Author Archives: Steven Doyle

Salum: Seasonal Elegance and Culinary Mastery

Dining at Salum doesn’t feel like an event so much as a natural extension of a good evening — unforced, calm, and quietly polished. The room on Cole Avenue has a steady confidence: warm lighting, thoughtfully spaced tables, and staff who move with an easy attentiveness. Conversations take their time and courses arrive with a measured rhythm, letting the food speak first.

At the center of it all is Chef Abraham Salum, whose classical training at the New England Culinary Institute and years spent in kitchens across Europe, Mexico, and the U.S. have shaped a style that is precise, seasonal, and deeply ingredient-driven. The menu reflects that philosophy: every plate is balanced, each element thoughtfully paired, and nothing feels added for show.

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Bruno Davaillon, The Restaurant Fixer

Davaillon

Georgie, the polished Knox District restaurant known for its meticulous service and modern sense of luxury, is in the midst of another surprising change. For the second time this year, the kitchen is getting a new leader — and this time, the role is landing in the hands of someone who already knows the place inside and out.

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Tiffany Derry’s Roots Chicken Shak Now Open in Addison

Photos by Evelyn Goldstein

Today marks the soft opening of Roots Chicken Shak in Addison, and it’s already making waves. This is the third location for chef Tiffany Derry, following the original in Plano and one in Austin, and it’s clear she’s bringing the same care, flavor, and vibe to a new corner of Dallas. This isn’t just fried chicken — it’s Tiffany’s latest culinary playground, and every item on the menu feels designed to hit just the right note between comfort and excitement.

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Ditch the Leftovers: Where to Dine This Weekend in Dallas

Parigi

The weekend after Thanksgiving is the perfect time to hit the reset button on your taste buds. Between turkey sandwiches and cranberry overload, your palate is craving something fresh, bold, and a little adventurous. Dallas has no shortage of spots that will rescue you from leftover fatigue — from Mediterranean mezze to French bistro classics, vibrant tacos, and inventive Asian fusion. Here’s a curated list of six restaurants that will make you forget the holiday heaviness and remind you why Dallas dining is worth stepping out for.

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Happy Hour: Holiday Cocktail Time

Gingerbread Martini

Holiday cocktails have a way of pulling the season into focus—the lights, the laughter, the soft hum of a house full of people. They’re festive by design, little celebrations poured into glassware, whether you’re dressing up a quiet night or kicking off a full-blown holiday gathering. The graphic you shared fits the mood perfectly: creamy whites, ruby reds, spiced browns. These are drinks built for sparkle. And a few of them, in particular, make the season taste as good as it looks.

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Retro Review: Planes, Trains and Automobiles (1987)

There’s a kind of chaotic magic in Planes, Trains & Automobiles that transcends its status as a holiday comedy. On the surface, it’s a road-trip farce about two mismatched men scrambling to get home for Thanksgiving, but underneath, it’s a surprisingly tender meditation on loneliness, connection, and how the most unexpected companions can change us. Director John Hughes weaves together slapstick, frustration, and heart into a journey that feels as emotionally honest as it is comically absurd.

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Where to Find Char Grilled Oysters in Dallas

Grilled oysters hit a sweet spot between raw seafood and full-on cooked dishes — briny and fresh, but kissed by fire, smoky butter, and often a hit of garlic, cheese or herbs. Each one bursts with that sea‑salt freshness, then deepens into something richer and more savory as the shell chars and the butter melts. There’s a magic in that sizzling, briny‑buttery bite — kind of like the ocean and a campfire decided to meet for dinner. It’s no wonder that grilled oysters are the kind of dish you crave when you want something indulgent, shareable, and just a little bit elevated.

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7 French Inspired Restaurants in Dallas

There’s something undeniably magical about French food. It’s not just the butter, wine, or perfectly flaky pastries — it’s the way every bite feels intentional, sophisticated, and comforting all at once. French cuisine has long been the gold standard for technique, flavor, and artistry, influencing kitchens around the world. In Dallas, this love of French food has blossomed into a vibrant scene where you can experience everything from rustic Provençal charm to Michelin-level elegance. Whether you’re craving a buttery croissant in the morning, a perfectly cooked steak frites for dinner, or a delicate dessert that melts on your tongue, Dallas has French restaurants that bring the romance and craft of France right to your table.

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