by Steven Doyle
It was just a few weeks ago that craveDFW announced that Joel Harloff was taking leave of Second Floor in the Dallas Westin Galleria. The press release delivered was a bit mysterious on the chef’s departure, but today I learned that Harloff has accepted the executive chef position at Ocho Kitchen and Cocktails.
Ocho took a beating from Dallas Morning News critic Leslie Brenner but I had a very dissimilar experience at the newish restaurant that spins on Santa Fe style Mexican dishes. Having spent plenty of time in the region I think Ocho does a fine job delivering the taste and feel of this specialized cuisine.
I look forward to seeing what Harloff does to the menu.
Update: It was finally announced via a press release today making this all official like, we suppose. Read on what Ocho has to say about nabbing Harloff:
Harloff will be executing new lunch and dinner menus with a focus on healthy seasonal Latin fare including fresh seafood, wild game and southwestern flavors. Owners have listened to the community and are engaging accordingly with an exciting new spring menu that will launch in March.Chef Harloff will focus on creating fresh, local and inventive daily features. He will also introduce wine pairing menus and wine and tequila dinners in the spring.Keeping an open-minded and flavorful approach to cooking allows Haloff to master different cuisines flawlessly. With thirteen years as an active chef in Dallas and numerous awards under his belt, Chef Harloff takes his profession to heart.“Dallas is an awesome city to work in as a chef. I have been involved in many facets of the hospitality industry and to put smiles on the faces of my customers with food is a pleasure and passion.”
