The Landmark needed something to stand out. "There are 32 steakhouse houses in a three-mile radius," Director of Food and Beverage James Alexander tells me. But of course, there are. This is Texas.
The prime rib, I'm told, is why The Landmark opened in this 100-year-old hotel. The reborn restaurant began service in April 2024, with the prime rib as the centerpiece. Executive Vice President of Warwick Hotels and Resorts Warren Chiu was a fan of the prime rib and San Francisco, and bringing that dish to the restaurant in the Warwick in Dallas seemed like a way to stand out. It is.
"People like to take photos with the cart," Alexander says. "It dates from the 1940s." The Landmark’s vintage prime rib carving cart originally hails from California, but made its way to Dallas for a full restoration.
Unlike many modern versions one sees today resembling an Airstream trailer, the Landmark carving cart sports beautiful wood paneling from ground level leading up to the shiny, stainless steel dome. By tradition, it rests on wheels, but the cart remains anchored at the restaurant’s center. It, along with the prime rib, is the main attraction. "We didn't know how it would go," says Alexander, "but it's been great."
The prime rib is perfect — I had mine with mashed potatoes and slathered with gravy. The dish achieves the rare feat of being both fine dining, yet comforting. I can relax. Unwind. I don't feel overstimulated. I can enjoy the meal, and that's what I do.
"You must try the shrimp cocktail," the gentleman at the neighboring table tells us. "It's the best I've ever had, and I am a total shrimp cocktail snob." He's right — it's fantastic, but I shouldn't be surprised, everything we try is great, from the salad to the sides.
Growing up in Dallas during the 1980s, I couldn't think of anything fancier than prime rib. Maybe, filet mignon? Lobster? It certainly was part of the fine dining holy trinity. But with Lawry's The Prime Rib closing this spring after 40 years, it seemed like there was going to be a giant culinary void in North Texas. The Landmark Prime Rib prevented that. Thank goodness.
For more, including information about private dining, please check The Landmark's official site.
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