I’ve alluded to this before that eating out in Dallas is the.thing.to.do and seeing, that we have more restaurants per capita, that holds true. When I went vegan seven years ago, and was understanding my way to a vegan diet, there was a few bumps along the way (mostly due to my lack of fully understanding and available options). My, my, my how the vegan scene has changed, can I get a big ole’ amen on that? This eating out mecca city has evolved and if there was ever a sure notion that vegan was mainstream, my city spells HELL YEAH!
Most Dallasites know that Lower Greenville Ave has always been a place for quirky shops, late night bars, and the best of mom-n-pop restaurants in town. Sure it experienced a few years of shady and troubled times but add in a renovation coupled with an array of experienced restaurant and business owners and you got yourself one heck of a revitalized area. Take one stroll down it and you’ll soon discover the block is full of the cities hottest and most delicious food…even vegan!
Let me introduce you to Clark Food & Wine Co. They were early adopters to the lower Greenville project and the owners, Randall and Courtney Warder, culinary root experience runs deep. You can read all about Randall on their website here http://www.clarkfoodandwine.com/#welcome but I can assure you he is the cream of the crop and the real deal. Savvy and hard working, I’ve never seen him or Courtney not giving 100% dedication towards their passion for hospitality.
Top that off with a willingness to accommodate us vegan freaks and you’ve just met a couple of my new best friends. They’ve taken their concept of modern Texas cuisine, which is near and dear to my Texas heart, and created a couple of unique dishes that include bold flavors that other chefs sometimes miss in vegan offerings. Their presentation may be straight forward but do not be fooled by the simplicity. These dishes will startle a vegan and meat-lover alike.
I love a good starter, something besides fried this or that or another boring hummus and this is where Clark really delivers. Listed on the menu under “Jars”, the Roast Mushroom Dip is perhaps one of the most sinless savory dips I’ve ever eaten. Under a thin layer of Cipollini onions and mushrooms pieces sits a creamy mousse that has subtle earthy flavors that pairs perfectly with a saltine. Easily shared between two but I’ve been known to order it alone paired with a salad. I’m not sorry, it’s that good.
This is the “Vegan” entree listed on their brunch menu, although it’s not too far off from the dish they offer at dinner. Hands down one of the best hidden (alas no more!) vegan brunch dishes in town. Full of perfectly cooked crisp veggies such as asparagus, artichokes, zucchini, potatoes, peppers & onions, and…check out the grill marks on that Tofu (swoon)! The Tomatillo sauce pulls the smoky flavors together and delivers a kick for us who like it a tad spicy. Be warned, an addition of hot sauce it’s not needed. Don’t ask me how I know this.
There are also salads (pictured as featured image) and quite a few side dishes that can easily be modified as vegan, just ask them as they are very willing to accommodate if possible.
And if you aren’t aware, this week kicks off DFW Restaurant Week. It’s a perfect time to try out these dishes at a discounted price, while also helping out the North Texas Food Bank. The Restaurant Week menu at Clark includes 3-courses at $35.00. So that means you can try everything I’ve told you about here along with their just so happens to be vegan Peach Crisp, minus the ice cream and Carmel sauce.
You’ll want to make reservations to snag a table, especially this week.
Here’s their info:
1920 Greenville Ave. Dallas, TX 75206
Monday – Thursday 4:00pm – 10:00pm Friday 4:00 PM – 12:00 Midnight
Saturday 11:00 am – 12:00 am Midnight Sunday 11:00 am – 9:00 pm
Brunch on Saturday & Sunday from 11:00am to 3:00pm
Happy Hour Starts at 4:00pm M-F
214.515.5500
I’m calling now! See you there – Kat