photos c/o Lovers Seafood and Market and Cynthia Smoot
I love supporting women-owned businesses and I love it even more when the women are Tracy Rathbun and Lynae Fearing. The dynamic duo behind Shinsei, recently opened a new concept called Lovers Seafood and Market located in the old Rex’s location at Lovers and Inwood. Joining Rathbun and Fearing is their new endeavor is Executive Chef Aaron Staudenmaier. The longtime Abacus chef has returned to Dallas after leaving in 2012 to lead the kitchen at Boot Ranch in Fredericksburg. Staudenmaier’s menu begins with an array of soups (gumbo, clam chowder), salads, and shareable starters like Thai-style mussels and clams, ahi tuna poke and Cajun fried oysters. Larger plates include fish and chips, a Cajun roasted half chicken and fish tacos, plus a delicious burger and sandwiches like the lobster roll, crispy hot chicken sliders and po’boys. In addition to sit-down dining, the restaurant features a full bar and also a market, which will provide the freshest seafood and shellfish for customers to take home.
The space was designed by Greg O'Neal of Philosophy Design, and was created to provide diners with a calm, clean and refreshing environment. The 3,000 square foot interior space seats 79 and is adorned by ship lap lumber walls, hemp ropes and herringbone millwork, plus a wood stain patina to give the restaurant a modern twist on coastal comfort and elegance. The aquamarine bar sits underneath a sea of crystal liquor decanters, retrofitted into a beautiful lighting feature. And outside, a boardwalk-inspired patio can accommodate an additional 40 diners. “We couldn’t be more excited to share our new concept with Dallas,” said Tracy Rathbun and Lynae Fearing. “This is our neighborhood, and when the opportunity presented itself, we knew we had to jump on it. We’re looking forward to providing our friends, neighbors and the entire city with great food, drinks and the freshest market catches in a fun and relaxed setting.” Lovers Seafood and Market is located at 5200 W Lovers Lane. The restaurant is open for lunch and dinner seven days a week. https://www.loversseafoodmarket.com/