Knife's out

Knife Italian by chef John Tesar closes at Ritz-Carlton Las Colinas

A spread at Knife Italian Steak.

Photo courtesy of Knife Italian Steak

A Dallas celebrity chef restaurant has closed: Knife Italian Steak, a culinary venture from John Tesar, has shuttered at The Ritz-Carlton Dallas, Las Colinas, after two-and-a-half years.

The Dallas Business Journal first reported the news, which was confirmed to CultureMap with more details by a spokesperson for the hotel.

"As part of the ongoing evolution of The Ritz-Carlton Dallas, Las Colinas, following its recent $65 million transformation into a premier luxury resort destination, Knife Italian Steak concluded its run at the property on October 6," the spokesperson says.

Knife Italian opened at the luxury resort in March 2024 as the latest in a series of Tesar's Knife restaurant concepts, which included Knife Steakhouse in Dallas and Plano, and Knife & Spoon at The Ritz-Carlton Orlando Grande Lakes in Orlando.

Knife Steakhouse at The Highland Dallas hotel closed in August 2025 after more than a decade and was replaced by a restaurant called The Reserve at the Highland; the Plano and Orlando Knife locations remain open.

Chef John Tesar of Knife steakhouse in Dallas Knife chef John Tesar in the meat room. Photo by Marc Lee

The Knife Italian menu in Las Colinas was designed with family-style dining in mind, with dishes to share. There were crudi with yellowtail, kingfish, and lobster, plus oysters and a selection of Passmore Caviar specifically created for Knife Italian.

Steaks and meats were the focal point, with steaks dry-aged onsite ranging from 45-240 days. The Bistecca a la Las Colinas was an ode to the Bistecca alla Fiorentina, featuring a 48-ounce 44 Farms Dry Aged Porterhouse carved tableside.

The 170-seat restaurant featured an eclectic theme with vibrant hues, from a striking magenta sofa to towering palm trees, tied together by original artwork by Thomas Schoos. A Pink Champagne Bar beckoned with a psychedelic sofa, birds-eye maple side table, and a captivating pink bubble light fixture.

Knife Italian Steak opened shortly after the Las Colinas hotel - previously a Four Seasons - rebranded and reopened as a Ritz-Carlton property in January 2024.

The evolution of the hotel continues, and that includes the hotel dining options. A concept called The Dining Room has moved into the Knife space.

"As the resort is preparing for the next chapter of its culinary experience, The Dining Room at The Ritz-Carlton has opened in that location," the spokesperson says. "Guests can continue to enjoy breakfast, lunch, dinner, and special occasions in a sophisticated yet welcoming setting featuring Italian-inspired cuisine, premium Texas steaks, pristine seafood and a vibrant raw bar."

There are bigger plans with a different celebrated chef on the way, which the spokesperson declined to divulge just yet.

"The resort is currently developing an exciting new signature restaurant concept to launch early in 2027 — created in partnership with an acclaimed chef — that will further elevate and expand the culinary offerings for guests and local patrons alike," she teases. "Additional details will be announced at a later date."

The resort currently has three other dining experiences for guests: Bar Juniper, poolside Aire Libre, and Campo Coffee & Provisions.

As for Top Chef alum Tesar, he's reportedly landed at Palladino's Steak and Seafood, where restaurateur Joseph Palladino has tapped him to help expand the restaurant across the country. The steakhouse opened a Dallas location in July after a New York outpost earned raves.

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Teresa Gubbins contributed to this story.

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a family friendly destination

Family-owned whiskey distillery opening in the Texas Hill Country

Photo by Hayden Walker

Briggs Distilling Co. will open its doors on October 17.

A new family-owned distillery is joining the vast landscape of breweries, wineries, and other spirit-makers in the Texas Hill Country. Briggs Distilling Co. will start serving cocktails, mocktails, and more at its spacious facility at 121 Brownson Ln. in Driftwood on Saturday, October 17.

The 9,000-square-foot distillery is owned and operated by the Briggs family. It was founded by R.S. Briggs with longtime family friend Davis Tucker serving as its president. Master distiller Colton Weinstein is in charge of production and distilling operations.

The distillery has developed three expressions for whiskey drinkers to try neat or in a cocktail. Each is made with Texas rainwater and bottled on-site. From a press release, look out for the following flavor profiles:

Straight Rye Whiskey: spice and bright herbs with lingering sherry notes to finish
Heritage Reserve Bourbon: caramel, candy, and leather notes with hints of spice and cherry and a medium finish
Wheated Bourbon: described as "sweet and fruity, with tobacco notes that coat the mouth and a medium-short finish"

Briggs Distilling Co. whiskey and bourbon products Patrons can buy a bottle of Briggs whiskey or bourbon on-site to take home. Photo by Hayden Walker

The spirits will be available to try in individual tastings ($10 each) and flights ($15), as well as draft, frozen, and house cocktails priced from $10-$14 each.

Briggs Distilling will also serve mocktails, a frozen Texas Two-Step (lime, orange, and house cane syrup with a choice of strawberry, mango, coconut, or passion fruit), and other non-alcoholic options like soda, ginger beer, and coffee from neighboring Driftwood café Sonder Coffee Lounge.

Beyond the whiskey-making operations and the tasting room, the property will feature a treehouse-inspired children's area, family- and dog-friendly amenities, and an on-site food truck. Live music from local musicians will also be a regular occurrence on Fridays and Saturdays.

Above all, the Hill Country distillery is envisioned as a "community gathering place" that aims to make all visitors feel at home.

"For generations, this part of Texas has brought people together around good food and conversation under wide-open skies," R.S. Briggs said in the release. "We wanted Briggs Distilling to carry that spirit forward while adding one crucial component: good whiskey."

Briggs Distilling Co. interior The distillery was designed by Texas-based M. Elliott Studio with contemporary furniture that visitors can rearrange as they see fit for their gatherings.Photo by Hayden Walker

Briggs Distilling will host community events throughout the year, engage in sustainability initiatives such as recycling bottles through local businesses, and pursue additional giveback opportunities to demonstrate a commitment to the Hill Country area.

Bailey Briggs, R.S.'s daughter and vice president of marketing, said the land the distillery stands on has been in their family for generations, and their "family-first philosophy" is the heart of their business.

"Briggs Distilling was born from family and built for families," Bailey said in a release. "For more than twenty years, our family has called the Texas Hill Country home, spending holidays, birthdays, and long summer days on the river together. Those memories shaped our lives and inspired us to create a place where other families could make their own."

Following the grand opening on October 17, Briggs Distilling Co. will be open from 4-10 pm Wednesdays through Thursdays, 11 am-10 pm Fridays and Saturdays, and 11 am-7 pm Sundays. Happy hour will run from 3-6 pm Wednesdays through Fridays. Kid-friendly specials will also be offered on Sundays.

Photo by Hayden Walker

Briggs Distilling Co. will open its doors on October 17.

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