Opening News

Restaurant devoted to tri tip steaks opens second Dallas area location

This here is a tri tip family feast with three meats and three sides.

Tri Tip

A restaurant specializing in the cut of beef known as the tri tip has opened a new location in the Dallas area: Called Tri Tip Grill, it is now open in Richardson in the CityLine center at the northeast corner of Renner and North Plano roads.

This is the second location in the Dallas area for this chain, following Frisco which opened in 2017. There were previously two locations in New York.

Owner is Robert Sunleaf, a young entrepreneur who previously worked for Texas Instruments. In a release, he says they're thrilled about the opening, stating, "Our hybrid of counter service at lunch and full service at dinner and on weekends makes us the perfect choice for a quick bite at lunch or a fun family night out."

Tri Tip Grill is known for their tri tip steak, a triangular cut of beef from the sirloin that some would say has been unfairly ignored, although it has had a revival in more recent years. They use Angus beef tri tip that's been aged for 35 days. It gets marinated, char-roasted, and smoked. You can order it in a platter with sides, or in a sandwich, sliced thin.

However, there is life here beyond the tri tip. Their menu features burgers and five signature salads including the Cabo Chop with jicama and avocado, and the "krispy" chicken & avocado. Everything is made in house, including salad dressings.

Tri Tip Grill also offers family feasts with three meats and three sides, served family style. Desserts include banana pudding and S’mores for Four served tableside.

Tri Tip is open daily from 10:30 am-11 pm, with a happy hour Monday-Friday from 2-6 pm, and a "social hour" for the last 90 minutes of the day.

Lunch is counter service, then switches at 3 pm on weekdays and all day on the weekends to full-service. Clever.

They also offer online ordering, catering services, and a reservable food truck.

As is the case with other eateries at CityLine, Tri Tip Grill is practicing social distancing and complying by all CDC and state guidelines, including six feet spacing and proper capacity limits inside. They also boast a large patio.

openings

Wine News

New Vinifera Wine Lounge and Bistro debuts on Flower Mound’s Riverwalk

Vinifera

Vinifera Wine Lounge & Bistro

A new wine bar and bistro has opened in Flower Mound. Called Vinifera Wine Lounge & Bistro, it's at 4120 River Walk Dr., in a space formerly occupied by a short-lived pizzeria, joining a string of bars overlooking the Riverwalk.

Vinifera is from Jamie Creevy, a British native who moved to Dallas in 2007, and who has worked at concepts such as Henderson Tap House and Peppersmash Concepts. At Vinifera, he's partnered with Chris Kummer, a former US Marine with experience in nightclubs and restaurants, including Chill in Grapevine.

Running the kitchen is executive chef Justin Samsill, who has worked at a wide range of high-end places including Knife, Town Hearth, The Mitchell, Smoke, and Hide. The menu has a big selection of seafood such as mussels, shrimp cocktail, squid pasta, and scallops, as well as steak au poivre, pasta bolognese, and trendy items such as steak frites and a smash burger, with entrees ranging from $19 to $35.

Vegetarian options include an unusual rendition of ratatouille, in which vegetables such as eggplant and tomato are cut into slices and arranged like a pinwheel. There are also salads and harissa carrots with Greek yogurt.

They describe the wine list as being "from all over the world", with 38 offerings by the glass. There are also cocktails.

Between the indoor dining room and outdoor space, the restaurant seats about 130 people. It shares a private event room with next door neighbor Whiskey & Smoke.

Riverwalk is the 158-acre mixed used development developed in 2017 and designed as a destination resembling the Riverwalk in San Antonio, with live music, events, and a range of eatery options including Whiskey & Smoke, Pennywise Pub, and Underdogs Burgers & Brews.

“We are looking to be creative and pivot to keep the area fresh," Creevy says. “People are looking for live music, value, free events, we want to entertain the residents and the community at an inexpensive rate."

wine openings