Tuesday, April 2, 2013

Oh So Tasty: OCH8 Revamps

Partners Brian Black and Ben Crosland joined forces to open Och8 Kitchen + Cocktails in the fall of 2012. It's pronounced Oh-cho, like the Spanish number eight. Get it?!

The menu was originally Santa Fe/Tex-Mex inspired and was met with a resounding wah, wah, wah from diners.  In an attempt to avoid disaster, they have hired  award-winning Chef Joel Harloff as executive chef, and overhaul the menu downstairs.

OUT is Sante Fe and IN is a contemporary Latin menu which focuses on healthful fare including fresh seafood, wild game and southwestern flavors like Ahi Tuna “Chimichurri” Ceviche, Smoked Vital Farms Chicken Sope and Wild Boar Spare Ribs.  While I wasn't blown away by the menu, it is a definite improvement over the original direction.

The bright shining moment for me was the Tres Leche Cake - a vanilla cake with lemon, cajeta and adorned with seasonal fruit. It was not at all like a traditional tres leches cake but was oh so delicious and I highly recommend you order it!

Second Floor Patio

The upstairs lounge is the star of this place with a fab lounge area and private drawing room.  The upstairs patio boats a retractable roof for sunny days and guests will enjoy a great Happy Hour every Mon-Thurs/4-7pm with $5 Margaritas (frozen or rocks), $5 House Red and White Wine $5 Sangria.  There will always be a drink special of the week or day and this will change weekly.  On Thursdays, you can "Wine Down" with the House DJ starting at 8pm and sip $5 House Red and White Wines and nibble on complimentary late night passed apps.

Och8 is located at 8411 Preston Road, Dallas, Texas 75225. 214-217-0888

Food Photo:  (top) Lobster Tacos and Tequila-Lime Prawns over Cous Cous  (bottom) Sopes and the Benjamin (Grilled Chicken and Veggies)