Arlington Insider

The folks at The Black Eyed Pea, famous for their home style cooking, are offering Sunday Brunch at two Arlington locations. You can order off the special Brunch Menu or any item off the very popular regular menu.

Sunday Brunch at The Black Eyed Pea
Two locations:
South Arlington (3808 S. Cooper, across from The Parks Mall)
North Arlington (1400 N Collins @ Rd to Six Flags, Lincoln Square)
Brunch Hours: Sundays 10am-2pm
Regular Hours: Mon-Sat, 11am-10pm; Sun 10am-10pm
Phone: South Arlington – (817) 467-9555; North Arlington (817) 275-8973
http://theblackeyedpea.com

I’ll admit that it never occurred to me to put scrambled eggs and pico de gallo on top of a chicken fried steak. But that’s what the Black Eyed Pea has done with its Brunch Menu item called the “Texas Scramble” ($9.99). That’s right. It’s the restaurant’s regular chicken fried steak (including the cream gravy) topped with scrambled eggs and pico de gallo. It comes with a side of brunch potatoes. That was my husband’s choice (of course!).  If you don’t want eggs on your chicken fried steak, just order the item off the regular menu.

Last Sunday I had the Ham/Broccoli/Cheddar Cheese Deep-Dish Quiche ($8.29) which comes with a small side of fruit plus a muffin. I was stuffed about halfway through the meal.

Another interesting Brunch item: Chicken & Waffle ($8.99). This is the Black Eyed Pea’s fried boneless chicken breast (the same as you get when you order chicken-fried chicken) on top of one of the big Belgian waffles. It’s different from what you get at a soul food restaurant; this is a boneless breast instead of the boned chicken wings. Gravy and syrup is served on the side.

The “Brunch Wrap” ($7.99) is a chipotle-flavored tortilla stuffed with eggs, cheese, ham, sausage, back, salsa, and fried potatoes. The Chorizo & Eggs is $7.99 and the price of omelettes depends on which one you order.

If you like waffles, they trick ‘em up pretty good here. There are 4 choices for fancy Belgian Waffles ($6.99): Bananas Foster (topped with sliced bananas, whipped cream, chopped pecans and warm maple syrup); Cinnamon Apple (baked cinnamon apples, whip cream caramel drizzle); Chocolate Lovers (chocolate chips, chocolate drizzle, whip cream); and Red White & Blue (Strawberries, blueberries, whipped cream & warm strawberry syrup).

Yes, you can go with more standard breakfast fare like sausage & biscuits as well as eggs/bacon/sausage/biscuits.

Kids get a good deal at Brunch. The “Texas Waffle” (yes, a waffle that’s shaped like the state of Texas) is $3.49 and topped with either chocolate chips or bananas/pecans (or plain). And depending on if the kid is a boy or a girl, he/she can order the “Cowboy” or “Cowgirl” (same items) for $3.49 which includes bacon, toast, eggs, and orange or banana slices.

Speaking of Kids/Families, I want to mention something about non-Brunch at The Black Eyed Pea’s Arlington locations….

FAMILY ALERT!!!! Kids 12 & under Eat Free on Tuesdays after 5pm (1 free kids meal with every adult entrée purchased). Also, the Kids Meals are one of the best deals in town for families. For only $3.99, you get an entrée, one side (veggies), a drink, and a mini-dessert.

One more thing about the Kids Menu: it’s more than corn dogs or cheese pizza or chicken fingers or grilled cheese (yes, those are available). It’s also regular Black Eyed Pea favorites including: pot roast, grilled chicken breast, turkey dinner, meat loaf, or cheeseburger. It’s rare to find the big-person stuff available on any kids deal, but it’s available here. And the “side” choices are the same as the veggies on the adult menu.

Speaking of veggies, they are fresh. It’s not frozen from a Ziploc bag, then microwaved (you’d be surprised how many chain restaurants really do that).  When I’m on a health kick, I’ll come here and get the “Classic Vegetable Plate” which is 5 choices for $6.99 (or substitute soup or salad for two veggies).

The variety of side dishes include country-cookin’: black eyed peas (duh!), cornbread dressing, friend corn cob, baked squash casserole, glazed carrots, mashed potatoes, sweet kernel corn, broccoli & rice casserole, fried okra, steamed broccoli, green beans, turnip greens, seasoned rice, mac & cheese, red beans & rice, and cinnamon apples.

Weekday lunch specials (Mon-Fri, 11am-2:30pm) are popular because they are so reasonably priced (starts at $5.99) and include the traditional favorites like pot roast, turkey, or meatloaf. Heck, you pay 5 bucks for a combo meal from McDonalds, so why not get something hearty and fresh?

Black Eyed Pea also has Daily Features served Monday through Friday for $7.99 (includes 2 veggies and rolls/cornbread). Here are the special as of mid-June: Monday-traditional shepherd’s pie; Tuesday-smothered steak; Wednesday-chicken pot pie; Thursday-chicken n dumplings (my favorite!); and Friday-fried whitefish.

For those of you who enjoy chicken fried steak, you can get it Texas-sized ($10.99); but allow me to suggest the chicken fried chicken ($8.99). Same good taste, but you feel less guilty because it’s chicken instead of beef. And try asking for the Jalapeno gravy (tastes good but with a little extra kick).

Comfort food is Housemade Meatloaf ($8.59) or the slow-cooked Pot Roast ($9.69). But other selections under “American Classics” include chicken parmesan pasta, turkey breast, Southwest chicken casserole (yes, a good choice), and roasted chicken.

“Texas Combos” allow you to combine two of the following: Half-Rack of Ribs; Grilled Atlantic Salmon, Shrimp Skewer, or Grilled Chicken Breast. The price is $13.99 and includes two sides and rolls/cornbread.

The Combos are the most expensive item on the menu, so that’s saying something when you can get big portions “From the Grill” for that low a price. Black Eyed Pea is also now serving Nolan Ryan’s brand of Top Sirloin Steak (with onion rings, sautéed mushrooms & onions) for $12.99 (includes two sides and rolls/cornbread).

Because so many folks come here before or after Rangers or Cowboys games, there’s a discount. Show your sports ticket stub and get a 20% discount. Also, the North location is so close to Cowboys Stadium, many people park at Lincoln Square Shopping Center and either walk (or take a shuttle) to the stadium. If you purchase a $40 gift card from the Black Eyed Pea, you can park free in their parking lot (that’s a good deal because parking for Cowboys games is $75 at the stadium).

Also, if you have a large group and/or need a place for a private function, the North location has two private dining rooms which can accommodate anywhere from 45-70 people. Call the restaurant directly about reserving a room: (817) 275-8973

Catering is available from both locations as well as takeaway. Yes, delivery of catering is available (minimum $150 purchase). For questions about catering, call the catering manager at 817-371-2283.

Both Arlington locations are easy to find. The South location (3808 S. Cooper) is across the street from The Parks Mall, two blocks north of I-20. Click for Google map: http://maps.google.com/maps?q=3808+South+Cooper+Road+Arlington+TX+76015

The North location (1400 N. Collins) is in Lincoln Square Shopping Center, at the intersection of Collins & Road to Six Flags (one block south of I-30, two blocks from Cowboys Stadium). Click here for Google map link: http://maps.google.com/maps?q=1400+North+Collins+Street++Arlington+TX+76011

If you are an out-of-town visitor to Arlington utilizing the Trolley through the Entertainment District, the Black Eyed Peas north location is on the trolley stop (for Lincoln Square).

If there’s anything I missed (sorry, didn’t have room for dessert), check out their Web site (www.theblackeyedpea.com).