- Not only did Dallas lose five officers last week, but apparently Norma's also lost one of their own. The Oak Cliff Advocate reports that slain DART officer Brent Thompson was a regular at Norma's, the longstanding Oak Cliff diner that is known for the fervency of its regulars. Next time we're at the diner, we'll have an Ol' No. 7 in Thompson's honor.
- There were a lot of hastily thrown together specials and fundraising events at bars and restaurants over the last week (and they've been very effective), but some big-name Dallas chefs are stepping back to organize two more intensive fundraising dinners coming up in the next couple weeks. First up is the Giving Table at The Highland, a $50-per-person dinner hosted by John Tesar and Allyson Aynesworth. Grab tickets now for the event, happening 6 to 10 p.m. Friday, July 22, at The Highland. The second event, a collaboration between Dude, Sweet Chocolate's Katherine Clapner and Sharon Van Meter, is a $65-per-person family-style meal at 6 p.m. Sunday, July 31 at 3015 at Trinity Groves. All proceeds from both events go to the families of Dallas police officers and to community outreach, according to organizers. Grab tickets fast — both events are likely to sell out.
- Snap Kitchen, the clean-eating mecca that sells ready-made "chef-made, nutrient dense, portion controlled meals" has opened a store in Fort Worth. The takeout spot has more than 50 locations nationwide, and the new Fort Worth edition at 2828 W. 7th St. opens July 17, according to a press release.
- Cook Hall has launched a Sunday brunch with live music. Via a press release:
- In other Fort Worth news, Bird Cafe has a new chef: Scott Curtis, who's been promoted from sous chef. "A graduate of The Art Institute of Colorado in culinary arts, previous experience includes Meddlesome Moth as well as Four Seasons properties in Denver, Vail, Seattle, Whistler and Vancouver," according to a press release.
- Firebird Restaurant Group is opening three eateries in Greenville on Monday: El Fenix Mexican Restaurant, Snuffer’s Restaurant & Bar and Taqueria La Ventana, according to a press release. All three restaurants will open in Triton Park, in the 3100 block of Interstate 30 in Greenville.
- Milkshake Concepts, the group behind Citizen in Uptown, is opening two restaurants in Dallas this year: Nikkei and Stirr. "Nikkei will feature a Japanese-Peruvian menu with bold, mouthwatering flavors reflective of two distinctive cultures seeped in culinary tradition," according to a press release. It opens this fall in Uptown at 2404 Cedar Springs Road. Stirr, slated to open this fall in Deep Ellum, is a modern American spot serving "everything from coffee to cocktails and small bites to indulgent meals," according to the release. The space at 2803 Main St. will also have a 3,000-square-foot rooftop bar.
Beginning Sunday, July 24th, Cook Hall, located in the W Dallas – Victory Hotel, will launch its new Brass Brunch Sundays, featuring live jazz from 12 to 2 p.m. every Sunday. Each weekend Cook Hall will feature a new headliner to get your Sunday started off right. Along with the live band, guests are able to enjoy the full Cook Hall brunch menu along with $5 mimosa carafes, Bloody Marys and draft beer. Admission to the event is free.
