Napa Valley’s loss is Dallas’ gain.
Word on the street says there’s a new restaurant for late-night dining on 2323 Henderson Avenue. Dynamic duo Alison Yoder and Stephen Rogers have moved to the South, and they’re bringing their fine taste with them. Sure, we love Velvet Taco at 2 a.m., but now all you night owls have a new option. Gemma Restaurant, an intimate little place with 55 seats inside (there is patio seating outside, too), is the Napa Valley couple’s newcomer with an American seasonal menu.
Rogers heads up the kitchen; Yoder acts as general manager. At PRESS in St. Helena, where they worked together before, this is exactly how they functioned there, as well. The wine list is international, and the food is inspired by different ethnic cuisines. Everything on Rogers’ menu—from a little gem Caesar salad to bistro French fries—is the chef’s attempt to “showcase the ingredients of [his] recipes and deliver a product that [their] guests will crave.” The press release also mentions how Gemma is trying to do “simple, uncomplicated, rustic but refined” food.
Richard Graff, who recently exeucheffed at Cook Hall, will now be the sous chef at Gemma. There’s a late night “supper menu” available from 10 p.m. to 1 a.m. every night the restaurant is open.
