Raven Jordan

Dallas

General Assignment Reporter at CultureMap Dallas

Freelance journalist writing for several Dallas publications| Book reviewer | Arts and culture enthusiast | #UNTMayborn grad

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Articles

All the Dallas restaurants hosting Mother's Day brunch in 2025

1 week ago | dallas.culturemap.com | Raven Jordan

Easter 2025 is not even here — and yet Mother's Day is already around the corner. It's due to an unusual convergence of timing, with Easter landing on the late side this year (April 20) and Mother's Day following quickly behind, on May 11. If you're a fan of the holiday brunch, that means back-to-back brunches at your favorite Dallas restaurant, and you'll want to make your reservation early while there are still slots open.
Japanese restaurant hails Haltom City with ramen and donburi rice

1 week ago | fortworth.culturemap.com | Raven Jordan

The bar scene in Fort Worth is a wide-ranging lineup from bougie, be-seen spots to low-key watering holes. This list of the 10 best for the 2025 CultureMap Fort Worth Tastemaker Awards includes a snazzy rooftop escape, a chic riverside wine chateau, and a punk-inspired dive bar. One will be named "Bar of the Year" on Wednesday, April 23 at The 4 Eleven (411 S. Main St.) during a big foodie extravaganza with an awards ceremony hosted by chef Jon Bonnell.
Booming Cilantro Taco Grill from Chicago makes Texas debut in Prosper

1 week ago | dallas.culturemap.com | Raven Jordan

We've reached a special moment in the 2025 edition of our annual CultureMap Tastemaker Awards, celebrating the people and places that make Dallas such an exciting dining destination: The moment where you get to weigh in. Some background: In this special editorial series, we're highlighting restaurants, bars, and chefs who've been nominated in eight categories by our esteemed judging panel of last year's winners and local dining experts.
Dallas chef Tiffany Derry returns to TV as 'MasterChef' judge

2 weeks ago | dallas.culturemap.com | Raven Jordan

The Dallas-based USA Film Festival returns to the Angelika Film Center in 2025 for its 55th edition with red carpet events, celebrity appearances, and films films films. The five-day event takes place April 23-27 and will feature more than 25 separate programs, including narrative feature films, documentaries, and short films. Something for everyone.
Innovative new Thai restaurant from veteran chef debuts in Southlake

2 weeks ago | fortworth.culturemap.com | Raven Jordan

A major Fort Worth foodie must-have is now on the shelves: Called Cowtown Comfort (Reedy Press), it's a new cookbook with a generous side of Fort Worth history, written by Celestina Blok, Fort Worth author and esteemed contributing writer for CultureMap. Blok's love for her hometown can be seen In her prior books, Lost Restaurants of Fort Worth and 100 Things to Do in Fort Worth Before You Die.
Los Jefes Mexican Street Food brings tacos and tortas to Duncanville

2 weeks ago | dallas.culturemap.com | Raven Jordan

There's Mexican street food now happening in Duncanville, thanks to Los Jefes Mexican Street Food, a new restaurant located in the space previously occupied by Mudhook Bar & Kitchen at 100 S. Main St. #101B, where it opened in late March. Los Jefes is from Jesus Nájera and Sebastian Lozano, who started the concept as a food truck in Forney in 2022. It's still in business. They also own Junction Coffee, a coffee truck at The Junction Fireworks and Food Truck park in Forney.
Where to eat in Dallas right now: 10 new restaurant openings for April

2 weeks ago | dallas.culturemap.com | Raven Jordan

Spring has brought many new restaurants to Dallas, and that's good news for the April edition of Where to Eat, CultureMap Dallas' monthly column highlighting restaurant picks. This list includes not only fresh faces but also established restaurants in a new home — in cuisines such as Mexican, Indian fusion, and fried chicken chain from South Korea.
New mom-and-pop indie coffee shop in Azle will be there for night owls

2 weeks ago | fortworth.culturemap.com | Raven Jordan

A new coffee shop ready to serve day and night is coming to Azle: Called Pro Libertate Coffee, it’s located in a former dance studio at 150 W. Main St., where it's slated to open in May. Pro Libertate comes from Bryan Wallace and his wife, Rene, who’ve had a shared dream of opening a coffee shop for the past eight years. The shop will offer a wide range of coffee and espresso drinks including lattes, cappuccinos, and drip coffee. Bryan was previously a police officer for the Azle Police Department.
New ramen shop with standout specials debuts in downtown Plano

2 weeks ago | dallas.culturemap.com | Raven Jordan

Historic downtown Plano has landed itself a unique ramen restaurant: Called Ramen Belly, it's a quaint, fast-casual ramen concept founded in Iowa City, Iowa that features traditional Japanese cuisine such as ramen, poke bowls, and dumplings, and is now open at 1001 1rth St. #100, on the first floor of the Morada building facing McCall Plaza. Ramen Belly was founded by restaurateurs John Lieu and Andy Diep, who have more than 20 years experience operating Asian fusion restaurants and fine dining.
Fort Worth BBQ food truck Trevino's Craft Smokehouse opens restaurant

2 weeks ago | fortworth.culturemap.com | Raven Jordan

A Fort Worth coffee shop is closing its doors: Love Local Coffee and Art, which has been serving coffee and showcasing local art in the Overton Park Plaza shopping center for five years, will close on April 30. According to owner Sara Tucker, she's closing due to an increase in rent. "I am saddened to share that due to the significant yearly increases in our property’s base rent and mandatory fees (CAM charges), we have chosen not to renew our lease," she said.