If you’re looking for an upscale restaurant with Pacific Rim influences as well as a solid tradition of stellar food service, Abacus Dallas is definitely one restaurant you’ll want to try.
It has not only maintained customer loyalty for a decade but boasts a chef, Kent Rathbun who (along with his brother Kevin) actually defeated Bobby Flay to win the Iron Chef competition.
With 30 years of culinary training and expertise gained from trips to Italy, Spain, France and Asia, it’s no surprise that Rathbun has gotten five star ratings from the Dallas Morning News and other media. Guests rave about the eclectic food as well as the opportunity to sit at the Chef’s Table and watch some of most popular dishes being prepared.
True, you’ll find the menu can be pricey but worth every dollar. If you want to save some money, try dropping in for the Four Course Tasting Menu, offered Monday through Thursday. It costs $45 per person. Even better? Check out Barbeque Mondays – the blue plate special is only $11.99 then.
If you’re planning your day to include some sightseeing before dinner, Abacus is located near the Meadows Museum of Art. If you happen to be staying at Rosewood Mansion or Hotel Palomar, you’ll be less than two miles from the restaurant.
When it comes to popular menu items, the Lobster-Scallion “shooters” come highly recommended and the homemade bread also has many fans. You won’t find an extensive number of entrees for dinner but every dish is very special. If you have a lighter appetite, you can pay $17 or $18 for smaller servings.
Although the options change regularly, “small plates” have included such dishes as Smoked Hawaiian Albacore Tuna with Watermelon Curried Key Lime Vinaigrette or Cornmeal Crusted Soft Shell Crab BLTs with Pancetta, Watercress and Heirloom Tomatoes.
If you or your friends have heartier appetite, “large plates” generally cost between $41 and $48. Offerings have included Grilled Copper River Salmon with specially prepared side dishes as well as Hickory Grilled Colorado Rack of Lamb, Tomato Confit and Porcini-Artichoke Risotto.
Even if you think you’re not usually drawn to unique or experimental dishes, you’re likely to be won over by the food at Abacus. Even tried and true meat and potato lovers become regulars at Abacus. Chef Rathbun has a deft touch when it comes to mixing spices and flavorings so that they thrill diners.
Abacus is ideal for a romantic evening, special birthday or for wowing business clients. The atmosphere is definitely adult rather than child-friendly. Depending on the night, things can be hopping, with plenty of buzz and chatter.
The Bar at Abacus is a must for the best Sasimi, Sake and Nigiri you’re likely to find anywhere in Dallas. You’ll also find desserts as well as specialty flavors of ice creams and sorbets.
Desserts are very reasonably priced at $10 each and are totally homemade and not likely to be anything you’ve tasted before. Valrhona Chocolate Souffle Cake and Strawberry-Balsamic Sweet Biscuits are two items that have received praise from diners.
If you want to bring home a taste of Abacus, you can even buy the special Concepts products created by Chef Rathbun. They include barbeque sauces, Thai marinades and salad dressings which you won’t find in your local stores. For around $8, you can create a meal with a bit of the Abacus touch.
Abacus Dallas is located at 4511 McKinney Avenue and can be reached at (214) 559-3111.
To get a better perspective, check out the video below…