Category Archives: Melissa Robert

by | April 24, 2013 · 10:02 am

Barlow Wines And The Second Floor Bistro: A Perfect Pairing

barlow1by Melissa Robert

As spring in Texas refuses to make a choice between the chill of winter and the warmth of summer, now is the perfect time to gather with friends to discover new wines and enjoy an excellent meal. Last night I was fortunate to do both at the private dining room, Prive, located next to The Second Floor Bistro inside the Westin Galleria Dallas. Chefs Scott Gottlich and Daniel Tarasevich brought in Barr Smith of Barlow Vineyard for a memorable dinner and wine experience comprised of four courses and four featured Barlow wines.

If you haven’t seen the Prive space yet, it’s beautifully appointed. From the chic hanging lighting fixtures, which I’d love to have one or two of, to the elegant high back white leather chairs, this private dining room was the ideal location for the evening. As guests arrived, they were greeted with a glass of Spanish cava and an affable hello from Gina Gottlich, sommelier to both Bijoux and The Second Floor Bistro. Eager food and wine lovers chatted around the sleek bar area and absorbed the ambiance of smiling faces and aromas beginning to waft in from the kitchen; an enticing menu awaited diners at their seats.    Continue reading →

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by | April 2, 2013 · 10:38 am

Marquee Grill’s Lunch Menu Delivers Big

SONY DSCby Melissa Robert

When choosing where to meet a friend for lunch in Dallas, you have what is commonly referred to as a “first world problem.” There are many, many great choices. Sure, there’s Hopdoddy with a line wrapped around the building, or one of the new exciting food trucks that has recently debuted on the Dallas food scene. But, if the weather isn’t so great and you forgot the website where you track down the food truck closest to you, do yourself a favor and check out the tasty lunch menu at Marquee Grill. Situated in Highland Park Village, Chef Andre Natera has forged a lunch menu that no friend would pass up meeting with you to try.      Continue reading →

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by | January 28, 2013 · 1:02 pm

Tesar: Clean And Balanced

AZDSC00943by Melissa Robert    photos by Joey Stewart

Even on a Tuesday night, Spoon Bar and Kitchen is packed with patrons enjoying one of the most anticipated restaurants to open in Dallas last year. The sustainable seafood eatery in Preston Center has the perfect location to compliment the intimate dining experience you’ll feel once you are seated. The lights are dim, the pale aqua tones of the interior are calming and the bar is surprisingly large for the space. Ipads are distributed to assist diners in navigating the wine list but the staff is great at providing suggestions to anyone that is on the fence.

The dining room seats about 60 and I’m quite sure I had the best seat in the house, the bar top facing the kitchen. The Spoon kitchen operates seamlessly. John Tesar, Executive Chef, is nothing short of a conductor leading his orchestra to a symphony of plated perfection. The menu reminds me of being in a candy store as a child; there are enticing items I’ve never had before and I want to try everything.          Continue reading →

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by | December 11, 2012 · 9:24 am

Meso Maya Will Have You Saying, “Masa Por Favor”

DSCF0304by Melissa Robert

Mexican food can mean something different to everyone here in North Texas. Don’t worry, I’m far too fearful of the comments that would ensue if I spent anytime discussing the differences between “Mexican food” and Tex-Mex, so we’ll save that for another day. It seems that we all have a different way to judge the quality of Mexican food. I’d like to say I am able to tell pretty quickly how I’ll get along with a new spot by their salsa, while others claim it’s the house margarita or even the enchiladas that set the tone. If you score a table at Meso Maya in the near future get ready to taste Mexican food differently, the Southern Mexican cuisine is a welcomed addition to the McKinney Avenue landscape.   Continue reading →

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by | December 6, 2012 · 3:44 pm

Gin Mill Celebrates the Repeal of Prohibition with a Winter Beer Dinner

gin millby Melissa Robert

With over 100 chairs filled with anxious patrons, The Gin Mill threw quite a dinner to help locals revel in their food and beer loving ways. The true guests of honor would have to be Franconia and Stone; breweries that is. I was lucky enough to be directed to one of the last parking spots by none other than owner, Peter Kenny. When we got a chance to chat inside, he was excited to be commemorating the one year mark for The Gin Mill, located on Henderson Avenue. Kenny, who also owns Capitol Pub and The Dubliner, has added reason to celebrate given the successful run of 5 and 18 years respectively. Continue reading →

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by | December 3, 2012 · 1:56 pm

Dollar Oyster Domination; Sunday Nights at TJ’s

DSC04178by Melissa Robert

Ripped straight from TJ’s Fresh Seafood Market’s Sunday night Facebook post, dollar oyster domination kicked off last night to a full house. The discounts on oysters and fish tacos began at 8:30, but many arrived early, creating a buzz of excitement amidst the seafood enthusiasts. The mix of oysters included Blue Point, Barnstables and owner, Jon Alexis’ favorite, Fisher’s Island. He relayed how thankful he is to have them here since most are gobbled up by big name restaurants in the North East. He raved about the clean, sweet and briny notes of the Fisher’s Island oyster.    Continue reading →

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