon to ensure your holiday dinner is complete.

Place your holiday order online https://dodiesattheharbor.com/christmas-cajun-fried-turkeys/ and sit back and relax knowing your holiday table delivers on a Cajun-inspired holiday feast.

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Dodie’s Cajun Diner at The Harbor is proud to announce the success of its First Annual Gumbo Cook-Off, where the community came together in true Cajun spirit to raise more than $1,500 for Givingmas, an East Dallas-based nonprofit that walks alongside families as they overcome barriers and build lasting stability.

Held on Sunday, Nov. 9, the flavorful friendly-fire competition featured 17 talented contestants, each bringing their best pot of gumbo to the table. Guests packed Dodie’s dining room and bar, purchasing tasting spoons, raffle tickets, and T-shirts—all contributing to the final donation total.

“From traditional roux-based recipes to bold, creative twists, the entries showcased the full spectrum of what gumbo can be. One entry featured tender duck, while another arrived brimming with crab claws,” said Trevor Keils, Dodie’s General Manager.  “Our judges had a blast tasting their way through such a wide range of flavors.”

Congratulations to the winners:

People’s Choice

1st: Tina Thibodeaux

2nd: Charlie Stephens

3rd: Bryan McCray

 Judges’ Choice

1st: Charlie Stephens

2nd: Everette Turner

3rd: Russell Hyden

The expert judging panel included local individuals with New Orleans roots and a well-known love for Cajun cuisine: Mike McRae, owner of Dodie’s; Dustin Ray; Kayne Pierce; Rick Carroll; Tre Johnson; and Gary Lacey. Their collective experience set the bar high, making this an exciting, competitive, and spirited afternoon. First place for People’s Choice and Judges’ Choice were given cash prizes; second and third places were awarded Dodie’s gift certificates.  

“What stood out most to the judges was the heart and pride poured into every pot. Each contestant brought their own story, their own family touch, and their own version of comfort food to the table,” McRae said.

A formal check presentation from Dodie’s to Givingmas will take place soon.

“Giving back is at the heart of who we are,” said McRae. “This community shows up time and time again, and we’re grateful to everyone who cooked, tasted, donated, judged, and celebrated the spirit of Cajun cooking for a cause that truly matters.”

Dodie’s extends heartfelt thanks to all contestants, volunteers, raffle donors, and community members who came out to enjoy the event, support local families, and keep the spirit of generosity simmering.

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Wednesday, November 19 | 5–10 PM 25% of all dinner food sales donated to Friedreich’s Ataxia Research

At McRae’s, we believe in good food, good company, and good causes — especially when they begin close to home.

When McRae’s owner Mike McRae met Alexis and Richard Penn, longtime guests who shared the story of their daughter Emily, he was deeply moved. Emily was diagnosed with Friedreich’s Ataxia (FA) at 15, which is a rare, progressive neurological condition that affects balance, coordination, and muscle strength. The diagnosis turned their world upside down, but what followed has been nothing short of inspiring.

Instead of retreating, the Penn family stepped forward — choosing to live with purpose, optimism, and grace. Now 32, Emily is married with four children, and her parents have dedicated themselves to helping other families through the Friedreich’s Ataxia Research Alliance (FARA).

Since joining FARA, Alexis has watched remarkable progress unfold. What began as a small grassroots movement in 1998 has grown into a global research network funding more than a dozen clinical trials and supporting the first-ever FDA-approved treatment for FA. About 95% of all funds raised go directly to research, driving innovations in gene therapy, protein restoration, and other promising paths toward a cure.

As Alexis shared, “We fundraise because we know research is advancing. When scientists meet our patients face-to-face, it stops being abstract. That human connection motivates the work.” She added, “We’ve been riding this train for 17 years, and we’re not stopping. I tell Emily, ‘You’re going to see a cure in your lifetime.’”

Moved by their story, McRae’s is proud to host Families for a Cure: McRae’s Evening for a Cause honoring the Penn family and supporting FARA’s life-changing mission.

On Wednesday, November 19, we’ll donate 25% of all dinner food sales to FARA, helping fund research that brings hope to families like the Penns and to every person living with Friedreich’s Ataxia.

Join us for an evening of good food, warm company, and shared purpose to move one step closer to a cure.

Reservations are recommended to ensure your preferred seating time and table. While walk-ins are welcome, we encourage guests to reserve in advance. Make your reservation online at www.mcraesamericanbistro.com or call (214) 792-9944.

Families for a Cure — McRae’s Evening for a Cause

  • Wednesday, November 19
  • Dine-in only | 5–10 PM
  • 25% of all dinner food sales donated to Friedreich’s Ataxia Research
  • Enjoy dining in our cozy atmosphere or outside on our covered & heated patio.
  • No flyer needed — all dine-in dinner guests count toward the donation. Explore our menu: https://mcraesamericanbistro.com/menu/

Location & Contact:

McRae’s American Bistro 9913 Garland Rd, Dallas, TX 75218 (214) 792-9944 www.mcraesamericanbistro.com

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Around here, community means everything. Dodie’s Rockwall has always been more than a place to eat. It’s where friends gather, families celebrate, and neighbors lend a hand. On Tuesday, November 18, we’re inviting our community to join us in supporting a Forney family whose story of faith and strength has touched our hearts.

Emily was diagnosed with Friedreich’s Ataxia (FA) at just 15 years old. FA is a rare, progressive neurological disease that affects balance, coordination, and muscle strength. When doctors shared that Emily would likely need a wheelchair by her early twenties, it was one of those moments that stops time — when life suddenly looks different, yet love and determination grow even stronger. Instead of giving in to fear, Emily and her parents, Alexis and Richard Penn, chose resilience and light.

Now 32 and living near the Forney-Heath area, Emily is married with four children. She lives life fully — cooking, caring for her family, and adapting with remarkable strength and grace. As her mother describes it, “So many people facing disabilities have a choice: to live in darkness or in the light. We’ve always chosen the light.”

Through their involvement with the Friedreich’s Ataxia Research Alliance (FARA), the Penn family has seen extraordinary progress firsthand. What began as a small grassroots organization in 1998 has grown into a powerful research network driving more than 13 clinical trials and the first FDA-approved treatment for FA, released just last year. About 95% of every dollar raised goes directly toward research which includes things like genetic therapy, protein restoration, and other promising paths to a cure.

The Penn's believe strongly in what the community and research can accomplish. “We’ve been riding this train for 17 years, and we’re not stopping,” Alexis said says. “I tell Emily — she’s 32 now — ‘You’re going to see a cure in your lifetime.’” For them, fundraising isn’t just about treatment — it’s about faith in the future and the belief that every small act of kindness brings that future closer.

On Tuesday, November 18, Dodie’s will donate 25% of all dinner food sales to FARA in Emily’s honor, helping to fund ongoing studies and provide hope for families living with FA.

Bring your friends, your family, and your appetite — because every meal makes a difference!

Neighbors for a Cure: Dodie’s Give Back Night

Tuesday, November 18

Dine-in only | 4–10 PM

25% of all dinner food sales donated to Friedreich’s Ataxia Research

No flyer needed — all dine-in dinner guests count toward the donation.

Explore our menu: https://dodiesattheharbor.com/menu/

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Join McRae’s American Bistro & Cocktails for an unforgettable Father’s Day on Sunday, June 15. We are opening early at 10:30am for the celebration so, make plans to honor dad with bold flavors and warm hospitality on his special day.

Cocktails are a signature feature at McRae’s, and you can rest assured an expertly crafted, Elder Fashioned, with Buffalo Trace Bourbon, Elderflower, and Angostura Bitters, will be an added highlight as you toast dad and all he means to you.

Father’s Day Prix Fixe Menu

Begin with a starter of a Buffalo Shrimp & Blue Cheese Polenta or Venison Crostini followed by a second course of Wedge Salad or Shiner Bock & Cheddar Cheese Soup.

Delightful and creative entrees feature Whiskey Glazed Pork Chop ($39), Chicken Fried Chicken with Black Truffle Country Gravy ($39), Surf & Turf ($49), or Mediterranean Branzino ($39).

Save room for a sweet treat with dessert offerings of Espresso Chocolate Mousse Cake or Crème Brulee ($10 each). A kids menu for children 12 years and under is available for $14.

This menu is offered exclusively on Father’s Day (our regular brunch and dinner menu will not be offered) so make the most of the day and give Dad a savory culinary experience he will remember.

Whether you dine in our cozy dining room or outdoors on our comfortable patio, McRae’s offers an upscale dining experience in a relaxed, casual setting. Seating is limited and reservations are highly recommended. See the full Father’s Day menu and make your reservations online at McRaesAmericanBistro.com or call us at 214-792-9944.