As previously announced, Harwood Hospitality Group will open an upscale Japanese-inspired vibe dining restaurant inside Harwood No. 14 this summer called Docent Steak & Lounge. This marks the 21st concept in the Harwood District, elevating Harwood’s already robust culinary offerings as its most luxury restaurant concept to date.
Set to redefine the culinary landscape in the heart of Dallas, Docent invites guests to embark on a journey of unparalleled dining and artistry while celebrating the rich heritage of the Samurai. The menu will feature HWD beef, which comes from Harwood’s exclusive prime-graded Akaushi wagyu cattle, as well as an extensive selection of Kobe beef. Docent will also showcase a sushi bar and other Japanese-inspired accouterments to pair with the extensive wine and sake selection.
“Docent will blend Japanese fusion and the timeless essence of a classic steakhouse,” Vice President of Culinary for Harwood Hospitality Taylor Kearney said. “Acknowledging Texas’ deep-rooted passion for beef, Docent will honor tradition by presenting iconic Texas-style cuts, like a 40 oz. long bone cowboy ribeye, alongside an expansive selection of exquisite seafood and diverse offerings to satisfy every palate.”
The restaurant’s moniker, Docent, is the name for an art gallery guide alluding to the world-class art pieces that will be integrated into the design. The two-story restaurant will provide guests a museum-like experience, displaying nearly 100 pieces from The Ann & Gabriel Barbier-Mueller Museum: The Samurai Collection, the only museum in the United States dedicated to samurai art and armor, and one of the largest in the world. Located just three blocks from the restaurant, guests will be able to dine amidst priceless art and artifacts while being guided through an otherworldly celebration of exceptional food.
The samurai artifacts found within Docent reflect three centuries of Japanese culture and history. The samurai were the warrior class of medieval and premodern Japan, controlling the country’s military and government from 1185 to 1868. Early samurai were archers who fought on horseback so it’s only fitting a fully armored horse and rider, along with two other samurai in period armor, occupy the entrance to the restaurant. Another three retainers wearing sumptuous Edo period (1615-1868) armor dominate the dining and bar area surrounded by dynamic samurai helmets and textiles, sculpture and even a menacing iron horse mask.
The upper level of the restaurant features high contrast blacks and charcoals with rush reds, golds and copper, drawing inspiration from the Samurai armor and theatrical environment. The lower level will have a similar color palette mixed with rich reds to create a sultry energy with a live DJ, sushi bar and vibe dining environment, which is all divided by large cases of artifacts. The floating silk textiles and a “forest” of samurai spears will create translucent partitions that run the length of the room. An additional armored samurai and large-scale gold folding screen finish off the space and exude the might, power and beauty of the samurai culture. The entire restaurant will provide a warm sophisticated atmosphere where guests can indulge in the finest cuts of meat and the most exquisite wines and sakes.
The official opening date will be announced soon. For more information and to inquire about private events, please visit DocentSteak.com, and follow @DocentSteak on Instagram for updates and glimpses of the restaurant.
Harwood Hospitality is currently filling a variety of positions for Docent Steak & Lounge. For more information on hiring, visit harwoodhospitality.com. To stay up to date with Harwood Hospitality, follow @HarwoodHospitality on Instagram or sign up for the newsletter by visiting harwoodhospitality.com.
| About Harwood HospitalityHarwood Hospitality Group is one of the fastest-growing divisions of the global real estate firm, Harwood International. With unending curiosity, well-traveled experience, an eye for design, and a relentless passion for discovery, Harwood Hospitality Group delivers an escape from the ordinary through its growing collection of concepts in the walkable, 19-city block Harwood District of Dallas. Harwood Hospitality Group’s growing portfolio features catering and several District destinations: Dolce Riviera, Elephant East, Happiest Hour, Harwood Arms, Magnolias: Sous Le Pont, Marie Gabrielle Restaurant and Gardens, Mercat Bistro, Poco Fiasco, Saint Ann Restaurant & Bar, Te Deseo, Tequila Social and Fig & Favor. Newest to the portfolio is Hotel Swexan which is home to Stillwell’s, Leonie’s, Isabelle’s and Babou’s. For more information, visit harwoodhospitality.com. |
