“This decision wasn’t made lightly,” she said in an Instagram post announcing the news. “While it’s bittersweet, it’s also a moment of reflection and growth.”
Norris went on to cite the restaurant’s move to the larger Lakewood location in 2023 as a reason for the closure, stating that it “lost the soul that made it so special.”
It’s been expected, at least by those in the Dallas culinary world, that Norris would eventually return to the scene with a new concept. As of now, there are no official plans announced for a new permanent location for her, but diners will have an opportunity to taste her cooking this week.
East Dallas cocktail bar, Saint Valentine, announced that Norris is taking over the kitchen for a limited five-day run. She’s doing so under the “Rainbow Cat” brand, a moniker for a Norris pop-up concept that she’s previously operated out of Midnight Rambler.
The previous Rainbow Cat pop-up only featured five food items, including a “unicorn dog” with garlic and mushroom-scented rice buns with smoked pepper sausage, spicy shiitake mayo, hot mustard and pickles. It was offered alongside twists on a McDonald's McMuffin, as well as pickled beets and a cereal-esque dessert option with whipped milk, cinnamon and sour apples.
Details about this week's menu have yet to be announced, but Norris teased what themes to expect.
“I missed everyone and can’t wait to see you all for this nostalgia-inspired pop-up with a nerd-centric twist,” Norris said in the caption of the Instagram post announcing it.
Norris will be in the kitchen at Saint Valentine from 5 p.m. to 12 a.m. from Feb. 27 to Mar. 2. No reservations needed. Just show up.
