Following a three-year hiatus, epicureans can once again enjoy an exquisite meal at the city’s most recognized and iconic landmark, Reunion Tower. The all-new and highly anticipated Crown Block Restaurant, located on the 18th floor, will open on Monday, April 17.
Crown Block is presented by Hunt Realty Investments, in partnership with celebrated James Beard Award-nominated hospitality industry veterans and husband and wife business partners Elizabeth Blau and Chef Kim Canteenwalla. Cantenwalla and Blau, of Blau and Associates have extensive experience opening fine dining restaurants. They have opened establishments in Las Vegas and Vancouver. They have also done some consulting in Dallas, where they have worked with Del Frisco, Legends Hospitality and helped launch The Virgin Hotel’s food program.
Dining at Crown Block includes a short 68-second lift to the soaring twinkling dome. Once inside the sky-high restaurant, you’ll see an amazing floor-to-ceiling display of fine wines. But the irrefutable focal point is an impressive bar featuring a backdrop of the most spectacular birds-eye-view of the Dallas area. Guests will appreciate the smart and stylish new look of the restaurant. The modern and chic inspired décor radiates a pleasant and relaxed vibe. From the hosts and servers to the management and executive chef, you’ll find the entire staff to be attentive, knowledgeable, and friendly.
Initially, patrons might make notice that the restaurant will remain in a fixed position. But you’ll soon forget about rotation once you taste the luscious and unforgettable dishes that Crown Block has to offer. Sourced from local purveyors, the menu features rare steaks and seafood but will also include an exciting array of plant-based fare and sushi. Gluten-free options will also be available, including a delectable key lime pie. Guests will savor the luscious desserts, and appreciate the generous wine list, mixed drinks, and house cocktails.
Patrons can’t miss the impressive seafood bar showcasing an array of fresh fish. The bar also includes a selection of the finest caviar and seasonal oysters procured from the East and Gulf Coast. Also available is a sharable C.B. Texas-Style Hot Seafood Boil. This spectacular feast includes an abundance of Maine lobster, jumbo prawns, mussels, scallops, Alaskan king crab, fingerling potatoes, seafood and tomato broth served alongside grilled sourdough bread.
At a recent media event, Best of Guide caught a sneak peek of the extraordinary menu. Exquisite starters include a Lobster BLT Salad. This amazing dish includes Neuse’s Bacon, endive, hearts of palm, tomatoes, avocado, and a citrus vinaigrette. Another delectable bite is a blue crab cake served with a sea bean and fennel salad and a vadouvan-spiced curry aioli.
The extensive menu also includes salads, plentiful sides, entrees, and a selection of grilled items. While many of the dishes are prepared for the most discerning connoisseur, you’ll also discover some fun and fanciful favorites such as the triple-dipped hand-cut fries and mac and cheese waffles — both of which are unexpected full-flavored savory surprises.
A private event space, The Crown Room, is located on the 17th floor. Guests may host birthdays, bar mitzvahs, bridal showers, brunches, or any other celebratory event. This level will still feature the 360-panoramic view of the Dallas / Fort Worth Metroplex.
Crown Block’s menu has something to satisfy every palate. So, dive in, and try something new. Currently, the restaurant serves dinner seven days a week. Reservations can be made at www.crownblockdallas.com and can be booked up to three months in advance. Classic, stylish attire is appreciated. No flip flops, workout gear or baseball caps are permitted.
Alberto Lombardi, founder and president of Lombardi Family Concepts, announced that he will be opening a new restaurant at The Star in Frisco, Texas in early 2022. In celebration of Lombardi’s 45th Anniversary as a restaurateur, he will be bringing back his namesake, as his new concept will be called Lombardi Cucina Italiana. As a long standing fixture in the local restaurant industry, Lombardi will bring the same sense of community to Lombardi Cucina Italiana as he has to his many other successful restaurants, such as; Toulouse, Taverna, KĀI, Bistro, Lounge 31, and Penne Pomodoro – just to name a few.
