Adventures in Eating

5 dish and gin pairings for adventurous Dallas foodies

We all engage in an activity which can be, depending on your outlook, staid and predictable or remarkable and exciting. Eating can serve as a trip around the world, if you’re open to new flavors, and pairing your food with an equally exciting cocktail only increases the adventure.

Zephyr Gin is for those who dare to depart from the well-worn path — especially when it comes to cuisine.

When you’re feeling daring, order these food and drink pairings the next time you’re out for a memorable Dallas dining experience.

Zephyr Gin Mundà + milk poached chicken — Casa Rubia
The Mundà is an intoxicating drink made of Zephyr Gin, St. Germaine, Campari, hibiscus, orange, and luxardo cherry.

In Italy, they cook pork in milk to make it tender and add the subtlest sweetness to the flavor. British chef Jamie Oliver adapted it to chicken, and it’s a recipe that’s both tasty and easy. As the chicken cooks, the milk eventually separates and the curds dissolve.

Chef Omar Flores serves it with asturian “fabada,” a Spanish stew dominated by large creamy fava beans. Fabada is the signature dish of Asturias, Spain, but is also a favorite dish of internationally renowned Spanish chef Jose Andres, who is credited with bringing the idea of small plates to the United States. Chef Flores says that the idea behind the milk poaching was to add an element of sweetness without adding sugar. “Milk has an inherent sweetness which pairs great with white meats,” he says. “Enzymes in milk also help to tenderize the protein.”

Zephyr Black Gin and tonic + omakase dinner — Tei-An
A classic gin and tonic keeps the palate fresh, with the crispness of the Zephyr Black Gin complementing the Japanese seasonings.

This restaurant’s signature is the soba noodles, but for thrills, order omakase, where chef Teiichi Sakurai rolls out menus of extreme creativity, custom-tailored to your level of adventure. The menu ranges from superb sushi to authentic items such as Namero, a dish from the city of Chiba on the east coast of Japan.

Namero is like a raw seafood salad, in which the fish gets chopped into fine bits, then mixed with spices and seasonings such as ginger, green onion, and miso paste. The seasonings not only add flavor, they give almost a ceviche-like curing that beefs up the texture. If you’re lucky, you’ll end with daifuku, a Japanese dessert with a sweet filling enclosed by mochi, the sweet stretchy “dough” made of pounded sweet rice.

Zephyr Gin Orange Marmalade Fizz + Dutch cakes — Proof+Pantry
You could go with a traditional mimosa, but instead take advantage of the restaurant's refreshing Orange Marmalade Fizz, which is made with Zephyr Gin, lemon juice, and seltzer water.

Maybe you’ve heard of an exotic breakfast offering called the Dutch baby, a cool cross between a popover, a pancake, and a crepe which has a springy texture and is traditionally drizzled with fresh-squeezed lemon juice and then dusted with confectioner’s sugar. If so, you’re all primed to recognize something Proof+Pantry does at brunch called “Dutch cakes.”

Like the regular Dutch Baby, it’s thinner than a pancake but contains a savory surprise: a layer of Jarlsberg cheese melted in the center – the dish’s flavor starts off with sweetness, then switches halfway to savory cheesy surprise. “It’s one of our most asked-about dishes and we only serve it at brunch,” says manager Joshua Smith. “People sometimes order it as an appetizer for the table to share.”

Zephyr Gin gimlet + smoked marlin — Flora Street Cafe
A Zephyr Gin gimlet lends an herbaceous flavor to the meal, adding without overpowering.

The stage is set when you first walk in to Stephan Pyles' newest restaurant, with the whimsical floating “sculpture” made of silk that’s in a constant state of climbing and descending with a dreamy flourish.

Every dish seems to boast a surprise, such as the smoked marlin served under a glass dome that releases wisps of smoke when lifted, or the scallops that are served on a wreath of seaweed, issuing a mist that smells like the ocean. Another signature dish is the lobster tamale pie served in a martini-shaped glass with a sheet of ancho "glass” propped on top.

Zephyr Gin martini + tasting menu — FT33
Since you might not know what you're going to be served that night, keep a familiar drink in your glass with a Zephyr Gin martini.

Chef Matt McAllister is constantly changing things up in the kitchen to reflect what’s most seasonally and locally available — that evening’s offerings are posted on the restaurant’s website an hour before service begins — but to really experience his breadth of talent you must order the chef’s tasting menu.

Available only Tuesday through Thursday, it’s a cavalcade of ingredients that the endlessly inventive McAllister often pairs together in unexpected ways. Recent dishes have included pork jowl with endive and muscadine, caramelized cauliflower served on a buckwheat crepe with mint, and Quicke’s cheddar with popcorn, apple, and mostarda.

The chef's tasting menu at FT33 takes advantage of what's in season.

Photo courtesy of FT33

The chef's tasting menu at FT33 takes advantage of what's in season.

dinner bests brunch promoted chefs cocktails

Roundup of Restaurant News

Surprising string of closures surfaces in this Dallas restaurant news

Mom's Cafe

Farewell Mom's Cafe

This roundup of dining news around Dallas has more than the usual number of closures, from chains to small indie spots — and that's not even counting Dick's Last Resort, which closed after 40 years. But there are openings and comebacks, not to mention new menus for the season, and maybe even better, new cocktails, too.

Here's what's happening in Dallas restaurant news:

Naf Naf Middle Eastern Grill, a small Middle Eastern restaurant chain from Chicago which made its debut in Dallas market with a location in Frisco in 2022, has unfortunately closed. The chain is still opening locations in more receptive places like California, but is officially out of Texas.

Mom’s Cafe, a modest restaurant at 602 Main St. in Allen that was revered for its basic, reasonably-priced fare, closed in November after 10 years. The restaurant changed ownership in 2024 and the beloved founder known as "Grandma" recently passed away.

Natuur, the smoothie and bowls concept from Denver, closed its Dallas location at 1902 Henderson Ave. They opened in 2022 with great smoothies and smoothie bowls in blends such as açaí or super green, to which you could add fruits, toppings, and granola; plus sourdough toasts, salads, hot bowls such as oatmeal and tomato basil soup, and cold brew coffee. They also had a location in Austin, which recently closed as well.

Theo's Drive-In, an iconic favorite in Grand Prairie, closed on November 30, after decades of serving late-night burgers, curly fries, and memories. The restaurant was founded in 1956 by Theo Chokas, then subsequently taken over by his nephew Theo. It wasn't until 2013 that they finally accepted credit cards. With its classic red roadside sign, it was a longtime staple on East Main Street, serving as a hangout after games, dates, and long nights with burgers, hot dogs, floats, and more.

Jack in the Box at 6308 Gaston Ave. has mounted a comeback with a retro-inspired renovation. It's one of the original locations in Dallas which opened in 1969, and has been rebuilt with retro visuals and nostalgic touches such as an old-school speaker box, vintage signage, and a recreated classic menu board. The throwback is not a chain-wide initiative, but is only taking place at this location, which is owned by franchisee Chris Aslam, who operates 27 Jack in the Box locations in Dallas and more throughout the system.

Jack in the Box on Gaston AveJITB

Naturals Rolls & Ice Cream is now open in Frisco at 5266 Independence Pkwy #105, serving rolled ice cream — the third place to open doing rolled ice cream place to open in the last year, following Maya Creamery in Las Colinas, and Cream and Crepes at the Shops at Park Lane, in a trend that weirdly seems to be making a comeback. In addition to rolled ice cream, the oddly-plural Naturals also serves shakes, juices, bubble waffles, and Indian desserts.

Hugs Cafe, a nonprofit that employs adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, will open in East Dallas on December 8 at 2918 Live Oak St. Hugs creates opportunities for adults with IDD to gain independence, confidence, and purpose through work. They'll be open for breakfast and lunch with dishes such as the Chickie Hug, Cheddar Biscuit Sandwich, salads, soups, and specials.

Kimiya Japanese Cuisine McKinney is a new All-You-Can-Eat restaurant which just opened in McKinney in a former Denny's (and before that, a TGI Friday's) at 1615 N Central Expy. The AYCE option features sushi, sushi rolls, appetizers like edamame and crab puffs, and is $24 at lunch, when it's limited to 90 minutes. In addition to AYCE, they have a huge a la carte menu with sushi rolls, teriyaki, tempura, hibachi lunch, ramen, kalbi, bento boxes, fried rice, udon noodles, and more.

Yemandi Yemeni Cuisine, a unique Middle Eastern restaurant at 888 S. Greenville Ave. #210 in Richardson, opened in May but only just celebrated a ribbon-cutting. The restaurant, which specializes in dishes from Yemen, the small coastal country south of Saudi Arabia, has enjoyed a whirlwind existence since it was featured in a TikTok video that showed its unique Sunnah-style dining option, available in a few secluded booths where you sit on the floor while you eat. The menu features familiar Middle Eastern staples such as hummus, but also less familiar dishes like hummus with liver.

Café Momentum, the non-profit and culinary training facility, has unveiled a new seasonal menu created by chef de cuisine Aaron Collins in collaboration with Café Momentum’s youth interns. Dishes include fried oysters with Cajun spice with caviar ranch; delicata squash with tahini, pomegranate molasses, & toasted pecans; mushroom bisque; cider-brined pork tenderloin with spaetzle & apple-cabbage slaw; halibut with sweet potato, cauliflower, & Brussels sprouts; coffee-rubbed 44 Farms NY strip with broccolini & potato gratin; butternut squash rigatoni with kale & pancetta; Moroccan chickpea and vegetable stew with couscous; fennel zucchini salad with candied pecans; bourbon pecan pie; and chai-spiced sweet potato cake.

White Rock Brewing Co. which is located in Oak Cliff, is serving holiday-themed cocktails through December that include a Cranberry Margarita and a Peppermint Espresso Martini. They're also making seasonal beers brewed with Noble Coffee including the Imperial Coffee Stout and Pumpkin Spice Ale.

Nothing Bundt Cakes has two holiday flavors for December: Coconut Cream Snowflake, a coconut cake filled with vanilla pudding, topped with coconut, available in personal-sized Bundtlets from December 1-14; and Peppermint Chocolate Chip chocolate cake with chocolate chips and peppermint pieces, available in all sizes December 8-January 4.

Dave’s Hot Chicken, the chain from California, has launched a new core menu offering: Saucy Bites, featuring Dave's Chicken Bites tossed in one of three sauces: Spicy Buffalo, Spicy BBQ, or Mike’s Hot Honey. They're also debuting a Ranch dip and a spicy version called the Reaper Ranch.

Snooze, the buzzy brunch chain, has unveil a new lineup of holiday specials as follows: Sticky toffee buttermilk pancakes topped with pecan sticky toffee sauce, espresso-date mascarpone and candied orange zest; spiked peppermint hot chocolate with blanco tequila, coffee liqueur, and peppermint syrup; gingerbread latte with espresso, milk, gingerbread syrup, and a ginger snap cookie; caramel haze hot chocolate with hazelnut and caramel syrup; peppermint hot chocolate, and peppermint mocha hot with crushed peppermint.

Toastique, the toast-loving chain with a location in Addison, has an amazing smoothie of the season: a spiced pumpkin smoothie with pumpkin, banana, almond milk, maple syrup, and pumpkin spice.

Jinya Ramen Bar has new winter chef’s specials by chef Kazuya Takebe: Tokyo Yatai Classic, a clear chicken broth with pork chashu, seasoned egg, spinach, green onion, chopped, onion and a slice of naruto Japanese fish cake, with thin noodles nori; and Crispy Chicken Wings in Asian sweet-sour sauce. Guests who order the Tokyo Yatai Classic will receive one of three limited-edition ramen spoons featuring Demon Slayer characters Tanjiro Kamado, Zenitsu Agatsuma, or Inosuke Hashibara.

North Italia is offering a Holiday Lunch Prix Fixe where you can order a small plate and entrée duo for $25. The menu is available from 11 am-4 pm daily, featuring standouts from North’s latest seasonal menu like the Sunday Night Lasagna and Arancini along with exclusive dishes like the Chicken Parmigiana Verde, Bruschetta Duo, and Brussels Sprout & Medjool Pizza. It's available through December 23.

Chili’s is bringing back a top-selling Margarita of the Month for December: the Merry Maker Marg for $6, with Lunazul Blanco Tequila, Cointreau, Monin Blackberry, strawberry puree, and house-made sour, served with a reusable Santa ‘stache straw.

Fish City Grill and Half Shells have rolled out a wave of new menu items upgraded oyster nachos with housemade chips, chargrilled oysters, moked troup dip, the omega bowl with salmon, Havarti-cheddar mac & cheese, Mediterranean sea bass, and Texas redfish.

Perch Bistro & Bar is launching 12 holiday cocktails which they'll serve from December 1-12. They include frozen spiced cranberry paloma, pomegranate spritz, gingersnap martini, spiced cranberry whisky sour, banana bread old fashioned, and a stuffing martini.

Bellagreen American Bistro, the Texas-based healthy chain, has launched a new winter seasonal menu that will run through February in all Houston and Dallas locations. It's built around the Golden Glow diet, featuring nutrient-dense ingredients like turmeric, ginger, sweet potatoes, kale, berries, and green tea. Highlights include chicken soup; golden grain & arugula salad (with butternut wild rice pilaf, chickpeas, pumpkin seeds, and goat cheese); roasted veggie quinoa-kale bowl with sweet potatoes, cauliflower, and tahini-sriracha sauce; seared salmon over turmeric cauliflower rice; peppermint cheesecake; and German chocolate cheesecake.

White Rhino Coffee, the DFW coffeehouse chain, has three new seasonal beverages: Chumpkin, a blend of spiced chai and pumpkin with steamed milk which can be made "dirty" by adding espresso or matcha; Gingerbread Latte with espresso, milk, and gingerbread spice; and Banana Bread Latte with oat milk, banana purée, cinnamon, and choice of espresso or matcha.

Rita’s Italian Ice & Frozen Custard, the Italian Ice concept, is teaming up with Andes mint with holiday specials spotlighting Andes' chocolate-mint flavor in two new frozen treats: Mint Fudge Sundae features Rita’s Vanilla and Chocolate Twist Frozen Custard topped with Andes Mints, hot fudge, and whipped cream; Mint Cookie Crunch Concrete features Vanilla Frozen Custard blended with Andes Mints and Oreo cookie pieces. Available through January 11.

Fuzzy’s Taco Shop is ringing in the holiday season with a festive limited-time cocktail: the Jingle Berry ‘Rita, available through December 31. It blends Fuzzy’s Frozen House Margarita with blackberry syrup, Ole Smoky Blackberry Moonshine, and a Black Cherry White Claw dunk, bringing a burst of berry-forward cheer to every sip.

Mister Charles, the acclaimed restaurant on Knox Street from Duro Hospitality, made the list in OpenTable's prestigious Top 100 Restaurants in America for 2025 — the only restaurant in the Dallas-Fort Worth area to earn a spot on this coveted list and one of only 10 in the entire state of Texas.

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