Name Change

Original Dodie's on Dallas' Greenville Avenue must change name

Don't be fooled by the name-change.

Photo courtesy of Cajun Sea

The original Dodie's New Orleans Cafe on lower Greenville Avenue now has a new name: Charlie's Creole Kitchen, named for owner-founder Charlie McGuinness. The restaurant will be the same in every other way, remaining in its current location with the same menu, but can no longer use the Dodie's name.

The name change is the result of a lawsuit that was filed in 2015 by the owners of the other Dodie's up the street, Dodie's Reef.

Austin-based Reef Entertainment purchased a second Dodie's location, at 2821 Greenville Ave. from Charlie's son, Christopher McGuinness. Reef Entertainment, owned by Mark Bunting, had the rights to the name. The lawsuit was filed after the relationship between Reef and Christopher McGuinness deteriorated, particularly after McGuinness opened 504 Bar & Grill nearby.

Dodie's manager Laura Kroemer was overseeing the changes at the original Dodie's that included the installation of a new sign.

"We're all beside ourselves," she said at the restaurant. "I hope people keep coming, and that if they drive by, they won't think we're a different restaurant. We've been here 28 years."

Making the name change is not a cheap proposition, beginning with $5,000 to change the old sign.

"You don't realize all the little things, like menus, and we have to paint over part of our mural," she says. "But we're just going to try and make the best of it, put a positive spin on it, and call it a rebranding."

John Robledo, manager at Dodie's Reef, said that their hope is that both restaurants can still prosper on Greenville Avenue.

"I don't know all the details as far as the why, the where, and the how, but we're now the only Dodie's on Greenville Avenue," he says. "A name is a name, but as long as you do what you do and retain the soul of your restaurant, then your regular clientele knows that. Hopefully, we both do what we do well and people can visit both."

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Opening News

New Dallas restaurant Le Bistrot Bar Sardine is truly authentic French

Kayla Enright

Le Bistrot Bar Sardine

A new bistro-style restaurant is about to open in Dallas' Snider Plaza: Called Le Bistrot Bar Sardine, it's an intimate Parisian bistro concept from Vandelay Hospitality (Hudson House, Drake's, East Hampton Sandwich Co., Jack & Henry's, Anchor Sushi Bar), located at 6805 Snider Plaza, and according to a release, it will open on Friday, December 20.

Vandelay Hospitality founder & CEO Hunter Pond says in a statement that they're hoping to summon the streets of Paris.

"Our vision for Bar Sardine was to create a space that encapsulates the essence of a Parisian bistro—where the charm of France meets the warm hospitality of Dallas," Pond says. "We hope to offer an authentic and intimate dining experience that transports our guests to the cobblestone streets of Paris, where candlelit bistros hum with lively conversation, cocktails are crafted with elegance and precision, and exquisite dishes celebrate the timeless art of dining.”

To achieve this, the restaurant has persuaded a genuine French person to move here: Executive Chef Elliot Azoulay, who has relocated from Paris exclusively for this endeavor.

The menu will feature small plates and dishes that showcase Azoulay's mastery of authentic French cooking techniques, paired with his innovative flair.

A little bit about Chef Azoulay
Azoulay was born to North African parents who instilled in him a love for food with his father making savory dishes in the household and his mother creating decadent desserts. He moved to Orlando, Florida at the age of 15 to attend a prestigious golf academy. Post-college, he turned professional, playing golf for three years until an injury redirected his passion.

Le Bistrot Bar Sardine chef Elliot AzoulayVandelay

A serendipitous introduction to Hunter Pond by a mutual friend, who had enjoyed many of Elliot’s exceptional meals in the past and encouraged him to cook for them, ignited his passion for the culinary arts.

Returning to Paris, he trained at the École Ducasse, while working at establishments such as La Fontaine de Mars and Le Petit Lutetia — both favorites of Pond when visiting Paris — as well as a stint at the three-star Michelin restaurant Le Petit Nice in Marseille under renowned Chef Gérald Passedat.

"I want our guests to feel like they’re in Paris for an hour and a half, two hours when they come to Bar Sardine," Azoulay says. "My dishes celebrate the simplicity and elegance of French cuisine, where each ingredient is meant to shine. I’m excited to bring authentic, high-quality French food to Dallas and create an unforgettable experience.”

The menu
Menu highlights include

L’Escargot elevated with parsley butter and pommes grenailles
Artichaut Barigoule - artichokes braised in white wine with roasted vegetables
Saumon Tartare with spice aioli, avocado and caviar
Scallops au Caviar - seared scallops, roasted leeks, and Osestra beurre blanc
Oeufs à la Lyonnaise - deviled eggs with vegetable salad

Bar Sardine’s Apertifs & Hors D’oeuvres section offers artisanal cheeses like Brie de Meaux and Roquefort, onion soup gratinee, honey truffle brie baguette, and crisp frites available with truffle. This menu segment is perfect for pairing with one of the signature cocktails or a glass of wine.

Bar Sardine’s beverage program features signature cocktails like the Caviar Martini - Grey Goose, toasted rye, white peppercorn, bitters and Osestra caviar; the Fluffy Margarita Royale - Olmeca Altos, Ancho Verde, lime, fluffy pineapple, pineapple soda, prosecco and lava salt; Chocolate Negroni made with Campari, creme de cacao, and chocolate bitters; and Tequila Rouge Fumée - blanco, Sip Smith lemon drizzle, sweet vermouth, Cocchi Americano, creme de cacao.

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