After a fairly stressful summer of restaurant planning, construction delays and menu preparations, Barley and Board officially opened its doors in historic Denton Square, one single solitary day after Chad and I welcomed our son Grant Henry Kelley into the world. After joining their team as Executive Chef in early February at the start of construction, Chef Chad Kelley hit the ground running working with restaurant partners on the menu concept and smallware selection before bringing on a team that would help bring his menu to life (and ease in the transition of welcoming TWO babies into the world at once).
In the weeks leading up to opening day, all the staff was hired and trained with a vengeance knowing that although we had a scheduled c-section date, Grant could very well arrive at any time. Thankfully everything went according to plan (somewhat) and although Chad missed the official opening day chaos...his staff hit it out of the park that night and the positive restaurant reviews haven't stopped pouring in.
Located on the Northeast corner of 'The Square', and built in 1858, Barley and Board is located where the Historic Lacy Hotel once stood.
A few days before Grant's arrival, Everleigh and I headed over to Barley and Board during their soft opening to taste test some goodness with Chad's sister Christy and her boyfriend Chris. Together we were all able to get a good sampling of Chad's creations.
Bacon Wrapped Medjool Dates
Some of the obvious perks to being married to a chef is getting first taste of menu items before they have a chance to make it out to the public. (You know for quality control purposes ;)
Buratta
Wicked Gulf Oysters
Kelley Bear Cuteness
Parisian Gnocchi
Quail
Chicken Goat Salad
BBQ Baby Back Ribs
Barley and Board Burger
And finally.. last but not least...
Pecan Pie Bread Pudding to top it all off.
Everleigh was most definitely a fan. :)
Well done Dad!
