Catch a James Beard-Nominated Dallas Chef on Gordan Ramsay’s MasterChef

It’s been an unprecedented two years since Bon Appétit named Dallas the 2019 Restaurant City of the Year. But even through a pandemic, our city’s dining scene has persevered. With the overwhelming amount of recent openings (particularly in Deep Ellum, Bishop Arts, and downtown), it’s easy to forget that many in the industry are still struggling, but Texas restaurants have been innovating to provide the comfort food — and cocktails — we need. Now, it’s time to look forward to the Dallas restaurant news ahead.

From exciting openings to unfortunate closures (plus, any other food news we might find fitting), The Dallas Dish is your weekly helping of need-to-know North Texas restaurant news.

A favorite Dallas TV chef appears on Gordon Ramsay’s MasterChef tonight.

According to the Dallas Morning News, Roots Southern Table chef (and former Top Chef contestant) Tiffany Derry is cooking fish and chips with Gordon Ramsay on MasterChef: Back to Win tonight — Wednesday, July 20. The episode features 16 returning contestants invited to blend Southern cooking with another cuisine (picked at random). She’ll be critiquing the chefs as they prepare their dishes.

Opened in Farmers Branch in 2021, Roots Southern Table has been nationally recognized by the New York Times as a Top 50 Restaurant in the U.S. and one of 40 Best New Restaurants in America by Esquire. Derry was also a finalist for Best Chef Texas in the 2022 James Beard Awards.

Make sure to watch the episode tonight on Fox, or later on Hulu.

The Dallas Chocolate Festival returns in person this fall.

Chocolate lovers, this one’s for you. The Dallas Chocolate Festival returns in person this fall (September 9 through 11). The three-day event, located with the Fashion Industry Gallery in the Arts District, features a first-hand taste of the chocolate-making and packaging process.

This year’s festival features a few new events, including a conference for professionals and hands-on experiences like a Chocolate Beans to Bar Workshop, Tea and Chocolate Pairings, and Whiskey and Chocolate Pairings. National chocolatiers will be in attendance, as well as some of Dallas’ best makers, including Kate Weiser Chocolate, 5 Mile Chocolate, and Dr. Sue’s.

Make sure to try the Green Chile Margarita at Federales. (Courtesy of Federales)

Where to Celebrate National Tequila Day in Dallas.

National Tequila Day takes place this Sunday, July 24 and several Dallas spots are celebrating with events and specials. Here are a few spots to toast at this weekend.

Legacy Hall is hosting a celebration on Sunday that includes a Tour of Mexico Tequila Tasting, live Latin music, and unique Patron creations starting at 6 pm.

New Deep Ellum bar Federales is hosting a Brunch Party to celebrate on Saturday and Sunday from 11 am to 3 pm. Enjoy specials including a $4 breakfast burrito, steak and egg tacos ($14), as well as a full menu of margaritas. There will also be live music.

East Dallas’ Toller Patio is offering $7 El Bandido Yankee margs with 100% blue weber agave tequila on Sunday.

MUTTS Canine Cantina will also be celebrating all day with Barkaritas for $5, $10 Cantina Ritas, and $5 Hornitos Shots.