Gayot, the slightly fading yet international guide to dining and travel, just released a restaurant issue focused on the best dining establishments in the country. Dallas makes a few key appearances.
One local restaurant shows up in the overall top 40 roundup: Rosewood Mansion on Turtle Creek. "Coats and ties are no longer de rigueur attire, but the setting is no less elegant," Gayot reports. While Bruno Davaillon "commands the kitchen," the publication credits sommelier Michael Flynn for playing just as strong a role in the experience.
Fearing's gets a nod on the list of 10 best American restaurants. "Dean Fearing's big, bold Southwestern flavors sit comfortably on the menu next to chicken yakitori, mixing it all up in a dramatic coup d’état of taste," reads Gayot's review. Fearing's also gets props for its seven unique dining areas (two outside and five inside).
There is also a list of the top 10 steakhouses, on which Nick & Sam's makes an appearance. "A chic Dallas crowd is treated to dynamic performances — from tableside presentation of meats to an open kitchen to live piano — at this bustling contemporary spot where the dry-aged cowboy steak is a favorite," reports Gayot, who also recommends ordering some "palate-cleansing" oysters on the half shell to start.
For lovebirds, there is the French Room, one of the country's most romantic restaurants, according to Gayot. "This architecturally charming, romantic restaurant has been the scene of many marriage proposals, and it would be hard to spurn someone who had the elegance and the class to invite you to dine at the French Room," reads the review.
In case you were worried its flame was waning, FT33 has secured its status as one of country's 25 hottest restaurants, thanks in part to chef-owner Matt McCallister's commitment to seasonality and sourcing locally — "even going so far as to forage for much of his own produce," Gayot writes. Chef groupies (you know who you are) would be wise to secure a spot at Table 33, a.k.a. the chef's table, for a direct line of sight into the kitchen.
In other unsurprising news, Spoon restaurant, from former Top Chef contender John Tesar, ranks among the top 10 new restaurants in the country. Question: At what point is this Preston Center destination no longer considered new? Seems like this has been going on for a while.
Gayot notes Tesar's "deft hand with raw preparations" and dares the adventurous to try the smoked sturgeon headcheese. However, the writer does not appreciate the tech-savvy wine list, loaded with "obscure" selections, presented on an iPad.
Gayot appreciates Matt McCallister's (far right) willingness to forage for his FT33 restaurant.
