Table Talk

David McMillan may have had to close his highly regarded Colleyville restaurant 62 Main last month, but the acclaimed chef has already linked up with one of Dallas' most successful restaurateurs, joining Consilient Restaurants as corporate executive chef. Consilient, headed by Henderson Avenue impresario Tristan Simon, is the company responsible for Cuba Libre, Hibiscus, the Porch, Fireside Pies and the soon-to-open Victor Tango's.

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News that Alessio Franceschetti was heading to the new Preston Center locale of Gordo's was premature. After a change of plans, the veteran chef and restaurateur is instead making his way to Fort Worth, where he will manage the Sundance Square outpost of Alberto Lombardi's Taverna. The chef-owner of East Dallas' recently shuttered Alessio's il Ristorante started his new Cowtown gig on Monday. "It all happened very quickly," he says with a laugh. "I think it will be great – it will give me a chance to change my pace a little bit." There are no plans to overhaul Taverna's menu, which remains under the guidance of corporate executive chef Carlo Allesina, but Mr. Franceschetti says he will be working with the chef, developing specials and exploring new ideas.

New Pyramid taking shape

The Pyramid restaurant in downtown Dallas' Fairmont Hotel is in the midst of a major renovation. When the restaurant reopens this fall, the 7,000-square-foot space will also include the current lobby bar, as well as a private dining room, chef's tasting room and two glass-walled, climate-controlled wine rooms. While the Pyramid is closed for remodeling, food service will be available in the former Brasserie dining room off the main lobby. Meanwhile, executive chef J.W. Foster is busy tending his organic herb and vegetable garden on the hotel's terrace level. The garden features more than 1,800 plants in its nearly 2,000 square feet, including heirloom tomatoes, eggplant, potatoes, Tuscan rosemary, lemon basil and pineapple mint.

A working vacation

Chef-owner Janice Provost may have closed Parigi for a couple of weeks last month during the restaurant's annual summer break, but she didn't get much R and R. Instead, she spent her vacation revamping her popular Oak Lawn eatery. New embellishments include an eco-friendly Natura water purification system that purifies drinking water on-site (and adds bubbles for those who prefer the sparkling stuff), a new installation of artworks by Shane Pennington and the return of chef Chad Houser, who joins Ms. Provost in the kitchen and as a partner in the restaurant.

From pigskin to Black Angus

Former Miami Dolphins coach Don Shula has brought his casual steakhouse concept, Shula's 347 Grill, to Cowtown. The restaurant, named after the Hall of Fame coach's 347 career wins on the football field, is inside the Sheraton Fort Worth Hotel and Spa, which opened in June after a $46 million redo from its former life as a Ramada Inn. Shula's 347 is part of the gridiron legend's stable of four restaurants, including the fine-dining Shula's Steak House, the sports-themed Shula's 2 and the seafood-centric Shula's on the Beach. This is the first Shula's 347 in Texas; a Shula's Steak House opened earlier this year in Houston.

Summer specials

• When is a hamburger worth 20 bucks? When it's made out of prime beef and part of the proceeds benefits the Make-A-Wish Foundation. Morton's the Steakhouse is celebrating its 30th anniversary with a special offer: a signature prime sirloin burger and fries for $19.78, with $5 of each order donated to the children's charity. The burgers are available on Sundays only, through September.

• In addition to its standing Sunday prime rib dinner special, the Grill on the Alley is offering a weekly wine promotion this summer. During Wine Down Sundays, diners will receive half off the price of a bottle of wine (up to a $50 value).

• Ruth's Chris Steak House makes dining out a bit more affordable with its special Summer Celebration for Two. For $89, couples can enjoy a three-course dinner, including a choice of salad or seafood gumbo, entree (options include a petite filet mignon, fish of the day or a mixed grill trio), side dish and a shared dessert. The special is available at both area Ruth's Chris locations, in Dallas and Fort Worth.

•  Al Biernat's is offering a summer prix fixe dinner special for $35. Available through Labor Day, the special features soup or salad, choice of entree (including prime rib or fish of the day), garlic smashed potatoes and broccoli, and a choice of coconut cream, Key lime or pecan pie for dessert.

• Kids eat free this summer at Hibashi Teppan Grill, Sushi and Bar. Through Aug. 31, one child (under age 10) per family will receive a free dinner (choice of chicken teriyaki or chicken yakisoba) with the purchase of an adult meal.

Bits and bites

• The Richardson space that housed Parlour Cafe and Wine Bar now has another wine-centric lease on life. Chef James Rose has opened the Rose Tattoo Grille and Wine, a New American restaurant and wine bar in the Shire complex at the Bush Turnpike and Jupiter Road.

• The recent disquieting spate of restaurant closings continues: Earlier this week, Kitchen 1924 in Lakewood and SushiSamba in the Dallas Galleria both ceased operation. And two chains, Bennigan's Grill & Tavern and Steak & Ale, closed all locations when their corporate parent filed for bankruptcy.

• After his June departure from Central 214, Tom Fleming has resurfaced at Preferred Restaurant Management Group. His new gig as corporate executive chef will allow him to oversee culinary operations and concept development for the hospitality management and consulting firm.