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THE NEIGHBORHOOD

By Debbie Anderson March 23, 2021 May 7th, 2021 No Comments

Compiled By Meda Kessler

EATS | OPENINGS

Omar Flores is getting closer to opening Whistle Britches with Muchacho Comida Tex Mex on deck for a summer opening. Photos by Mark Graham

Whistle Britches: Open, open, open It’s been more than a year since restaurateurs Omar Flores, Alec Marshi and Alec’s father, Sammi, tapped Southlake Town Square for a third location of the Southern-inspired Whistle Britches in the old Hopdoddy space (two are in Dallas). Flores, who has a pair of James Beard nominations, is now hoping for a late April-early May opening. STS also is the location of Flores’ Muchacho Comida Tex Mex, which will open in the former Snuffer’s space, possibly in June or July. “The opportunity to open both in the same development was too attractive to pass up,” says Flores. The Southlake Whistle Britches menu will be anchored by customer favorites such as fried chicken, biscuits, sweet corn hoecakes with sorghum and homemade jellies. “It’s the kind of food you’d find at grandma’s house on Sunday afternoons,” Flores says. “As the concept evolves, we’re moving to expand to a more Southern menu with more variety. But I’m not sure anything will be more popular than our Whistle Britches sandwich.” Here’s why: You get a two-handed buttermilk biscuit stuffed with fried chicken, pepper jelly and honey butter.

1230 Main St., whistlebritcheschicken.com

Swadeshi: Indian food and so much more Part grocer and part cafe, there’s a lot to love (and learn) at this specialty store. The shelves are packed with Indian food, sweets and snacks. There’s a large section of different kinds of basmati and also a fresh veggie and fruit section. But we gravitated to the cafe, which features counter service. We studied the menu with its many vegetarian options, using our phone to search up unfamiliar items (there are no translations). A glass case is filled with samosas and other savory “puffs.” A smaller case is filled with sliced cakes. We went home with goat curry — they do offer boneless versions — plus to-go containers of butter chicken, a couple of biryani (rice) dishes and a paneer (Indian cheese) dish that was a change from the usual spinach version. FYI, the samosas are best eaten warm, and the cilantro chutney that accompanies them as a dipping sauce has a lot of kick. If you’re a fan of Indian food or are an adventurous eater, you’ll want to check it out.

2315 E. Southlake Blvd., 817-406-9100, swadeshisouthlake.hrpos.heartland.us/menu

Samosas and other “puffs” are sold individually. Photos by Meda Kessler

Photo by Meda Kessler

Sushi Dojo expands to brick and mortar This fast-casual spot, located in the former Frezko Taco Spot, is a pleasant surprise. Family-owned and operated, Sushi Dojo got its start inside a Kroger before expanding to a food truck and the restaurant, which opened in February. Look for classic and specialty rolls such as spicy tuna and the Skinny Samurai (without rice). The chicken pot stickers make a light meal or a shared appetizer. Don’t miss the sushi burritos wrapped in rice or, our favorite, the sushi tacos with tempura shrimp, crab salad and avocado stuffed into a fried bao. We’ve never been fond of the rather gummy texture of a bao bun; this crispy version is a flavorful twist. The dining room is small, but there is a large patio. Sushi Dojo is continuing to do neighborhood pop-ups in Southlake and surrounding areas, and also does catering. See the website for scheduled events and menus.

3105 E. Southlake Blvd., 682-477-4093,  sushidojodfw.com

Blu Crab Seafood House and Bar drops anchor in Colleyville A veteran of the Fort Worth restaurant scene, Blu Crab bid farewell to Cowtown and decamped to Colleyville (next to Whole Foods) in late February. Look for fresh fish along with oysters, shrimp, crab, lobster and more. You’ll also find pasta, a burger and steak on the menu. There’s a full-service bar, too.

4843 Colleyville Blvd., 817-398-4219, blucrabseafoodhouse.com

Flavortown comes to Southlake Celebrity chef Guy Fieri now has two Flavortown ghost kitchens (delivery only, with limited hours) in Southlake. Items include a few entrees, Fieri’s signature “super melty cheese” burgers and shareables such as wings, plus sides, salads and desserts. Get more info at order.guysflavortownkitchen.com and choose the location nearest you (one is inside Buca di Beppo, the other in Brio Italian Grille).

IN THE WORKS

Patio seating soon to be an option at Dragon House The Chinese restaurant known for its dim sum, dumplings and hand-pulled noodles is expanding with a patio near the drive-thru and a refresh of the exterior.

2640 E. Southlake Blvd., 817-912-1788, dragonhousesouthlake.com

Look for a Texas-themed mural inside the Southlake location. Photo courtesy of Black Rock Coffee Bar

Black Rock Coffee Bar expands to Southlake Southlake’s java drinkers will have another option later this spring, as Oregon-based Black Rock opens in a former Taco Bueno near Kimball Avenue. It will be Black Rock’s sixth Texas location, offering energy drinks along with classic beverages such as drip coffee and signature drinks such as the Jackhammer, a vanilla mocha with a double shot.

2305 E. Southlake Blvd., br.coffee

RETAIL

Saint Bernard joins Shops of Southlake Discover the broad range of apparel and accessories when this family-owned lifestyle retail store opens this spring in the former Pier 1 Imports space. At one point known predominantly for ski and swim apparel, Dallas-based Saint Bernard now carries a broad range of clothing and accessories for women, men and children.

1275 E. Southlake Blvd., saintbernard.com

Saint Bernard carries casual clothing for men and women. Photo courtesy of Saint Bernard

Growing pains a good thing at Lambert Home Katie and Sarah Lambert know all about remodeling houses for growing families. And now Lambert Home has outgrown its starter digs. The sisters (and their dad) have been so busy building their business that the time has come to double the size of their retail shop and interior design studio. Rather than move out, they’ve decided that merging with a vacant adjacent storefront provides a relatively easy solution. “We have severely outgrown our current space and are often having multiple meetings at a time at our little patchwork group of desks at the back of the store,” Katie says. And she notes that because she brings her new baby to work, she needs to accommodate friends who stop by to check in, too. The renovation work is scheduled to begin in April for a July opening. Expect a new look but a familiar feel. “We’re getting back to our core values: making every visitor feel fully seen and fully loved, and offering a restful, welcoming and creative experience for all. Lately, we’ve been so tightly packed in here that we’ve lost the opportunity to really get to know our shoppers the way we love to.” For a recent Lambert Home design palette, see this month’s Hello Spring story.

2787 E. Southlake Blvd., 817-251-0303, lamberthome.com