Kent Rathbun

Chef
Kent Rathbun

Dallas

About Kent Rathbun

Kent Rathbun is a Four-time Beard Award-nominated American chef and restaurateur. His restaurants include Abacus, in Dallas, Texas, an upscale restaurant chosen as most popular in Dallas by the 2007 edition of the Zagat Survey, Jasper's, in the Texas cities of Plano, The Woodlands, and Austin and Hickory, his upscale burger and bbq concept in Plano. He also caters in Dallas/Ft Worth, Houston and Austin with his entity Kent Rathbun Catering.

My Venues

Accolades

  • Nominee for Best Chef: Southwest
    James Beard Foundation
  • Top Meals Around the World
    USA Today
  • AAA Four Diamond Award
    American Automobile Association
  • Best of the Year
    Bon Appétit
  • Fine Dining Hall of Fame
    Nation's Restaurant News

Where I Go Out

Budin Azteca de pollo
Budin Azteca de pollo
MesoMaya
$$, Happy Hour, Mexican, Reservations, Full Bar, North Dallas
"A multi-layered tortilla dish with pulled chicken and roasted tomatillo sauce—yum! This is one of the most creative dishes I’ve ever seen, and they use their own fresh, hand-made corn tortillas. I don’t think they get enough credit for those tortillas. Most restaurants don’t commit to making them everyday. In this dish, they are perfection."
Kent Rathbun
Chef
Kent Rathbun
Abacus, Jasper's
Trompo taco
Trompo taco
Bachman Tacos & Grill
$, Outdoor Seating, Tacos, Loryland
"It’s hard to find a hotter taco, and I’m not talking about spice. The trompo taco is filled with pork but they do it gyro-style, which makes all the difference. Plus they caramelize the onions and jalapeños on the grill, which is, in my opinion, the only way a taco should be done. Each taco is made-to-order and comes out so hot that you literally have to wait a few minutes before you can dig in."
Kent Rathbun
Chef
Kent Rathbun
Abacus, Jasper's
Burger
Burger
Maple & Motor
$$, Burgers,
"It’s all about a fresh cooked burger that’s seasoned to perfection. This one is a melt-in-your-mouth truck-stop burger. Order a double with cheese and get it with grilled onions. For a burger concept, you have to have the whole experience right—great burger, great fries, and a dessert you just can’t pass up. This place has it all, and their gob—chocolate cake with a cream filling—is a must."
Kent Rathbun
Chef
Kent Rathbun
Abacus, Jasper's
Greek cheeseburger
Greek cheeseburger
Ziziki's
$$$$, Happy Hour, Outdoor Seating, Reservations, Greek, Mediterranean, North Dallas
"This sandwich features lamb, red onions, tomatoes, and feta cheese in the middle of warm toasted pita bread, all served with a side of tzatziki sauce. What could be better than that?"
Kent Rathbun
Chef
Kent Rathbun
Abacus, Jasper's
Fried chicken
Fried chicken
Babe's Chicken Dinner House
$$, American, Fried Chicken, Southern / Soul, Central Arlington
"The fried chicken here just reminds me of home. I like this concept so much that I went there for Easter Sunday. The fried chicken is always moist on the inside and crispy on the outside, and it comes out hot and fresh every time. I’ve never had a bad experience at Babe’s."
Kent Rathbun
Chef
Kent Rathbun
Abacus, Jasper's
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At My Venues

Pan seared foie gras "PB&J"
Abacus
$$$$, Sushi, Modern, Full Bar, Seafood, New American, Knox / Henderson
"Abacus is my choice for very special occasions. When I do get to step out, I’m always ready for Kent Rathbun’s foie gras dishes, which are always perfectly executed and creatively presented. A recent version was done PB&J-style with cashew-foie gras butter and gooseberry jam on whole wheat toast. I also love his pork belly, and always order his Caesar. They also have the best bread variety in the city. I could easily go through two bread baskets! I’d go there just for that if they’d let me!"
Tracy Miller
Chef
Tracy Miller
LOCAL, Rosemont Social Club
The Fernet Flip Cocktail
Abacus
$$$$, Sushi, Modern, Full Bar, Seafood, New American, Knox / Henderson
"Working on a new after dinner drink menu...introducing a possible candidate "The Fernet Flip" #fernetbranca #pierreferranddrycuracao #honey #angostura #wholeegg #nutmeg #abacusdallas #knoxdistrict #knoxdallas #happyhour #afterdinnerdrinks #dallascocktails #dfwcocktails #dallasdining"
Jordan Gantenbein
Bartender, Mixologist
Jordan Gantenbein
The Standard Pour
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