Q de Cheval Turns Up the Flames in Addison

by Steven Doyle

The Grand Kempinski Hotel Dallas, formerly The Registry Hotel located in its Addison digs just off Beltline at Dallas Parkway has been through several transitions over the years. What once was a very stylish hotel tucked away in North Dallas stylized with hand-cut 18th century Italian crystal chandeliers, a smattering of grand ballrooms that hosted more than a few fetes, the Malachite Showroom that brought to Dallas interesting Vegas-style lounge acts, and of course who could forget Kempi’s, the underground labyrinth of a club that has since closed but speaks of a come back.

Time has settled on the property and more recently enjoyed a invigorating renovation under the Intercontinental Hotel reign that includes room upgrades and a revamp of the grand lobby area that includes the large bar Q. Gone is the old school Monte Carlo restaurant which served its fare share of steak dinners and Sunday brunches. Enter the Q de Cheval, the younger and more svelte cousin to the old school restaurant that has recently opened serve playful Texas cuisine to passing tourists and locals alike. 

Duck Quesadillas

In a section of the city that has succumbed to many national restaurant chains with few exceptions, two being the highly recommended Chamberlain’s Steak and Chop House and Chamberlain’s Fish Market, the restaurant scene in Addison has fallen short in recent years.

Q de Cheval gives the local restaurant enthusiast a choice without having to venture southbound for the evening to visit the many heavy hitters in Uptown or Downtown Dallas.

In the past few months a search ensued for a chef that could take Q de Cheval and create a food atmosphere to match the new multi-million dollar renovations. This is where chef Rex Turner comes in the story. You might remember him working as Chef D’Cuisine at Nick and Sam’s Steakhouse or possibly Villa O in Uptown Dallas.

Chicken Fried Maine Lobster

“I wanted to use some of the flavors of the Southwest without actually taking on a Southwest theme. There are some playful things on the menu I created. The Chicken Fried Maine Lobster is one of these. I felt if we were going to do Texas cuisine we needed a chicken fried steak. I was vetoed. But everyone loves the fried lobster, “ grinned chef Turner.

After sampling some of the dishes we think Turner is on to something. And living closer to Addison than Uptown I can see this being a fantastic option for any meal. 

Prime New York Strip with Gristmill Farms Blue Cheese Grits

A selection of desserts including a heavenly Tres Leches