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RESTAURANT ROUNDUP By Megan Ziots I t's been a crazy two years since Bon Appétit named Dallas the 2019 Restaurant City of the Year. But even through a pandemic, our dining scene has persevered. Although many of our favorites did not survive, the past few months have brought us an abundance of new concepts to explore. With these restaurant openings comes the excitement to gather once again with friends in this city we love so much. D.L. MACK'S 6501 Hillcrest Ave. 214.217.0036 dlmacks.com The newest addition to Vandelay Hospitality Group's ever-growing repertoire (known for hot spots Hudson House and Drake's Hollywood), D.L. Mack's is a Chicago-inspired tavern near SMU focusing on what the Windy City does best: thin, cracker-crust pizzas. The 2,400-square-foot space features a garden patio, as well as an interior inspired by Lincoln Park neighborhood destinations. Reclaimed wood floors, a 1960s theater exit sign, and a double-faced train station clock contribute to the warm, vintage feel of the space. Apart from pizza, D.L. Mack's offers Vandelay's famous martinis, as well as other American dishes inspired by Chicago. VILLA AZUR 2440 Victory Park Lane 214.389.2602 villaazurhospitality.com Come in for dinner, stay for the show. A new Miami Beach restaurant and nightclub has made its way to Victory Park's W Hotel. Villa Azur, a French- Mediterranean spot from co-owners Jean-Philippe Bernard, Michael Martin and Paul Breuza, has brought "dinner parties" to the neighborhood. On a recent early-evening visit, we ordered (and got a show with) the pâte à la meule. Presented in a large wheel of parmesan cheese, the pasta dish is prepared tableside, flambéed with cognac. In other acts of showmanship, your whole Branzino is de-boned at your table. A chic (and relatively quiet) dinner spot, Villa Azur transforms into an all-out nightclub once it hits 10:30 pm on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, with DJ, dancers, and live saxophonists. Droese Raney. Originally designed by architect Thomas Phifer, the sleek, 11,000-square-foot restaurant includes a custom art installation from Luis Sottil, with furnishings, pottery, and decor custom-designed for the space by local artisans. The Bar on the Park has a separate cocktail menu and small bites — perfect for event-goers at Klyde Warren. Another perk is the new outdoor walk-up service window, called La Parada, where park- goers can order the specialty MiCo margarita created just for the park. MI COCINA ON THE PARK 2000 Woodall Rodgers Fwy. 214.531.6061 micocina.com The day we've all been waiting for. Tex-Mex favorite Mi Cocina has brought Mambo Taxi margaritas to Klyde Warren Park. Taking over the former Savor space, Mi Cocina on the Park serves up their legendary brisket tacos, chicken enchiladas, and margaritas in the glass-encased building, freshly renovated by Mi Cocina Villa Azur Apple Crab Louis D. L. Mack's (Continued) 106