by Steven Doyle
Gemma opened up just one year ago the day after Christmas and has fast become one of my favorite restaurants in the Dallas area. The clean, well rounded menu is always seasonal, always interesting, with some bold flavors done simply delicious.
One of my happy go-to appetizers is this roasted baby artichoke dish that is served with wild arugula, poached farm egg, and a Provençal vinaigrette. I have made a quick meal of this dish with a few oysters paired up with one of the by-the-glass sparkling wines for a perfect repast.
sweetbreads served with whole grain mustard and frisee
Gemma has also come out with a new late night menu that features $2 oysters from 10:30pm to 1am. Yes, they are open conveniently late for your dining pleasure. What a fantastic escape from the hohum late night taco binge. Check out the duck fried rice which makes for a good après-bar snack, as are the sweeetbreads that are enormous and delicate all at once. And a rabbit papperdelle at midnight? Why not, I ask.
Check in to Gemma late night where it is much easier to snag a table, or belly up to the bar without those pesky reservations that most nights are certainly recommended.
