Dakota’s Iconic Steakhouse Returns | Dallas Observer

After a 16 month hiatus, Dakota’s Steakhouse is back and it’s beautiful baby. The new owner Meredith McEneny and the chef Ji Kang usher in a new era for the underground steakhouse.

“I thought it was a shame they closed their doors as this is such an iconic restaurant in Dallas,” says McEneny, who has been helping her husband in the restaurant business for years but has been committed to this project. “So we saw the opportunity and thought we’d take it and use it. All those phone calls and text messages about how excited the guests are that we are opening made us feel good about our decision. ”

The space underwent extensive restoration and renovation last year; The dining room has the same classic New Orleans feel as before, only finely polished. The terrace and the bar have been modernized. The main changes, however, concerned the kitchen; All equipment was gutted and replaced.

“It was a 37-year-old kitchen,” says Kang, “we had to invest something good.”

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Beef Wellington

Kristina Rowe

Another big change is the menu; at least partially. Guests will still find Allen Brothers steaks, but Kang wanted more options like seafood and pasta.

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At a recent media preview dinner, we started the journey with one of their signature cocktails. The Backhanded Compliments is Dakota’s version of a French 75 with Still Austin Rye Gin, Dolin Blanc and lemon oil. A lighter, fruity choice is the Paradise Found, made from Zephyr Gin and Prosecco, with hints of strawberry and lemon. For a fair mix of strong and sweet, we recommend the New York Nights with AD Laws four-grain bourbon, red wine and clarified lemon. You can’t go wrong with their Hog’s Head Old Fashioned, made with “a month of patience”. For red wine, try a glass from the award-winning Reddy Vineyard on the Texas High Plains.

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Rockefeller Oysters - LAUREN DREWES DANIELS

Rockefeller oysters

Lauren Drewes Daniels

The dinner menu begins with hors d’oeuvres (smaller appetizers) that include items such as a single “tater tot” with white cheddar and truffle aioli ($ 2 each). Or oyster Rockefeller garnished with creamed spinach and hollandaise ($ 4 each).

There are salads and soups, but why take up precious space when you can nibble on appetizers like goat cheese en croute, Wagyu beef tartare, and seared bone marrow with braised oxtail and beet jam that resembles a meaty jam? Thin slices of bread coated with the butter pulp and topped with the jam are great.

As for main courses, Dakota guests will find steakhouse classics such as filet mignon, which is a must with the signature Dakota sauce (just as good with Au Poivre). Ribeye and Wagyu steaks are available at market prices. Dakotas Beef Wellington is an 8-ounce fillet with mushroom duxelles and prosciutto wrapped in a crispy puff pastry.

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Jumbo scallops over an Asian pear mustarda - LAUREN DREWES DANIELS

Jumbo scallops over an Asian pear mustarda

Lauren Drewes Daniels

A dish of jumbo scallops is served with small stems of lightly roasted cauliflower and sweetened with an Asian pear mustarda. The short rib agnolotti with bordelaise, sour cherries and long thin strips of shaved ripened parmesan feel like an Italian impostor in this dark steakhouse; It is a pleasure.

There’s a cured hamachi crudo, oysters, shellfish platter, and a seafood platter from Dakota that we didn’t see but would likely turn our heads.

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Short-rib Agnolotti - LAUREN DREWES DANIELS

Agnolotti. with short ribs

Lauren Drewes Daniels

Assuming you have space for a dessert, the cherry mille feuille is a bright spot, consisting of a puff pastry with cherry luxado and vanilla bean ice cream. Or you can also opt for an after-dinner cocktail; We recommend the Sherry Cobbler, made with Manzanilla Sherry, Orange and Simplicity.

After a 16 month hiatus, Dakota’s return to Dallas is very welcome. With new leadership and talented chef Kang, Dakota’s retains the same character it is known and loved for and tastes better than ever.

“We just want this restaurant to have more and more memories in the Dallas community,” says Kang. “We had people who came here, got engaged, and celebrated several occasions here. We would be happy if your children and grandchildren come here and collect their own memories. ”

Dakota’s Steakhouse. 600 N. Akard Str. (City center). Open for lunch Monday to Friday from 11:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Open Monday to Friday from 4pm to 6pm for happy hour. Open for dinner Monday to Saturday from 5:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. Closed on sunday.

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