Lucky Campbell. A man whose craft, knowledge and love all of things bar related has its peak. I was ‘lucky’ enough to sit down with the man who migrated from Rockwall, to Lemmon Avenue and just about everywhere in between. The legacy he leaves on the establishments and people he serves is unforgettable and now his post is at Kent Rathbun’s Abacus. Tonight is his first night officially leading his ‘Japanese infused’ bar program at Abacus and he is REALLY excited. After sharing a history of his former positions, influences and passion for cocktails and the bar he gave me a taste of what Abacus patrons will be ordering beginning this evening. The emphasis on matching the right ice with the right drink is important here as Lucky says that this type of mixology is brand new and patrons to his bar will be pleasantly surprised to see a new side of his craftsmanship.
The Ganesha: chai spice-infused applejack; Kaffir lime, lemongrass and honey syrup made in-house; with lemon; ginger; and syrah wine (or grenache)
Killin’ Thyme: Nue Texas vodka, cucumber slices, thyme syrup and lime juice, topped with soda
Barrel Aged Old Fashioned: Makers 46, Orange, Vanilla
Armagnac Stinger
Best of Both Worlds: Sammy Hagar Beach Bar Rum, Passion Fruit, Coconut Water Sphere
Theres no doubt these new cocktails were put into play under the watchful and well orchestrated vision of Kent Rathbun. With flavor profile infusions and incredibly intricate tasting notes, Lucky and Chef Rathbun will have Dallas craving more after tonight.
4511 Mckinney Avenue
Dallas, TX 75205
at Armstrong Avenue
(214) 559-3111
UPDATE: After pledging his allegiance to Kent Rathbun and Abacus, Lucky is on the move again. Side Dish had it first this morning that Campbell will be opening a place called Parliament in the old Four Lounge space in the State Thomas neighborhood in Uptown. During our sit down at Abacus, when asked if Abacus was his final stop he said “this is it!” but it seems things changed like the Texas weather and 72 hours after his first night with Rathbun he is leaving. Although he will be with Abacus until his new place opens (a couple months), it seems that Rathbun put a lot of faith into the program and Campbell to let this go easily.
Campbell commented on the Side Dish blog with this:
Thank you Nancy, I must tell you that I am not leaving Abacus though…Chef Rathbun has been a very influential person in my life and I will always stay with him in whatever capacity he wants! I owe him so much! …also we are not opening this week as we just signed the lease ; ) thank you for always supporting the Dallas Cocktail Movement! – Lucky
