Knife gives a whole new meaning to "dinner and a movie" with a new Sunday Cinema Series

My parents used to love going to the drive-in movie. These days, our cinema choices are usually confined to big-box theaters. This summer Knife at The Highland Dallas seeks to bring the movies back outdoors and give guests an open-air experience of food and film with a new culinary-themed Sunday Cinema Series. The first screening will take place on Sunday, May 17 with a screening of "Chef" on the outdoor patio at the restaurant. The series will continue on Sundays of select months in 2015 and with the purchase of each ticket, guests will enjoy themed gourmet bites by renowned Chef John Tesar and craft beer from Four Corners Brewing Company. Prominent guest speakers from the film and food industries will also speak before each screening.

"Chef," the story of a celebrated Los Angeles chef who quits his job to launch a food truck, will be the first film shown in Sunday Cinema Series from 8-11 p.m. on May 17. Tickets to "Chef" will include mini cuban and grilled cheese sandwiches, popcorn and two Four Corners brews, to be enjoyed before and during the screening. Knife's celebrated cuisine and crafted beverages by barman James Slater will also be available for purchase.

Knife Chef Partner John Tesar and Lee Papert, president & C.E.O. of the Dallas Film Society and executive director of the Dallas International Film Festival, will speak prior to the film about its impact on the culinary and restaurant industries. Papert joined the Dallas Film Society in December of 2011 after more than 12 years as a non-profit executive at a variety of Dallas-based arts organizations. He has volunteered with various arts and education organizations throughout Dallas for more than 20 years and is a Dallas native. Papert is also a graduate of the Dallas Chamber's Leadership Dallas program and the Business Council for the Arts' Leadership Arts program.

Following "Chef," "Big Night" will be shown on June 28, "Jiro Dreams of Sushi" on Sept. 20, "Julie and Julia" on Oct. 25 and "Sideways" on Nov. 15. Tickets will be priced at $35 per person and are inclusive of gratuity. $10 of each ticket sold will benefit the Dallas Film Society in support of bringing film, filmmakers and film education to the Dallas area. For more information or to purchase tickets please call Knife at (214) 443-9339. Knife is located at The Highland Hotel, 5300 E. Mockingbird Lane, Dallas, TX. 75206.

Oh So Tasty: Brunch at Knife

Chef John Tesar recently launched brunch service at Knife, the critically acclaimed steakhouse located inside The Highland Dallas. The restaurant offers a wide variety of entrees and specialty brunch cocktails every Sunday from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. Recently nominated a third time as a James Beard Best Chef Southwest semifinalist, Tesar designed the menu to include one-of-a-kind dishes highlighting his signature aged meats, along with more traditional brunch favorites. Selections from the award-winning steakhouse's new brunch menu include short rib benedict with braised short rib, toasted english muffin and hollandaise; crispy pork belly hash with a poached egg and roasted potatoes; Marion Cunningham crispy yeast waffles with Applewood-smoked bacon, strawberries and bananas. The menu also features updated classics such as steak and eggs made with 44 Farms flat iron and French toast made with Brioche. I found it very Teasr-ish to have a Bacon Tasting on the menu, which consists of 5 varieties of bacon from pigs around the world and a Ham Tasting, which consists of slices of 5 different kinds of ham accompanied by David Chang's Red-Eye Gravy Mayo.

A special craft cocktail menu is available during brunch hours, featuring Bugs' Reward, a mix of rum, carrot, lemon, maple, egg whites and ginger ale; the Hibiscus Caipirinha featuring cachaca rum, hibiscus and lime; the Green Bloody Mary made with Knife's homemade tomatillo bloody mary base; and more. Guests may enjoy a casual brunch in Knife's dining room with a view of the open kitchen or opt for a more private dining experience on the restaurant's newly renovated patio, where seating is available at three exclusive covered cabanas that seat four people. Knife is also open daily for breakfast 6:30-11 a.m., lunch 11 a.m.-2:30 p.m. and dinner 5-11 p.m. Reservations are recommended by calling 214.443.9339. Knife is located inside The Highland Dallas hotel at 5680 N Central Expy, Dallas, TX 75206.

photos: Kevin Marple