"The elegant restaurant inside Neiman Marcus's downtown flagship, opened in April 1953 and designed by Eleanor LeMaire with conceptual input from Stanley Marcus, became a signature destination for lunch, afternoon tea and lavish holiday buffets that helped keep customers in the store. Over decades it underwent several makeovers, ultimately returning to blue hues and gold touches that evoked its original glamour, and earned a reputation for dishes and traditions like chicken consommé, strawberry popovers with strawberry butter, Stanley’s pot roast (often paired with mashed potatoes), beef Wellington, salmon, the famous Mandarin Orange Soufflé, and an indulgent holiday buffet and tea service. More than a menu, it was a cultural touchstone—synonymous with “ladies who lunch,” family traditions, celebratory moments and VIP treatment that gave visitors a glimpse of Dallas high society. The restaurant was nearly forced to close after a land-rights dispute led to an announced shutdown, prompting local efforts to resolve the issue; in late March 2025 the owner reversed course and committed to keeping the dining room open through at least the end of 2025." - Rachel Pinn