Issue link: http://papercitymagazine.uberflip.com/i/1544027
T he topic of conversation at every cocktail soirée seems to be who is using whom for a nip/tuck, peel, or newfangled light therapy. Even our favorite boîte in the Design District, The Charles, has put on a new face. The Charles was the first concept from Duro Hospitality (led by partners Chas Martin, Benji Homsey, and Corbin and Ross See of Sees Design) and has been a fixture on the cuisine scene since it debuted in 2018. When we heard that the dapper Charles was having a refresh, we sped by to take a look at this cause célèbre. The redesign, led by Corbin and Ross, started as a redo and reconfiguration of the seating and became a larger vision after a trip to The Met in New York City, where the re- creation of a Roman bedroom with its black walls, painted wainscoting and mosaic floors proved inspiring. "We wanted to be the most iconic, edgiest, best version of ourselves," says partner Martin. "The answer was to lean harder into what's always defined it — the idea that Italian design from different eras can coexist beautifully," says Corbin. New in this jewel box are intriguing gas lanterns and Murano glass lighting providing a m o o d i e r a t m o s p h e r e , juxtaposed with embellished bar valances and suspended velvet curtains alongside embroidered banquettes. Beyond the transformed interiors, you'll find a new menu focused on the wood-fired grill — but don't fret: Many of your past favorites, such as the house-made pastas, remain on rotation. We tried the new focaccia di Charles with sliced prosciutto and black truffle honey, as well as carrots and burrata, which had a crunch that I loved. The capellini with caviar and Meyer lemon was oh- so satisfying that I ordered more for a midnight snack; it just had that late-night light-bite feel. From the grill, we tried the tiger prawns with spicy lemon butter and Wagyu short ribs. On my next visit, I'm looking forward to the barbecue pork jowl with cavolo nero, charred lemon, and black garlic. I was thrilled to find that the enchanting, if lightly lurid restrooms remain unchanged. Wallpapered with pictures of curvy starlets, they're still the perfect spot for a selfie with a girlfriend or quick convo about the dining companions you've left at your banquette. The Charles, 1632 Market Center Blvd., thecharlesdallas.com. Billy Fong The Charles 2.0 By Billy Fong. Photography Samantha Marie. The bar at The Charles. The eatery received a redesign led by Corbin and Ross See. Martini alla Charles.