Taste Addison Reboot

Addison cooks up revamped foodie event featuring country stars and celebrity chefs

As part of the city’s rebranding efforts, Addison is changing the way it does food events with the new Fork & Cork happening May 16 and 17 at Addison Circle Park.

The replacement for Taste Addison, Fork & Cork will feature some big names, including a concert by Pat Green and an appearance by James Beard Award-winning chef Marcus Samuelsson.

This intimate, two-day event will bring together celebrated chefs, craft breweries, wineries and spirit makers, which is exactly what planners learned people wanted when they asked for feedback.

“It was clear that patrons wanted a more culinary-focused event where they could actually participate alongside celebrity chefs while celebrating the world of taste,” says Barbara Kovacevich, director of special events for the Town of Addison.

Those who liked the old Taste Addison format needn’t worry, as its more successful parts will remain, including tastings from top Addison restaurants. Consider Fork & Cork the more attractive, sophisticated older sibling of Taste Addison. Heck, you even have to be 21 years of age to attend.

“Fork & Cork will be a great gourmet gathering — a casual but sophisticated event for people who enjoy food as entertainment,” Kovacevich says. “It will spotlight the culinary diversity found among Addison’s chef-driven establishments and introduce guests to a new way of thinking about food in our city.”

Another big change is that a portion of the proceeds will benefit Cafe Momentum, the nonprofit that Dallas foodies have grown to love. In addition to Cafe Momentum’s being selected as beneficiary, Fork & Cork chefs will be accompanied by Cafe Momentum participants during Friday’s events.

Friday night will cost you $65, but you’ll get all the food and drinks that you can handle. Saturday will only be $35 and includes access to the Grand Tasting Tent and the Pat Green concert. Attendees can also purchase tastings from local restaurants for $1 to $5 each. There are also a limited number of $100 VIP packages, which include access to hands-on cooking classes, Marcus Samuelsson’s demo, special tasting opportunities, chef meet-and-greets, valet parking and more.

Addison officials are confident that despite the higher price tag (Taste Addison only cost folks $15), this is exactly what the city needs to showcase all that it has to offer.

“This new event will continue to showcase Addison as an innovative, progressive, world-class event producer — and will once again elevate Addison as one of the coolest restaurant destinations in the DFW area and beyond,” Kovacevich says.

A portion of the proceeds from Fork & Cork will benefit Cafe Momentum.

Photo by Robert Bostick

A portion of the proceeds from Fork & Cork will benefit Cafe Momentum.

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Global flavors

Upscale Caribbean fusion restaurant Arôme puts McKinney on island time

Photo courtesy of Arome

Arôme’s take on poutine showcases an infusion of Caribbean flavors into global comfort classics.

A new fine-dining destination with global inspiration and Caribbean roots is bringing island flavor to McKinney: Called Arôme Caribbean Fusion & Lounge, it is located in the Adriatica complex at 6815 Virginia Pkwy., Ste. 300.

The space formerly housed Dhamaka Premium Indian Kitchen & Lounge, and before that, Silk Road Thai Cuisine.

Arôme is from Sophia Adisson, a Haitian-born project manager who moved to the U.S. for school over two decades ago and has lived in Dallas since 2015. Adisson learned the craft of soulful cooking from her family in Haiti, and specifically from her mother, who owned several restaurants there.

“Growing up, food and music — everything together — has been my everyday life, surrounded by that energy,” Adisson says. “I like to gather people around and have fun.”

While her Caribbean heritage shines through the menu, Adisson explains that her goal with Arôme (which translates to "aroma") is to cater to everyone, noting that her cuisine is inspired by multiple countries. This results in a dynamic menu with a wide range of offerings, from steak and jerk chicken to chicken and waffles, hamburgers, healthy bowls, tacos, and even poutine.

Signature dishes include:

Queue de bœuf: Slow-braised oxtail in a rich, aromatic gravy with tender potatoes and glazed baby carrots.
Tassot cabrit: Tender fried goat, Caribbean-spiced and golden-crisp, served with plantains and aromatic rice.
Porc effiloché au barbecue: Slow-smoked pulled pork, topped with tangy BBQ sauce and crisp slaw on a toasted brioche bun.
Whole Red Snapper: Fresh whole red snapper rubbed with Caribbean spices, fried, and served with plantains, rice, mango salsa, vegetables, and spicy sauce.

Arome This slow-braised staple represents the soulful, meticulous craft learned by Sophia Adisson from her family in Haiti.Photo courtesy of Arôme.

Entrees range from $25 to $50, while sandwiches, tacos, healthy bowls, and salads are in the $20 to $30 range. Lunch specials feature a similar but streamlined menu with options from $10 to $18, including several vegan choices for both lunch and dinner.

On Saturday and Sunday, Arôme offers a brunch menu from 11 am-3 pm. Highlights include rhum banana French toast, egg sandwiches, fish and chips, shrimp and grits, and steak and eggs.

While the restaurant awaits their liquor license to operate the full bar, customers are welcome to bring their own alcoholic beverages.

Arome Arôme’s hamburger is presented with fine-dining finesse.Photo courtesy of Arôme.

The 3,000-square-foot space seats approximately 140 guests indoors and features a large patio with a hookah bar for an additional 100 diners. The lively setting evokes island-inspired energy, with velvet teal chairs and bright orange bar stools.

“I wanted to provide a space for the diverse community of McKinney to enjoy, no matter where you come from. You can come to my restaurant and feel at home,” Adisson says.

The restaurant is open from 11 am-8 pm Sunday, 11 am-9 pm Monday-Thursday, remaining open until 10 pm on Friday and Saturday. They feature Latin music on Thursday, a DJ with afrobeats and R&B music on Friday, and live music on Saturday.

And they are already planning events for the World Cup this summer, where they will have all games on big screens and celebrate Haiti’s return to the tournament after a 52-year absence.