Proof + Pantry has closed. The proof, a sign on the door:
To make your life easier, it reads:
“After a commendable 4 years at One Arts Plaza, Michael Martensen has closed the doors to Proof + Pantry to focus his efforts on other projects. Our best wishes to Michael, Chef Nick Hurry and the Proof + Pantry Team.” – Billingsley Company/One Arts Plaza
Some history. Michael Martensen and Sal Jafar II opened Proof + Pantry in One Arts Plaza in 2014. The restaurant quickly became known for its extravagant cocktails and whimsical share-plates. In her 2015 review, D Magazine dining critic Eve Hill-Agnus referred to the bone marrow as “sumptuous.” As for the handmade pasta with charred lobster: “Swirl the quivering poached egg into the tangle of noodles, and spoon it up with a sigh. You’ve arrived at something between carbonara and heaven.” Not exactly sure where that place is, but I’d like to visit.
The restaurant also made waves when Martensen refused to accept money from Dallas Morning News restaurant critic Leslie Brenner. Brenner eventually showed up on Halloween, dressed as a mummy. Remember that? Fun times.
Since then, Proof + Pantry has seen a number of chef changes, and Martensen has opened, along with partner Omar Yeefoon, the Deep Ellum bar Shoals Sound & Services. Martensen this year moved to Mexico, where he’s working as a consultant.
We reached out to Martensen for comment and will update this post as soon as we hear from him.
In the meantime, we’re accepting guesses for what will become of the space. So far, according to the people I sit next to, we have:
“Pin and Party”
“IDK”
“Is Proof + Pantry gone? Awwwww.”
“I don’t know, I’m on the phone.”
R.I.P.
