One of the best kept secrets in Dallas restaurants is Tucker. It’s at 3113 Ross Avenue, 214-389-1313. Just east of Central Expressway on Ross.

Eclectic, fantastic food, with a simple but terrific menu. Very club-like ambiance. Adult happy hour from 4 to 6:30 p.m. Tuesday through Friday. (No jello shots here!) Definite front runner for a nice business lunch as well.

Every Thursday they have $2 martinis and $2 wine, with free appetizers, live music and a featured drink special by Aussie chef Andrew Ormsby, who co-owns and operate tucker with his wife Jo.

This is an interesting place divided into four separate areas. The main dining area, the restaurant described above. The patio, with mist machines. The kitchen, where a small catered group can dine amongst the chefs. And lastly, Victoria Hall, a splendidly restored, wood-floored, high-raftered site for receptions, Christmas gatherings, engagement parties.

Plenty of on-site valet parking. Reasonably priced, but a “grown-up” restaurant nonetheless.

Check it out at www.ormsbycatering.com. Check it out, there really isn’t anything else in Dallas like it.