by Steven Doyle
There were many advances in the Dallas restaurant scene in 2011, and we are looking for many more in the coming new year. We would like to take a moment to bring attention to several exciting trends that took place. Later in the week we will focus on some trends we would like to see spring up in Dallas. Continue reading
Filed under Bacon, BBQ, beer, Burgers, chefs, Crave, Dallas, Deep Ellum, Design District, Food Trucks, fun with food, In-N-Out, Party!, restaurant news, Spirits, Steven Doyle, Tacos, therapy
by Steven Doyle
All the beautiful pieces are in place. Oak has this pretty fantastic location on Oak Lawn in the Design District across from the Meddlesome Moth and was designed by Royce Ring and Alex Urrunaga of Plan B who did the recent Bolsa Mercado, the Candle Room, Whiskey Cake and Cedars Social. Add in the owners who are these amazing hospitality specialists, Tommy DeAlano and Richard Ellman. Then hire on chef Jason Maddy as your exec chef who was formerly at the Mansion. You would have a huge pot of success just waiting to happen. This is what the restaurant Oak is all about.
We had an opportunity to stop in Oak for a quick preview this past weekend and chatted with DeAlano, who enjoys nothing more than to speak about the new restaurant. Continue reading
Filed under chefs, Cocktails, Dallas, Design District, Nightlife, restaurant news, Restaurant Opening, Steven Doyle
by Steven Doyle
“The Heirloom” which is a variation of the Bloody Mary, was recently added to the cocktail menu at Asador at the Renaissance Hotel next to Market Hall. What makes this cocktail so unique is that it is deconstructed in the sense that a traditional Bloody Mary has the ingredients all blended together, this cocktail separates the flavor profiles and presents them on their own. For example, with a traditional Bloody Mary the tomatoes are pureed, but in this version they leave them whole, which still lends the flavor and allows them to be seen in their entirety. Continue reading
Filed under chefs, Cocktails, Crave, Design District, Local Produce, Nightlife, Steven Doyle
by Steven Doyle
With just a few weeks away from opening his latest concept, Off-Site Kitchen, Neighborhood Services chef/ owner Nick Badovinus has been busily prepping the borderline Design District restaurant at a steady pace.
We ran into Badovinus last night and he seemed dutifully excited about the new restaurant that will indeed serve as an off-site kitchen for his Neighborhood Services restaurants. Continue reading
Filed under Bacon, Breakfast, chefs, Design District, restaurant news, Restaurant Opening, Steven Doyle
by Steven Doyle
Last week I had a chance to stop into Nana at the Hilton Anatole to take advantage of the new Friday Night Flights, a unique beer pairing they put on the first Friday of every month. This past week I enjoyed samplings of San Diego’s Stone Brewing Company along with a few choice items from the bar menu created by one of Dallas’ top toques, Anthony Bombaci.
Before I describe what we sampled, I might first inform the initiated about Nana. First it is helmed by chef Bombaci who was classically trained at Hyde park’s CIA and served some of the best restaurants in the country including the acclaimed Chez Philippe at the Peabody in Memphis and top restaurants in Barcelona where he further developed his style of Creative American cuisine with Modern European influences. Continue reading
Filed under beer, chefs, Cocktails, Crave, Design District, Food, Nightlife, Steven Doyle, Wine
by Steven Doyle
The way I dine might be perhaps a bit different than your methods. I am all about big flavors and small plates. I like variety, spice and sizzle. Recently I meandered into Asador at the Renaissance Dallas Hotel for a look-see and found a lot of what I enjoy about a restaurant.
Immediately when walking into Asador you think Texas. Cowhide backed chairs, large open crevasse of a dining room, greeted by an open kitchen where you can see the flames kiss your meal before being served.
Speaking with chef/ owner Dean Max you get the concept quickly. He speaks about local, and that is a phrase that can often be bandied about to the point of abuse. But when Max speaks about local he is speaking about his youth and heritage. Continue reading
Filed under Bacon, chefs, Crave, Design District, Food, Food Porn Alert, Steven Doyle, Tacos
Find out what’s new at the Moth tonight.
Filed under beer, Design District, restaurant news
by David Donalson
Mother’s Day is known as the most popular day for dining out and my family was not the exception. This year we went to Nana for their “champagne brunch”. The food was great but I admit that I felt a bit betrayed by Nana. If you are going to call it a “champagne brunch”, please have actual champagne and not another sparkling wine. I like cava and other sparkling wines and I understand the costs associated with having champagne on one of the busiest days of the year but be honest with your customers. Call it a “Sparkling brunch” instead.
Filed under David Donalson, Design District, fun with food, Wine
