A Top Chef Comes To Town

The Highland is making its name known in Dallas by presenting a boutique style hotel with an intimate feel while incorporating one of the best known chefs in the metroplex, John Tesar and his restaurant Knife. You might recognize Chef Tesar as a former Top Chef contestant and two-time James Beard “Best Southwest Chef” semifinalist. He is passionate about high quality food and is on a mission to ensure Dallas rises to fame as a culinary destination.

I was fortunate enough to interview Chef Tesar by phone and gain insight as to what drives him to stand out from his counterparts and why he chose to take Texas by the horns. He took a journey to steakhouses around the country, paying close attention to the quality of meat and learning from the best of the best in the industry. He figured out how to bring his version of these restaurants into his own creation. He found 44 Farms, a Texas beef source and was able to conceptualize his creativity into an all-encompassing meat house, not just another steakhouse.

My experience at Knife was exceptional. The meal began with an Heirloom Tomato and Watermelon Salad with feta crumbles and sea salt lightly drizzled in a house made rice wine vinaigrette. Cubed watermelon was accented by this delicate flavor pairing for a light, fresh start to an incredible meal.

One of the menu items I simply had to indulge in was the Bacon Sampler. A board consisting of five bacon strips, each with its own unique flavor and one made special for Chef Tesar, will not disappoint!

Knife has a wide variety of menu offerings to satisfy out of town guests of The Highland as well as cater to Dallas residents looking for the perfect date night or fine dining experience. Chef Tesar has spent significant time mastering the art of dry-aging meats and that knowledge translates to the exquisite steaks Knife presents. The bone-in ribeye, an old school cut from a San Francisco ranch, is dry aged for 35 days and is 100% Black Angus beef. Beautifully smoked over red oak, this steak is quite certainly a cut above the rest. Add an elegant side of Roasted Heirloom Carrots or Something Green and In Season to compliment.

Searching for the perfect pasta dish? Knife serves one of the best I’ve had! Hand Rolled Penne with black Truffle Essence is a slow churned butter sauce, balsamic reduction, topped with real truffle shavings. If you think this sounds delicious you are in for a welcoming surprise once you take that first bite. It’s absolute heaven

Knife also has the #2 ranked burger in Dallas according to D Magazine, The Ozersky! A 6 ounce beef patty served on a classic white bun with cheese, red onion, and house made pickles. Sounds simple but tastes anything but! Pair this with Salsa Verde French Fries or tempura battered Avocado Fries and your meal is complete!

The pastry Chef has outdone himself with the dessert selection at Knife. My favorite was the Cherry Pistachio, gorgeously plated and designed with a pistachio crust and cream, sous vide cherries, cherry sorbet, and micro sponge cake.

A very close second was the Caramel Pretzel with a warm liquid center of caramel cake, Dulcey panna cotta, and pretzel ice cream. You heard right! Pretzel ice cream!