Fond is the creation of husband and wife team, Chefs Jennie Kelley and Brandon Moore, who were part of the group that brought FRANK, an underground restaurant to the Deep Ellum area.  Most recently, they ran Better Half Bistro – a pop-up of French-inspired dishes and Detroit-style pizzas.  The restaurant is named for “fond” – the savory browned bits in the bottom of the pan, but in addition because they are “fond” of Dallas, each other and their customers.  The space is on the first floor of the Santander building in downtown.  They are open for lunch Mon. to Fri. and for Aperitivo Tues to Fri. where they offer shared plates.  They have wine but it is of the natural variety.  Opening in Sept 2023, they now have a tasting menu dinner one Sat. a month, focusing on local and seasonal ingredients and each month features a different theme.  The idea is to offer 40 seats split between 2 times at $175 per person and optional wine pairings at $50 or non-alcoholic pairings at $25.  What we attended was a tad different with guests being at individual tables for the six-course tasting at $125, same pairing options.  Not sure I understand how to tell what you’re going for but a friend had secured a reservation for 3 and we wanted to try it.  Parking is in the garage under the building and they will validate for 2 hours.  This meal was mixed in success with light portioning but I do love the Beatles and the theme was “The Beatles Love Menu.” Continue reading →