John Tesar to open Knife, a “modern American steakhouse ” in Hotel Palomar

 

John Tesar is the chef and owner of Spoon and will soon open Knife in the Palomar Hotel

John Tesar has a hit with Spoon. Now he hopes to complete his place setting with Knife, a “modern American steakhouse” that Tesar told EscapeHatchDallas will soon take the place of Central 214 in the Palomar Hotel. 

“I’ve been working with the current owners of the Palomar for weeks on this plan,” said Tesar. “Kimpton will continue to manage the hotel, but we’re going to take the food and beverage side to a new level.”

“Knife will be a meat place,” continued Tesar. “I’m going to model it after Quality Meats in New York. Top quality meats, steaks, wild game and a little bit of seafood.”  Tesar says his modern spin on the steakhouse means a wider variety of meats, a “more fun, less stuffy” atmosphere, and prices that are “affordable and approachable.”

According to Tesar, Central 214 will close for rehab “after the first of the year,” and reopen as Knife sometime in the first quarter of 2014.

Tesar says he’s currently discussing the executive chef position with a couple of area chefs, who will oversee Knife’s operations. Tesar insists his place will still be on the line at Spoon “every night.”

“Look, I’m 56 years old,” Tesar told me. “I’ve worked at a lot of restaurants, and by now, I think I have a great deal to offer to a younger generation of chefs and cooks. I want to help Dallas grow as a culinary community, which means I need to help them learn from my own mistakes and successes.”