Sushi chef to open new Cajun restaurant in the old Jonathon’s Oak Cliff space

Chef Michelle Carpenter of Zen Sushi in Bishop Arts is opening a new restaurant that pays homage to her Cajun roots.

Restaurant Beatrice, which will open in March 2022 at 1111 N. Beckley Road in the Craftsman-style house where Jonathon’s Oak Cliff used to be, is a concept inspired by (and named after) Carpenter’s grandmother and her Louisiana heritage.

The restaurant will dish out Louisiana hospitality in the form of smoky gumbo with duck, fried chicken with pepper jelly, and patio seafood boils.

Carpenter, who has spent her decades-long career in Japanese cuisine, said she set out to do something different with Restaurant Beatrice and wants to create a welcoming and accessible atmosphere.

“That welcoming embrace is unique to where I spent a large part of my childhood, and that’s the experience I want my customers to have,” she said in a written release. “I dedicated three decades of my career to Tokyo-style sushi, and I’ve seen how sophisticated diners feel intimidated by Japanese cuisine. Refined and delicious foods shouldn’t include gatekeeping.”

Helping Carpenter lead the restaurant will be Executive Chef Terance Jenkins, whose resume includes Commander’s Palace in New Orleans, and Cedars Social and Amberjax in Dallas.

Carpenter is also launching a line of housemade pantry items like pickles, jams and spice rubs inspired by her grandmother, which will be available for purchase at the restaurant.

Restaurant Beatrice is scheduled to open in March 2022 at 1111 N. Beckley Road.