Beef Country

Rosewood Mansion on Turtle Creek family gets into Wagyu beef game

The family behind the Rosewood Mansion on Turtle Creek is expanding its empire into beef: Rosewood Ranches, a subsidiary of the Caroline Hunt Trust Estate, has partnered with Jack Rose Cattle Company to release a new line called Rosewood Texas-raised Wagyu beef.

Rosewood beef is grass-fed, grain-finished, and hormone- and antibiotic-free. "It is our belief that well-cared for cattle produce the best meat," says Kenneth Braddock, Rosewood ranch manager, in a release.

The Caroline Rose Hunt family has transformed their farm into a group of ranches that stretch across Ellis, Henderson, Kaufman and Navarro counties. Last year, they formed a partnership with Jackman Wagyu Beef Company. Rosewood raises the cattle; Jackman processes the beef.

Principals Mark Hoegh and Justin Jackman have been integral in the development and popularity of Wagyu since its inception in the United States, both in managing the first Wagyu beef herd in America and in creating a market at Dallas restaurants such as Nick & Sam's, Fearing's, Neighborhood Services, and Chamberlain's Steak and Chop House.

Originally from Japan, Wagyu beef is known for its decadent flavor and fat marbling.

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Mex-Mex News

New Dallas restaurant Mr Habanero brings haute touch to Mexican food

Mr. Habanero

There's a new Mexican restaurant doing haute-style things in northwest Dallas: Called Mr. Habanero, it's now open at 3312 Forest Ln. in a former Golden Corral at Webb Chapel Village.

Mr. Habanero is a spinoff of a restaurant called Habaneros, which owner Javier López opened in Grand Prairie 10 years ago. Like the original, it offers quesadillas, flautas, and other staples people expect at a Mexican restaurant — but it does a whole lot more.

That includes upscale entrees like rib eye steak in a mushroom cream sauce; or tropical salmon salad, with mixed greens, mango, strawberries, jicama, pineapple, and tomatoes in a honey balsamic vinagrette. Prices are reasonable: The $25 rib eye is the most expensive dish.

A native of Michoacán, Mexico, Javier describes himself and his family as foodies who love to dine out and discover new dishes. That curiosity and passion informs what he does.

“Cooking is an art for me, and we have to prepare the dishes as if they were for ourselves — this is what I tell my staff," he says. “We frequently rotate in new items — we are always looking for creative ideas."

The menu is extensive and ambitious, with breakfast served daily until the forgiving hour of 1 pm, including chilaquiles, pancakes, and omelets in options such as veggie or fajita. They also offer lunch specials Monday-Thursday from 11 am-2 pm with $12 plates.

Mr. Habanero cocktailsMr. Habanero

There are also craft cocktails with a menu designed by Javier’s daughter Diana, who helps with restaurant operations.

“I wanted to make our drinks original, with memorable names," Diana says. Those include a watermelon twist on a Moscow mule and the Puerto Escondido, which has both mezcal and tequila, with passion fruit, piña, lime, and agave.

The space seats 250 and is upscale yet comfortable and welcoming. There's a large bar area and a stage for live events, with a DJ in the evenings. They offer personal touches like free desserts and singing waiters for birthdays. Service is a top priority, Javier says.

“Our staff is upbeat, most have been there for so long, they genuinely care," he says.

The neighborhood has no shortage of Mexican restaurants including El Fenix, La Carreta, and El Tizoncito, but Javier says this was actually what attracted him about the neighborhood.

"We want to help attract more people to the area and give them dining options," he says. "We know that if we do well, people will come back."

tex-mex openings