Dallas | Italian

[Skipper 6128]

Monarch is on tap for tomorrow.  Anyone happen to have any ideas for pre-dinner drinks close by?  I can't remember the last time I've been to a bar downtown.

[PorscheGuy 127]

Just got back from a quick and much needed getaway to Dallas and was lucky enough to experience Monarch. It has easily catapulted to the top spot on my Dallas restaurant list.

Stunning views and decor. Staff was on point. Excellent wine list that is not over priced. I noticed most bottles were only 2x retail. Which is really nice compared to the 2.5 or even 3x I’ve seen recently. Had a fantastic 2016 L’Alberello.

What really sets Monarch apart is the food. Wonderful menu of Mediterranean inspired seafood, wood fired steaks and handmade pasta. Everything was outstanding.

Thank you [mention]ChiTownDoc [/mention] for bringing chef Grant from Chicago to Dallas. Can’t wait for Maple and Ash to open. You guys are killing it.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[bluto 4913]

Buddy of mine just had anni’ dinner at Monarch, ordered whole menu and drank like a fish… said it was worth every penny.

[Dutch 4465]

You fine gentlemen who have been to Sprezza...a question.  I made reservations through OpenTable a while back.  Today I I get an email asking to confirm my reservations and I notice it states a "business casual" dress code.  Is there really a dress code? Would they enforce this if we arrived in scrubs?  Both the wife and I work in healthcare, and I was planning a surprise dinner for her one night after our shifts end.  

Edited July 15, 2021 by Dutch

[Landomatic 3813]

9 hours ago, Dutch said:

You fine gentlemen who have been to Sprezza...a question.  I made reservations through OpenTable a while back.  Today I I get an email asking to confirm my reservations and I notice it states a "business casual" dress code.  Is there really a dress code? Would they enforce this if we arrived in scrubs?  Both the wife and I work in healthcare, and I was planning a surprise dinner for her one night after our shifts end.  

I can’t guarantee it, but there is no way in hell they’re not letting you in with scrubs. In today’s world? I’d wear shorts and a golf shirt without hesitating. It’s been a while, but the last time I was there, I’d say “business casual” would be among the high end. Maybe it’s changed but I think you’ll be more than fine.

If they don’t let you in with scrubs, report back so I can be sure to never give any of his restaurants another penny.

[C-Man 27192]

I can’t guarantee it, but there is no way in hell they’re not letting you in with scrubs. In today’s world? I’d wear shorts and a golf shirt without hesitating. It’s been a while, but the last time I was there, I’d say “business casual” would be among the high end. Maybe it’s changed but I think you’ll be more than fine.
If they don’t let you in with scrubs, report back so I can be sure to never give any of his restaurants another penny.

What Landon says but call if you want to be sure. I’m pretty sure I’ve been in there with shorts before.

[mdmost 42999]

2 minutes ago, C-Man said:

What Landon says but call if you want to be sure. I’m pretty sure I’ve been in there with shorts before.

[Dutch 4465]

Happy to report back no hassle on the dress code (waiter said he’s not sure why OpenTable even listed one). Everything was outstanding, and we will definitely return. The waiter said they use leftover whey from their house-made ricotta instead of pasta water in cacio e pepe. Pro move, and it worked. 

[Landomatic 3813]

10 hours ago, Dutch said:

Happy to report back no hassle on the dress code (waiter said he’s not sure why OpenTable even listed one). Everything was outstanding, and we will definitely return. The waiter said they use leftover whey from their house-made ricotta instead of pasta water in cacio e pepe. Pro move, and it worked. 

Nice. Good to hear all the way around

[C-Man 27192]

Happy to report back no hassle on the dress code (waiter said he’s not sure why OpenTable even listed one). Everything was outstanding, and we will definitely return. The waiter said they use leftover whey from their house-made ricotta instead of pasta water in cacio e pepe. Pro move, and it worked. 

That place is fantastic.

[Jive Turkey 12594]

On 6/27/2021 at 9:00 PM, PorscheGuy said:

Just got back from a quick and much needed getaway to Dallas and was lucky enough to experience Monarch. It has easily catapulted to the top spot on my Dallas restaurant list.

Stunning views and decor. Staff was on point. Excellent wine list that is not over priced. I noticed most bottles were only 2x retail. Which is really nice compared to the 2.5 or even 3x I’ve seen recently. Had a fantastic 2016 L’Alberello.

What really sets Monarch apart is the food. Wonderful menu of Mediterranean inspired seafood, wood fired steaks and handmade pasta. Everything was outstanding.

Thank you [mention]ChiTownDoc [/mention] for bringing chef Grant from Chicago to Dallas. Can’t wait for Maple and Ash to open. You guys are killing it.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

going this week.  can't wait.

[Jive Turkey 12594]

holy hell, Monarch was incredible.  not sure what else there is to say that hasn't been said.  it's just an experience.

complimentary champagne on the first floor the second you walk in the building.  then up 49 floors to an incredibly gorgeous restaurant.  interior design work is top notch. 

we checked in at 7:30 and we were seated at 7:30.  none of this "your table is almost ready" bullshit, even though the restaurant was packed.  a 9.5 took us to our table.  as your walking to your table, it's like you're on the runway, with all eyes on you.  it was crazy.

after being seated at a window booth with great views of the city, you are taken care of for the rest of the night.  service is impeccable.  sommelier was great.  and of course, the food was delicious.  we split the giant Caesar, meatballs, crab leg, 28 day dry aged ribeye, truffle mashed potatoes, and mushroom.  cooked to perfection.  and then lemon cake for dessert.  it was pricey AF but worth it.  it's a dining experience.

other thing i liked is that you could go and split a salad, get house made pastas with a side, a glass of wine, and get out of there for a very reasonable price.  pastas are like $20-30.  not bad at all.  i'd like to try some of those the next time.  there will definitely be a next time.

 

[Skipper 6128]

Has anyone heard an update on Carbone?  Thought it was supposed to be opening this summer.

[NoName 16351]

On 11/15/2018 at 5:31 AM, NoName said:

Can't recommend Sprezza enough, that place is fantastic!

Sprezza is closing 12/31 evidently, but i highly doubt they make it there.

so get a rez sooner than later @C-Man

 

[C-Man 27192]

10 minutes ago, NoName said:

Sprezza is closing 12/31 evidently, but i highly doubt they make it there.

so get a rez sooner than later @C-Man

 

Well, that sucks.

[Landomatic 3813]

1 hour ago, NoName said:

Sprezza is closing 12/31 evidently, but i highly doubt they make it there.

so get a rez sooner than later @C-Man

Hadn't heard that. Reliable source? I'd have thought Fachini would be the first to go of his concepts. Nothing ever lasts in that space.

[Landomatic 3813]

On 8/16/2021 at 9:47 AM, Skipper said:

Has anyone heard an update on Carbone?  Thought it was supposed to be opening this summer.

Was in the parking lot where it’s located last night and it’s looking real close to being ready. Signage is up and from what we could see, it’s pretty far along on the construction. Valet for the place we were there for said the GM at Carbone told him end of January.

[C-Man 27192]

Wasn't sure where to drop this since my question isn't about Italian food but does pertain to a particular Italian restaurant.
Has anybody heard of the off-the-menu chicken fried steak at Prego? A very close friend of mine goes there every year for his birthday and orders it. He said they use a 38-day dry aged NY strip, butterfly it and fry that fucker up. He said it's life-changing. So tender you can cut it with a plastic spoon.
The rest of Prego's offerings are extremely meh though I did used to enjoy going there with my ex-in laws from time to to time. I'll post a pic that he sent me shortly.

Edited January 20, 2022 by C-Man

[Dutch 4465]

On 11/16/2021 at 7:32 AM, NoName said:

Sprezza is closing 12/31 evidently, but i highly doubt they make it there.

so get a rez sooner than later @C-Man

 

That really sucks.  Apparently it was a victim of the property owner wanting to convert the space into offices and not financial difficulties on the restaurant's part. Owner plans to reopen at a new location.

"Barsotti says he’s keeping the employees from Sprezza and will offer them jobs at the coming-soon restaurants.

Plus, Sprezza will likely live on at a different address, Barsotti says. Because of the amicable end with the lease in Old Parkland, Sprezza retained all its furniture, fixtures and kitchen equipment.

Barsotti would like to reopen Sprezza in the Knox-Henderson or Fitzhugh area of Dallas — a spot that restaurants like Beverley’s and Joe Leo have helped reinvigorate recently. Sprezza 2.0 might be more pizza centric or more bar-like, Barsotti says. He’ll have chef Ferguson re-create the menu.

Barsotti’s vision for Sprezza, given so much other action in 2022, is this: 'We want to reiterate it in a more simple way,' he says."

https://www.dallasnews.com/food/restaurant-news/2022/01/06/italian-restaurant-sprezza-closed-in-dallas-but-is-expected-to-reopen-elsewhere/

Edited January 20, 2022 by Dutch

[C-Man 27192]

1 hour ago, Dutch said:

That really sucks.  Apparently it was a victim of the property owner wanting to convert the space into offices and not financial difficulties on the restaurant's part. Owner plans to reopen at a new location.

"Barsotti says he’s keeping the employees from Sprezza and will offer them jobs at the coming-soon restaurants.

Plus, Sprezza will likely live on at a different address, Barsotti says. Because of the amicable end with the lease in Old Parkland, Sprezza retained all its furniture, fixtures and kitchen equipment.

Barsotti would like to reopen Sprezza in the Knox-Henderson or Fitzhugh area of Dallas — a spot that restaurants like Beverley’s and Joe Leo have helped reinvigorate recently. Sprezza 2.0 might be more pizza centric or more bar-like, Barsotti says. He’ll have chef Ferguson re-create the menu.

Barsotti’s vision for Sprezza, given so much other action in 2022, is this: 'We want to reiterate it in a more simple way,' he says."

https://www.dallasnews.com/food/restaurant-news/2022/01/06/italian-restaurant-sprezza-closed-in-dallas-but-is-expected-to-reopen-elsewhere/

That's good news. We failed to make it over there before it closed. I hope 2.0 is not pizza-centric, though. Enough of that already. Barsotti is opening a casual Tex-Mex spot in Inwood Village (the old Cafe Express place), which sounds very, very interesting. It's called Odelay.

[DDD Dad 14325]

Wasn't sure where to drop this since my question isn't about Italian food but does pertain to a particular Italian restaurant.
Has anybody heard of the off-the-menu chicken fried steak at Prego? A very close friend of mine goes there every year for his birthday and orders it. He said they use a 38-day dry aged NY strip, butterfly it and fry that fucker up. He said it's life-changing. So tender you can cut it with a plastic spoon.
The rest of Prego's offerings are extremely meh though I did used to enjoy going there with my ex-in laws from time to to time. I'll post a pic that he sent me shortly.

Why would you ruin a NY strip by battering and frying it?

Sorry. I don’t get the whole Prego’s thing. It’s a dump with shitty food. Parkies seem to love it for some reason though.

[Landomatic 3813]

2 hours ago, DDD Dad said:

Why would you ruin a NY strip by battering and frying it?

I dunno...why would you smoke a prime piece of beef? Because it's better than smoking a choice piece.

Quote

Sorry. I don’t get the whole Prego’s thing. It’s a dump with shitty food. Parkies seem to love it for some reason though.

Isn't Prego on Greenville?

[DDD Dad 14325]

6 minutes ago, Landomatic said:

Isn't Prego on Greenville?

Yes.  But it seems to attract its clientele from across Central.

[bluto 4913]

2 hours ago, DDD Dad said:

Yes.  But it seems to attract its clientele from across Central.

Didn’t know they would stoop so low and cross the (dart) tracks

[dcbc 14465]

Going to Lucia on Thursday for our 20th anniversary.  Hoping it, in its new location, lives up to my memory of how great it was when we went there for our 10th.

[dcbc 14465]

Good grief, this place is such a gem!  Everything was just as great as I remember it.  The new space is nice.  Not as "quaint" as the smaller space, but it's an improvement in almost every other way.  The food and wine was greatness.
 





 

Edited March 26, 2022 by dcbc

[Texzilla58 4732]

Good grief, this place is such a gem!  Everything was just as great as I remember it.  The new space is nice.  Not as "quaint" as the smaller space, but it's an improvement in almost every other way.  The food and wine was greatness.
 





 

Pics are great but that appears to be foie gras filled prunes. Report please. My wife can eat her weight in foie gras then she feels bad because the ducks are Force fed. Then she reorders.

That tagliatelle looks awesome too.

[dcbc 14465]

1 hour ago, Texzilla58 said:

Pics are great but that appears to be foie gras filled prunes. Report please. My wife can eat her weight in foie gras then she feels bad because the ducks are Force fed. Then she reorders.

That tagliatelle looks awesome too.

Yes.  They are amazing and very rich.  I quit after 3.  This is the only thing I remember also getting when we were there 10 years ago. 

So all in all, we got bread and a couple of olive bowls that have crack sprinkled on them I suspect, the salumi board (we did not pace ourselves well on this course), foie gras stuffed prunes, tagliatelle (yes, this was great; I don't usually love peas, but these were so fresh, it made the dish), crespelle (also great), monkfish, pistachio frangipane tart, and they brought us another dessert to try, which my wife said was wonderful, but I was so full I thought I might collapse if I ate another bite (felt bad about this, but would have felt worse had I eaten anything else).

Every visit here has been a top meal out for us.

Edited March 29, 2022 by dcbc

[hookem17 485]

DMN reporting Carbone opens today. Looks like they’re only accepting reservations for April right now. There’s no availability for parties of 2, but you can get a table if you have a group of 4 and want to eat after 10pm. 

[Lidig8r 1870]

On 8/13/2021 at 3:40 PM, Jive Turkey said:

holy hell, Monarch was incredible.  not sure what else there is to say that hasn't been said.  it's just an experience.

complimentary champagne on the first floor the second you walk in the building.  then up 49 floors to an incredibly gorgeous restaurant.  interior design work is top notch. 

we checked in at 7:30 and we were seated at 7:30.  none of this "your table is almost ready" bullshit, even though the restaurant was packed.  a 9.5 took us to our table.  as your walking to your table, it's like you're on the runway, with all eyes on you.  it was crazy.

after being seated at a window booth with great views of the city, you are taken care of for the rest of the night.  service is impeccable.  sommelier was great.  and of course, the food was delicious.  we split the giant Caesar, meatballs, crab leg, 28 day dry aged ribeye, truffle mashed potatoes, and mushroom.  cooked to perfection.  and then lemon cake for dessert.  it was pricey AF but worth it.  it's a dining experience.

other thing i liked is that you could go and split a salad, get house made pastas with a side, a glass of wine, and get out of there for a very reasonable price.  pastas are like $20-30.  not bad at all.  i'd like to try some of those the next time.  there will definitely be a next time.

 

Este.

Went there tonight. Dress up and they treat you even better.

The food is incredible (and my SO is a bit of a food snob). Perhaps it is because I look a bit like an "oldz,", dressed up in the navy suit, bow tie, bald ass head, joking around with the wait staff ... the concierge of Monarch came up to us, started a great conversation, when we were through with our dinner, escorted us upstairs to their more informal bar, came up twice to check up.

Oh, some hipster tried to get in with his ball cap on ... backwards of course ... the people at the the check in desk said, "uh. Sport, you need to leave that cap here with us."

Food is excellent (on a level with the best Italian food in NYC), great atmosphere.

Go and enjoy a 2 to 3 hour dining experience.

Then ... go home and dog fuck the hell out of your SO!

Lid! OUT!

[TexPx 2322]

Looking forward to this one. It was well loved in North Beach. Less than 5 minutes from me. https://dallas.culturemap.com/news/restaurants-bars/03-03-22-caffe-baonecci-san-francisco-italian-frisco/

[Skipper 6128]

Monarch is indeed elite.  Went a couple of weekends back for our 2nd trip with friends.  Think it was even better the 2nd time.  I'm waiting to hear feedback from Carbone.  Obviously reservations are damn near impossible currently.

[Lidig8r 1870]

Going to Carbone on Friday night with another couple. Reservation at 10:45. YIKES!

Here is the dinner menu:

https://carbonedallas.com/menus/2022/Carbone Dallas Dinner 3 3.28.22.pdf

Will try to remember to take photos.

Any recommendations as to what to order?

[bluto 4913]

Friend went to carbone, 6 in group, said the entire group was totally let down from food to price to service. Maybe an off night or ironing things out.

[Landomatic 3813]

1 hour ago, bluto said:

Friend went to carbone, 6 in group, said the entire group was totally let down from food to price to service. Maybe an off night or ironing things out.

I've heard the same. And I've really heard bad things about Sadelle's (same group).

[C-Man 27192]

On 5/24/2022 at 1:37 PM, bluto said:

Friend went to carbone, 6 in group, said the entire group was totally let down from food to price to service. Maybe an off night or ironing things out.

 

On 5/24/2022 at 3:19 PM, Landomatic said:

I've heard the same. And I've really heard bad things about Sadelle's (same group).

What, you don't like $69 veal parm ($72 for veal marsala)?

[DalTxHornFan 3097]

12 minutes ago, C-Man said:

 

What, you don't like $69 veal parm ($72 for veal marsala)?

Glad that I know how to cook great food at home.  That is nuts.

[Landomatic 3813]

5 hours ago, C-Man said:

What, you don't like $69 veal parm ($72 for veal marsala)?

I was curious how that compares to other Italian places in town at that level, and the veal parm is $58 at both Fachini and Monarch. Quick glance at all three menus and looks like most comparable dishes on the Carbone menu are around $10 more per item than Fachini and Monarch.

• Ceasar Salad - $17 Fachini, $16 Monarch, $25 Carbone
• Linguini Vongole - $22 Fachini, $36 Carbone
• Spicy Rigatoni Vodka - $20 Monarch, $33 Carbone

I guess it's working for them though, because it's a really tough reservation to get, despite their 3.5 star google rating.

[bigup2dahorns 3343]

If you remember, il mulino was also impossible to get into (for awhile) when they were in Uptown and was very high priced and then all the sudden shut down. Same with Nine steakhouse in Victory. We could easily see same thing with Carbone. I thought about going there in Hong Kong and looked at the menu and we passed.

[Skipper 6128]

1 hour ago, Landomatic said:

I was curious how that compares to other Italian places in town at that level, and the veal parm is $58 at both Fachini and Monarch. Quick glance at all three menus and looks like most comparable dishes on the Carbone menu are around $10 more per item than Fachini and Monarch.

• Ceasar Salad - $17 Fachini, $16 Monarch, $25 Carbone
• Linguini Vongole - $22 Fachini, $36 Carbone
• Spicy Rigatoni Vodka - $20 Monarch, $33 Carbone

I guess it's working for them though, because it's a really tough reservation to get, despite their 3.5 star google rating.

Interesting to hear not living up to price points so far.   It will stay a hard to impossible to get reservation for a while based on name rep a lone but if they can't improve experience I'm betting that won't last.  Particularly when you have Monarch killing it.  Going to need to rely on repeat customers at some point.  

[C-Man 27192]

1 hour ago, Skipper said:

Interesting to hear not living up to price points so far.   It will stay a hard to impossible to get reservation for a while based on name rep a lone but if they can't improve experience I'm betting that won't last.  Particularly when you have Monarch killing it.  Going to need to rely on repeat customers at some point.  

Yup. Could be packed one night and shut down soon after.

[Skipper 6128]

As bigup said, high end Italian has never done that well here for some reason so I was stoked to have 2 options (have never understand how this city can support what seems like an infinite amount of high end steak joints but struggles with Italian).  II love me a high end veal parm (and the Monarch Veal Parm is fantastic).  Hoping Carbone figures it out.

[Lidig8r 1870]

Ok, first consider I am a very young (read ... immature?) 63 year old. I like very good food and have not screamed "Get off my lawn" at the neighborhood kids for quite some time. (Although I have asked a few of them to bring their divorced mom over from time to time). Anyway, I digress ...

Friday night, we had 10:45 reservations for 4 at Carbone. The mindset was very much, "cool, we get to dine very European." 

So, we drive up.  You see a number of upscale cars parked, valet is right in front of restaurant. A tall, thin late 20 year old African American gentleman in a tuxedo and tennis shoes greets you at the door. Ok, they're going for more of an edgy look. That's cool.

Inside, we had a brief (less than 5 minute wait) and are escorted to our table. The crowd is mostly late 20s to late 40s. Fairly racially diverse.

The decor is a throw back to mid 80s Dallas with funkiness mixed in. Cushy chairs, loveseats, plush furnishings. For some reason, I get a feeling that perhaps they are trying awfully hard to "be something." In any event, let it go, just enjoy the food. That's when you notice the music being played in the background/foreground.  It is 70s era disco music... BeeGees, Donna Summer, Abba. Loud enough that you have to speak somewhat loudly to carry on a conversation at the table.

The wait person comes over, takes our drink order, is knowledgeable about the menu. And the free amuse bouche arrive .. three different types of bread, pickled cauliflower, soppressata and then much like Il Mulino, another waitstaff brings over a wheel of parmesan cheese and slices some for you. Very tasty. Ok.. .we are on track here.

The appetizer course consisted of ... oysters and beets siciliana. The beets were excellent!

We then order 3 entrees for the table. Spaghetti Puttanesca, Pork Chop and peppers, and our "go to" at any new Italian restaurant, veal parmesan.

The Spaghetti was a bit ... flat. The pasta, although obviously cooked fresh, was bland and the sauce did not bring out the flavor.

The Pork Chop was passable. The flavors were good especially as you got closer to the bone. But, quite frankly, Pork Chop Friday at Perry's Steakhouse was far better.

Then, the veal parmesan. My understanding is that the veal cutlet is pounded for essentially two reasons, (1). it provides a quicker cooking time because it is uniformly even, and (2). the pounding breaks down connective tissue making the veal more tender. The veal that was brought to us was ... thick. The wait staff person sliced it and then served it like it was pizza. The flavors were not bad. But ...

We finished with espresso martinis or French 75s.

So, on a scale of 1 - 5 ... I give this place a 2.5. The food quality wise is on a level with Speranza in North Dallas but far more expensive. The music and atmosphere was too over the top. The Sommelier was in his late 40s, knew their wine menu well, but started dancing a bit to the music.

So, in terms of upscale Italian, I will be returning to Monarch 10 times out of 10.  As for Carbone, I may return if they have a "coupon" evening, otherwise...

 

[Lidig8r 1870]

Well, THAT was inevitable!

The old Carbone's filed suit in fed court today agains the hipster Carbone.

The allegations are pretty damning. Should be interesting.

I don't know what this could do in terms of the longevity of the hipster Carbone, but if you boys intend on going there, perhaps sooner would be better than later.

https://www.docketalarm.com/cases/Texas_Northern_District_Court/3--22-cv-01184/CARBONES_FINE_FOODS_AND_WINES_LLC/1/

[Skipper 6128]

13 hours ago, Lidig8r said:

Well, THAT was inevitable!

The old Carbone's filed suit in fed court today agains the hipster Carbone.

The allegations are pretty damning. Should be interesting.

I don't know what this could do in terms of the longevity of the hipster Carbone, but if you boys intend on going there, perhaps sooner would be better than later.

https://www.docketalarm.com/cases/Texas_Northern_District_Court/3--22-cv-01184/CARBONES_FINE_FOODS_AND_WINES_LLC/1/

Interesting.  I'm certainly no expert in "common law" trademark or claims regarding improper trademark for Carbone (nor did I care to read the entire thing cover to cover) but the pre-packaged food claims using existing Dallas Carbones logo is interesting. Not exactly sure what the existing Carbones' damages are for people mistakenly coming to their restaurant thinking it was the new trendy place.  I would bet discovery reflects increased revenue since Carbone opened.

[C-Man 27192]

1 hour ago, Skipper said:

Interesting.  I'm certainly no expert in "common law" trademark or claims regarding improper trademark for Carbone (nor did I care to read the entire thing cover to cover) but the pre-packaged food claims using existing Dallas Carbones logo is interesting. Not exactly sure what the existing Carbones' damages are for people mistakenly coming to their restaurant thinking it was the new trendy place.  I would bet discovery reflects increased revenue since Carbone opened.

I doubt it. I would assume nearly everyone turns around and walks out the door once they realize their mistake.

I'm Team Julian on this. Love his places.

[Skipper 6128]

15 minutes ago, C-Man said:

I doubt it. I would assume nearly everyone turns around and walks out the door once they realize their mistake.

 

Possibly.  If anything I would think a net positive.  I mean are people really not going to old Carbones because of Carbone? They really aren't competitors in the traditional sense given relative price points. The reality is a lot of people desperately trying to get reservations to Carbone probably didn't realize the other existed even though it opened a bit before the NY location.  I mean I'm certainly aware of Carbone NY and Vegas (have eaten in Vegas) but Carbone's in Dallas wasn't on my radar (although looking back I see mentioned on first post/page of this thread so surprised we never tried it, although with super young kids at the time, our rare nights out 2016-2020 were typically high end).

[C-Man 27192]

1 minute ago, Skipper said:

Possibly.  If anything I would think a net positive.  I mean are people really not going to old Carbones because of Carbone? They really aren't competitors in the traditional sense given relative price points. The reality is a lot of people desperately trying to get reservations to Carbone probably didn't realize the other existed even though it opened a bit before the NY location.  I mean I'm certainly aware of Carbone NY and Vegas (have eaten in Vegas) but Carbone's in Dallas wasn't on my radar (although looking back I see mentioned on first post/page of this thread so surprised we never tried it, although with super young kids at the time, our rare nights out 2016-2020 were typically high end).

Read the lawsuit posted above. Carbone is apparently bottling and selling pasta sauces and what-not at Central Market with a direct copy of Carbone's Dallas logo, etc. Permits and other notices are being sent to the wrong restaurants, Carbone's Dallas is receiving 20 or more calls per day from people thinking they're the new Carbone. It's a major PITA at a minimum.

Carbone's is really good BTW. You should try it. Pretty kid-friendly too in all reality, at least compared to Julian's other Italian places. Monday nights are half-price wine nights. Best toasted ravs that I've found in Dallas.

[Skipper 6128]

1 minute ago, C-Man said:

Read the lawsuit posted above. Carbone is apparently bottling and selling pasta sauces and what-not at Central Market with a direct copy of Carbone's Dallas logo, etc. Permits and other notices are being sent to the wrong restaurants, Carbone's Dallas is receiving 20 or more calls per day from people thinking they're the new Carbone. It's a major PITA at a minimum.

Carbone's is really good BTW. You should try it. Pretty kid-friendly too in all reality, at least compared to Julian's other Italian places. Monday nights are half-price wine nights. Best toasted ravs that I've found in Dallas.

Right, I read that part.  I agree there sure seems like some potential liability there.  It's more damages related to the existence of the restaurant itself that I question.  But I'm a finance lawyer that knows absolutely nothing about IP law so will follow this largely without an opinion like everyone else.   I'll put old Carbone's on my radar but if I'm doing regular night out (no reservation well in advance) Italian, we typically do Princi which I've always been a fan of and is a lot closer.

[C-Man 27192]

5 minutes ago, Skipper said:

Right, I read that part.  I agree there sure seems like some potential liability there.  It's more damages related to the existence of the restaurant itself that I question.  But I'm a finance lawyer that knows absolutely nothing about IP law so will follow this largely without an opinion like everyone else.   I'll put old Carbone's on my radar but if I'm doing regular night out (no reservation well in advance) Italian, we typically do Princi which I've always been a fan of and is a lot closer.

Princi Italia on Preston/Royal? We went for the first time a couple Sundays ago with my in-laws and my parents and I was extremely unimpressed. But that was brunch.