Two more entries in the foodie sweepstakes at the '08 Dallas conference:

Downtown at 600 N Akard is Dakota's Steakhouse. New American cuisine is served in this underground oasis with a waterfall on the patio. Find it connected to the Fairmont Hotel via a tunnel. One diner described it as "a shangri-la experience." 214-740-4001.

Another Greenville Avenue foreign country dining adventure is Royal Thai at 5500 Greenville Avenue, just above Lover's Lane, a taxi ride from conference hotels. Very reasonable prices and a luscious atmosphere contribute to an evening's pleasure. The wait staff is dressed in shimmering Thai silk gowns,and the decor includes intricately carved screens and brocaded chairs. The menu lists such things as tulip dumplings, swimming angels (chicken breast with shrimp filling over sauteed spinach), golden sacks (fried rice wrappers of minced chicken), and a four-alarm calamari for those who appreciate plenty of spicy heat. 214-691-3555.

Be sure to call for reservations and further information at any of these establishments