Hotel Dining News
Biscuits are out, bourbon is in at refreshed downtown Dallas restaurant
A downtown Dallas restaurant previously noted for its unique biscuit bar has been revamped into a new concept that specializes in Southern food and bourbon.
What used to be called Grayson Social is now Elm Street Cask & Kitchen, located in the Hilton Garden Inn at 1525 Elm St., where it features an extensive whiskey collection, Southern-inspired cuisine, and a variety of cocktails.
A mildly misleading press release implies that the re-do is new and makes no mention of Grayson Social; however, an employee at the hotel says that the switchover actually occurred a few months ago. She also says that they still offer biscuits, although the biscuits are different from what they previously served. "They're still good, though," she says.
The release, which may or may not be trustworthy, describes Elm Street Cask & Kitchen as a neighborhood bourbon bar and grill with Southern-inspired comfort food cuisine. Dishes include shrimp and blue corn grits with Andouille sausage; fried green tomatoes with Texas caviar succotash made from black-eyed peas; and beer can chicken with apple cornbread stuffing, almonds, and charred carrots.
Their choice of purveyors is a plus sign including Wagyu beef from Rosewood Farms and breads and pastries from Empire Baking Company. Anyone using Empire breads is doing things right.
Executive chef is Benjamin Maulsby, who most recently worked at Marie Gabrielle in the Harwood District. His prior experience includes Happiest Hour and the acclaimed, now-closed Nana at the Hilton Anatole hotel.
Elm Street Cask & Kitchen’s beverage program boasts 200 varieties of bourbons and American whiskies, with everything from Kentucky distilleries such as Buffalo Trace, Jim Beam, and Stitzel-Weller, to small-batch distilleries like MB Roland, George Dickel and Prichard’s.
The restaurant will also offer a Whiskey Bible for guests, containing back stories and tasting notes for every spirit in its collection, providing whiskey-enthusiasts a comprehensive guide.
Bourbon-based cocktails include the Kentucky Buck with Four Roses Bourbon, muddled strawberries, lemon, ginger and bitters; Peach Tea Punch with Bulleit Bourbon, sweet tea, and peaches; and the CK Mint Julep with Maker’s Mark Bourbon, mint syrup and bitters.
Other spirited sips include the Tiki Jungle Bird with Diplomatico Rum, Cana Brava Rum, Campari, fresh pineapple juice and fresh squeezed lime; and The Oaxacan with Cabeza Tequila, Del Maguey Mezcal, jalapeño infused yellow chartreuse, and lime.
White, red, and sparkling wines are available by the glass or bottle, along with a range of beer and several whiskey flights.
The interior now boasts a Southern contemporary design with bar, patio, dining room, and private dining upstairs. They're open for dinner and will start lunch on February 25.
The new Walk-On's is at 906 FM 544, Wylie.Photo courtesy of Walk-On's