HALL Arts Hotel debuts the art-inspired ASTRA Kitchen + Lounge
HALL Arts Hotel, Autograph Collection , the luxury destination in the Dallas Arts District, unveiled its all-new dining concept ASTRA Kitchen + Lounge on Wednesday, March 4.
The name is inspired by Asteroid, an immersive light installation by international artist Spencer Finch that anchors the reimagined dining space and reflects the celestial quality of Finch’s illuminated artwork. That vibe flows from the lounge throughout the restaurant, for a continuous visual experience reinforcing the hotel’s commitment to art-driven experiences where cuisine, design and contemporary art converge.
The opening comes on the heels of the hotel’s recent integration into Marriott Bonvoy’s Autograph Collection.
“ASTRA is really about bringing people together,” Craig Hall, CEO and founder of HALL Group said in a press release earlier this week. “It’s a place to enjoy great food, great wine, and great conversation surrounded by art and design that feels welcoming, not intimidating. That’s always been at the heart of HALL Arts Hotel.”
Newly-appointed Executive Chef Miguel Antonio brings a globally inspired perspective to ASTRA, following his tenure as Executive Chef at JW Steakhouse Dallas.
ASTRA’s menu features classic Americana cuisine with a focus on elevated comfort, designed to complement the hotel’s renowned HALL Wines program. The menu ranges from shareables like French Onion Deviled Eggs to signature Wellington styles (Bites, Classic, and Vegetarian), pressed sushi and more.
ASTRA Kitchen + Lounge is located at 1717 Leonard St. Reservations can be made by phone (972-629-0924) or online through OpenTable.
Meridian x Bazaar collab on dinner for one night with Chefs Eduardo Osorio and Belal Kattan
Meridian at The Village will host a special collaborative dinner on March 19, featuring Executive Chef Eduardo Osorio and Chef Belal Kattan of the Syrian pop-up Bazaar. The one-time-only, multi-course tasting menu, priced at $135 per person, blends Bazaar’s Syrian influences with Meridian’s global technique.
The collaboration grew from the chefs’ connection in Dallas’ culinary community, sharing a vision for hospitality and mentorship. The menu begins with canapés like red snapper tartare and green pea hummus, followed by courses such as lamb carpaccio, ricotta ravioli, and sturgeon. The main course is a 48-hour braised Rosewood Wagyu short rib, concluding with a layered mille-feuille.
This tasting menu is the only dining experience offered at Meridian that evening. Reservations are required via OpenTable.
West Village now has the Chicago-inspired tavern D.L. Mack’s
Hunter Pond’s Vandelay Companies also opened its third D.L. Mack’s in Uptown Dallas at West Village on Wednesday, March 4. The new location will introduce several new menu items alongside signature favorites that have earned a loyal following. D.L. Mack’s West Village will take over the former Midici space at 3699 McKinney Ave., Suite 106.
Hunter Pond, Founder, Chairman & CEO of Vandelay Companies said. “West Village is a natural fit for us — it’s energetic, walkable, and right in the heart of it all. Bringing our third D.L. Mack’s here is an exciting step, and we’ll keep growing the way we always have — thoughtfully and in a way that upholds the Vandelay standard.”
The West Village location introduces new dishes to the lineup including the Chicago tavern-style cracker crust pizzas such as the Honey Truffle Chicken with white sauce, chili flakes and arugula; Return of the Mack – sausage, giardiniera, and sweet onions; and Spicy Vodka – ZaZa sauce, basil and Chicago peppers.
New menu items nclude Jalapeno Queso Dip served chilled with chips; the Hickory Burger with cheddar, Canadian bacon, jalapeno, onion, hickory sauce;Chi with calabrian chiles, parmesan, fresh basil; Grilled Chicken Burger fully loaded with mustard and truffle aioli; The Truffle Burger with gruyere, bacon, gorgonzola, onion, arugula, and truffle aioli.
D.L. Mack’s West Village (3699 McKinney Ave. Suite 106) will be open Monday-Thursday from 11 a.m.-9 p.m., Friday through Saturday from 11 a.m.-10 p.m., and Sunday from 11 a.m-9 p.m. Happy hour is daily from 4-6 p.m. at the bar featuring $10 martinis and half-price wine.
Reservations can be made on the restaurant’s website.
Abraham Salum named among chefs at Dallas Arboretum’s 2026 Food & Wine Festival
The Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden will host its annual Food & Wine Festival on March 26, featuring more 40 of DFW’s celebrated chefs and premium beverages amidst the spring bloom.
Designed as an elegant tasting experience, the festival features multiple culinary luminaries, including Misti Norris (Far Out), Abraham Salum (Salum), Matt Balke (Encina), Nikky Phinyawatana (Asian Mint) and Eduardo Osorio (Meridian).
“The Food & Wine Festival is one of the most anticipated evenings of our spring season,” Sabina Carr, President and CEO said in a press release earlier this week. “It’s a night where culinary talent, hospitality, and the natural beauty of the Arboretum come together in a way that feels truly special.”
Set during Dallas Blooms, guests will enjoy signature bites, curated wines and craft beverages, VIP early access, live music and sunset views.
Since its 2017 debut, the festival has become a signature spring event, reinforcing the Arboretum’s commitment to culinary arts, entertaining, and garden-to-table inspiration, deeping its connection to A Tasteful Place.
Co-chair Chef Sharon Van Meter noted, “Pairing this setting with Dallas’ culinary talent makes the festival an evening guests return to year after year.” Co-chair Adrian Verdín added, “What makes this event stand out is the quality. The chefs, the ingredients, the wines — everything is curated with intention.”
Tickets (VIP and general admission) are on sale now.
–Rich Lopez