Sipping & Noshing @ Park
What the… It’s been a long time since we’ve updated! Good news though is that there’s a lot in the works: an interview with a local chef, a new correspondent, etc. Great stuff, so stay tuned.
Lately it seems like there’s been a lot of new places opening in the metroplex. We’ve tried Park a couple of times; it’s the newest opening in the restaurant-loaded Knox/Henderson area. It’s a really charming place that doesn’t need a glowing review from us. (It was packed both weekends we went.) But Park isn’t just about location, location, location. Their food is simple, but good and their drinks? Even better.
What I initially liked about Park was their outdoor patio. Sitting on a tree stump under strings of white lights, I felt like I was eating in a little urban forest. It’s very cute. Smitten for the ambiance, I also fell for Park’s philosophy on food. They have a rooftop herb garden, try to use a lot of local and organic products, and prepare their dishes to be uncomplicated and delicious.
The panzanella is a beautiful stack of local mozzarella, tomatoes, brioche, and a portabello pesto. It’s not groundbreaking cuisine, but it was delicious. The Live Oak Picnic Basket was unbelievably good: Windy Meadow Farms roast chicken, creamy fingerling potato salad, flaky biscuits, and a side of honey served in a red and white checkered basket. The Jones Taco Platter was a straight-forward presentation of a nice taco plate with short rib, chicken, and black bean varieties.
Food aside, Park would still be a destination I would visit because of their unique cocktail menu. A lot of them had savory components. Take the “Garfunkle”; it’s a gin collins with mint and ginger. The “Little Wing” was mixed with Hendricks, cucumber, basil, and a dash of cranberry.
My favorite was the “Marsha Marsha Marsha” with cognac, muddled blackberries, and sparkling white wine. Summer in a glass. Sangria by the pitcher was a good deal after we did the math and we were happy with it.
Crème brulée was an evening special and it was arguably one of the best I’ve had at a restaurant. Although, I’m really a bad judge because crème brulée is one of my favorite desserts and I love it most of the time
So to sum this all up: Park has a lot going for it. What’s not working in their favor, they really can’t help. The weekend clientele is kinda what you’d except for that area. If you’re not there to to see and be seen, it’s a little hard to just chill. Good for their businness, but it’s why I liked Park better on a Tuesday when we could enjoy that pretty patio in peace.
1921 Henderson Ave.
Dallas 75206
214.824.3343
I’d like to add that I was impressed that my taco plater came with six tortillas (3 corn/3 flour) and they were all freshly made and delicious. The tortillas always make or break a taco platter in my opinion.
I love patios that seem to transport you to another place and time, and this one sounds great! Keep on with the outdoor dining. Fall is the second great patio season of the year (after Spring) and soon the temperature should be just perfect.
I’m glad to hear you liked Park. I’ve been meaning to drop in.