It has been incredibly exciting to see how the dining and nightlife scene here in the Design District has grown over the last few years in conjunction with an influx of residents and lot of exciting development. It’s hard to believe that before the Meddlesome Moth opened for business, Design District workers and residents didn’t really have a post-work happy hour spot. These days fabulous restaurants are popping up all over the neighborhood, most notably Nick Badovinus’ Off Site Kitchen and the delectable cuisine and very popular bar at Oak.
Well good news Design District, there’s another one on the way.
Although the official opening date has not been set, FT33 is coming to the Design District in October. It will be helmed by local (almost) celebrity chef Matt McCallister.
McCallister brings a reputation and also a whole lot of talent he earned thanks in large part, no doubt, to his time in the kitchens at Stephan Pyles and Stephan Pyles’ Samar. His most recent venture was as consulting chef at the recently opened Campo in Oak Cliff, for which he got rave reviews. With those projects under his belt, McCallister decided it was time to start his own restaurant.
The name FT33 is an inside reference for those in the culinary field. After some research I learned that FT apparently stands for fire table, which is what is yelled in the kitchen when it’s time to prepare the next course for a meal, and the 33 refers to the number assigned to the restaurant’s best table.
Now for the menu. McCallister is well known for his commitment to farmers and the sourcing of farm fresh ingredients for his menus, so it’s a guarantee he’ll be serving up incredibly unique and fresh items.
From a preview press release, it appears that when FT33 opens some of the inventive menu options will include a pork jowl dish, wild boar sloppy joes and cast-iron corn bread at the bar.
The bar will be equally as exciting with a program revolving around craft beers, innovative cocktails and an approachable wine list. When it opens I’m sure it will be full of Design District workers and residents eager for a new hang-out.
It sounds to me like the neighborhood is getting another exciting restaurant in the vein of Oak that will deliver, fresh, innovative and delicious cuisine in an approachable setting.
I promise that as I know more, especially when I hear an opening date, I’ll share it. Until then, I hope you’re all as excited as I am to welcome a new restaurant to the Design District!
Ilise Lipton September 14th, 2012 12:46 pm
McAllister prepared some fantastic vegan dishes for Vegan Restaurant week. Will he have any vegan options at FT33???