Restaurateur Alberto Lombardi, the man responsible for Dallas hot spots like Taverna and Bistro 31, recently opened Cafe des Artistes at One Arts Plaza. The restaurant took over the spot previously occupied by Screen Door, which shuttered in July.
Cafe des Artistes is like the bigger, bolder brother of Toulouse, Lombardi's other French-cuisined spot on Knox Street. The two share more than a few trademark dishes.
Recently Lombardi welcomed friends to a special preview of the French brasserie concept.
As pianist Preston Cole played on the baby grand, foodies — including Ken Downing, Sam Saladino, Lynn and Allan McBee, Faisal Halum, Sheryl Maas, Lucy and Steve Wrubel, Lisa and Jim Caldwell, Vivian Lombardi, Debra Nelson, and Renee Behnke — tasted petite croque-madames, potato and truffle soup shooters, and poached salmon crostini.
Well-heeled guests sipped on Elderflower champagne cocktails and fresh lemonade, which complemented the French-inspired fare. Throughout the night the (now) Francophiles sat at the oversized bar, cozied up on the leather seats and planned their next visit.
