Henderson Avenue Exclusive

Inside smokin' new Dallas honky-tonk Henderson Avenue Country Club

Opening day looms for Henderson Avenue Country Club, the honky-tonk-style bar taking over the former spot of Nick Badovinus' Tried and True. As anticipated, it will open the first week of January, and what a rare thing that is in the restaurant-bar world, to be on time with an opening.

Managing partners Martin Corboy and Tim McEvilly, who also run Henderson Avenue Tap House and McFadden's in Addison, were putting the finishing touches on a space they renovated themselves. McEvilly scoured junkyards for recycled materials such as the appealingly rusty "redneck" sign that hangs on the wall beneath a neon Shiner sign.

They've managed to completely transform the space, including moving the bar away from the entrance and clearing away the shrubbery that made Tried and True feel so hemmed in. Pending city approval, they'll open part of the front façade into a patio that looks out on Henderson, an invaluable asset.

"This wall here," said McEvilly, pointing to a divider that encloses a banquette seating area, "Martin found that in McKinney. Someone was taking down a fence. He called and said, 'I found some wood.' And the hardwood floor, we reclaimed that from a church."

One nice touch is the set of six flags of Texas rendered on rough-hewn wood, as well as the state flag of Texas. There are seven TVs and a bounty of outlets for charging electronic devices, including a set beneath the bar, along with handy hooks for purses.

Thanks to a custom-made smoker from Chuck Wagon in Tyler, the menu will have a barbecue focus, including brisket, chicken-fried steak, ribs with bacon mashed potatoes, catfish, pork chops and smoked quail with habañero cheddar grits. Six beers on tap are dominated by local labels such as Deep Ellum Brewing, Lakewood and Rahr.

A small stage in the corner will spotlight local country musicians or DJs.

A grand opening celebration weekend begins January 8, with parties on January 8, 9, 10 and 11, when free appetizers and cocktails will be served. You must RSVP via the website. Bands performing include the King Bucks and Fort Worth's Vincent Neil Emerson & The Old Souls on January 8 and Holy Moly on January 9.

Hanging on the wall of Henderson Avenue Country Club are the six flags of Texas, rendered on rustic wood.

Photo by Marc Lee

Hanging on the wall of Henderson Avenue Country Club are the six flags of Texas, rendered on rustic wood.

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Tandoori News

Savvy team to open expansive Indian restaurant Silk Road in Coppell

Silk Road

Silk Road restaurant in Coppell

An Indian restaurant from a team of hospitality veterans is coming to Coppell: Called Silk Road Indian Cuisine and Bar, it will open soon at 160 W Sandy Lake Rd. in the former JC’s Burger Bar space, where it will feature flavors from northern and southern India.

Silk Road is from a trio that includes Prinu Prasanan, who previously helped his brother open Shivas Indian Bar & Grill; Sushil Kumar, a home health entrepreneur; and Sreekumar Madolil, owner of Triveni grocery stores and Kerala Express in Irving.

The three partners are all from the same state of Kerala in India, though they met here in Dallas. They chose Coppell because of its large Indian population and proximity to similar Indian outposts in Plano, Las Colinas, and Irving.

"There are not a lot of Indian restaurants around here to cater for the growing Indian population and other groups that love our cuisine," Prinu says.

Silk RoadSilk Road

They've pulled out all the stops to bring authenticity to the food, including chefs with culinary expertise from South India, which tends to use more spices, and North India, featuring more vegetarian-heavy cuisine as well as clay-oven tandoori plates.

There are many Indian classics such as samosas, pakoras, butter chicken, and chicken tikka masala, the spiced tomato-based marinated chicken served over rice.

They also have Claypot Biryani, featuring protein and vegetables cooked in traditional clay pots; and Indo-Chinese options such as egg noodles and fried rice. Entree prices are $16 to $26.

Honoring their home state, the restaurant will feature Kerala specials on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, and a dosa breakfast daily with fish, chicken, shrimp and egg curry. There's also a full bar.

They've kept some of the furniture from the preceding tenant but have dressed up the space with shiny floors, colorful wall paintings, and a new countertop at the bar.

"We know we'll win over people from India, but we're here for anyone who loves authentic Indian food," Sushil says.

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