An intimate American bistro with a rockstar team is opening at Dallas' Shops at Preston Hollow. Called Ella, it will open with a menu of modern comfort food in an upscale setting, in the former Chido Taco Lounge space at 7949 Walnut Hill Ln #130. According to a release, Ella is from restaurateur Blaine McGowan, who also founded Chido Taco Lounge, and will open for dinner on June 17, with lunch and weekend brunch to follow.
Team
Executive Chef is Kyle Farr (Sachet, Boulevardier) oveseeing a menu that spans elevated comfort fare and chef-driven classics, combining familiar dishes with sophisticated flair. General manager and beverage director is Julian Shaffer, formerly bar manager at Rye, who recently won an award in the 2024 Michelin Guide Texas for Exceptional Cocktails — the first time this award has ever been given.
“We wanted to bring something to the neighborhood that wasn’t there—something welcoming and refined. We want to hit on all cylinders with this concept: exceptional food, drinks, and service,” McGowan says. “With Julian and Kyle leading the way, we have an opportunity to do something very special and bring a new experience to Dallas. Service is of the utmost importance to us, and we plan to provide guests with an amazing experience all around. Our focus is on the people, both employees and guests.”
EllaKathy Tran
Food. Standout dishes include:
- Shrimp and Masa Dumplings are a vibrant starter, with roasted peppers and tomato with charred broccolini
- Steak Tartare, made with tenderloin, Dijon, cured egg yolk
- Pork Cheeks, with orange jus, roasted carrots, and sunchokes
- Bolognese, with fresh pappardelle tossed in house-made sauce
- Short Rib, slow-braised in red wine and accompanied by smoked sweet potato and charred broccolini
- Salmon with roasted beet purée, chickpeas, parsnips, and roasted carrots.
Drink. Cocktail highlights include
- Chocolate Raspberries - brandy, raspberry, and cocoa butter
- Poached Pear - brandy and Riesling with miso brown butter and fresh pear
- Summer Daiquiri - Charanda (a Mexican sugarcane spirit) with watermelon and mint
- Salsa Verde Ranch Water - tequila and mezcal with tomatillo and citrus
- Shiso Gin and Tonic - gin, shiso, Szechuan peppercorn, and tonic
Decor
The 2,500 square foot space with 63 seats, including bar seating — plus an additional 600-square-foot mezzanine. The release says the space has a "female-forward feel" 🙄 blending modern design with an inviting atmosphere. Guests arrive through a romantically lit patio into an interior that feels warm and polished with earthy green paneled walls, 12-foot globe chandeliers, a red tile bar, and cozy booths. Hidden behind drapery lies a semi-secret staircase that leads guests to the mezzanine, where the existing Customs Speakeasy will remain open, offering craft cocktails crafted with premium Mexican spirits from bartender Jairo Castillo.
