Those first two months threw you a curve-ball didn't they? June and July were unexpectedly forgiving, which made August's swelter all the more unbearable. And even though the equinox is so very close, the hot days continue queue up day after day. It's been such a long summer; soothe yourself with some new restaurants.
Provided the Trinity Groves development project speaks to you, you'll have have enough new spots to distract yourself until the weather is cold enough to draw other complaints. Hofmann Hots and Babb Bros BBQ have been your only dining options so far, but next week Kitchen LTO will open its doors. It's likely the most anticipated opening thus far.
If you're interested you shouldn't dally. LTO's schtick will attempt to harness the creative spirit of the pop-up restaurant within the confines of a permanent brick and mortar shell. Every four months what is left will be tossed out, and the next chef and designer will sign on to spin into yet another temporary restaurant.
Chef Norman Grimm, who spent time at Acme F&B before the owners decided to convert the restaurant into a bar, is up first. "French influence highlighting fresh seasonal ingredients" is how he describes his menu and the food photos attached to the press release look, you know, nice. Picture seared branzino with crisp skin, braised short rib cloaked in a thick glaze and seared sea scallops.
LTO will open next Wednesday the 11th and the restaurant will run until the end of the year, before it is converted into the next concept.
There are more restaurants slated to open in the coming months.
We blogged about LUCK earlier this year when we discovered they planned to cook with beer. Beer, being the root of all desire, drew our interest, but the the owner's passion for southern cooking (and that they actually cook with beer) that sealed our affection, possibly for eternity. Picture shrimp and grits with a Creole sauce and beer-smoked chicken and country style ribs. Need more beer? A 40-tap beer wall will feature strictly North Texas breweries. They should be open at the end of this September.
Resto Gastro Bistro is billed as a modern American bistro with French, Asian and modern American influences. The restaurant is slated to open in October and has already put the call out for employees on their Facebook page. Look for a full-service bat and a rustic industrial setting.
Souk is slated to open in October as well. Yaser Khalaf has enjoyed much success with Medina and Baboush and his latest Middle Eastern restaurant will build on similar flavors.
Casa Rubia is the culmination of a partnership between John Baudoin and Omar Flores. They're the guys that opened up Driftwood just over a year ago and their next restaurant will offer Spanish and Catalan-inspired food. Get ready for plenty of saffron and seafood, and cross your fingers and hope that paella has a beautifully crisp socarrat.
Chino might remind you a little of China Poblano, the José Andres creation that fused Chinese and Mexican cooking to critical acclaim. Co-owner Uno Immanivong's cooking may not hold up to Andres', but there's potential for a lot of fun when these flavors meld. Marinated duck tongue tacos anyone? Most likely no, but you'll have to wait till November to find out.
You'll have to wait till November for Kate Weiser Chocolate too. The chocolatier is planning a big open kitchen so you can watch cooks prepare bonbons that look like they belong in The Modern -- or on artfully manicured finger tips. A small seating area and a patio, will encourage you to linger with a coffee and enjoy more bonbons.
