Frenchy Fare in Downtown Dallas
Moule frites, lobster thermidor with coconut red curry, steak tartare—a French brasserie with New Orleans drinks and some Asian flavors, too, is coming to downtown Dallas. Toussaint Brasserie aims to strike a balance between swanky and not-too-stuffy inside the soon-to-be-renovated Cambria Hotel, which will reopen as the Renaissance Hotel Saint Elm in the historic Tower Petroleum Building at 1907 Elm Street.
Expect its arrival sometime in the early part of 2022. When it does arrive, a NOLA-inspired cocktail menu, Droese Raney design (Mirador, José, Park House), and brassy brasserie elements.
The restaurant, if you haven’t guessed yet, is named for the iconic New Orleans musician and multi-hyphenate talent Allen Toussaint. If you haven’t watched Toussaint’s Austin City Limits performance, you must (here’s one snippet of another song but you’ll have to check your local PBS listings!); it’s an all-time great and his performance of “Southern Nights” will hold you in a trance.
Forthcoming Tex-Mex in Uptown
According to the Dallas Morning News, FB Society, the restaurant group behind Sixty Vines and Haywire, will bring a two-story restaurant to Uptown: it’s a Mexican Sugar. They’re bringing the Tex-Mex concept, which also has locations in Plano and Las Colinas, to the McKinney and Olive building.
The restaurant, when it opens late 2022, will be home to a lengthy tequila list, tortillas made in house, sizzling adobe fajitas, and creamy queso. CEO Jeff Caraca plans to include an outdoor margarita bar, green space, and an upstairs patio.
Coffee and Lunch in Old East Dallas
Coffee lovers, unite! Old East Dallas grows ever the more caffeinated with the addition of 2DD, which opened December 14. Kristen and Mitch Kauffman, owners of Urbano Cafe next door to Jimmy’s Food Store, have nestled 2DD inside their Two Doors Down space, hence the fitting name. There, expect baguettes from Village Baking Co. and muffins, savory kolaches, croissants, and quiche from Kelly Ball of Leila Bakery.
Come December 16, find lunch service filled with Urbano classics like parmesan chicken and peppery, seared ahi tuna. Hours are Tuesday through Sunday, 7 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
A New Irish Restaurant in the West End
The newest concept by restaurateur Jay Khan is Chet’s Dallas, which debuted November 30 reports CultureMap Dallas. Designed with a juxtaposition between luxury and comfort, the 3,900-square-foot restaurant boasts a wraparound marble bar, crystal chandeliers, and walls lined with books. For drinks, expect a good Old Fashioned and a large whiskey selection. Irish food-loving Dallasites can expect a classic shepherd’s pie or, for something with a little Texan heat, try the cheesy potato skins served with jalapeños and guac.
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