Photo: Andrea Brizzi
Haute Cuisine Meets Haute Couture at Café Dior by Dominique Crenn in Dallas
The Michelin-starred chef translates the designs of the storied fashion house into edible works of art
Dominique Crenn. Photo: Laora Queyras
The iconic Highland Park Village—America’s first open-air shopping mall, and a National Historic Landmark—has a new and delicious addition courtesy of Michelin-starred chef, Dominique Crenn. The Franco-San Franciscan star and her Executive Pastry Chef and partner, Juan Contreras, have designed a dynamic menu specifically for this boutique—one that reflects the savoir faire of the storied House of Dior with exquisitely presented dishes showcasing vibrant flavors and textures.
The histories of Dallas and the House of Dior are intertwined, starting with an initial visit by Christian Dior in 1947. In town to receive the Neiman Marcus Award following the success of his New Look designs, Mr. Dior’s trip to the Lone Star State started a life-long relationship that is being fittingly celebrated within the boutique’s light-filled cafe. The 1931 Mediterranean style Highland Park Village has long been home to luxury retailers and restaurants, but Café Dior marks a new era in fine dining—one where the designs of Mr. Dior are transformed into edible works of art.
From the Dior archives. Photo: Laora Queyras
A Dior-inspired dish by Dominique Crenn. Photo: Harry Eelman
Inventive dishes have been inspired by the archives with the signature Miss Dior dress (1949) and the intricately embroidered May gown (1953) of particular significance to Chef Crenn. Among the many culinary delights are blue crystal prawns with XO sauce and yogurt, thinly sliced bigeye tuna garnished with dashi and sweet potato chips, and a delicate-yet-satisfying chicken salad “petit fleurs” pain de mie sandwich. A zucchini and apple salad combines crisp textures and nature’s simplest flavors, while “Madeline’s Terrace”—a chicken confit, arugula and cucumber delight—are both ideal post shopping spree bites. Café Dior—opening February 22—also promises to draw a loyal crowd for afternoon sweets including hazelnut chocolate cookies and banana-sesame canelés.
Inside the café. Photo: Andrea Brizzi
In keeping with the chic Dior aesthetic, the café is a study in muted hues: modern murals and mirror mosaics line the walls while whitewashed wood floors, retro-modern chairs swathed in houndstooth fabrics, and beige marble finishes add to the serene atmosphere. For fans of Chef Crenn’s three Michelin-star Atelier Crenn in San Francisco, this Dallas offering showcases her trademark creative cuisine with the finest French fashion as a stunning backdrop.
Photo: Andrea Brizzi
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