Right before I step through the doors of the shop, my eyes are immediately drawn to the bright green sign overhead that proudly reads "Palate." The vibrant color and bold lettering set the tone for what feels like a special experience. The moment I enter, I’m met with a firm handshake and a genuine, heartfelt introduction. There’s an undeniable warmth in the greeting, a feeling that extends beyond simple hospitality — it’s as if I’ve just walked into a friend’s home rather than a business.
The atmosphere inside mirrors the greeting I received. The space exudes a cozy charm, with soft lighting casting a welcoming glow over the carefully arranged displays. The people inside radiate a sense of warmth and camaraderie, adding to the inviting energy of the space. It’s the kind of place where you instantly feel at ease — as if you belong.
A Vision Come To Life
Palate is the brainchild of husbands Tom Burt and Christopher White, who saw an opportunity to create a wine bar and bistro adjacent to their gift and home décor store, Lekka Retail Concepts where you can find anything from paintings made from coffee to one-of-a-kind glass art, and even little wooden ducks in rainboots (cute, right?).
After relocating to Preston Trails shopping center in 2023, they collaborated with the landlord to bring their vision to life. Key introductions from store customers led them to their executive chef, Eddie Ledesma-Porter, and general manager, Zach Zielke — connections that made the concept feel almost destined. The restaurant reflects those connections and provides a space for more.
“We wanted a place where people can just come and be,” Burt tells me. “We want people to sit, relax and enjoy."
However, Palate is more than just a product of fortuitous meetings. Burt and White approached the project with clear intentionality, ensuring that every detail reflected their commitment to community and hospitality. Though neither had a background in the restaurant industry, their deep roots in North Dallas gave them a keen sense of what they wanted to offer their neighborhood — a sense of community.
But What About The Food (And Wine)
North Texas native, chef Eddie Ledesma-Porter, a graduate of the Culinary Institute of America (CIA) and a certified sommelier, brings a wealth of experience from legendary Ritz-Carlton and Cameron Mitchell Restaurants (Ocean Prime). And he’s created my very own wine-tasting menu.
As the first course arrives, whipped goat cheese with sun-dried tomatoes, pistachios, dill and olive oil, served with pillowy soft flatbread, Ledesma-Porter explains which wine pairs best with the dish. The Jules Taylor, sauvignon blanc is one of the most crisp wines I’ve ever tasted, with its notes of citrus and herbs complimenting the tangy sharpness of the goat cheese.
“Anytime we do wine tastings, we will always taste progressively,” Ledesma-Porter says. “I. We will always taste lightest to heaviest, and it should go that way in general.”
After the first pairing, we move on to the cauliflower cashew soup. This dish is not just for soup season. It’s pairing with the Truchard, chardonnay brings out the peppery and creamy flavors. “I’m pushing for this to stay on the menu year-round,” Burt tells me.
The next dish, vegan rustico meatballs, is something alone that will bring me back. As a vegetarian, it's challenging to find a meat substitution that not only tastes great but is not filled with preservatives and processed ingredients. Ledesma-Porter pairs this dish with a Ricossa, nebbiolo and the Tenuta di Arceno, chianti classico he insists I will love. I do — its sour cherry notes work wonderfully with the tomato sauce and umami flavors in the meatballs.
For Those With Dietary Restrictions
If wine isn’t your go-to, no worries at all — the cocktails are fantastic. Prefer a hearty, meat-filled meal? You’re in the right place! Following a vegan, vegetarian, or gluten-free diet? You’re just as welcome here.
At Palate, inclusivity is at the heart of their menu, ensuring that every guest, no matter their tastes or dietary needs, can find something delicious to enjoy. With a carefully curated selection of dishes, they’ve crafted a dining experience where everyone can feel at home, savoring flavors tailored to their preferences. But most importantly, this is a place to try new things without the pretentiousness of the typical wine scene.
“Food is meant to be shared,” Ledesma-Porter says. “Seeing Tom and Christopher’s vision for Palate, it was clear that we needed to create a menu designed to create a sense of community brought together by great food.”
What's On The Inside
The restaurant’s name plays on both the culinary "palate" and an artist’s "palette," a theme reflected throughout the space. The walls serve as a gallery for local artwork, all available for purchase. As the restaurant establishes itself, artists will also begin bringing trunk shows to showcase more art.
Eclectic hand-blown glass chandeliers cast a warm glow, while a collection of trees stands over a wishing well-inspired space where guests can deposit wine corks, preserving their own memories made at Palate.
Palate is open from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Wednesdays and Thursdays, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, and from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sundays. The restaurant is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays. Reservations can be made at PalatebyLRC.com.
We thank Palate for treating and hosting us. You can visit the restaurant at 17390 Preston Road, Suite 246, in Dallas.
