For nearly seven years, Plate by Dzintra was revered as everyone’s favorite “little, romantic dining spot” with an intimate setting and creative cuisine. Today, Plate may not be a “little” spot anymore, but it’s still just as exceptional as ever.
Earlier this month, Plate relocated into an expanded space in the Shops at the Galleria — it was formerly occupied by Gumbo’s. After saying adieu to their quaint spot just blocks away, Plate by Dzintra is happily settling into its new home.
And its new home is absolutely gorgeous!
But first, let’s meet the woman with the vision …
Chef Dzintra Dzenis
Plate is the brainchild of Chef Dzintra Dzenis who graduated with honors in cuisine and pastry — and her Grande Diplome — from Le Cordon Bleu in Paris. After graduating, she worked at the world-renowned Ritz Escoffier School of Cuisine and began to create elaborate dining events. Enter Dzintra’s Supper Club.
Dzintra wanted her supper club success in Europe to be enjoyed in the United States too, so she chose the most chill city around to launch her gourmet magic. Austin! Dzintra’s Supper Club, Catering Business, and Around-the-World Cooking Classes have been in Austin, Texas, since 2008. A few years later, she opened her restaurant, Plate by Dzintra.
Oh, let’s not forgot to mention the icing on the cake — better yet, the ganache in the macarón! In the summer of 2010, out of thousands of participants, Dzintra was selected as a Finalist on the Food Network’s highest rated prime time show: The Next Food Network Star.
Sophisticated lakeside ambiance
Walking into Plate’s new restaurant is a treat. You’re greeted by two happy, bright, red doors that set the tone. The entrance is sophisticated and effortless, yet lavish with it’s (massive) sparkling crystal chandelier and modern lounge furniture. The fixtures, furnishings, and accessories perfectly suit the elevated cuisine.
Whether you dine in The Garden Room overlooking the trees, water and Hill Country or the Paris Room with some of Dzintra’s artwork from Paris, you’ll be comfortable from pre-meal chitchat until your last sip of brandy.
The added touch of velvet drapes — in a variety of vibrant colors — give the space a European feel and, of course, keeps the dining area quiet enough for intimate conversations.
Elevated cuisine
Of course, the food is perfectly plated, and the presentation is impressive. Each dish is so pretty; you’ll hate to ruin the moment by actually eating it. But after the first bite, your plate will be empty in no time.
Plate uses fresh, unprocessed ingredients. Plus, everything is made from scratch, and we do mean everything — every sauce, every crust, every ice cream. It’s one of the reasons each bite is so flavorful and delicious.
Featured seasonal menu items include small plates like Roasted Beet and Goat Cheese Salad, Smoked Snapper and Avocado ‘Cannelloni’ and Gourmet Ahi Poke. Heartier bites include Smoked Gouda and Poblano Bisque, Smoked Salmon and Jalapeño Corn Cakes and Hawaiian Crab Cake.
Standout entrees include 1885 Black Angus Beef Filet, 44 Farms Cajun Inspired Ribeye and Roasted Halibut with Dijon-Herb Crust. Plus, you’ll notice a full bar with exciting craft cocktails and an expanded wine list, so it’s easy to pair every bite with the perfect sip.
Dining, drinks or both
The restaurant is currently open for dinner five days a week, Tuesday through Saturday from 5pm-9:30pm.
If you’d like to swing by for cocktails, Plate’s full bar is open Tuesday through Saturday from 5pm-11pm. Happy Hour is from 4pm-7pm Tuesday through Saturday featuring a special bar menu and drink specials.
In the coming months, Plate plans to open an on-site little market area where they can sell gourmet-on-the-go and local products, so stay tuned.
