This just in: John Tesar’s new restaurant in the former Dali Wine Bar space at One Arts Plaza will be called The Commissary. A press release quotes The Tesar: “The Commissary is a versatile, trend-forward menu with no boundaries,” Tesar explains. “The nucleus of the menu features chef-inspired burgers, wines-on-tap and creative touches like our chef’s table and small plates. We will always have something creative and new to share with customers.”
I reached The Tesar for some non-press release speak.
So, John. Why did you name it The Commissary?
“A commissary is where you go to get everything,” he says. “I don’t want to be just burgers or fine dining. I want to have a kitchen where John Tesar can do what he wants to do. It will be fun with a Village-South-Beach-open-and-free feeling. With Lucy Billingsley as my partner, I will be in there cooking every night.”
Ambitious? Yep. It’s has a burger bar, chef’s table, monthly cooking classes, take out, wine bar and retail store, wine list by Scott Barber, and monthly wine dinners. Dress? Commissary Casual!
Acclaimed Chef John Tesar Brings Innovative ‘Commissary Casual’
to One Arts Plaza’s Dining Scene
(DALLAS, Texas) January 25, 2011 — One Arts Plaza, the popular dining destination one mile from Uptown Dallas,
is thrilled to announce that five-star chef John Tesar will open an affordable chef-driven concept called The
Commissary this April in the former Dali Wine Bar location.
“The Commissary is a versatile, trend-forward menu with no boundaries,” Tesar explains. “The nucleus of the menu features chef-inspired burgers, wines-on-tap and creative touches like our chef’s table and small plates. We will always have something creative and new to share with customers.”
The Commissary will serve a variety of distinctive hamburgers made with organic, grass-fed beef averaging $5 to $8 dollars. The burger bar and bistro will be open seven days a week serving lunch, dinner and late night meals. Tesar says to expect brunch and burger specials on weekends too.
Guests can dine in the revamped Dali space, enjoy the expansive patio and outdoor lounge, or take food to-go in eco-friendly packaging. Tesar also plans to offer delivery services to One Arts Plaza residents and area businesses.
In an innovative move by Tesar and his sommelier, featured wines will be available on tap, and wine aficionados can enjoy winemaker dinners and the wide selection of retail wine. The Commissary will be the only restaurant in the area offering a new experience in the emerging wines-on-tap trend that is creating buzz from coast to coast. In addition to the two tap wine selections from premier California wine makers, the burger bistro will offer an extensive wine by the glass list and 20 bottled beers including one featured Texas Micro Brew on tap.
Tesar also plans to elevate the experience with fine dining embellishments that include a cheese cart showcasing more than 30 gourmet cheeses from around the world, a wide range of exotic salumi selections and farm-to-table chef specials.
“John’s energy and creativity add another dimension to One Arts Plaza dining for uptown and downtown residents as well as tourists to the Arts District. The Commissary will be a gathering place where everyone can enjoy inspiring, creative food from one of the finest chefs in the nation,” says Lucy Billingsley, Partner at Billingsley Company.
According to Tesar, there is no location in Dallas where people can have a communal meal experience in an exciting, social setting. “The Commissary is about the fun of gathering together for a meal, and sharing a common love of wine and food.”
The Commissary’s website is currently under development and will be launching soon. For more information, contact Amy Power at [email protected]. The Commissary is located at One Arts Plaza, 1722 Routh Street, conveniently located north of downtown Dallas in the heart of the Arts District in Dallas. For more information about dining at One Arts Plaza, visit www.artsdistrictdining.com.
ABOUT ONE ARTS PLAZA
Located in the heart of Dallas Arts District at the end of Flora Street (1722 Routh Street), One Arts Plaza is a downtown destination for luxury urban living, business, dining and entertainment. The $125 million multiuse structure is the first of three buildings located on 10 acres in the downtown Dallas Arts District. Restaurants include Fedora Restaurant and Lounge, Jorge’s Tex-Mex Café, Screen Door, Tei-An and The Commissary, opening April 2011.
For more information about One Arts Plaza visit www.OneArtsPlaza.com or artsplazaevents.blogspot.com. You can also become a fan of One Arts Plaza on Facebook and follow One Arts Plaza on Twitter @OneArtsPlaza.
Talking points for THE COMMISSARY
*Affordable Chef Driven concept based on social gathering open 7 days a week serving
Lunch Dinner and Late night. Great place for Chefs and Industry people to unwind after
work serving full menu till midnight or later if necessary
*It is a Burger Bar, Wine Bar and Bistro
*Wine list Created by Dallas based Advanced Sommelier Scott Barber (there will also
be a Sommelier on the premises to assist customers with their selections and answer
questions about wine list and assist in retail sales) we will be offering two selections of
tap wine from Premier California wine makers, In addition The Commissary will have an
extensive wine by the glass list and 20 bottled beers and feature one Texas Micro Brew
on tap which will change seasonally
*We will also have retail wine sales in addition to our wine list
*The Chefs Room every Friday and Saturday night at our communal table (seates18)
Chef Tesar will prepare a 6 course Tasting menu using all sustainable ingredients and
from local or regional providers whenever possible /also available with wine pairings
*Extensive patio and outdoor lounge seating for before and after shows, after work happy
hours or just relaxing, not only in the Plaza but on the Routh street side as well
*Monthly wine dinners in our Chefs room with a featured Vintner
*Monthly Cooking Classes, weekly wine tastings with our sommelier and guest speakers
and cheese tastings with notable cheese makers not only from Texas, but from around the
world
*Food to Go and delivery to One Arts Plaza and surrounding Businesses for meeting and
parties
*Saturday and Sunday Brunch in addition to the Burger Bar
