Oh So Tasty: Brunch at Clark Food & Wine Co.

Shrimp & Grits at Clark Food & Wine Co.

Clark Food & Wine Co. is not only a labor of love for Randall Warder and his wife, Courtney, but also is a tribute to the woman who started it all: Warder's mom, Dianne, who encouraged her son's love of cooking from a young age. "Clark" is her maiden name, so it is both a nod to her and is a classic strong name that exudes America and "Main Street, USA." I do love a man that loves his Mama...

I was recently invited in for brunch and spent an enjoyable hour over mimosas with Mr. Warder visiting about the explosion in growth on Lower Greenville. Brunch includes favorites such as Hash & Eggs, made with a delicious signature smoked brisket hash with poached eggs, cilantro Hollandaise and toasted baquette, and the Smoked Fried Chicken, which is a smoked 1/2 chicken with sage breading, biscuits and pepper cream gravy and the ever-popular Shrimp & Grits.

Smoked Fried Chicken at Clark Food & Wine Co.

The menu at Clark Food & Wine Co. isn't fancy, but is approachable and fun, designed for everyday dining, not just special occasions. "It is your joint, your place to go and be known and enjoy," Warder said. Diners will find themselves presented with a cacophony of well-curated choices (you really can't go wrong here), allowing guests to customize their meals by selecting something sumptuous from the jars, small plates, boards, sandwiches, flatbreads, salads and smoked meats that are a signature of Clark Food & Wine Co.

The service at Clark Food & Wine Co. features that Texas southern hospitality that's genuine, friendly, attentive but not at all smothering. The space itself invites its guests in without pretense or gimmick. Clean and simple, not overly decorated, and featuring natural light and materials like reclaimed wood and concrete. Large rolls of butcher paper hang from the walls, advertising fresh daily specials. Art on the walls is available for purchase from local Texas artists, including Melissa Ellis, whose modern canvases add just the right touch of color. The weathered, aged feeling extends to the bar, where rustic iron elements blend nicely into the natural space and the hand-crafted cocktails feel organic and right at home.

Clark Food & Wine Co. is located at 1920 Greenville Ave. in Dallas, Texas (really) and can be reached at 214.515.5500. The restaurant serves lunch, dinner and brunch and is open 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m., Monday through Thursday, and 11:30 a.m. to 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday for brunch. For more information, please visit www.clarkfoodandwine.com.