Celestina Blok
Business Press Foodie Reporter
The dust has somewhat settled in the new Sundance Square plaza now that opening events and the Parade of Lights are out of the way, and while Santa Claus is drawing weekend crowds for photos and Christmas wishes, so is the new Del Frisco’s Grille for its prime burgers, cocktails and coconut cream pie. Now Bird Cafe is next on the plaza’s list of new food destinations opening soon. Set to take over the former Flying Saucer space at 155 E. Fourth St., Bird Cafe is another restaurant owned by Shannon Wynne that’s named for an airborne creature. His other venues include The Flying Saucer and Flying Fish in Fort Worth and Lark on the Park and Meddlesome Moth in Dallas. Menu items will be similar to the shareable selections found at the Moth, including duck wings, deviled eggs and bangers and mash with elk and wild boar sausages. Expect five types of mussels, including Thai, steamed with coconut milk, and a version made with Spanish chorizo. Also find fish and chips, filet and frites and roasted chicken “for those who won’t share,” says the menu. Operating partner Keith Schlabs says more than 100 wines will be offered along with 15 beers on tap, adding that competing with the expansive tap beer selection at nearby Flying Saucer is not a goal. There will be two stories of dining with an outdoor deck that overlooks the plaza. Bird Cafe is expecting a mid-month opening for dinner service, with lunch and Sunday brunch to follow. Taco Diner, the Dallas-based Mi Cocina spinoff to be located at the other end of the plaza at 156 W. Fourth St., will open in early 2014.
ORGANIC JUICE CHAIN PLANS 10 FRANCHISED CAFES Winslow’s Wine Cafe owner Joe Berry has partnered with his niece and former Winslow’s co-owner Angie Berry to open 10 franchised locations of Daily Juice Cafe, an Austin-based organic juice and smoothie chain. The first Dallas-Fort Worth location will open in March in Dallas at 3902 Cedar Springs Road. Two more area locations will open by summer, with all 10 expected to open by 2016. Daily Juice serves made-to-order organic juices and smoothies prepared from fresh vegetables, fruits and healthful additions such as acai berry, chia seeds, maca root and blue-green algae. Menu items include fresh salads such as kale with sunflower seeds and grab-and-go foods such as zucchini alfredo. Locations in Arlington, Fort Worth and Plano are planned.
HAPPY BOWL BRINGS THAI TO CULTURAL DISTRICT Happy Bowl Thai is opening a second location soon in the Chicotsky’s shopping center at 3431 W. Seventh St. Owner Oui Suthamtewakul says much of his customer base at his White Settlement Road location came from West Fort Worth neighborhoods such as Westover Hills and Arlington Heights. For Thai first-timers, he recommends any of his curry dishes, including red, green, yellow and the mild panang, each blended with coconut milk and simmered with veggies and choice of protein such as chicken, beef or shrimp.
DEL FRISCO’S OPEN FOR HOLIDAY LUNCH HOURS Del Frisco’s Double Eagle Steak House, 812 Main St., will open for lunch Wednesday through Friday Dec. 4 through Dec. 20, from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. The “business lunch” three-course special includes choice of lobster bisque or salad, filet mignon or salmon, and chateau potatoes and fresh vegetables for $27. Also on the menu is Del’s prime cheeseburger ($13), shrimp scampi ($32) and sesame seared tuna ($39).