Official press release announcing opening of Samar by Stephan Pyles in Dallas

by PegNews wire

Samar by Stephan Pyles is the incarnation of Chef Stephan Pyles' lifelong travels, incorporating the flavors and essence of Spain, India, and the Eastern Mediterranean. The Arabic word Samar translates to mean late night conversation, often-implying softly spoken words between two lovers. Located in the Dallas Arts District, the intimate casual eatery offers memorable views available from any part of the restaurant including downtown skyscrapers, the Cathedral Guadalupe, Belo Mansion, Morton H. Meyerson Symphony Center, and glimpses of the new Wyly Theatre and Winspear Opera House.

Inspiration

A world traveler, Pyles' visits to Spain, India, and the Eastern Mediterranean, including Morocco, Lebanon, Greece, and Turkey, have inspired ingredients, flavors, and the atmosphere for Samar. Pyles' research was thorough, visiting every 2- and 3-star Michelin restaurant in Spain. Influenced by Spanish culinary visionaries, Pyles' cuisine incorporates progressive cooking techniques and innovative interpretations of each cultures cuisine.

Cuisine

Samar by Stephan Pyles' menu of small plates is designed to encourage a leisurely meal of sharing both food and conversation. The menu is organized into three regions: Spain, India, and the Eastern Mediterranean. While geographically separate, India and the Eastern Mediterranean have several commonalities, including ingredients and cooking techniques. Their natural tie with Spain can be traced back to the Arabic Moorish influence. Each region on the seasonal menu will feature salads, seafood, meat, and vegetarian options. The check average per person is $25-$30, inclusive of beverage.

Spain

Borrowing from the momentum of Spain's current culinary climate, Pyles introduces his own interpretations of Spanish classics and modern-day versions by forging new flavors with innovative preparation techniques. A classic interpretation includes Potatoes and Jamon Serrano with fried Motley Farm organic egg. Ajo Blanco, an almond gazpacho with a melon and grape emulsion and Mussels Escabeche with apples, sherry and chorizo foam channels Spain's latest foray into ingredient composition and flavor pairings.

India

A Tandoor Master will preside over an authentic gas-fired tandoor oven in the open kitchen. Guests can enjoy a Bread Bar that features a selection of naan and pitas baked fresh and paired with assorted chutneys. Several dishes will be cooked in the tandoor oven including Tandoori Cauliflower and Punjab salad; along with delicacies that inflect both ancient and modern takes on Indian cuisine, such as Bombay Tiger Prawns with crispy okra and spiced pear chutney and Masala Quail with pomegranate samosa and chole chaat.

Eastern Mediterranean

Samar's Eastern Mediterranean small plates channel the cuisines of Lebanon, Turkey, Greece, and Morocco. While Morocco is not quite Eastern Mediterranean, Pyles notes, "I know it very well, and it's still Arabic." Persian Spiced Fried Chicken with sweet potato bisteeya; Endive Fennel Salad with sumac and pecan labne; and Moutabal with cardamom-orange lobster are among Samar's Eastern Mediterranean offerings.

Beverage program

Samar by Stephan Pyles has a highly developed cocktail menu that is both original and international. Mixologists will create specialty culinary cocktails that include flavored ice cubes, fruit and herbal infusions, and frothy foams. Pyles has selected custom-created tea blends from Dallas own Cultured Cup for Samar's tea service.

Hookah lounge

Patrons will enjoy an authentic hookah experience on Samar's terrace and hookah lounge, with smoky-sweet tobacco blends such as rose, apple-peppermint, and cardamom-orange. The hookah menu uses minimal tobacco blends and adheres to the ancient ritual of narghile shisha. A hookah attendant, decked in traditional Arabic garb, will assist patrons with the hookah menu and experience.

Decor

In effort to transport patrons to faraway lands, the restaurants dcor is a combination of sultry, rich hues, tones, and textures. Pyles and co-owner George Madjalani traveled to the Damascus Bazaar in Syria as well as markets of Beirut in Lebanon to personally select Samar's handcrafted light fixtures, ensuring the integrity of their vision down to the last detail. The design celebrates colorful Moroccan, Turkish, and Indian patterns and detailing, with rich jewel tones in paprika, saffron, and chartreuse. Contemporary elements such as zebra wood tables and floor-to-ceiling windows blend with a distinctly ethnic feel, and, as in most of Pyles' restaurants, there is a design emphasis on atmospheric lighting.

The 2,800 sq-ft, 70-seat space is divided into several adjoining areas, allowing for both private and communal dining. Entering Samar by Stephan Pyles patrons pass through a red, tented doorway, and are greeted at a hostess stand backed by a Persian tapestry inlaid with golden accents. To the left, the Tent Room combines billowy white draping with light-play from a colorful beaded brass lantern chandelier. A walnut table with seating for 10 is accompanied by black, armless chairs.

Just beyond the hostess stand, a wall of banquette seating is offset by the bar area, featuring a stunning back wall of individually lit alcoves. A green and red onyx bar top is under lit with LED lights, while brass beaded pendants and sconces also reflect the subtle, ambience lighting. A red-lacquered Jewel Box Room, located near the bar, displays an ethereal floating fabric ceiling, with diffused lighting from a brass lantern chandelier to create a seductive semi-private dining area.

The main dining area, a large room christened by jewel-toned light boxes adorning the ceiling, features an open kitchen with counter seating allowing patrons an up close view of the Tandoor Master at work.

The outdoor-tented terrace, with seating for 35, provides spectacular views of the Arts District and a private hookah lounge. A selection of couches, cushions, floor pillows, candlelit lanterns, lounge chairs, and tables encircle a fire pit with an embedded water feature.

Source: Samar