UPDATED: “Bad boy” Chef Matt McCallister opens restaurant in Design District

by Sarah Blaskovich

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You can watch him up-close while he cooks.

Chef Matt McCallister

DALLAS — Dallas Chef Matt McCallister will helm a new Design District restaurant called FT33, set to open in October. McCallister was formerly in the kitchens at Stephan Pyles in downtown Dallas and Campo Modern Country Bistro in Oak Cliff. FT33 is his first restaurant.

"FT33 will combine an approachable menu of innovative dishes with an extensive wine list, craft beer program, and inspired cocktail list," according to a press release.

The name FT33 stands for "fire table" -- the phrase yelled when it's time to prepare the next course for a table -- and "33," the number of the most prominent table in the restaurant. At the center of the room will be that very table, where diners can sit and get a "front row view" of McCallister cooking, according to press person Lauren Sancton.

Said our content partner back in 2011, "The handsome, bad-boy-looking chef is ready for the spotlight to shine squarely on him and his colorful tattoos."

The menu will have seasonally-fresh ingredients for four courses: "beginning," "fish," "meat," and "dessert." You can expect items like Wild Boar Sloppy Joes with black pepper brioche, cheddar fondue, and pickles on the bar snacks list.

Joshua Valentine will be pastry chef. Ryan Tedder is GM and sommelier.

UPDATE: The official opening day is Saturday, October 13, 2012.