Yum-o

TV food queen Rachael Ray debuts a virtual restaurant pop-up in Dallas

Ray herself won't be in Dallas but her food will.

Food Network veteran and celebrity chef Rachael Ray is launching a "virtual restaurant" through a partnership with Uber Eats in 13 cities, and that includes Dallas.

Fans hoping to see Ray pour out the EVOO in person will be out of luck, since the innovative concept has no brick-and-mortar presence. Instead, the 11 dishes will be available for delivery through the popular platform.

The eatery debuts on October 17, following the October 15 release of Ray's latest cookbook: Rachael Ray 50: Memories and Meals from a Sweet and Savory Life. The book features comfort food favorites and recollections from the author's remarkable career.

The items on the virtual restaurant's menu are pulled mostly from the book, and include three starters/salads, three main items, two pastas, and three sides:

Buffalo pulled chicken chili with smoked blue ranch sauce
Tahini Caesar salad with za'atar croutons
Sicilian orange and fennel salad with oregano
Big smack cheeseburger
Fried chicken sandwich
Dozen-spiced fried chicken wings with spicy honey
Bolognese with egg tagliatelle
Fettuccine alla vodka
Jalapeno popper grits
Sweet 'n' spicy pickles
Cauliflower mash with roasted garlic, ricotta, lemon, and thyme

Despite Ray's many years in food as a TV personality, author and magazine editor-in-chief, she has never operated a restaurant.

According to Uber spokesman Travis Considine, the company actually making the food is Uber partner Reef Kitchens, a delivery-only kitchen that operates a number of virtual restaurants on Uber Eats. These are delivery-only kitchens with locations across the country.

You can find Ray's food by clicking on the Rachael Ray banner at the top of the app, or by searching "Rachael Ray to Go." Prices range from $3.95 to $13.95, not including taxes or Uber delivery fees. Standard delivery rates will apply, except for Nov. 1-7, when delivery will be free in Dallas.

Ray's food will be available from 11 am-1 am daily. The Dallas pop-up will last only until the end of December.

In addition to Dallas, the virtual cafe is also popping up in Austin, Houston, New York City, Los Angeles, Baltimore, Minneapolis, Portland, Seattle, Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Chattanooga, and Toronto.

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Seafood News

Dallas chef brings seafood to Trinity Groves via Pesca restaurant

Pesca

Pesca Trinity Groves

A veteran Dallas restaurateur has a new seafood restaurant at Trinity Groves: Called Pesca Coastal Cuisine and Cocktails, it’s in a space with seafood history, in the former Amberjax Fish Market space at 3011 Gulden Ln. #107. According to a release, it opened on December 13.

Pesca comes from Jesus Carmona, owner of the taqueria Milagro Tacos and Argentinian restaurant Chimichurri. Carmona is among the lucky restaurateurs in Dallas who've been featured on Guy Fieri’s Diners Drive-ins and Dives, and he was also on Good Morning America’s taco cook-off.

The menu includes fish grilled or a la plancha, plus spicy shrimp shooters, oysters Rockefeller, tuna crudo, crab croquettes, chowder, shrimp enchiladas, linguini frutti di mare, and lobster rolls.

They also offer desserts, such as Florida Key lime pie and coconut cream tarts, plus cocktails and a selection of beer and wine. Prices range from $6 for a cup of soup to $29 for salmon succotash.

The design features natural wood tones, ocean-inspired hues, and nautical accents, plus bold elements, pops of color, and playful twists.

“I designed this space and menu to invite people to experience my variations of delicious coastal dishes,” says Carmona in a statement. “Pesca will provide new food options for West Dallas, a community very close to my heart.”

Carmona, originally from Mexico City, began his career at the age of 12, working in the family business. Carmona earned his food and beverage degree from Miami Dade College and he attended the San Francisco Culinary Academy. He has more than 30 years of experience in the restaurant and hospitality industry.

“Jesus has provided Dallas communities with quality restaurants and food experiences, and we are thrilled to welcome him to Trinity Groves,” says West Dallas Investments partner Sam Romano in a statement. “Pesca allows him to show us his talents with coastal cuisine - something that is not currently being offered in West Dallas.”

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