Articles for March 29th, 2010

Alberto Lombardi to Open New Place in the Old Chip’s Place

posted by Nancy Nichols | March 29th, 2010 4:01pm | filed under Closings, Openings/Closings, Restaurant News | 17 Comments »

A little bird just chirped this big news:

Lombardi bought the old Chips place next to Taverna. Turning it into a low key pizza place to buy a slice or a pie and a bottle of wine.

UPDATE: Bill Armstrong, Lombardi’s longtime rep, says Lombari is taking over the Chip’s space. However, the concept is “still under raps.”

17 Comments »

Matthew Antonovich, Matthew Antonovich? Where are You? Louisville, Kentucky!

posted by Nancy Nichols | March 29th, 2010 3:41pm | filed under Celebrity Chefs, Closings, Openings/Closings, Restaurant News, Silly Reasons to Celebrate, Steakhouses, Thai, Wasted Calorie | 9 Comments »

This dude is crazy!

Good lord have mercy on my wicked soul. Chef Matthew “Fingers of TIE Flurry” Antonovich blew back into Dallas a few months ago with a long load of bull. In particular, a stream of wordy releases boasting his 12,000-square-foot Thai Steakhouse and club located “just a drive by the Arts, the American Airlines Event Center, Dallas World Trade Center and Dallas Market.”

First he claimed his concept would be in the most exciting neighborhood in Dallas. Then he hinted it would be near Highland Ranch. WHOOPSIE, he meant Highland Park.

Then POOF! He disappeared. The guy who boasted “God bless the recession I have found great deals on equipment, designers and food service experts hungry to put Dallas back on the map of best restaurants in America” just went away. His Twitter feed went dark. My inquisitive e-mails? Unanswered.

Hark! I found him. According to Louisvillemojo.com:

A new restaurant to be named Antonovich’s Tuscan Grille could open in the old Ferd Grisanti’s restaurant (12112 Taylorsville Road) as early as Derby Eve. If Matthew Antonovich and building owners Greg and Vince Grisanti can seal a deal, the “upscale casual” restaurant would serve freshly prepared Tuscan fare for lunch, dinner and private parties. Its Enoteca Wine Bar, complete with a wood-burning pizza oven, would also serve a social hub for the later-night 40 to 55 year-old crowd. To imagine it properly, Antonovich said to consider an amalgam of Jack’s Lounge, Mama Grisanti and Casa Grisanti.

More, could be here. Oh, what a lunatic.

9 Comments »

Dimples Cupcakes to Open in One Arts Plaza in Dallas

posted by Nancy Nichols | March 29th, 2010 2:59pm | filed under Baking, cupcakes, Restaurant News | 7 Comments »

This just in from our cupcake correspondent, Allison Hatfield.

Yes, yes, cupcakes are so last year. You told me that already. But I won’t be convinced. And clearly there’s a whole lot of cupcake eating going on. Proof: Dimples plans to open a fourth location at One Arts Plaza in June. That’s another 850 square feet of cake-and-frosting goodness to be located in the space now occupied by WRR, across from 7-11. Owner Chad Sorrells seems plenty excited. Until then, get your sugar fix with the just-launched ice cream-filled cupcakes. That’s right, Dimples is pumping homemade vanilla or chocolate soft serve into its oversize delights – available only at the Frisco location for now.

7 Comments »

Outstanding in the Field is Headed to FM 1410 in Dallas

posted by Nancy Nichols | March 29th, 2010 2:52pm | filed under Events, Farmers Markets, Foodie People, Restaurant News | 4 Comments »

Hurry, these tickets will go fast! The roving culinary adventure, Outstanding in the Field, will set up their community table in Dallas at Tom Spicer’s FM 1410. I hear Sharon Hage is going to cook, but that hasn’t been confirmed. The “restaurant without walls” concept is about as farm-to-table hip and chic as you can get. The event will take place on October 6. Rock on, Spiceman!

4 Comments »

John Tesar Joins DRG Concepts in Dallas as a “Corporate Culinary Leader”

posted by Nancy Nichols | March 29th, 2010 2:04pm | filed under Celebrity Chefs, Restaurant News | 44 Comments »
John Tesar has a new boss.

Huh? What? Hello, John? WTF is a corporate culinary leader? Is that like the chef’s version of a Boy Scout troop leader? Oh wait, here comes the news: DRG Concepts, owner of Dallas Fish Market, Dallas Chop House, Go Fish Ocean Club, and Fish Express, has hired John Tesar as one of the company’s TWO culinary leaders.

Tesar will team up with Anupam “AJ” Joglekar, the former chef at Bengal Coast, to provide culinary and operational leadership for all DRG brands. Tesar’s official title is culinary director. Joglekar is the corporate chef for DRG and execuchef for Dallas Fish Market.

Sounds vague, eh? There is more to come: DRG Concepts is planning new concepts that will be announced in a few weeks. Betcha one is all Tesar, all the time.

44 Comments »

Mark Your Calendar: Asian Heritage Festival in Plano

posted by Nancy Nichols | March 29th, 2010 1:38pm | filed under Ethnic Food, Festivals |

Plano’s seventh-annual Asian Heritage Festival kicks off on Saturday, May 1 at Haggard Park. The festivities include “a wide variety of multiculturalism, live music, family events, exhibits, and plenty of great food for festival goers. An array of Asian countries and various ethnic Asian groups will be represented at the festival, providing education and entertainment for families of all backgrounds. Other activities will include demonstrations of Asian culture, dance performances and various events geared toward children. Talented artists from Asian communities will be in attendance as well.” Admission is FREE! Details are FREE!