I stopped by Veritas co-owners Brooks and Brad Anderson’s new restaurant venture, Boulevardier this morning … it’s coming along quite nicely, and I’m jazzed about the French bistro-inspired menu.
The about-100-seat resto is revamping the space most recently occupied by the short-lived Decanter, in the heart of Bishop Arts. As you can see, it’s going to be a light-filled space with exposed brick and plenty of warm wood touches.
Boulevardier bar manager Eddie Eakin told me that the spacious counter area guests will see upon entering will accommodate a raw oyster bar, as well as 9 taps serving brews from a Deep Ellum IPA to a French lager.
About 100 bottles of wine are slated to be stocked, with roughly 25 served by the glass. Eakin hopes for a bustling bar area and says the ultimate aim is to serve wine, beer and cocktails that are supremely food-friendly. Expect classic mixed libations with an emphasis on fresh fruit juices and premium spirits.
On the kitchen side of things, the Boulevardier team includes chef-partners Randall Copeland and Nathan Tate, of Ava fame (Brad Anderson is also a partner), who will bring their rustic, simple approach to the Gallic-flavored fare. Among the dishes name-dropped were duck confit, super-caramelized French onion soup, cassoulet, and grilled rainbow trout, and The aforementioned raw oysters. The kitchen will feature a wood-fired grill for steaks, chicken and seafood.
The construction on the space proceeds fast and furiously, with an eye on a mid-July opening. There’s still a patio to add, which should add a cozy, quaint touch … once temps drop by about a thousand degrees. I look forward to sipping a nice French vin and nibbling a fine charcuterie plate sometime soon …