Chef Omar Flores to Open New Restaurant: Here's What to Know

The Spanish word for ember, "brasa", has inspired Big Dill Hospitality's newest venture, Casa Brasa.

Open-fire grills from Latin America have inspired this brand-new steak and seafood dining destination, which will officially open this summer at 8111 Preston Road, just south of Preston Center Plaza.

Casa Brasa doesn't have a website or an Instagram handle to lurk on yet, because the location is currently underdoing a massive renovation. When it's ready for its close-up, it will feature an open-fire grill, raw bar, sushi counter, private event space and lively main bar.
Behind the flames is the award-winning chef Omar Flores and the Marshi Family of Big Dill Hospitality — the team behind Muchacho Tex Mex, Even Coast and Whistle Britches. They hope Casa Brasa will be both a neighborhood gem.

Expect prime beef cuts, fresh-caught seafood and sushi from the menu. It will blend South America's soulful parillas, Mexico's vibrant markets and the precision of Japanese fish culture into a layered dining experience described as a celebration of contrasts.

Per a release, Mexican agua chiles, Mediterranean-inspired salads and sushi rolls with a Latin edge are all on the docket, but there is no official menu as of yet.

In recent years, both coasts and other major cities have their eyes on the Dallas market, but what we love about the soon-to-be Casa Brasa is that it's from one of Dallas' own. After graduating from the Culinary Institute of America in New York and staging at several restaurants across the country, chef Flores settled in Dallas and worked in Abacus' (where Mar Y Sol is now) kitchen for eight years.

He helped open the Driftwood Hotel in 2012, and since he's received a roster of accolades, including many James Beard nominations for Best Chef Southwest.

In the most recent season of Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dive's, Whistle Britches was one of seven restaurants that Guy Fieri visited. But regardless of TV fame or Best New Restaurant nominations, this is a place for Dallasites to get excited about.

Casa Brasa, 8111 Preston Road (hours to be determined)