"Casablanca, a spacious new bar in the Bishop Arts District, will officially kick open its doors next week. The latest establishment from Exxir Hospitality, the restaurant group behind other Bishop Arts spots like Paradiso and Botanist, will debut at 200 Bishop Avenue, Suite 113. According to a press release, the bar’s indoor-outdoor space is intended to evoke a vintage ‘70s vibe complete with frozen cocktails and shareable snacks. In addition to the main dining spaces, the bar will also boast its own “singeasy” complete with private karaoke lounges. Chef Nick Hurry, formerly of now-shuttered Dallas Arts District spot Proof + Pantry and current executive chef at Paradiso, will lead the kitchen. According to the chef, the menu will take inspiration from “food you might get at street stalls in southern China and Malaysia, bazaars of Persia, and smaller shared dishes in Northern Africa.” Sneak peeks of the menu on the bar’s Instagram hint at saucy noodle dishes, cardamom-scented lamb skewers, and fresh figs showered with pistachios, and steamed dumplings. Details on the cocktail list, developed by beverage director Iluggy Recinos, are scant, but it’s clear that the tropical influence will be heavy-handed. Expect swanky umbrella drinks, frozen pina coladas, and a Moroccan tea service that’s spiked with rum. Casablanca will officially debut on Thursday, October 21. When it arrives, the bar will be open from 5 p.m. to midnight Wednesday and Thursday, 5 p.m. to 2 a.m. on Friday and Saturday, and 5 p.m. to midnight on Sunday." - Amy McCarthy
