North Dallas diners have a fresh culinary destination to savor sophisticated sips and shareable bites. Palate, an intimate venue where connection and the joy of shared experiences take center stage, is now open at 17390 Preston Road, Suite 246, in Dallas.
Behind this welcoming bistro are Tom Burt and Christopher White, whose journey to create Palate feels serendipitous. Inspired by their nearby gift and home décor store, Lekka Retail Concepts, the pair envisioned a space that could bring people together over exceptional food and drink. After relocating their store to Preston Trails shopping center in 2023, they collaborated with their landlord to transform the idea into reality. A customer, Roger Pavlovich, offered his expertise for the design and buildout, while others introduced them to their executive chef, Eddie Ledesma-Porter, and general manager, Zach Zielke.
“It was as if everything aligned perfectly,” Burt reflects.
Despite having no prior restaurant experience, Burt and White brought a clear vision for Palate: a gathering place for neighbors and friends.
“We wanted a spot where we could host friends, but also where people could forge new connections,” Burt explains.
Burt, whose career includes human resources roles at Children’s Health, and White, a retail veteran with companies like Macy’s, Saks Fifth Avenue, and JCPenney, channeled their professional expertise into crafting a welcoming atmosphere. The pair’s connection to the arts community, nurtured through their work at Lekka, also shines through at Palate.
The restaurant’s name evokes both the culinary palate and the artistic palette, reflecting its dual inspirations. Inside, walls adorned with local art—available for purchase—create a gallery-like ambiance. Eclectic hand-blown glass chandeliers lend a warm glow, while a cluster of Ginkgo trees and a “wishing well” for wine corks add playful, thoughtful touches.
A Culinary Star at the Helm
Chef Eddie Ledesma-Porter, a Culinary Institute of America graduate and certified sommelier, brought the concept to life with a menu that celebrates communal dining. With a résumé that includes Ritz-Carlton and Cameron Mitchell Restaurants, Ledesma-Porter blends fine-dining sophistication with a laid-back, social vibe.
“Food is meant to be shared,” Ledesma-Porter says. “Our menu is designed to bring people together over great flavors.”
The menu spans Mediterranean-inspired bites like rustico meatballs, Tuscan hummus, and patatas bravas, alongside wine-country staples such as duck confit sliders, citrus-marinated olives, and whipped goat cheese. Flatbreads showcase bold flavors, including a savory sausage and sage option and a pork al pastor with ancho tomato sauce, caramelized onion, and lime crema.
For lighter fare, the menu features standout salads like the signature house salad with caramel-spiced walnuts, goat cheese, tart apple, and Champagne vinaigrette, alongside the Sirtaki Greek salad, a nod to the region’s iconic dance. Soups like chicken tomatillo and creamy vegan cauliflower cashew are also crowd-pleasers.
Desserts include a rotating selection and the inventive Palate cookie box, perfect for enjoying in the restaurant or at home.
“For those moments when dessert feels like an afterthought, it’s lovely to have a treat waiting for you later,” White adds.
The menu is thoughtfully inclusive, offering options for gluten-sensitive, vegetarian, and vegan diners.
Wine plays a starring role at Palate, with Chef Ledesma-Porter curating a diverse selection that complements the menu. Highlights include the elegant Pierre Sparr Cremant, the nuanced Argyle Bloom House Pinot Noir, and a remarkable Châteauneuf-du-Pape priced under $100 per bottle.
“Every bottle tells a story, just like every dish,” Ledesma-Porter shares. “We aim to craft both with care and love.”
Palate is open from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Wednesdays and Thursdays, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, and 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sundays. Closed on Mondays and Tuesdays, the venue offers reservations at PalatebyLRC.com.
Palate by LRC 17390 Preston Rd. 972-863-8182
