Downtown Dining

Downtown Dallas' French Room reopens with chic bar but bye-bye cherubs

Gaze on the cherubs for they are now painted over.

Photo courtesy of the Adolphus

In big news for the old-school downtown Dallas set, The French Room, the Zagat favorite and legendary restaurant at The Adolphus hotel, is back, following a 16-month restoration designed to return it to its roots as a top Dallas dining destination.

Opening on October 4, it will feature chef Michael Ehlert's interpretation of classic French cookery, seamlessly blending the technique and discipline of fine haute cuisine with the warmth and approachability of modern, elevated dining experiences.

Building on the numerous awards and accolades earned over the years, including the coveted AAA Five Diamond award for 25 consecutive years, The French Room begins its next chapter paying reverence to the past while welcoming guests old and new.

Ehlert's cuisine will be offered in a variety of configurations: as an evolving seasonal three-course menu; a seven-course tasting menu; and a 15-course experiential menu incorporating the Salon, Bar, and dining room.

Adolphus general manager of food & beverage operations Anthony Cournia and his team will cultivate a knowledgeable, engaging style of service that integrates charm and wit to guide guests through a warm, intuitive, and gracious dining experience. This will incorporate tableside presentation and service of dishes such as the Lamb Saddle for Two served with tomato-braised fennel and panisse or the Wild Striped Bass in Salt Crust with braised salsify and sauce Bretonne.

Sommelier is Jeff Gregory whose wine list showcases some of the finest examples from across the globe.

In addition to The French Room, two brand-new concepts debut as companion pieces: The French Room Bar and The French Room Salon.

The Salon is a lounge located just outside of The French Room with artwork from prominent Texas artists curated by Nasher Sculpture Center’s Lucia Simek.

The Bar is adjacent to The French Room and is a cocktail venue with a beverage program from beverage manager Anna Pereda and shareable plates from chef Ehlert's kitchen.

Last refurbished in the 1980s, the restoration features candlelight white plaster walls reminiscent of Parisian landmarks complementing gilded Louis XVI-style chairs, and twin Italian Murano glass chandeliers, restored to their original sparkle and lowered to be more prominently displayed.

Hours will be dinner Tuesday-Saturday from 5-10 pm, with The French Room Bar serving cocktails Fridays and Saturday until 1 am.

downtown openings

Speakeasy News

Speakeasy with secret red phone booth entry is dialing into The Colony

Red Phone Booth

That red phone booth is a secret entry.

A speakeasy bar concept from Atlanta that's been plotting a DFW location for a couple of years is inching closer to reality. Called Red Phone Booth, it'll open in the Grotto at Grandscape, at 5774 Grandscape Blvd. #100 in The Colony, and a release says it's coming in March.

Red Phone Booth features old-school Prohibition-style cocktails, cigars, and small plates. It's owned and operated by Stephen de Haan with actor/whiskey and cigar enthusiast Michael Cudlitz (The Walking Dead, Band of Brothers, Clarice and The Kids Are Alright).

The Grandscape location was originally forecast to open in 2021, back when speakeasy bars were an up-and-coming trend, remember that? One presumes the delays were pandemic-induced.

The lounge will be open to the public, but customers must know the secret phone number which they can procure only from another member, local hotel, or restaurant. They dial into an antique red phone booth to gain entry.

The cocktail menu features spirits such as bourbon, whiskey, scotch, tequila and Japanese whisky, made with fresh juices and hand chipped double-reverse pass osmosis ice.

Exclusive member tasting events will allow members sample flights of whiskey, bourbon, scotch, or tequila.

Food includes Italian-inspired appetizers such as Stuffed Peppadew Pepper, Insalata di Bistecca, and star-shaped Neapolitan pizzas.

They currently have two locations in Atlanta, plus one in Nashville, and another opening in Florida later in 2023.

In a statement, de Haan says they were introduced to Grandscape by family and thought it would be a good addition to the various shopping, dining, and nightlife options there.

The grand opening scheduled for March 3-4, but they are ready to sell memberships now, which range from $350 to$5,000 for an Executive Membership which includes 4 individuals.

openings trends

Downtown Dining

Downtown Dallas' French Room reopens with chic bar but bye-bye cherubs

Speakeasy News

Speakeasy with secret red phone booth entry is dialing into The Colony

CultureMap Emails Are AwesomeGet Dallas intel delivered daily.

We will not share or sell your email address.

CultureMap Emails Are Awesome
Get Dallas intel delivered daily.