Artist’s rendering. Courtesy of Spoon Bar & Kitchen
(Press Release)
John Tesar, a five-star, James Beard nominated chef, is set to open Spoon Bar & Kitchen in Dallas’ upscale outdoor shopping spot, Preston Center, this November. The space formerly occupied by Tramontana will be transformed into a fine dining seafood restaurant.
“I grew up on the East coast and worked under Chef Rick Moonen for years,” says Tesar. “I want Spoon to be something special. I’m going back to my roots to create a fine dining establishment with a focus on responsibly sourced seafood. The menu will be approachable enough to become a neighborhood staple, but inventive enough to hopefully turn some heads on a larger scale.”
Spoon Bar & Kitchen will offer several unique dining experiences. Expect a built-in raw bar offering two varieties of oysters per night, a private wine room with a chef’s table, and an interactive counter overlooking the open kitchen where diners can sample experimental cuisine.
The menu will focus on responsibly sourced seafood using the highest quality ingredients. Patrons can choose from the a la carte menu or opt for a chef’s tasting menu that will change nightly. Expect raw to lightly cooked fish creations such as wild striped bass crudo with chili oil, lemon parsley and marinated mussels; razor clam tartar with sturgeon caviar; and uni terrine, osetra caviar, crème fraîche, green apple, yuzu, orange powder and Balinese pepper. Entrées include roasted monkfish “osso buco” with lobster daishe, fish noodles, turnip, Asian mushrooms, carrot daikon and long bean; and barely cooked arctic char with pea puree, hen of the woods mushrooms, peas, favas, pearl onions and pea tendrils. In addition to unique seafood options, the menu will include other items such as meats, pastas and daily seasonal specials.
The interior, designed by Breckenridge Taylor, will exude the feeling of a rustic French bistro with modern accents. The 60-seat dining room will feature textured plaster walls, antique mirrors, rounded banquettes and a sleek marble bar.
Spoon Bar & Kitchen, located at 8220-B Westchester Drive, will be open for dinner Tuesday through Sunday from 5 p.m. to midnight. Information on lunch, brunch, cooking classes, wine dinners and happy hour to follow. For more information, please visit www.spoonbarandkitchen.com.
