Eddie "Lucky" Campbell's New Bar Adds NYC Chef, Subtracts Partner Michael Martensen

Woe is the Dallas cocktail scene? Leslie Brenner over at the DMN confirms rumors we've been hearing for the past week or so: the powerhouse cocktail-fueled partnership of Michael Martensen and Eddie "Lucky" Campbell will no longer be opening a co-managed joint on Elm Street. Michael Martensen of Cedars Social fame is out as Eddie "Lucky" Campbell's partner at the early 1900's-themed bar backed by Ed Bailey of Bailey's Prime Plus, where Campbell is the very capable bar director. Gary Van Gundy of Edward C. Bailey Enterprises told Brenner: "Michael Martensen has resigned from the project and we wish him much continued success."

Sources close to the project told Eater Dallas that Bailey wanted total control of the bar and Campbell as the face of the outfit, which didn't fly with Martensen. Both Martensen and Bailey declined to comment, though Bailey's PR folks sent us the same comment Van Gundy gave the DMN. Scenesters will recall that Campbell dropped out of Martensen's Bar 828 pop-up project at the last minute earlier this month at the request of his Bailey's supervisors.

But now, on to the good news! Brenner also has details on the bar, to be called the Chesterfield, after a cigar advertisement Campbell liked: they'll take on Chef Michael Ehlert, formerly of DBGB Kitchen and Bar in New York City. He's planning small plates, flatbreads and sandwiches as well as a salad: "nicoise featuring deviled quail eggs and preserved tuna he'll make in-house." They'll also serve five different kinds of ice, the better to cool down your cocktail.

· Eddie "Lucky" Campbell's Downtown Venture To Be Restaurant, Bar [DMN]
· Bar 828 Opens Tonight Minus Key Cocktailer [-EDFW-]
· All Cedars Social Coverage on Eater Dallas [-EDFW-]

Martensen hard at work at Bar 828. [Photo: Collin Quick/EDFW]