Later this week Barter, the Tim Love concept located in the old P|S space on McKinney, will open. Executive chef Andrew Dilda, formerly of Woodshed Smokehouse in Fort Worth, collaborated with consulting chef Tim Love to design a menu that honors Dallas’ culinary traditions and flavors.

The space was completely gutted for the new concept. Those dramatic drapes which separated private/social sides are gone along with the luxe banquet rounders that lined one side of the room. Now, a casual cowboy chic accented dining room is aligned with its boozy better half to form a complete picture that I’m sure Love is proud of. The restaurant also features an extensive wine and cocktail program created by acclaimed beverage director and stronghold Rocco Milano.

Smaller plates include items such as Wild Boar Ribs with house-made barbecue sauce and pickles; Soft-Shell Crab Fajita with green curry, fermented Fresno pepper hot sauce and topped with Cotija cheese; and Carrot “Home Fries” served with local cheese and Fresno chilies.  Main dishes include a Grilled Striped Bass Tostada with fish sauce vinaigrette, cilantro and Serrano chilies; Fried Bologna Sandwich, prepared in the classic manner with American cheese, mayonnaise, sour pickles and chips; and American Lamb, dressed with Scotch Bonnet vinaigrette and Brussels sprout salad.

For those craving meatier options, the menu also provides diners with a “Barter By The Ounce” section featuring an assortment of steaks including Tenderloin, Ribeye and New York Strip.  A selection of sides complements the main dishes with options such as Tuaca-Roasted Acorn Squash, Fried Collard Greens and Black Truffle Penne.  Desserts, including a Banana Pudding and Chocolate Peanut Butter “Moon Pie,” round out the menu.

Milano has crafted a selection of cocktails such as Iceberg, with Bacardi, Ron Abuelo Anejo 7 year, St. Elizabeth Allspice Dram and fresh lime and grapefruit juice; Dominic The Donkey, a Jacob Ghost White Whiskey-based drink with lime juice, Fever Tree Ginger Beer and muddled Italian basil leaves; and Bartender’s Choice, complete with a set of questions to identify the patron’s preferences.  Barter also offers a selection of cocktails on tap such as International, a combination of vodka, the bright flavors of Fleur Elderflower Liqueur and cranberry juice, finished with champagne; and Fair Trade Margarita, Milano’s own twist on this bar staple.

The restaurant opening, scheduled for today, has been pushed back to a later date a media contact tells me. Rest assured though, you will be pulling up a chair to a table at Barter very soon.

Barter

3232 McKinney Avenue

Open for dinner from 5pm – 10pm, Monday through Wednesday; 5pm – 11pm, Thursday through Saturday