Cry Wolf Shutters After Just Two Years, Chef Junior Borges Leaves Meridian, and the Iconic Grapevine Bar Lives On

The Dallas dining scene is forever evolving. To help you stay in the know, we’ve gathered the buzziest openings, the unfortunate closures, and any other food news we might find fitting. The Dallas Dish is your weekly helping of need-to-know North Texas restaurant news — and will hopefully point you in the direction of your next great reservation.

The Latest Dallas Restaurant News to Know

An inventive East Dallas restaurant shutters suddenly after two years.

Opened by chef Ross Demers in late 2021, Cry Wolf was an intimate, much-lauded restaurant in East Dallas featuring ever-changing dishes and creative cocktails. Chef de Cuisine of Cry Wolf Mike Stites announced the closure on his Facebook page, writing: “I loved this place with all my heart and put my heart and soul into it. We did a lot of cool things and fed a lot of happy people. I will miss Cry Wolf dearly.” In 2016, Demers’ other concept, On The Lamb, shuttered in a similar, unexpected manner.

A historic Dallas bar reopens in a new space in the Medical District.

After closing the original, 27-year-old space on Maple Avenue earlier this year, The Grapevine Bar has reopened in the former Redfield’s Tavern just down the road. The historic spot was forced to move after Crow Holdings purchased their land last year. Thankfully, it only moved about two miles away on Butler Street. Co-owners Michelle and Ronny Honea have worked to keep the same vibe of the original spot with its neon signage and art, but the new space is quite a bit larger. The outdoor courtyard leftover from Redfield’s also offers tons of space (as well as a small stage) for guests to hang out. The iconic “Grapevine” sign hangs above the stage.

Chef Junior Borges leaves his modern Brazilian restaurant and The Village Dallas.

Just two years after Meridian debuted at The Village Dallas (and was announced as a James Beard semifinalist nom for Outstanding Chef in 2023), chef Junior Borges is saying goodbye to his modern Brazilian restaurant and his position as VP of culinary at the development. Borges made the announcement in an Instagram post stating that he hopes to get to cook Modern Brazilian cuisine again one day. “Life goes on and I’m open for new opportunities,” he writes. According to D Magazine, chef Nick Walker (who’s already been working at The Village), will take over for Borges.

Top Louisiana chefs are headed to 17 Dallas-area restaurants for one night only next week.

On October 25, don’t miss your chance to dine at a local spot participating in Louisiana Goes Lone Star. Louisiana-based chefs will be taking over the kitchens at 17 Dallas-area restaurants for a special collaboration dinner. Local participating spots include Catbird, Dea, José, Restaurant Beatrice, Rye, Roots Southern Table, and many more. Formats vary for each restaurant (from private ticketed dinners to special menus with no reservation required) so make sure to check ahead of time if you need to book your table.