2019 TACA Lexus Party on the Green – Meet Chef Jeffrey Kollinger September 17, 2019

Chef Jeffrey Kollinger and Tillman’s Bishop Arts

In anticipation of the 2019 TACA Lexus Party on the Green on October, 4, 2019, we’re highlighting some of the celebrated culinary talent that you don’t want to miss at the event. If haven’t done so already, make sure you Meet Chef Eric Dreyer and Meet Chef John Gilbert!

Our next featured chef is Jeffrey Kollinger! Chef Kollinger is the owner and executive chef at Tillman’s Bishop Arts located in the Bishop Arts District of Oak Cliff. The restaurant’s warm and inviting vibe attracts patrons from all corners of DFW who craved a modern spin on comfort food and Texas tradition. Chef Kollinger is also the recipient of the 2018 Taste of TACA award given at the 2018 TACA Lexus Party on the Green!

We had the chance to speak with Chef Kollinger about his cuisine, the arts, and the upcoming 2019 TACA Lexus Party on the Green. Read more below!

TACA: What inspires your cuisine at Tillman’s Bishop Arts?

Chef Kollinger: We recently redesigned our menu at Tillman’s to celebrate our deep southern roots. Our regular guests will be glad all their must-haves will remain on the menu. We’re proud to continue serving best-sellers such as our beef tenderloin Chicken Fried Steak, Goat Cheese Tater Tots and S’mores. With our new, expanded menu, we’re hoping diners will find some new favorites, too.

The fall menu showcases new regionally-inspired starters including Pecan Crusted Green Tomatoes & Okra, a Grilled and Chilled Shrimp Cocktail, and a Slider Trio featuring carnitas, crab cake and Wagyu beef. Southern seafood classics are a focus, with a Shrimp & Crawfish Risotto and a Southern Spiced Salmon on the menu. Texans are sure to love the Dr. Pepper BBQ ½ Chicken. However, the largest changes in the menu are in the expanded offering of Steaks and Chops. The new menu features three steak cuts and a double-bone pork chop. Optional toppings and sauces include crab, asparagus and beurre blanc, a sauté of port wine mushrooms. We were excited to add a stronger steak program. Our guests have been seeking a comfortable neighborhood restaurant where they can still get a perfectly cooked steak and warm, friendly service that is indicative of the Bishop Arts culture.

We’re excited to have you back at TACA Lexus Party on the Green this year. In the spirit of TACA and the event, could you describe a moment when the arts had a memorable effect on you?

I’ve been in culinary arts nearly all my life. And working with Dean Fearing at the Mansion, I really explored how food can express art. But during my three decades in catering, I really learned how art expresses itself in every aspect of our lives, whether it is in the symmetry of a beautifully set table, the way lighting affects mood, or the colors created by beautiful plating. I had the opportunity to work with Jon Bon Jovi last year, and we discussed how important that expression of art can be.

Why do you support TACA? What are you most looking forward to at this year’s TACA Lexus Party on the Green?

TACA’s work in North Texas has been transformative for the Dallas art scene. So many amazing arts groups have been nurtured, grown and funded through the amazing work of this group of people. Dallas is made a stronger and more vibrant community because of our integral arts community, and TACA is a pinnacle in that environment.

I look forward to seeing old friends at TACA Lexus Party on the Green. Every year, I get the opportunity to share special moments with some of the most amazing art patrons in North Texas. The guests at this event shape every part of the North Texas arts scene, and it’s an honor to serve them.

For more information about TACA Lexus Party on the Green and to purchase tickets, please visit: taca-arts.org/partyonthegreen. We can’t wait to see you at the event!