Bistro 31 to Open in Highland Park Village

by Crave Staff

Realizing a longtime desire, legendary Dallas restaurateur Alberto Lombardi will open his first eatery in the city’s venerable Highland Park Village. Mr. Lombardi opened his first Dallas restaurant in 1977 and now operates eleven restaurants in Dallas, Fort Worth, Austin and Las Vegas. His successful concepts include Taverna Pizzerias, Café Toulouse, Penne Pomodoro, Cibus Ristorante, La Fiorentina and Sangria Tapas y Bar.

At approximately 2,100 square feet, Lombardi’s newest spot, BISTRO 31, is scheduled to open in late August 2011 and will be located near the Village’s central fountain courtyard. Inside, the restaurant will seat forty-five guests and a newly designed outside patio will seat thirty. 

Helming the kitchen will be Chef Eric Brandt who joins Lombardi after six years as Executive Sous Chef at The Rosewood Mansion on Turtle Creek. Chef Brandt previously worked at The Ritz Carlton Georgetown.

The menu will specialize in Mediterranean cuisine with French, Italian and Spanish influences. Bistro 31 will serve breakfast, lunch and dinner. Chef Brandt is creating a menu tilted toward light and fresh meals utilizing seasonal ingredients. The entire menu will change with the seasons.

Bistro 31’s urban casual environment has been designed by Ron Guest who is drawing inspiration from the salons and sidewalk cafes of the French Riviera. The interior of Bistro 31 captures a sense of the past with great enthusiasm for what’s modern. Think French-buff, low-lustre Venetian plaster walls; white oak herringbone flooring; steel windows and doors and an exposed beam ceiling. The stand-up coffee bar has been designed in an

Art Deco style with exotic wood veneers and a classic Portoro marble top. Custom designed settees are upholstered in lush, milk-colored leather and Epingle stripe by Paul Smith. Dining chairs are upholstered in caramel leather and the walls will feature contemporary art by local artists. Casting a warm glow throughout, will be two custom Murano chandeliers made in the 1950’s ballaton style. The center courtyard will offer al fresco dining with a lush landscaped garden, marble-topped tables and traditional woven bistro chairs, all covered with a retractable awning.