2012 marks the 40th anniversary for one of Dallas’ best and consistently voted “most romantic” neighborhood bistros, The Grape. Throughout the past 40 years and through an ownership change, this little gem has stayed true to their opening idea of being a restaurant that celebrates classic bistro style cuisine with impeccable quality, while staying affordable, most recently coming from Chef/Owner Brian C. Luscher and his talented Sommelier/GM wife, Courtney Luscher.
I am a fan and visit The Grape often, as it is in my neighborhood and I am always guaranteed a fantastic meal and a great bottle of wine, usually involving their mushroom soup, a staple item that has been on the menu since the beginning, a gorgeous cheese and house-made charcuterie board, and whatever nightly special Chef Brian, or his talented sous-chef and Bravo Top Chef Season 10 star, Danyele McPherson, create in their Greenville Ave. kitchen. Here is what we had to say about The Grape in our October 1974 restaurant listings.
The Grape. A unique and always crowded restaurant boasting 25 varieties of cheese and a menu of light entrees that changes daily. The tournedos bearnaise are a favorite. For a touch of pure excellence, try any of the homemade soups (fresh mushroom is the specialty). During busy hours, which is most of the time, service can be painfully slow. Unusual wine list. No mixed drinks. (2808 Greenville Ave./ 823-0133/ Lunch: Mon.-Fri. 11:30-2:30, Dinner: Tues.-Sun. 6-10:30, open later on Fri. & Sat. for wine and cheese only/ No reservations/ No credit cards/ $$)
Wonderfully, not much has changed except they do take reservations, and credit cards, and you can get an ice cold dirty martini with house-made Boursin stuffed olives.
Starting October 22, in honor of their Ruby Anniversary, The Grape will celebrate with a week of activities designed to take your palate back a few years to when they first opened in the 1970’s, and give you a chance to raise a glass to toast to the next 40.
Monday (Oct. 22) kicks-off the festivities with the introduction of a new signature cocktail commemorating the 40th anniversary. Guests enjoy Happy Hour prices all night and the Best Burger in Texas, of course!
Chef Brian goes old-school with a menu “throw-back” on Tuesday and Wednesday (Oct 23-24) selecting Grape menu classics from the original Grape menu created by Kathy McDaniel and Charlotte Parker. Choose two out of three available courses such Items as Quiche Lorraine, Grape Sherbet Parfait, Sole Veronique, Oysters Rockefeller, Tournedos Bearnaise & Bordelaise and more. Cost is $19.72 per person.
The Grape’s popular “Wine and Cheese Chat” returns Thursday (Oct 25, 6:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.). Hosted by Courtney Luscher and Ali Morgan from Scardello Artisan Cheese, the monthly cheese chat will showcase 4 cheeses from the original Grape menu which at opening offered more than 25 varieties of cheese from around the world, paired with hand-selected wines. Cost is $25 per person.
Wrapping up the week Friday and Saturday, Chef Brian features a 40th Anniversary Chef’s Three Course Tasting Menu. A popular destination for diners since 1972, The Grape has always maintained a classic, urban-bistro vibe. Chefs’ menu will showcase the current culinary style of The Grape. Cost is $40 per person; wine pairing upgrade available for $25.
The Grape will also have their normal, a la carte menu available throughout the week as well. Reservations for any and all activities recommended – 214-828-1981.
