Urban Acres went through a significant reconfiguration recently, switching up the menu and partnering with Kari Crowe to offer what may be the areas' most delicious ice cream. The move makes the local urban grocery more approachable and opens up the space for cooking classes and upcoming meals catered by local chefs.
The back counter has been removed, allowing a communal table to reach from the front of the store to the back, and an L-shaped counter extends from the cash register to give Crowe's employees space to griddle fresh waffle cones before stuffing them with scoops of innovative and delicious ice cream. Current flavors include nectarine, vanilla and chocolate, and vegans will appreciate a curry ice cream made with coconut milk. If curry coconut ice cream sounds a little challenging, give it a chance whether you are a vegan or not. It was the favorite among my group.
Urban Acres has a new pizza menu, too. Diners can order by the slice or take a quarter, half or whole pie. The pizza can be taken home, or eaten on the covered patio out front.
Otherwise, Urban Acres is the same local grocery Dallasites have come to depend on in Oak Cliff. Eggs, dairy and other ingredients that have been produced nearby are available, and while expensive, the extra cost is worth it. The quality is significantly higher and your dollars will support small local farms. A freezer case is stocked with local meat, too.
And if you really want to commit to local food things, Urban Acres has a CSA (community-supported agriculture program). You can sign up at the register, but if you want a sneak peak, the plastic bins members take home with them on a weekly basis are usually stacked at the end of the cooler. Expect more vegetables than you know what to do with, and an extra dose of feel good.