12 April 9 - 15, 2026 dallasobserver.com DALLAS OBSERVER Classified | MusiC | dish | Culture | unfair Park | Contents And here is the list of outstanding restau- rant finalists: • The Catbird Seat, Nashville, TN • The Four Horsemen, Brooklyn, NY • Kalaya, Philadelphia, PA • Mixtli, San Antonio • Vicia, St. Louis, MO ▼ OPENING TRADING KITSCH FOR A BETTER KITCHEN CAMPO VERDE’S CHRISTMAS LIGHT SPECTACLE IN ARLINGTON(ISH) IS NOW THEODORE’S STEAKHOUSE. BE EXCITED. BY LAUREN DREWES DANIELS D on’t start crying. Stop ... stop. Campo Verde ran its course. The kaleido- scope of crazy was amazing and fun while it lasted, but there was no getting all the smoke out of the carpets or the neon cheese off the tables. I realize these are fighting words, but the food at the original restaurant wasn’t good. And I realize people didn’t care. That wasn’t the point. The point was 10 gazillion Christmas lights, a train that choo-chooed continuously around the din- ing rooms and nostalgia. The 40-plus-year-old restaurant in Dal- worthington Gardens (in central Arlington, notable as the home of Pantera and antsy cops) changed hands a few times over the past few years. Most recently, it was purchased — or saved from itself, depending on your perspec- tive — by chef Moose Benhamacht. Benhamacht also owns Cafe Americana in Arlington, which blends global dishes in an easygoing, casual-but-elegant setting. I love this spot, especially the happy hour with my bestie. Benhamacht’s culinary ex- periences span from Morocco to some well- respected kitchens in California and New York. He’s brought them all to Arlington. Be excited. The Menu Theodore Roosevelt serves as an inspiration for this new concept. “Optimism, diplomacy, craftsmanship, and a deep appreciation for the world around us,” are noted on a press release. Théodore’s Steak and Seafood will serve dry-aged steaks (28 days), wagyu cuts and “large-format presentations carved table- side.” Of course, there will be seafood tow- ers, oysters and lobster dishes. Look for lobster bisque, French onion soup and crab cakes. Signature dishes include butter- poached lobster, Chilean seabass and a sea- food risotto. An upscale bar program is touted, but there are no specifics beyond a moody photo of an old-fashioned poured over a fat globe of ice. Opening Date Théodore’s Steak and Seafood is planning to open April 10. Grab your exploratory spirit and open mind. And go eat good food. Get more details and reservations through Resy. Theodore’s, 2918 W. Pioneer Parkway, Ar- lington: Tuesday - Thursday, Sunday 11 a.m. - 9 p.m.; Friday - Saturday 11 a.m. - 10 p.m. City of Ate from p11 SCAN HERE TO ENTER TO WIN 2 TICKETS
