It seems that the Statler Hotel is pivoting from perhaps overly ambitious to overly safe. Fine China, where Peking-style ducks hung in the window and a rare (in Dallas) specialty tea program lived, is closed. (“Fancified” Chinese is unfortunately—pauses to curse sky—a hard sell in many cities.) Its adjacent Ramen and Bao sibling is also done. In their places: Primo’s MX Kitchen and Lounge and Sfereco, an Italian American restaurant (think red sauce meatballs) with cocktails and a breezy takeout/delivery option.
What hotels have been doing in the last few years—installing interesting restaurants helmed by talented chefs—has been interesting to watch. No shots at Tex-Mex or meatballs, but it’s a little disappointing to see the Statler Hotel swerve in the other direction.
