Updated: 08/17/2021
The Plano Balloon Festival may be taking the year off, but there’s still plenty of fun on the menu this September. That’s because restaurants across Plano will be transporting the tastebuds with “flights” of another kind. For the entire month, consumers can indulge in a variety of themed food and drink samplers perfect for sharing and priced to entice.
It’s all part of a new program called “Plano Up, Up and Away Days: September Soars with Festive Food and Drink Flights.” Destined to become a tradition in its own right, the initiative challenges local chefs and mixologists to showcase their own flights of fancy. “Balloons or no balloons, our talented food and beverage community have gotten into the spirit of the Festival to offer consumers a fun and flavorful new pursuit. It’s a win-win for everyone,” said Mark Thompson, Director of Visit Plano.
From artisan cheeses to a trio of delicious deep fried appetizers to gourmet S’mores and small batch bourbon, everyone is sure to find a flight to their liking. Below is just a sampling of Plano restaurants participating in “Up, Up and Away Days.”
find your flight
Savory flights
Campisi’s: trio of pasta (ravioli, lasagna, spaghetti and meatballs) — $11.50 lunch; $15.50 dinner
Cru Wine Bar: Around the World or Chef’s American Pick artisan cheese flights, each featuring three cheeses served with rustic bread, fruits, honey comb and fig jam — $18 each
Dock Local at Legacy Hall: Mini trio rolls (lobster, shrimp, and crab) — $20.99
Flying Fish: “Hog Wallow” fried seafood sampler for two: 2 catfish fillets, 4 shrimp and 6 oysters, plus hush puppies, fries and slaw — $28.00
Love & War in Texas: “Waltz Across Texas” appetizer flight featuring wild boar quesadillas, smoked chicken flautas, fried green beans and Palo Duro Popcorn with guacamole, smoky ranch and pico de gallo — $16.99
Mexican Bar Company: Ceviche samplers for 2 or 3 people; choose your two or three favorites from camaron, campechano, vegan, and aguachile. — $15-$19
Rockfish: Rockfish sampler flight of volcano shrimp, three cheese spinach dip and two “bombs” — $13.75 and “Bourbon Street Trio” of crawfish etouffee, shrimp and grits, catfish, red beans and rice — $18.75
Son of a Butcher at Legacy Hall: 3 Wagyu beef sliders of choice (meat- and gluten-free options also available) — $11.50
Urban Rio: appetizer flight of three assorted tacos — $10
Vickery Park: “Picnic plate” — battered jalapeno caps, pickle chips, and onion tabs deep fried and served with a jalapeno ranch dip — $9
sweet flights
Goat & Vine: “Pick 3” of the restaurant’s handheld desserts (milk or white chocolate covered strawberries and milk or white chocolate cake pops; additional seasonal flavors also available) — $10
Mallow Box at Legacy Hall: Mini S’mores flight featuring three different gourmet marshmallow flavors and toppings — $9.95
Milky Treats: flight “board” with scoops of the store’s eight most popular flavors (including Unicorn Brownie, Salty Toffee and Choco-lit Coma); or choose your own — $20
Urban Crust: flight of three different flavors of house made gelato — $10
drink flights
High Bar at Legacy Hall: flight of Unlawful Assembly beers brewed on site, four 4 oz. pours — $7
Love & War in Texas: Shiner beer flight (four 4-oz. pours) — $6.50
Mexican Sugar: Margarita flight – Machete, Hibiscus and Classico — $20
Prim & Proper inside Neighborhood Goods: flight of 4 drinks (2 oz each) – Airmail (Smith & Cross Rum, Lime, Honey, Sparkling Wine), Aviation (Gray Whale Gin, Lemon, Crème de Violette, Luxardo), Paper Plane (Uncle Nearest Whiskey, Aperol, Nonino, Lemon), Flying Scotsman (Glenlivet Scotch, Sweet Vermouth, Bitters) — $22
Whiskey Cake: Bourbon flight featuring Old Forester, Elijah Craig Small Batch, Woodford Reserve, and 1792 Small Batch — $16
For more Plano dining inspiration, discover these unique dining experiences and complete Plano dining list.
