The Bishop Arts District, one of Dallas’s most unique neighborhoods, houses more than 60 individual restaurants, bars, boutiques, coffee houses, and art galleries. The continued revitalization and rich history of the area enhance its small-town feel, diversity, and trendiness. It’s truly a neighborhood of artists with independent spirits.
I made reservations for brunch at Boulevardier, a French-inspired bistro at 408 North Bishop Avenue. You can start with a nice drink; the menu boasts cocktails from the classic, like a Boulevardier or a Sazerac, to the brunchy, with mimosas and a Bloody Mary. Beer and wine are also available. As for myself, I ordered a Topo Chico sparkling mineral water.
I began my meal with Boulevardier’s French Onion Soup. It exceeded expectations: The thick, creamy Gruyere cheese, alongside a bite of baguette, beamed me straight to a Parisian sidewalk café with romantic accordion music.
I indulged in another starter with the Crawfish Beignets. They were served in a smoked pimento aioli, and topped with pickled red onion. There were four beignets stuffed with the creamy crawfish blend. Delicious!
The brunch mains were a selection of Texas Wagyu Steak and Eggs, Black Truffle Eggs, or Brioche French Toast. The Legs and Eggs looked very interesting with crisp duck leg confit, sunny eggs, stone-ground grits cakes, and blackberry sauce.
For dinner, start with East Coast Oysters on the Half Shell, and share petit plates like mussels, bouillabaisse with clams, jumbo Gulf shrimp, and poached fish in a wine tarragon broth.
Or try the grilled baby octopus with Spanish chorizo, olive tapenade, and smoked fingerling potatoes.
Order the brussels sprouts, mushroom risotto, and hand-cut fries for sides.
Save room for dessert.
The vanilla bean Crème Brulee is so delicious.
Nancy’s Bread Pudding, with huckleberry jam, candied hazelnuts, bourbon butter sauce, and vanilla bean ice cream, simply melts in your mouth. Chocolate lovers shouldn’t miss the Chocolate Cremeux. Or end dinner with a cheese board and a tawny port.
Pro tip: The entrance is actually on West Eighth Street, a side street behind Veracruz Cafe. I’m glad I allowed about 30 minutes to find parking in the large lot farther down Bishop Avenue. The restaurant suggests using Enos or Odd Fellows Valet Parking.
Visit other restaurant family concepts: Rapscallion Neighborhood Bistro on Greenville Avenue or Hillside Tavern on East Mockingbird Lane.
Bon Apetit!
