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Welcome to AM Intel in the time of coronavirus, a round-up of the city’s newest bits of restaurant-related intel. Follow Eater on Facebook and Twitter for up-to-date details on how COVID-19 is impacting the city’s dining scene.
Subterranean steakhouse Dakota’s has closed
Dakota’s Steakhouse, storied underground staple of Downtown dining, will not reopen post-pandemic, CultureMap reports. The restaurant, which opened in 1984 and featured an 20-foot waterfall and fire pit, had a fascinating backstory which lent to its aura. The site was originally owned by a church, who stipulated in the deed that future owners could never sell alcohol on the property. Dakota’s eventual owners discovered that the rule didn’t apply to the space below ground, and so the land was excavated and the restaurant was born. Staff were informed on May 19 that the restaurant would not be reopening.
Pandemic continues to lead to meat shortages, price increases
Several Dallas-area restaurants have had to make adjustment to their menus due to the rising price and decreasing availability of meat. The shortage is a result of Covid-19 outbreaks which have hit meat processing plants especially hard. Almost every restaurant that spoke to the Dallas Observer said they have yet to raise menu prices for meat dishes, but some, like Hurtado Barbecue in Arlington, have reported extremely limited quantities of foods like brisket. Pecan Lodge in Deep Ellum, has shifted its menu to feature types of protein instead, and Lockhart Smokehouse was having issues sourcing beef ribs.
According to the USDA, meat production is down 28% compared with this time last year and the price of beef is up 106% since the start of the 2020.
Post Malone to launch his own rosé wine
The surest sign a celebrity has “made it”? A custom wine blend. That’s the next step for mediocre rapper and Grapevine native Post Malone. Following a trip to a Provence winery, the self-described oenophile decided to try his hand in the alcohol beverage business. according to D Magazine. Malone worked with award-winning winemaker Alexis Cornu to come up with a rosé blend that will launch next month. The wine will be called Maison No. 9 after his “favorite tarot card”, the Nine of Swords.
