Dallas is a city with a fantastic cultural scene, where art, music, and theater come alive. And what better way to enjoy an evening of live performance than with a delicious, meticulously crafted meal beforehand? Enter Fearing’s Restaurant at The Ritz-Carlton, Dallas—where guests can now indulge in a specially curated Pre-Show Menu that perfectly blends the sophistication of fine dining with the efficiency of pre-theater dining.
Available daily at 5:30 p.m., the Pre-Show Menu at Fearing’s is a thoughtfully designed prix-fixe dining experience tailored specifically for those looking to enjoy a great meal without missing a moment of the show. Whether you’re catching a Broadway hit at the Dallas Theater Center or a performance at the Winspear Opera House, this new offering provides a seamless dining experience that ensures you leave the restaurant feeling satisfied and ready for the curtain to rise. The menu is the epitome of both luxury and convenience—allowing you to indulge in the bold, unique flavors of renowned Chef Dean Fearing without feeling rushed.
Chef Dean Fearing is often referred to as the “father of Southwestern cuisine,” and his culinary artistry is synonymous with bold flavors, innovative techniques, and an unwavering commitment to showcasing the best of Texas’ local ingredients. Fearing’s Restaurant at The Ritz-Carlton has long been one of Dallas’ premier fine dining destinations, known for its meticulously crafted dishes and elegant ambiance. With the introduction of the Pre-Show Menu, Fearing and his team are now offering a dining experience that perfectly complements the fast-paced nature of the city’s vibrant theater scene.
This $79 prix-fixe menu is designed with the theater-goer in mind: high-end, flavorful dishes that can be enjoyed in a timely fashion, ensuring guests can savor every bite while also making sure they won’t miss the opening act.
The Pre-Show Menu: A Symphony of Flavors
The beauty of this menu lies in its ability to deliver a full-course, luxurious dining experience in just the right amount of time. You’ll find a perfect balance of fresh, local ingredients and Chef Fearing’s signature bold flavors that evoke the essence of Southwestern cuisine with each dish. Here’s a closer look at the standout offerings:
The menu begins with a choice of starter, each offering a distinct introduction to Chef Fearing’s culinary vision:
- Dean’s Tortilla Soup
This signature dish is an absolute showstopper and a beloved classic at Fearing’s. With its comforting broth and a medley of South of the Border flavors, it’s an unforgettable blend of smoky, spicy, and savory. The soup is made with a house-made stock and features a mixture of fresh ingredients, like tomatoes, peppers, and a rich, smoky broth, perfect for getting your taste buds primed for the next courses. Served with warm and crispy tortilla strips, this soup is both hearty and full of zest, encapsulating the essence of Southwestern cuisine.
Main Course: Bold, Balanced, and Unexpectedly Elegant
Next, diners are treated to a choice of entrée that brings together the finest ingredients with Chef Fearing’s signature style. Each dish offers a delightful play of flavors and textures, showcasing the chef’s deep respect for both regional traditions and contemporary culinary techniques:
- Nova Scotia Halibut on Gloucester Clam Chowder
For seafood lovers, this entrée is a stand-out. The halibut, a delicate yet flavorful fish, is perfectly complemented by a rich Gloucester clam chowder that’s finished with vermouth cream and braised pancetta. The combination of oceanic flavors, creaminess, and the smokiness of the pancetta results in a sophisticated yet comforting dish. It’s a refined take on traditional seafood chowder, with a twist of luxury that’s a hallmark of Fearing’s cuisine. - BBQ Spiced Beef Filet & Chicken Fried Maine Lobster
This dish offers an elevated fusion of land and sea. The BBQ spiced beef filet brings a smoky, tender bite, while the chicken fried Maine lobster adds an element of Southern comfort. Served on a bed of loaded whipped potatoes with a generous drizzle of smoked tomato gravy, this entrée strikes the perfect balance between rich indulgence and bold flavor. The addition of the lobster, prepared in a crispy, golden batter, makes this dish an indulgent yet satisfying choice for those who crave a bit of everything. There is a $10 supplement for this entrée, but it is well worth it for those looking to elevate their pre-show meal with a dish that delivers both flavor and flair.
Dessert: A Sweet Finale
No meal is complete without a decadent dessert, and Chef Fearing doesn’t disappoint. For dessert, guests will enjoy Granny Fearing’s Banana Pudding—a signature treat that’s beloved by many. This dessert is a delightful, nostalgic twist on a Southern classic, featuring toasted meringue and cinnamon sugar beignets that take this pudding to another level. The banana pudding itself is creamy and comforting, while the toasted meringue adds a light, airy touch. The cinnamon sugar beignets provide the perfect finishing touch—crispy, warm, and dusted with just the right amount of sweetness. This dessert is a true crowd-pleaser, perfectly balancing richness and lightness, offering a satisfying end to your meal.
The Pre-Show Menu at Fearing’s doesn’t just promise great food—it offers convenience for those who want to make the most of their evening. With a start time of 5:30 p.m., the menu is designed to allow guests to enjoy a leisurely meal and still have plenty of time to get to their performance. Whether you’re dining with friends, family, or colleagues, this prix-fixe menu offers the perfect combination of sophistication, flavor, and efficiency. It’s an experience that complements Dallas’ vibrant theater scene, offering theatergoers a seamless transition from a fantastic meal to an unforgettable performance.
Reservations for the Pre-Show Menu are available online, ensuring you can secure your spot for an evening of culinary indulgence. Don’t forget to plan ahead for parking—The Ritz-Carlton provides valet service for the utmost convenience, so you can focus on enjoying your meal rather than worrying about finding a spot.
Fearing’s is a must-visit for anyone looking to explore Dallas’ culinary landscape, and the Pre-Show Menu is the perfect way to enjoy an unforgettable meal before heading out to enjoy the best of Dallas’ theater.
Fearing’s Restaurant at The Ritz-Carlton, Dallas | 2121 McKinney Ave, Dallas
