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Dallas/Fort Worth

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RESTAURANT NEWS ARCHIVE

Openings

Fireside Pies opens its third location with this entry in Southlake. Expect all the usual Fireside amenities like generous cocktail concoctions, hand tossed pies and always a wait for a table during prime times at this popular Dallas pizzeria. Fireside Pies 1285 S Main St., Grapevine, 817-416-1285.

New York’s BLT Steak has opened its first Dallas outpost. No, it doesn’t stand for bacon, lettuce and tomato but shorthand for Bistro Laurent Tourondel, the French trained chef who’s made quite a name for himself with Cello on the Upper East Side of New York and then with his BLT Steak concept. Swanky, urbane and sizzling, BLT looks to be the go-to steakhouse of 2008. BLT Steak, 5301 Alpha Rd, Dallas, 972-726-9200.

Charlie Palmer has landed in Dallas with a decisive bang. His eponymous boite, Charlie Palmer’s at the Joule, opened in downtown Dallas at the Hotel Joule. Palmer’s signature style of American food infused with a classical French background is well suited to this soothing, sophisticated spot. Charlie Palmer’s at the Joule, 1530 Main St., Dallas, 214-261-4600.

The casual Cliff Café is a welcome addition to the burgeoning Oak Cliff dining scene. Perched on a hill in the recently renovated Hotel Belmont, the Cliff serves up great burgers, breakfast fare and the sort of bar food you wish more bars had, like pulled pork quesadillas or pork shank with a mango glaze. Hip and cool, this is fast becoming the breakfast spot to go to after a late night of partying. Cliff Café, 901 Fort Worth Ave
Dallas, 214-393-4141.

Silver Fox

Silver Fox Steakhouse spawned a Dallas location in Oak Lawn in the former Star Canyon space. Sleek and modern, it’s a steakhouse for the 21st century featuring an all Prime beef menu. No surprises here, but then you wouldn’t be headed for a steakhouse if you were looking for a far out menu filled with foams and solid liquids. Silver Fox, 3102 Oak Lawn Ave., Dallas, 214-559-2442.

The beloved Mansion on Turtle Creek has reopened in grand style after a multi-million dollar facelift. Rechristened the rather awkward Rosewood Mansion on Turtle Creek Restaurant, chef John Tesar has done the impossible in making the Mansion better than ever.  The new décor is elegant, restrained and chic and the new menu goes hand in hand with the décor. Those of us who grew up considering the Mansion the only possible place to go on a special occasion will be delighted, and newcomers will no longer be puzzled as to why we love the Mansion so much. Rosewood Mansion on Turtle Creek Restaurant, 2821 Turtle Creek Blvd., Dallas, 214-559-2100.

The Pappas restaurant family of Houston has proven its mettle time and again with its Pappasitos (Mexican), Pappadeaux (Cajun, seafood) and Pappas Bros. Steakhouse, to name a few. But Fort Worth hadn’t seen a prime beef patty before Pappas Burger opened on the West Freeway. There’s a lot to love at this place, already a very busy joint, thanks to a dynamite blue cheese-bacon burger, topped with spicy, crispy onion tendrils. You can also find a nice green salad, a seared ahi tuna sandwich and good kid food, here, too. There are plenty of TVs, too, so you’ll never miss a game. Pappas Burger, 2700 West Fwy, Fort Worth, 817-870-9732, www.pappasburger.com.

Cef Zambrano, longtime sommelier at Del Frisco’s Double Eagle Steakhouse in downtown Fort Worth, opened a lovely wine bar just a block from his old haunt. Cool, serene and chic, Zambrano Wine Cellars is a smallish space that offers comfy booths, sidewalk café tables and a gorgeous amethyst bar at which to sip wines from around the world. You can try this and that by the half-glass or go nuts with a bottle of bubbly. Snackage includes bruschetta, cheese plates, panini, and elegant pizzas. Wine is sold as retail, too. Zambrano Wine Cellars, 910 Houston St., Fort Worth, 817-850-9463, www.zambranowines.com.

Bob’s Steak and Chop House has opened at 1255 S. Main St. in Grapevine. Although operating under ownership independent of the original Bob’s Steak and Chop House in Dallas, the menu and style are nearly identical. The building is new and huge; it sits just south of Grapevine’s historic downtown. The signature steak is the 20-ounce bone-in rib eye, and the well-known caramelized carrot still comes on the plate. Open for dinner, Monday through Saturday. Bob’s Steak and Chop House, 1255 S. Main St., Grapevine, 817-481-5555, www.bobs-steakandchop.com.

Lili’s Bistro on Magnolia opened in Fort Worth, bringing a mixed menu with Cajun, Mediterranean and Texan influences to the Fairmount District/Medical District. Owner-chef Vance Martin returns to the neighborhood where his much-missed Café Panacea came into being more than two decades ago. Chef Heather Hogan can also be seen beyond the copper bar top that separates the open kitchen from the dining room in this historic building. Menu interests include a Greek wedge salad, Vance’s signature tabuli, King Ranch chicken, Cajun-spiced frogs legs and paella-stuffed roasted poblano chile. Lili’s Bistro on Magnolia, 1310 Magnolia Ave., Fort Worth, 817-877-0700, www.lilisbistro.com.

Dali Wine Bar & Cellar is slated to open mid-October in the newly constructed One Arts Plaza building in downtown. With Paul Pinnel, former general manager of Nana, at the helm, this new boite that pays witty homage to Salvador Dali promises to be one of the hottest tickets in town.

Love Shack

Iron Chef star Tim Love, who owns The Lonesome Dove Western Bistro and Duce in Fort Worth, has struck again. As owner of the White Elephant, a historic saloon just around the corner from Lonesome Dove, in Fort Worth’s legendary Stockyards District, Tim converted a beer garden into a hamburger stand. Calling it the Love Shack, Tim offers burgers, crinkle-cut fries, onion rings, shakes and–what else?–beer! His signature dish is the Dirty Love Burger, made from prime tenderloin and prime brisket and topped with bacon, lettuce, tomato, American cheese, a spicy “secret” sauce and a fried quail egg. He says he’s making this for the South Beach Wine & Food Festival in February. Find it at Love Shack, 110 E. Exchange Ave., Fort Worth, 817-740-8812, www.shakeyourloveshack.com.

From the folks that brought us The Old Monk and The Idle Rich Pub comes Tecola Taco Bar, a festive addition to the city’s Tex-Mex scene conveniently located on the trolley line and across the street from The Idle Rich Pub in Uptown. Rumor has it they are serving some of the best frozen margaritas in town. Tecole Taco House, 2621 McKinney Ave., Dallas, 214-953-1616.

Brian Olenjack, who worked with Grady Spears at Reata Restaurant and Chisholm Club in Fort Worth, as well as eatZi’s Market & Bakery and Metro Grill in Dallas, has opened his own place in Arlington. Taking over the vacated Flying Saucer in Lincoln Square, Olenjack’s Grille is a contemporary American restaurant with much to like. Among favorites so far are the Texas cioppino and chorizo frittata on his Sunday brunch table, as well as flash-fried antelope ribs, cornmeal crusted oysters with bacon-chorizo relish and beef tenderloin with wild mushroom hash and tomato hollandaise. Open daily. 770 Road to Six Flags, Arlington, 817-226-2600, www.olenjacksgrille.com.

The much anticipated opening of chef Dean Fearing’s new venture at The Ritz-Carlton Dallas is slated for August 15. Touting a menu of “elevated American cuisine” Chef Fearing’s signature bold flavors and style are sure to be a hit with the ritzy crowd.

Now you can get those famous stone crabs in Tarrant County. After a long history of success in Dallas’ Uptown and in Addison, Truluck’s opens in Southlake. It’s the place also for a big selection of cold-water oysters, tuna tartare tower, grilled dayboat scallops and–for landlubbers–everything from Maytag blue cheese chips to pepper-crusted bone-in rib eye. Serving dinner nightly. 1420 Plaza Place, Southlake, 817-912-0500, www.trulucks.com.

Appearing now in Fort Worth, direct from Austin, Dallas and New York, the Ginger Man comes to Camp Bowie Boulevard. After an extensive, lovely renovation of a historic cottage that once housed Jubilee Café and Ricks of the Bricks, the Ginger Man brings 67 beers on tap and more than 100 in the bottle to the Cultural District. For noshing, beer fans can choose from a menu of sandwiches, such as roast beef with smoked gouda and ale onions, and salads, like turkey-cranberry, and bratwurst plates. 3716 Camp Bowie Boulevard, Fort Worth, 817-886-2327, www.gingermanpub.com.

One of the nicest surprises in Fort Worth this winter was the opening of Greenwood German Restaurant on Bluebonnet Circle, near Texas Christian University. Until now, your only choices for a full German meal in Cowtown were a bakery serving dinner only on weekends and a big festival hall-style place with loud music and average food. Greenwood is quiet and reserved but casual, and the dishes are handmade with care. The sauerbraten and jaegerschnitzel are both remarkable, and the neighborhood loves the place. Lunch Tuesday-Friday and Sunday; dinner, Tuesday-Saturday. 3522 Bluebonnet Circle, Fort Worth, 817-921-6777.

“Sex and the City” put the New York SUSHISAMBA 7 on the map as a go-to party place. Though the show may be no more, you can still live it up like the girls at this latest location of SUSHISAMBA. Serving a mix of Brazilian, Peruvian and Japanese food with a healthy dose of quixotic cocktails, SushiSamba looks to be a perfect addition to the North Dallas dining scene. SUSHISAMBA, Galleria Dallas, 13270 Dallas Pkwy. Ste. 1165, 214-866-0214.

Chef Rick Avila has opened a new Mexican restaurant not far from his beloved Avila’s. Tradicion features his unique take on traditional Mexican food, using the freshest ingredients available and relying on the techniques and recipes he learned from his mother and grandmother. Tradicion, 4334 Lemmon Ave., Dallas, 214-520-5974.

The pizza wars heat up with the addition of Olivella’s, chef Salvatore Olivella’s first venture away from his New York-based No. 28 Carmine.  Pizzas are fired up in a custom-built wood-burning oven and are available in the classic hand-tossed style of Naples or the squared-off Roman version. The entire population of the Park Cities seems to line up during prime time. Olivella’s, 3406 McFarlin Blvd., Dallas, 214-528-7070.

Tristan Simon, the restaurant king of Henderson Avenue, adds to his acreage with the opening of The Porch.  Look for lots of festive folks scarfing down upscale burgers, gourmet mac and cheese and other bar fare. The Porch, 2916 N. Henderson Ave., Dallas, 214-828-2916. 

Patrick Colombo, owner of the perennially popular spots Ferré Ristorante e Bar and Steel, has tossed his hat in the ring at the master-planned development Victory Park with Victory Tavern.  Easily the most affordable restaurant in the area, casual American cuisine and beer are the on the menu. Victory Tavern, 2501 N. Houston Ave. #100, Dallas, 214-432-1900.

This location of Trader Vic’s was opened in 1967 and shuttered in 1989 and was the site of many good times. Luckily, the recent renovations left most of the original tiki décor intact and oldsters can relive the days of their youth while the younger set will now understand why the thought of a brightly colored drink served in a wacky glass may bring tears to the eyes of some patrons. Trader Vic’s, Hotel Palomar, 5330 E. Mockingbird Ln., Dallas, 214-823-0600, www.tradervicsdallas.com.

Just what Dallas needs: another steakhouse, and a big, loud one at that. Like its sister restaurants in Las Vegas and Chicago, N9ne offers Prime steaks in swanky splendor. Located next to the American Airlines Center, go after a concert and you won’t even notice the noise. N9ne Steakhouse, 3090 Olive St., Victory Park, Dallas, 214-720-9901.

Tricked out like an Italian villa gone modern, Nove Italiano in Victory Park serves regional Italian specialties with contemporary flair to a finely fluffed crowd of Dallas swells. Nove Italiano, 3090 Olive St., Ste. 130, Victory Park, Dallas, 214-720-9903.

Oops! Veuve, the mega restaurant and lounge, has had a name change. Those pesky folks over at Veuve Clicquot weren’t too hot on Veuve taking over their trademark name, so now Veuve is Vue, though the only view at Vue is the eye-candy at the bar. Vue, 5100 Belt Line Rd., Dallas, 972-788-1928.

Beckley Brewhouse is a bright shining beacon of urban hip, great coffee, good martinis and surprisingly good food, especially the pizzas. The restaurant is located on a dismal block in Oak Cliff that is near but not exactly in the revitalized area of this 125-year-old part of town. Beckley Brewhouse, 1111 N. Beckley Ave., Dallas, 214-943-8977.

Urban Tacos

Look for Urban Tacos to open late March in Mockingbird Station featuring a real Mexican taqueria menu or as chef Markus Pinyero puts it, “I’m not scared to showcase a truly Mexican menu. To rely on what’s already been proven successful would be the easy way to go, not the authentic way.” The restaurant promises to be a lively, colorful addition to the area. Urban Taco, 5331 E. Mockingbird Ln., Ste. 125., Dallas, 214-929-3162.

With no fanfare, press or grand parades, the best new Asian boite in town has just opened. Flavor Asian Fusion and Dessert Bar is the brainchild of chef Weerayut “Oudi” Utedpornratanakul, who has created a tranquil spot to indulge in spicy food in a part of town seriously lacking in decent food. Flavor Asain Fusion and Dessert Bar, 9220 Skillman St., Ste. 101, Dallas, 214-341-0244.

Park Cities Prime

Dallas sophisticates have high hopes for chef Lee Miller’s steak and seafood restaurant and lounge, located in posh University Park, and featuring prime beef and the freshest seafood. Park Cities Prime, 8411 Preston Rd., Dallas, 214-691-7763.

N9NE Steakhouse opened on January 19 in Victory Park. Executive chef Chris Conlon prepares items including crispy Carolina rock shrimp with two dipping sauces, platters of chilled shellfish and USDA prime steaks. The restaurant also features a glass ensconced wine cellar and a Champagne and caviar bar. Open for dinner, Mon.-Sat. N9NE Steakhouse, 3090 Olive St. #110, Dallas.

Chef Shuffle

Katie Natale is the new chef de cuisine at the Four Seasons Resort & Club, Dallas at Las Colinas. Her resume includes time working with Anthony Bombaci at Nana in the Hilton Anatole in Dallas. She and sommelier extraordinaire James Tidwell are producing some very special wine-pairings dinners at Café on the Green.

Chef Marc Cassell has departed Dragonfly at Hotel Zaza. Rumor has it that he and Stephan Pyles, of the eponymous restaurant Stephan Pyles, may open a new venue together.

Wolfgang Puck Catering has taken over the reins at the café at the Nasher Sculpture Garden from The Mansion on Turtle Creek. Spago-style creations in Texas-sized portions will generously fill the menu. Nasher Sculpture Center, 2001 Flora St., Dallas, 214-242-5100 www.nashersculpturecenter.org.

News Bytes

Fort Worth Loves Its Beef: Part 1
Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse opened its first Fort Worth location inside the Hilton Hotel in downtown Fort Worth. As popular as the national chain is, it’s up against stiff competition directly across the street at Del Frisco’s Double Eagle Steakhouse. This hotel, incidentally, bears an important note in history as being the place where John F. Kennedy spent the last night of his life, on Nov. 21, 1963. Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse, 815 Main St., Fort Worth, 817-870-2100.

Fort Worth Loves Its Beef: Part 2
Bob’s Steak and Chop House, with wildly popular locations in Dallas, Grapevine, Plano, Houston and San Francisco, has announced it will open a location in Fort Worth in fall 2008, when the Omni Hotel opens downtown.

Dutch’s Hamburgers on the Hunt
Grady Spears and Louis Lambert, pals and cooking partners since their early days in Reata (circa 1995), are enjoying booming business at Dutch’s Hamburgers in Fort Worth. The two are quietly looking for new Cowtown property for another restaurant, but they’re mum on what, where or when.

Tim Love on the Lookout?
And speaking of quiet, Tim Love of The Lonesome Dove Western Bistro and Duce is said to be in discussions to open a restaurant Victory Park in Dallas. Nothing is inked yet, so he’s not talking.

A Sequel in Seafood
And Jon Bonnell, whose namesake restaurant Bonnell’s Fine Texas Cuisine in Fort Worth keeps turning heads with its creative game dishes, wants to open a seafood restaurant in Fort Worth. He’s looking for just the right property but hasn’t found the right deal as yet.

Hometown Hero
Tim Love, owner-chef at The Lonesome Dove Western Bistro and Duce in Fort Worth, won his much-publicized challenge of the original Iron Chef, Masaharu Morimoto of Morimoto on the Food Network. Their culinary battle featured a secret ingredient with which Tim is most familiar–chiles. Preparing their five-course meals in one hour, Tim won favor with the judges and topped Morimoto for just the seventh loss in the Japanese chef’s storied career.

Shop and Eat
Arlington Highlands, the new shopping center in south Arlington, plans to feed its patrons well. So far, openings have included Fish City Grill, BJ’s Restaurant and Brewhouse, Hoffbrau Steaks, and MiMi’s Café. Coming on soon are Kincaid’s Hamburgers, Bravo Cucina Italiana, Coldstone Creamery, Genghis Grill, Gloria's, PF Chang's China Bistro, The Keg Steakhouse & Bar, Tio Tortas, and Which Wich.

Water Transformation
Remember that swimming pool on the patio at Joe T. Garcia’s Mexican restaurant? Ever see someone suck down one too many of those magical margaritas and decided a swim sounded good? Fun entertainment, potential insurance calamity. Owner Lanny Lancarte Sr. transformed the water feature from swimming pool to lovely reflecting pool with a fountain, surrounded by stone columns, giving the whole tableau a hacienda courtyard feel.

Chef for a Day
At 62 Main in Colleyville, chef David McMillan lets you be a chef for the day. David will take you through a personalized cooking crash-course, and you get to show off your smarts at day’s end with a four-course dinner for four people, complete with wine pairings and Champagne. It’s $620. Book by calling 817-605-0858.

Mansion Makeover
The venerable Mansion on Turtle Creek is set to debut its gracefully updated look in mid-October. A multi-million dollar renovation to the hotel and dining room has the whole town talking as the dowager empress of Dallas’ luxury hotels gets a much needed facelift.

Deck Dining

Lanny's Alta Cocina Mexicana

Lanny’s Alta Cocina Mexicana now accommodates his demanding crowds with a beautifully enclosed patio. Good dishes for cold weather include prime tenderloin carne asada with macaroni gratin. His five-course tasting menu is $60; add $30 for wine pairings. Lanny's Alta Cocina Mexicana, 3405 W. Seventh St., Fort Worth, 817-850-9996. www.lannyskitchen.com.

Closings

Escargot, a French restaurant in the Cultural District, says au revoir. There’s a sign on the door that says “closed for renovation,” yet there’s a much larger realtor’s “for lease” sign in the window. Neighboring mainstay, Saint-Emilion, keeps the neighborhood well-fed with good country-French fare and fabulous wines.

CULINARY EVENTS
Want to
learn to cook? Try new dishes? Meet a foodie friend for fun? Check out our compilation of culinary events in your area.

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