Dallas, Texas

One day before New Year’s Eve, I was online searching for a restaurant that still had available reservations for dinner. Our usual holiday party plans had fallen through and I really did not want to sit home alone in our pajamas like the empty-nesters we now are! Open Table came through for us and reminded me via email that several places still had availability. After a few minutes of searching, I happened upon Stock & Barrel in the Bishop Arts District of Dallas. Why not? There was no price-fixed menu, the food choices looked great, it was casual dining and they had a few early dining slots open. Click. We were in!  

Valet parking was conveniently located behind the restaurant. ($5 and you text when you leave the restaurant for your car to be brought up) We were cheerfully greeted by the host and were seated at a center table. The decor is the new upcycled, warehouse look – very modern with clean lines. The noise level was moderate but energetic. There were large mirrors, a nice bar, an open kitchen, pendant lighting and additional seating in an enclosed patio. Our server, Evan, was a great addition to our evening. We tried the drink special, “Sure Thing” made with vodka, bubbly, elderflower and peach. Delicious! We enjoyed the smoked red beets for our appetizer and it did not disappoint. We ordered the Smoked Sakura Pork Shoulder and the Wagyu Meatloaf (below left) for our entrees and both dishes were fantastic. The meats were a little unusual but perfectly seasoned, cooked, and tasty to the last bite. We also shared a dish of Caramelized Brussels Sprouts and Crispy Okra – and this Southern Girl can tell you that both were spot-on! Portions were nice but not overly huge, so we decided to share a dessert. The Warm Toffee Croissant Bread Pudding (below right) was one of the best bread puddings that I have ever eaten. It was a moderate portion (and I wished I had ordered my own at this point) with caramel ice cream and salted English toffee sprinkles. (think Heath bar crumbles….yum!) It was perfection.

Wagyu Meatloaf

Toffee Bread Pudding

Overall -this last minute, thrown together planning ended up being a wonderful night! We found a fantastic restaurant that I cannot wait to go back to. We enjoyed the beautiful lights and decorations walking the streets in the Bishop Arts District. We felt like we at least did SOMETHING for New Year’s Eve and best of all…..we were in our pajamas at 10:00 and safe at home watching the big celebrations on television! Happy New Year and welcome 2017!!