The Adolphus, the storied downtown hotel synonymous with timeless Dallas style, unveiled the vibrant return of The French Room. Following a thoughtful 16-month restoration, one of the city’s most beloved restaurants returns to its original roots as a preeminent Dallas dining destination. Opening on Wednesday, October 4, The French Room presents Chef Michael Ehlert’s interpretation of classic French cookery, seamlessly blending the technique and discipline of fine haute cuisine with the warmth and approachability of modern, elevated dining experiences. Building upon the numerous awards and accolades earned over the years, including the coveted AAA Five Diamond award for 25 consecutive years, The French Room begins its next chapter paying reverence to the past while welcoming guests old and new.
Chef Ehlert’s cuisine—refined and honed through studious research and testing – is offered as an evolving seasonal three-course menu, a seven-course tasting menu, and a 15-course experiential menu incorporating the Salon, Bar, and dining room. Locally sourced provisions and produce receive his lively French interpretations served in the dramatic backdrop of the restored interiors of The French Room. The menu is executed with the gracious, attentive service guests have come to expect and love from the Dallas institution. In his role as The Adolphus General Manager of Food & Beverage Operations, Anthony Cournia and his team cultivate a knowledgeable, engaging style of service that integrates charm and wit to guide guests through a warm, intuitive, and gracious dining experience.
As part of the interactive dining experience, guests are engaged throughout their meals by tableside presentation and service. Sommelier Jeff Gregory presents his carefully selected wines showcasing some of the finest examples from across the globe as guests are seated in the dining room. The engaging experience continues with tableside finished dishes such as the Lamb Saddle for Two served with tomato-braised fennel and panisse or the Wild Striped Bass in Salt Crust with braised salsify and sauce Bretonne.
“The French Room has been a vital part of the history of Dallas. Over the past several decades the dining room has been the setting of countless engagements, anniversaries, birthdays, and celebrations,” says Cournia. “We are so honored to welcome guests back for countless more celebrations with a fresh and vibrant take on fine dining as part of the thoughtful restoration.”
In addition to The French Room, two brand-new concepts debut as companion pieces: The French Room Bar and The French Room Salon. The Salon is a chic, lounge-worthy space that welcomes guests just outside of The French Room and features artwork from prominent Texas artists curated by Nasher Sculpture Center’s Lucia Simek. Adjacent to The French Room, The Bar is an effortlessly cool, sultry, and stylish cocktail venue offering a well-executed beverage program from Beverage Manager Anna Pereda and shareable plates from Chef Ehlert’s kitchen. These companion pieces to The French Room provide guests an accessible take on the dining room long known for special occasions. As a precursor to downtown show or for late night rendezvous with friends, the Bar and Salon are soon to be the preeminent destination for socializing and imbibing in downtown Dallas.
Designed by Dallas interiors and branding firm, SWOON The Studio, The French Room returns to its grace and refinement harkening back to its origins as the preeminent destination for culture and fine dining. Last refurbished in the 1980s, the thoughtful restoration features meticulously applied candlelight white plaster walls reminiscent of Parisian landmarks complementing gilded Louis XVI style chairs, and twin Italian Murano Glass chandeliers restored to their original sparkle and lowered to be more prominently displayed. The Adolphus is presented by MAKEREADY: a company specializing in branding, design, and operations tied to unique and thoughtful guest experiences.
