Grace

The downtown fine dining restaurant Grace held its opening party this past Friday.  The ground floor of the Carter Burgess Plaza on Main Street serves as what will ultimately be a popular dining spot.  The slated opening date of November 11th has been moved back to November 17th (so I hear from an unverified source).  In the meantime, here’s a sneak peak.

The elegantly named “Grace” is reflected in the design of the restaurant.  Designed by Firm 817, the restaurant exudes rich and quiet sophistication with soft subtle lines and an interesting mix of materials that include granite, wood, and stone.

With only banquette seating in place in the dining room, this presented a good opportunity to appreciate the space.  It will be interesting to see how tables and their placement change the look of the dining room.  A large see through glass wine case that also serves as a partition makes a great focal point in the dining room.  The design accomplishes it’s goal of reinforcing the “modern American classic” concept of the restaurant.  The inviting street level terrace is also destined to become a see and be seen location.

Now, onto the food.  Several samples of what’s to come on the menu were being passed around and of course I shamelessly grabbed whatever I could get my hands on.  Crostini topped with pastrami cured tuna, chopped egg, red onion, chives and capers left me wanting more of this delicious combination.  Rich chocolate truffles also made an appearance. My new favorite though is the Ricotta Dumplings.  Unlike the Gnudi (also ricotta dumplings/gnocchi) from the former Duce, these were light and airy with the right combination of spices.

Adam Jones, the owner, is a rock star in the world of fine dining.  Formerly the manager of Del Frisco’s Steakhouse, the guy probably learned a few things about beef over the years.  This is clearly shown in the beef heavy menu that includes strips of Akaushi Wagyu Texas Kobe and of course many beef options that range from an 8 oz. filet ($29) to a 40 oz. Prime Porterhouse for two ($79).

Chef Blaine Staniford brings us his version of modern American classics in the rest of the menu.  Staniford left Dallas to become executive chef at Grace.  Staniford is following the trajectory of celebrity chef with appearances on Good Morning America and the Rachel Ray Show.  Formerly at the trendy Dallas eateries of Fuse and Scene, Staniford now brings his culinary cache to Fort Worth.

The menu sounds promising.  Starters include a Carpaccio of Beef Tenderloin ($13) and Crispy Fried Oysters ($11) and a Terrine of Hudson Valley Foie Gras ($24).  The Seafood Tower features Jumbo Shrimp, Oysters, Crab Gratin, Oysters Rockefeller, and Tuna Tartare ($44).  The addition of Maine Lobster and Florida Stone Crab Claws provide some decadence to the Grace Seafood Tower ($72).  I can’t wait to try the Lobster and Roasted Pumpkin Bisque with pumkin seed crusted marshmallow ($9).  Other items include Colorado Rack of Lamb ($35) and Prosciutto Wrapped Tuna ($31).  Sides include my beloved Ricotta Dumplings ($7), Fusilli Mac n Cheese ($8), and Sea Salt Baked Potato ($7).  Heirloom Squash and Pear ($7), Micro Brew Onion Rings ($6), and Eggplant Leek Gratin ($8) are a few of the Vegetable offerings.

Grace is an exciting addition to the fine dining options in Fort Worth.  I look forward to celebrating a special occasion there or maybe just stopping by the expansive bar area to sip some wine and people watch.