For an engagement of all your senses buckle up and visit the Harwood District in Dallas, Texas. Every Harwood restaurant is designed by Harwood Design Factory that transports each guest to a different city. It is a hospitality concept for those who desire to find a short escape within Dallas.
After finding a parking spot near a park, I noticed there were a number of various cows that marks the border of the 19 city blocks of Harwood District. The cows are a subtle nod to Harwood International’s Swiss roots.
A belated Valentine date night arranged by my food loving husband, Jason. He wanted to whisk me off to something special and romantic. He reserved the first reservation available on Saturday night at 5:30pm. There was no valet available, but that didn’t matter. We took a brisk walk through the Marie Gabrielle gardens.
Among the meticulously manicured gardens, art and a stunning oak and river birch trees is an outdoor chess game just nestled under the canopy of trees. In the center of this garden oasis is a pond with benches, tables and chairs. We decided to make it a photo op and get cozy.
This spot is just feet from the Marie Gabrielle Restaurant that is normally open for breakfast and lunch. Closed in the evenings and weekends for the garden oasis is known for its space and exquisite dining and catering options. It is an ideal setting in dining al fresco for any social event, a tea party, corporate party to wedding related events.
We strolled down a few blocks to the base of the Frost Tower where there was a walk-up bar that reminded me of something you would see in Italy or even on the islands. On the way to the entrance there was an enclosed courtyard surrounded by walls of Tuscan trees with nice seating areas for drinks or espresso. The artistically designed double door opened up to such an inviting European atmosphere. The hostess offered for us to await for our table in the lounge and we could place an order for a drink from the bar.
The room was filled with little comfortable seating areas for couples and groups. We chose to sit near the fireplace with a couch and two chairs with a table in the center. The pillows were such a nice touch, little decorative pieces and flowers just added to the light airy ambiance. Within a few moments a gentleman tending the area offered a drink menu. While my husband ordered his usual Old Fashion, I ordered a glass of Jankara. 100% Vermentino is a light skinned white grape that is used to make this delicious Italian white wine. It had a very good balance with floral almond flavorings that I had to order a second glass for dinner.
Our hostess and another attendee not only escorted us to our table in the main dining room, but insisted on carrying our drinks to the table. This restaurant is all about the hospitality service all the way. It so reminded me of all things I love about visiting Italy. We were offered a coat check. Yes, I was offered a coat check. I accepted the coat check and now I had a little bit of time to inhale our space. White tablecloths were staged indoor and in another covered outdoor garden area beyond the wall of open doors. The theme of the restaurant is romantically dimmed and tea lights with an era attributed to the golden age of cinema. Celebrity photos ornately framed of their heyday as well as seaside decor. My view of the restaurant was nice for people watching and star gazing at my husband on a blue fabric covered wall bench with a variety of blue striped pillows.
Our servers brought over a mini charcuterie board with sliced artisan bread, a cup of Kalamata Olives and Parmesan cheese squares. They poured the dispenser of olive oil on a dish for us to enjoy with our nibbles.
Our waiter, DeMarco who offered all the details of the fantastic specials of the day with a sweet spirit. He offered different Italian selections that made me reminisce of my travels to Florence. I felt that this could be the restaurant that will be able come close to tastes of Italy. I didn’t want to be disappointed, but I can honestly say my palette was dazzled.
The appetizer served is not on the menu, but it should be. It was one designed to make your tongue delight in a burst of sunshine and it tasted so good. While Japan has sashimi, Italy has pesce crudo. It is a great way to start a meal that is light usually prepared with delicate raw fresh seafood dressed with olive oil, sea salt and pepper.
Yellow Tail Crudo
For this evenings menu, it is Dolce Riviera’s creation of the pesce crudo called the Yellow Tail Crudo. With a glass of lime squeezed Pelogrino we were ready to try our first dish. It was thinly sliced tuna that included White Balsamic Gelee, Charred Grapefruit, Himalayan Pink Salt, Micro Basil. This light salad had a Grapefruit used called a Cara Cara Orange. It is a type of orange that is sweeter than the navel orange, slightly tangy, less acidic–maybe a hint of grapefruit that along with the beautiful color stands out with taste. The oils marinated over thinly sliced purple onion with the tuna just paired nicely with the flavor combinations. I absolutely could eat it daily. Very refreshing and it was nice to try something different than the typical salad as a starter.
Wagyu Filet Mignon and Lobster Gnocchi
Wagyu is any of the four Japanese breeds of beef cattle that doesn’t feed on corn or grains. Their meat is much richer, juicier, tender with a buttery flavor. Are you salivating? When the dish arrived I was not impressed with the overall presentation. Seriously it looks like meat was placed unceremoniously, a couple of scoops of gnocchi and a lobster tail placed on top. But when I sliced through the tender meat they gave me the medium rare that I requested at the perfect temperature. The taste of the meat was pure enjoyment of deliciousness. The soft fresh lobster meat was buttery rich. The gnocchi are baked–not boiled–potatoes. Each gnocchi is hand rolled one by one. The finished dish is accompanied by a saffron cream sauce. I chose not to follow the advice from DeMarco of a perfect pairing with this dish for two reasons.
One reason is I truly enjoyed the Jankara for $15 a glass, but my second reason was I would be taking a hefty chance of liking a $200 bottle of red wine. I hear much of the ravings of Dolce Riviera and their authentic guide to Italian wine pairings with food. Not to say that they have not earned it, because so far the atmosphere and the food has been a fine dining experience. DeMarco absolutely was very gracious in our rejection.
Braised Duck and Ricotta Ravioli
A seared duck breast, charred cherry tomatoes, orange segments and micro herbs layered moderately. Duck doesn’t taste like other meats. It has it’s own flavor. The meat is very juicy and tender. Dolce Riviera is known for handcrafted pastas. It was a great exploration of Italian cuisine.
Dining at Dolce Riviera gives an inviting atmosphere and a sense of tranquility for guests to feel that they have been taken away to what could be considered a small giardino found in Italy. The service we received was excellent and to pay for our meal electronically was easy and convenient. Thank you DeMarco for making our Valentine’s weekend special and I wish you the best success in all that you would like to accomplish.
Art & Smokey Cocktails
We skipped dessert and headed to Saint Ann. We had to walk through an eclectic alley past the Mercat Bistro where I saw an old fashion bike. It was like something out of a rom com! I saw other couples having a romantic evening in this little French style restaurant.
Through another building the lobby was filled with a small Samurai Collection. I’m not too sure how to describe the works, but it had a contemporary style to it. More of the samurai collection is available on the second floor in The Ann and Gabriel Barbier-Mueller Museum.
Inside at the bar we ordered another Old Fashion and a Rum Cocktail for me. The bartender crushed some fresh pineapple for this drink and placed it in a smoke box for a few minutes. It really was just for pizazz –it didn’t really add a charred smokey flavor. If it did it would have been in the first moment to sip. I suppose it is a signature trade of the mixologist working that evening.
Overall, if you are looking for a little escape visit the Harwood District for a little art, music and of course the food.