The Village Dallas is announcing today that Chef Nilton “Junior” Borges is becoming executive chef and vice president of culinary for a new development that will include 12 restaurant concepts located within The Village’s new entertainment district, a 34-acre mixed-use lifestyle project. The Village is a 300-acre collection of apartment communities that began a half-century ago in northeast Dallas located near the Park Cities and North Park Center. Chef Borges will be leading a team of chefs in his new role, overseeing multiple restaurant openings in the spring of 2020.
A notable figure on the Dallas dining scene, the Brazilian-born chef developed his skills in several of New York’s best kitchens before moving to Dallas in 2014. His stellar career includes a rare five-star review from Leslie Brenner in 2016 as the opening chef at Uchi Dallas. He has also served as executive chef of FT33 and The Joule, where he oversaw all six of its dining establishments.
“I am excited to be a part of The Village,” said chef Borges. “I plan to serve the surrounding neighborhoods of The Village and guests from throughout the DFW metroplex at these new restaurants, which will offer dining experiences perfect for both special occasions and weekly meals.”
Chef Borges has noteworthy culinary creativity with the ability to harmonize, enhance and build out the flavor of his dishes. His commitment to sourcing from area farmers and ranchers will shine at these restaurants, which are situated among tall live oaks in one of Dallas’ long-standing residential communities. Additional announcements are to come regarding details of the 12 new restaurants.
“Chef Borges came up as someone who would be an excellent culinary leader for The Village’s new entertainment district in every conversation I had with many of the top chefs in Dallas as we were searching for someone to fill this role,” said Larry Spelts, president of Village Hospitality. “His experience in great destination restaurants combined with his multi-outlet experience at The Joule have prepared him to lead our culinary team to execute at a high-level. We are excited for what is to come for him and for the future of The Village’s new lifestyle experience.”
About Chef Junior Borges:
Chef Borges finds his happy place while walking local markets and visiting regional ranches. One may find him speaking with local purveyors, developing relationships with various producers, and passionately focused upon finding the perfect ingredient. Chef Borges began his culinary career growing up in Brazil and perfected his skills in New York City with chefs Tom Colicchio, Missy Robbins and others. Since coming to Texas in 2014, he has brought that dedication to ingredients opening Uchi in Dallas as chef de cuisine and as executive chef of The Joule’s six food and beverage outlets overseeing culinary direction for Americano, CBD Provisions, Mirador, Weekend Coffee, Midnight Rambler, and The Lobby Bar, as well as managing on-site and off-site catering and in-room dining. Today, chef Borges leads a team of chefs in his role as vice president of culinary at The Village, which will see multiple restaurant openings in early spring of 2020.
