Dallas Has Lost a Legend: Remembering Al Biernat
Al Biernat... more than a great man
Toph Miller
November 14, 2024
Dallas lost a great one with the passing of Al Biernat at 69 from ALS. A true pioneer of fine dining and steakhouses in Dallas, Mr. Biernat shaped the city’s dining culture in ways that are hard to overstate. When people think of Dallas dining, they think of steak—and Al Biernat is a big reason why.
Full disclosure (for journalistic integrity and all—though I’m no journalist, just someone who took over a passion project publication I couldn’t let fade): I’ve been working with Al Biernat’s since early 2021 through my company, Tractorbeam.
Growing up as a kid in Mesquite, there was a “holy trinity” of places that embodied “wealth” in my mind. These were places that, if you were lucky enough to visit, made you feel different. They were NorthPark Center (not a mall—absolutely not a mall, NorthPark is a Center!), the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden (because that’s where the popular high school girls got their quinceañera photos, and my mom always made me dress up to go), and Al Biernat’s (where the Dallas Cowboys dined!). Remarkably, I’ve had the privilege of working with all three. I worked with NorthPark as a VP at my previous agency, collaborating with the legendary Nancy Nasher; with the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden as a marketing consultant for the last decade, alongside the remarkable Mary Brinegar.
If you were really lucky, you might go to Al Biernat’s for dinner before prom. But, more likely, you’d only make it as far as the host stand before realizing you didn’t have a reservation (up until that point the nicest restaurant you’d been to was the Olive Garden at Town East, where your friend Jon Mendoza always hooked you up). So instead, you’d find yourself at the Spaghetti Warehouse in the West End. Sorry again, Bea!
My first real dining experience at Al Biernat’s, when I actually got seated, was in 2004. I was at The Dallas Morning News, meeting a large potential client and aiming to impress. Somehow, I got the budget approved and made the reservation. Mr. Biernat himself greeted me, radiating hospitality. I was in an oversized suit and the wrong shoes, barely making $35,000 a year in my first real job. But he came by our table several times, making everyone feel like the most important person in the room. That dinner remains one of the best dining experiences of my life. I go to Al Biernat’s often now, but nothing quite matches the magic of that first visit.
With his nephew, Brad Fuller, leading the way, Al Biernat’s is in good hands—as it always has been.
You’ll be missed, Al.
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Duro Hospitality: Where Vision Meets Culinary Excellence
A cornerstone of Dallas's vibrant culinary scene
Founded by Benji Homsey, Chas Martin, Corbin See, and Ross See, Duro Hospitality has quickly become a cornerstone of Dallas’s vibrant culinary scene. These founders, each bringing unique skills and perspectives to the table, have created a hospitality brand known for its extraordinary dining experiences, bold concepts, and commitment to hospitality. With a keen eye for design, an understanding of the local dining culture, and a passion for impeccable service, they’ve crafted some of the city’s most lauded dining establishments.
The Concepts: A Journey Through Duro Hospitality’s Gems
1. The Mister Charles
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The latest jewel in Duro Hospitality’s crown, The Mister Charles, brings a fusion of luxury and comfort. With an opulent yet inviting atmosphere, this venue offers a dining experience that feels both intimate and grand. The menu is a mix of upscale comfort food with a twist of creativity, allowing diners to indulge in familiar favorites while discovering something new with every bite. Guests are drawn in by the meticulously curated ambiance, a perfect spot for those seeking an elevated dining night in Dallas.
2. The Charles
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A true reflection of bold Italian flavors with a modern twist, The Charles has established itself as one of Dallas’s go-to destinations for both its menu and its ambiance. With a design reminiscent of old-world Italian elegance, this restaurant focuses on hand-crafted pastas, wood-fired dishes, and an exceptional wine list. Bar Charles, located within, provides a sultry, sophisticated spot for pre- or post-dinner drinks, with cocktails crafted to complement the rich flavors of the dishes.
3. Sister
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Sister is the embodiment of laid-back Mediterranean charm combined with rustic Italian cuisine. This concept blends contemporary dining with a cozy, welcoming environment, making it an ideal spot for everything from casual dinners to special celebrations. With wood-fired pizzas, house-made pastas, and seasonal dishes that transport guests to the Mediterranean, Sister feels like a beloved neighborhood spot, while maintaining the high standards Duro Hospitality is known for.
4. El Carlos Elegante
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El Carlos Elegante offers a modern take on Mexican cuisine with a focus on traditional ingredients and elevated techniques. With bold flavors and creative interpretations of classic Mexican dishes, this restaurant is an experience in its own right. The vibrant interior design, infused with touches of Mexican heritage, adds to the allure, while the cocktail menu boasts some of the finest tequila and mezcal offerings in town. A celebration of culture, food, and passion, El Carlos Elegante brings the heart of Mexico to Dallas.
5. Café Duro
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Located just next door to The Charles, Café Duro is a European-style café and market that offers a more casual but equally delightful dining option. Whether you’re stopping by for a morning espresso, grabbing fresh pastries, or enjoying an afternoon wine, Café Duro has a charming ambiance that invites relaxation. Its small but thoughtfully curated market provides patrons with artisanal goods, wines, and pantry staples that reflect the Duro ethos of quality and craftsmanship.
6. Casa Duro
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Extending beyond the restaurant scene, Casa Duro is a stunning short-term rental property that embodies the same attention to detail and luxurious aesthetics that define Duro Hospitality’s restaurant concepts. Located in the heart of Dallas, Casa Duro offers a beautifully designed space for guests to immerse themselves in a curated experience of comfort and style, perfect for both local staycations and out-of-town visitors.
And, yes, you’re seeing that right! Casa Duro was awarded a MICHELIN Guide 2024 Key! Just one of 4 Dallas hotels, and one of 20 in Texas! A true testament to all the incredible work the Duro Hospitality team is doing.
Why Duro Hospitality is Destined for Greatness
What sets Duro Hospitality apart is its ability to seamlessly blend food, service, and design into an unforgettable dining and hospitality experience. Whether it’s the high-energy atmosphere of The Charles or the laid-back charm of Sister, each concept offers something truly unique while staying true to the founders’ vision of excellence. The restaurants aren’t just places to eat; they are destinations that invite you to slow down, savor the moment, and enjoy life’s pleasures with every bite.
What truly elevates the Duro Hospitality experience is the staff. From the moment you step into any of their establishments, you are greeted with a warm, personalized touch that makes every guest feel like the only one in the restaurant. The staff’s attention to detail and commitment to creating a unique dining experience ensures that each visit feels special. Whether it’s remembering your favorite dish, suggesting the perfect wine pairing, or simply making you feel at home, their level of service is unrivaled.
The hospitality here is not just about serving great food but about curating an unforgettable, guest-centric experience every time.
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A Love Letter To The Clermont
A Love Letter To The Clermont
To my dearest Clermont Hotel,
Where do I even begin? You have a magic about you that’s impossible to find anywhere else. Every time I walk through your doors, I’m enveloped by a feeling of excitement and familiarity, as if I’m coming home to something truly magical.
Let’s start with The Rooftop—a slice of heaven perched above the city. The way the lights of Atlanta dance on the horizon as the sun sets is nothing short of breathtaking. I can close my eyes and feel the Atlanta air burning through my skin, the city alive beneath me, while I sip on one of your expertly crafted cocktails. Your bartenders up there—true masters of their craft—know exactly how to mix a drink and keep the mood just right. Every visit feels like a celebration with old friends, and the views… they’re the kind I draw like one of my French girls.
Then there’s The Lobby Bar, which has an entirely different kind of charm. It’s dark, intimate, and the kind of place where stories are shared and bad decisions are made. Your bartenders are gems, but our girl Chloe is a legend in her own right. She has saved me from ordering a way too expensive Japanese whiskey on many a night. I don’t even like whiskey.
Honestly, Tiny Lou’s deserves its own love letter. The menu, the atmosphere, the service—everything is on point. Each bite feels like a revelation, a moment of culinary perfection that leaves me already thinking about what I’ll try next time. You’ve perfected the art of dining.
And, of course, no love letter is complete without mentioning my true love, the Clermont Lounge—the world-famous gentleman’s club that adds just the right amount of edge to your elegance. It’s part of your story, your history, and something that sets you apart from every other hotel. The Lounge is iconic, a place where the unexpected is always expected and where Atlanta’s soul comes alive in a way that’s unforgettable. Cash only, sometimes we’re singing Karaoke, and we’re always making sure Blondie is happy.
But what truly ties it all together is your hospitality. From the moment I check in, your front desk staff are always there with a Miller High Life, ready to make sure everything is perfect. It’s the little details—how they remember my name (I have stayed there 20 times in 3 years, I suppose), ask about my day, and make sure every stay is better than the last—that keep me coming back. And the rooms? They are a sanctuary, a perfect blend of comfort and character, with touches of elegance that make me feel like I’ve stepped into my own private retreat. Each room tells a story, and no matter which one I’m in, it always feels like the best one.
Even the lobby is something special—whether it’s bustling with life or a quiet refuge after a long day, it’s the heartbeat of the hotel, a place where everything begins and ends.
You, Clermont, are more than just a place to stay. You’re a destination, an experience, a part of Atlanta that I can’t imagine being without. Every stay with you is a reminder of why I fell in love in the first place, and I’m already counting the days until I can return.
Happy 100, Clermont.
With all my love,
Toph Miller
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