by Steven Doyle
It was just a few weeks ago that craveDFW announced that Joel Harloff was taking leave of Second Floor in the Dallas Westin Galleria. The press release delivered was a bit mysterious on the chef’s departure, but today I learned that Harloff has accepted the executive chef position at Ocho Kitchen and Cocktails. Continue reading
Filed under chefs, restaurant news, Santa Fe, Steven Doyle
by Steven Doyle
Ocho Kitchen and Cocktails opened recently to an initial high praise from local media. Ocho is a partnership between Santa Fe chef Eric DiStefano and local restaurateur Brian Black of Mi Piaci fame. The restaurant has a chic feel that you might expect from its Preston center digs, thankfully without faux Santa Fe window dressing. Instead DiStefano delivers on a promise to bring his version of Southwest cuisine to Dallas, replete with on-premise fresh roasted Hatch peppers, and handmade tortillas.
It was through the Mi Piaci connection that Ocho has talented and innovative local chef Ross Demers, who was previously commanding the kitchen at that restaurant. Demers has handily made the transition from pasta to masa with ease, and says that he is enjoying the hard work it takes to make this cuisine from scratch. Continue reading
Filed under chefs, restaurant news, Restaurant Opening, Steven Doyle
by Steven Doyle
We checked out the very new Ocho Kitchen and Cocktails last night for a few bites and cocktails and was excited to see a fresh take on Mexican cookery. The restaurant takes us back to time spent in New Mexico with the freshly roasted chiles, house-made tortilla chips and a grand assortment of fresh salsas.
We were also happy to see a familiar toque in the kitchen. You might recall our visit to the now shuttered Commissary where we spoke briefly with chef Ross Demers. Demers has worked in some sturdy kitchens including The Mansion where he worked as sous for John Tesar and more recently at Mi Piaci. Continue reading
Filed under chefs, Crave, Restaurant Opening, Steven Doyle
