The Dallas Download: Week of January 27, 2025
Welcome to The Dallas Download—your weekly dose of what’s happening in Big D. Every day, my inbox overflows with press releases announcing the latest restaurant openings, cutting-edge retail concepts, and must-attend luncheons and fashion shows (because who doesn’t love to shop for a cause?). From insider intel on who’s out and who’s in to the city’s most talked-about events, keeping up with it all can be overwhelming. While there are countless places to get the news, I’m here to dish out the most noteworthy updates and juicy tidbits landing on my desk. I’m also sharing the piping hot tea from local outlets that I consider buzz-worthy.
Consider this your curated roundup of what’s happening in Dallas this week.
FOOD & BEV
Chick-fil-A at 6423 Hillcrest Ave. closed on Jan. 30 for a renovation that is expected to take three to four months. When the restaurant reopens, diners can expect “a whole new store” in the chain’s location across from SMU, with upgrades that include additional outdoor seating, and more indoor space for the store’s high-volume business, said senior director Joshua Turner. (via People Papers)
Rock Libations, the Dallas-based hospitality group will open its renowned Asian & sushi restaurant, Musume, at The Star in Frisco in July 2025. Known for its vibrant locations in Downtown Dallas and Downtown Fort Worth, Musume continues to expand its reputation for exceptional cuisine and an unforgettable dining experience. The 6,000 sq. ft. concept will feature North Dallas’ largest selection of premium sake with over 120 labels, more than 60 Japanese whisky offerings, an extensive wine list, and a curated menu of Asian-inspired craft cocktails. Located in The Star in Frisco, 3625 The Star Boulevard, Suite 315, Frisco, Texas 75034
Secure your ski lift ticket for Friday, February 7 for Eataly's kickoff event, Alpina, held at Terra the market's third floor restaurant. Put on your most fashionable winter attire to aprés-ski appropriately at Eataly, evoking the landscape of the Italian Alps, as the market's restaurant will be transformed into an atmospheric design inspired by the baita, or mountain cabins which are scattered across the region. This late-night party will feature a live DJ, themed photobooth, lights all night, a full bar (your ticket comes with one drink voucher), and an exciting flight voucher raffle with JSX so you can live the Après life! Tickets are $20.
The ALPINA program will run through March .
Après Ski Nights: Bi-weekly DJ nights with an après ski dress code starting from Friday, February 7 – in partnership with JSX
Brunch Alpino: Alpine-inspired brunch favorites, Saturday and Sunday’s starting February 6
Cortina Happy Hour: Small bites menu from $8, every Tuesday through Thursday starting February 4
According to CultureMap, Nusr-Et Steakhouse, the renowned restaurant group from culinary sensation Nusret "Salt Bae" Gökçe, is closing its Dallas restaurant at 1900 Pearl St., not just temporarily as previously reported, but for good. Maybe we should all wave Salt-byeeeeeeee!
Gumshoe reporter, Teresa Gubbins, also shared this week that Hello Dumpling, the darling Asian dumpling shop in East Dallas, will appear on Food Network in February in an episode of Diners, Drive-ins, and Dives, the series starring irrepressible host Guy Fieri. The series returns to the air beginning on February 7 — but it won't be until Friday, February 21 that Hello Dumpling makes its appearance, in an episode called “Dallas Dumplings, Florida Fried and Chi-Tacos”. PRO TIP: Once a restaurant gets featured on the show, it generally gets swamped for a spell. If you want to beat the crowd, now's the time to hie on over to Hello and get some dumplings.
Harwood Hospitality Group proudly presents Meat Week, a week-long celebration honoring the exceptional craftsmanship and sustainable practices behind its HWD Beef Program. From Sunday, Jan. 26 through Sunday, Feb. 2, diners can embark on a culinary journey through the Harwood District, savoring innovative dishes that showcase the full potential of locally sourced, premium beef. During Meat Week, each of Harwood Hospitality Group’s celebrated dining concepts — including Te Deseo, Happiest Hour, Saint Ann, Mercat Bistro, Stillwell’s, Poco Fiasco, Elephant East, Harwood Arms, NDA Brasserie, Tequila Social, Marie Gabrielle and Fig & Favor — will feature exclusive menu items that highlight the versatility of HWD Beef, including the following: For more information and to explore participating venues, visit harwooddistrict.com.
Catbird is launching a new bar pop-up program. The initiative will bring award-winning bars and bartenders from across the United States to Catbird each month for two-night engagements. Their first partner, award-winning Highball Cocktail Bar from Phoenix, Arizona will make their debut on Feb. 2-3. Night one will be open to the public and night two will be a master class for food and beverage industry professionals and cocktail enthusiasts. On Feb. 2, Catbird will welcome the public on a first-come, first-served basis to enjoy a special Highball menu. On Feb. 3, Lingua and Lyons will lead a master class focusing on building flavors. Reservations are recommended for Feb. 2 and can be made through Resy. Reservations are required for Feb. 3 and can be made by emailing alexis.compan@thompsonhotels.com. The March pop-up partner will be Happy Accidents, an award-winning bar from Albuquerque, New Mexico, appearing March 8-9.
RETAIL
CRAV Co. has opened at The Star in Frisco
The Dallas-based candle company CRAV Co. has just opened their second location at The Star in Frisco. CRAV Co. crafts high-quality, non-toxic candles using 100% natural soy wax and locally sourced ingredients. This is CRAV Co’s second DFW, with its first at Dallas Farmers Market. Since 2021, CRAV Co. has been creating unique scents with the help of a professional perfumologist, focusing on rich and lasting fragrances. In addition to candles, the company offers room sprays, diffuser oils, luxury diffusers, and a custom candle bar, as well as workshops. Located in The Star in Frisco at 6775 Cowboys Way, Suite 1315 Frisco, Texas 75034
NONPROFIT
Did you know that you can donate your tree trimmings to feed Dallas Zoo animals? Oak Cliff Advocate shares that many Dallas Zoo animals, like elephants and giraffes, eat hundreds of pounds of “browse” (tender shoots, twigs, and green leaves of trees and shrubs) every single day. Zoo staff also use browse as a way to add enrichment to the lives of these animals. The Zoo is always looking for fresh, healthy donations of recently trimmed or felled landscaping from the local community. Interested parties can reach out to the Zoo through their website and arrange for pickup.
The Board of Trustees of the African American Museum is pleased to announce the appointment of Margie Johnson Reese, a nationally recognized arts management professional, as the museum’s interim executive director. Reese, who has deep roots in Dallas, was appointed upon the recent retirement of Dr. Harry Robinson, Jr., the legendary founder of the museum 50 years ago. Reese assumed her duties Jan. 6, 2025. Reese has a 45-year portfolio as an arts advocate and arts management professional with work spanning the U.S. and West Africa – including 16 years in Dallas. Her career has centered on the management of cultural resources, public art, cultural planning and development of public policy in the arts.
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