DALLAS — The newest and arguably most attractive part of downtown Dallas wants a reputation for more than just theaters, museums and performances. The Dallas Arts District wants to be known for street food.
"This the trend of the future, and Dallas does not want to be left behind," said Veletta Lill, the district's executive director.
Austin lives by street food.
Trucks and trailers where high-end chefs serve gourmet grub started along South Congress Avenue, and have since spread out all across the city serving restaurant-quality food.
This week, the Dallas Arts District is proposing to change city law so food trucks and push carts can operate in the 19 blocks of the Arts District.
It's an effort to energize the area — and to keep patrons around after performances.
"It allows them to extend the experience in the district," Lill said. "It allows them to have something to eat and go to a performance as well as to socialize. That's what we think the district is about."
The ban on food trucks in downtown Dallas has been in place for decades. It was originally enacted to protect restaurants from extra competition.
This time, chefs are among those pushing the idea.
"We're looking forward to creating something that doesn't exist here," said David McMillan, who runs the kitchen at Screen Door Restaurant in One Arts Plaza, which serves up "modern Southern" cuisine.
McMillan said he's already ordering a push cart to sell ribs or pulled pork sandwiches in anticipation of the law change.
"You know, it's a fun way to eat. It really, really is," he said.
The trucks could end up in the parking lot just west of the Meyerson Symphony Center on the northwest corner of Pearl and Flora streets.
But Lill, a former Dallas City Council member, said the proposal will likely take at least six months to work its way through City Hall.
If approved, it could drastically diversify dining in downtown Dallas.
Email: jwhitely@wfaa.com
