El Paso-based Split Pea Soup Cafe opening in Uptown Dallas location vacated by Urbano Paninoteca

by Teresa Gubbins

DALLAS — Split Peas Soup Cafe, a small El Paso-based restaurant chain, is opening a branch in Dallas, in the location on McKinney Avenue in Dallas' Uptown that was vacated by Urban Paninoteca (which is in the process of relocating to Fitzhugh).

Aside from the extra S in its name (Split PeaS?), what else is there to know about Split Peas Soup Cafe? Let's go to the Web site (with wise-ass italicizing on words and phrases that seemed deserving of italicization):

Split Peas Soup Cafe sets a new benchmark for fine dining in El Paso with its gourmet fusion of French, Italian and American cuisine. Split Peas, specializing of course in gourmet soups, will also feature deli sandwiches and bold, sophisticated dinner entrees.

Split Peas Soup Cafe was established by two long time friends and El Paso natives: Mr. Cruz M. Talamantes, III, an 8 year veteran of restaurant management and Mr. Richard Monroy, an oil and gas property developer from San Antonio. ... Talamantes and Monroy both share a passion for creating and perfecting in their professional lives and it is this dedication that gives Split Peas the unique personality and flair that can please even the most demanding of connoisseurs.

Those bold, sophisticated dinner entrees include "Fillet mignon" (hey, that's how they spell it on the menu), grilled chicken breast, seared duck breast, pork chops, lamb chop, shrimp fettuccine, and grilled salmon "served with potatoes and veggies". Prices run from $17.95 to $32.95 (for the "fillet mignon", which is served with Mushroom Blue Cheese Sauce).

The signature soup is -- of course -- pea soup, which not everyone seems to love. But you can't please everyone. And besides, they have 14 others, such as clam chowder, cream of broccoli, chicken noodle, French onion, and lobster bisque.

They also offer beer and wine, coffee, and gelato, and are slated to open by early summer.