Tag Archives: abacus

Abacus has a new chef … but the same amazing drinks.

With the recent departure of prominent Dallas chef and original Abacus chef, Kent Rathbun, a new face has stepped up to take over the kitchen.  Chef Chris Patrick has kept the longtime high standard of Abacus and has created some new (and quite impressive) options to delight diners.  One thing that has remained constant–the cocktails.

Their cocktail program offers classic cocktails done very well along with some intriguing, new mixology and seasonal offerings.  Look for unique cocktails like the Smoke on the Water (shishito pepper-infused Roca Patrón Silver Tequila, Yellow Chartreuse, Aperol, and lime), delightfully smoky without being overwhelmingly so.  Also, a seasonal option, the Slingin’ Smoke (apple wood smoked Absolut Elyx Vodka, Cherry Heering, sweet vermouth, Benedictine, pineapple, lime, mint, angostura bitters) is a complex cocktail served in an Absolut Elyx copper pineapple, smoked (literally served smoking) and meant for two.

The food at Abacus has always been extraordinary.  (If you’ve never had one of their Lobster Shooters, make that happen soon.)  At this dinner we were given the chance to try some of the newer dishes from Chef Patrick.  He created new dishes like Seared Diver Scallops with a blue crab and English pea crepe, a Roasted Duck Breast with bing cherries and sasparilla-pecan granola, a Bacon-Wrapped Pork Chop with stone fruit and a blackberry-bourbon gastique, and Hickory Grilled Beef Tenderloin with a Guiso-spinach empanada.

Dessert was presented by a different Chris, their pastry chef, Chris McCord.  The Strawberries & Cream was absolutely as delightful with strawberries served four different ways–in a sorbet, in a sauce, fresh, and … some other delicious way.  The light angel food cake and lemon tart were the perfect addition to balance out the sweetness of the other elements.

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Abacus will continue to serve up quality steaks, seafood, and sushi, but expect great things from Chef Chris Patrick.

ABACUS
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abacus-restaurant.com
4511 McKinney Ave
(214) 559-3111

Abacus

Once again, Kent Rathbun has made an impression on my taste buds.

Abacus, the long-time Dallas icon of luxurious cuisine, also makes a mean martini.  The atmosphere in the bar area is formal but welcoming.  The connected couches mimicing tables create a homey feel without being casual — but you must dress to impress here (though I’ve never understood what EXACTLY that term means when clubs say it).

I met a friend for a late night drink and snack on a Wednesday.  Abacus has responded to the floundering economy by creating an extra happy hour (late night at that!) and added the great Wednesday night special of an extra 1/2 off of the food at the bar – which is incredibly good.

We each had a sushi roll and a martini; both were brilliant.  The generous portion of sushi could have been an entire meal (for a girl at least) and was only $9 and was some of the better sushi I’ve had in a while and it wasn’t even at a Japanese restaurant.  The martini: perfection.

I personally don’t think you can go wrong with one of their specialty cocktails and the waiters will ensure you order a drink that you are going to love.  What great people, eh?

Overall … make this a must-try for a late dinner (especially on a Wednesday).  You won’t regret it.

Abacus Restaurant
www.kentrathbun.com | Twitter
4511 Mckinney Ave
Dallas, TX 75205-4213
(214) 559-3111

Specials:
Monday-Friday | 5-7 p.m., 9 p.m.-close | $2 off beer, wines by the glass, and cocktails | 1/2 price sushi, 9pm-close
Wednesdays | 1/2 off bar food menu