"After his noteworthy stint at The Mansion on Turtle Creek, French chef Bruno Davaillon spent two years creating the perfect setting and assembling the dream team to bring to life his vision of “elevated yet approachable” French cuisine. The result—opened in 2018—has not only been a resounding local success, but also garnered the team two James Beard Award semifinalist nominations in 2019 (for Best Chef-Southwest and Outstanding Pastry Chef.) The magic all happens in a gold-paneled tube that juts out from downtown’s modern 400 S. Record Building, and is connected by a glass staircase to the sidewalk below (some diners liken the structure to a spaceship, others a giant pencil eraser.) Inside, a sophisticated décor of bespoke wood floors, silk rugs, mid-century-style furnishings, specially-commissioned artwork and sculptures, and a blue-and-gold palette set the scene for meals that pay just as much attention to the details. Go the shared plate route with drinks and small bites (from steak tartare, burgers, and cheese boards to homemade potato chips dipped in béarnaise “ranch” sauce) in the lounge, or head right to the dining room for French classics served with a twist. The regular menu features lots of winners—escargot ravioli, duck a l’orange, bison strip loin—but it’s weekly specials like quenelle Lyonnaise, braised rabbit, and cassoulet that have diners coming back to try more. Sweet endings like chocolate souffle, mille feuille, and baked Alaska showcase why the pastry team has earned its share of accolades, too."
