Issue link: http://papercitymagazine.uberflip.com/i/1405904
LORO 1812 N. Haskell Ave. 214.833.4983 loroeats.com The wait is over: Austin-based Asian smokehouse favorite Loro has arrived in Dallas. Pitmaster Aaron Franklin (Franklin Barbecue) has a cult-like following and collaborated with chef Tyson Cole (Uchi) for this half-indoor, half-outdoor restaurant, designed by architect Michael Hsu. It already draws a long line, but wait it out in the patio area and enjoy a wide range of beers and boozy slushees — we're intrigued by the sake slushee. The kitchen, overseen by chef Mike Perez, has the same menu as the Austin mother ship, with some Dallas exclusives: fish and chips specifically, salt-and-vinegar beet chips, French onion brisket melt during happy hour, brisket coconut rice, and snap pea and toasted coconut salad. COCKTAILS, ANYONE Our rallying bar scene is ready for your cocktailing pleasure — yet another example of the Roaring '20s reawakening around us. One intimate spot that should be on your "To Try" list is the recently opened Mermaid Raw Bar & Champagne Room. It's the latest concept from the team at Exxir Hospitality, which also owns Paradiso (adjacent to Mermaid in the hot Bishop Arts District) and The Botanist. A nifty aquamarine bar, sprinkled with vintage shells complements ocean-inspired cocktails created by beverage director Iluggy Recinos (NoMad LA, Bestia). Or opt for wine or champagne while dining on seasonal fruits of the sea: oysters, tuna crudo, lobster tail, and Hamachi crudo, all served under the watchful eye of Paradiso chef Nick Hurry. On the horizon is Clifton Club, housed in the hot intersection that was once a gay Mecca. Dallas restaurateur Greg Katz, who opened Beverley's Bistro & Bar in the former BJ's in 2019, is transforming the former Zippers building into this neighborhood lounge. By the way, that little intersection is also home to The Terminal at Katy Trail building. This new wealth pocket will likely need a swellegant watering hole, and Clifton — named for the beach town near Cape Town, South Africa — will be ready for the job. COMING SOON R oyal Blue Grocery sadly locked its doors for good this summer. However, we're constantly peering through the windows to see the progress of Sadelle's (envisioned by design world darling Ken Fulk), which we know will quickly become one of our go-to brunch spots. We've been told they're tracking towards an October opening … Downtown has particularly struggled due to the pandemic. The once relied-upon abundance of hotel guests and office-worker clientele has diminished, however, we're hearing of some upcoming new restaurants, including Etta, projected to open in 2022. Michelin- starred Danny Grant brings this Chicago spot, known for wood-fired pizzas and pastas, to the East Quarter … We're all awaiting the premiere of the much-anticipated Carbone. The New York City Thompson Street hot spot is moving into the space in the Design District once occupied by Sassetta. Predictions on when it will open, range from mid-October to early November. And, speaking of Sassetta: The Headington Companies restaurant is moving onto the ground floor of The Joule in Americano's former spot. Designer Jean Liu will work her magic to transform the interiors. Again, the betting pools on estimating when restaurants will open has become quite the parlor game. Here and right: Fruits of the sea from Mermaid Raw Bar & Champagne Room Aaron Franklin, Tyson Cole Crunchy cabbage salad PHOTOS ADRIANA HERRERA PHOTO BY LOGAN CRABLE 174