Southern Charmer Ida Claire Hits Addison in July

Here's another hot summer opening to keep an eye on: Fork It Over's new Southern venture Ida Claire opens in the former Truluck's space in Addison sometime in July. Besides a funky interior decked out with unusual touches like taxidermy, birdcages hanging from the ceiling, and weird old furniture that looks like it came from your grandma's basement, it's also got a backyard garden and an Airstream trailer for private dinners and events.

Birdcages on the ceiling? Sure, why not. [Photo: Ida Claire/Facebook]

An unusual exterior sign features a hamsa, an ancient symbol of protection popular in the Middle East and North Africa — but wait, what does that have to do with Southern food? A new press release explains that chef de cuisine Fitzgerald Dodd's dishes will be "served in an untraditional way with subtle global influences." Dishes specifically called out include blackened trout with ras el hanout, a North African spice mixture, and "cast iron okra" served with ponzu. (But more importantly: giant biscuit sandwiches.) From the bar, expect punch bowls, housemade gin, and a fusion-y sounding cocktail called the margarita julep.

Southern food is having a major moment right now: Also on the way is Pink Magnolia from Blythe Beck and Kitchen LTO founder Casie Caldwell, and the recently announced Shelby Hall from fried chicken empress Lisa Garza.