REVIEW: Fearing's, Dallas, Texas
Located in the heart of Uptown Dallas, the signature restaurant at The Ritz-Carlton Hotel, Fearing’s—encapsulates everything you could want in a fine dining experience.
Fearing's at The Ritz-Carlton Hotel, Dallas
You'll be welcomed with warm faces while entering a flower-laden lobby fit for a show of its own. Bundles of roses float inside tall crystal vases making it easy to understand you've arrived at the right place for an extravagant evening. Of course, one would expect nothing less from a Ritz-Carlton. Am I right?
Fearing's at The Ritz-Carlton Hotel, Dallas
A quick left and you’re looking into the bar and cocktail lounge aptly named Rattlesnake Bar for both the Texas heat and the interesting bite that’s associated with the cuisine you're about to embark on.
Fearing’s, a Dallas dining institution, offers amazing seating both inside and out and I would highly recommend come autumn, that the picturesque outside seating would not only be perfect for any evening, but morning and afternoon. Naturally not complete without the relaxing sound of cascading water fountains which Dallas is known for.
Fearing's at The Ritz-Carlton Hotel, Dallas
We chose to sit inside only because of a light drizzle (enter sad face here), but the food alone ended up bringing us on a one-way trip out of this world.
Fearing's at The Ritz-Carlton Hotel, Dallas
Fearing’s has made a name for itself by incorporating a Texas twist into their dishes—since the Lone Star State is popularized by its rich variety of peppers, jicama, tomatillos, game, and other fresh, local produce.
First to make its way to the table, Texas Beef Carpaccio, opening our palates—while the subtle spice hinted at what was to come shortly thereafter.
Fearing's at The Ritz-Carlton Hotel, Dallas
The appetizer was a combination of the two most popular items on the menu in a Barbecued Shrimp Taco with Mango & Pickled Red Onion Salad paired with a smoky citrus vinaigrette and a tortilla-style soup that was poured into our dishes, as if it were your morning coffee.
Fearing's at The Ritz-Carlton Hotel, Dallas
The combination of the two created a beautiful aroma that made it difficult not to pick up the soup bowl and drink without a spoon. Additionally, the partnering of the smoky citrus and the shrimp taco was a quick elevation to a classic styled taco.
For the entrées, we chose a Maple & Black Peppercorn Soaked Buffalo Tenderloin. Although buffalo is typically known as a fairly gamey meat, marinating for 48 hours can offer quite the opposite effect.
Fearing's at The Ritz-Carlton Hotel, Dallas
The prime cut (only requiring a fork to slice) sat atop jalapeño grits wrapped around butternut squash taquito with smoky chili aioli and tangles of freshly sautéed greens. The crunchiness of the taquito blended so well with the savory aspects of the grits and buffalo, making this dish a must-have item on the menu.
To cap off our evening, we had two brand-new desserts that satisfied our sweet tooth.
Fearing's at The Ritz-Carlton Hotel, Dallas
The first was an Apricot Turnover lightly drizzled with homemade icing, which paired nicely with a blueberry parfait. The combination of both hot and cold made the fruit extra savory.
Fearing's at The Ritz-Carlton Hotel, Dallas
The second dessert was a Peanut Butter & Chocolate Sponge Cake with milk chocolate ice cream. The salted caramel drizzle was something you would not even want to pair with anything else because it just that good.
Both of these deliciously divine desserts were served with coffee and lattes making it difficult for us to leave.
Fearing's at The Ritz-Carlton Hotel, Dallas
Fearing’s at The Ritz-Carlton Hotel, is nothing short of amazing, making the restaurant an absolute recommendation when in Dallas.
Dean Fearing, the executive chef and owner of Fearing's itself, authored "The Texas Food Bible" and is well-known by many of his peers as the father of southwestern cuisine. Dean's famous quote serves Fearing's well: "I cook what people want to eat."
Always available by foot and Uber, but should you take the Bentley, valet parking is available.
