Apothecary | Dallas

By Patricia Fitzgerald
May 13, 2022

Mark Steuer
Pastrami as a trend-forward flavor system has been making inroads across a variety of concepts, as the classic profile is reimagined with other meats, vegetables and, now, seafood.
At Funkenhausen, a modern beer hall, Chef/Owner Mark Steuer draws on his German heritage and South Carolina upbringing to create inventive mash-ups like the Swordfish Pastrami. The dish leverages the flavor familiarity of the Reuben in the form of a light, seafood-focused small plate.
Steuer originally intended to use sturgeon but encountered supply issues. He thinks the switch to swordfish might be even better than his original concept. “Swordfish is great for this application because it takes a meaty fish to hold up to being brined for a week and then smoked without crumbling or drying out,” he says. “The smoky, moist bite of fish is enhanced by salty and funky sauerkraut, creamy sweetness from a tomato aïoli, a nice little pop of acid from pickled mustard and crunch from a chicharrón. It’s a pretty little plate of food that packs tons of flavor into each bite.”

Signature Stamp: Espresso Martinique Apothecary | Dallas

Hook, Line and Sinker: Kanpachi Crudo The Salt Line | Washington, D.C., and Arlington, Va.
The Salt Line | Washington, D.C., and Arlington, Va.

Knuckle Down: Lobster Knuckles “Escargot Style” The Mermaid Inn | Three locations in New York
The Mermaid Inn | Three locations in New York

Use Your Noodle: Chicken Curry Ramen The Holding Company | San Diego
The Holding Company | San Diego

Spanako-Pizza: Greek Spinach & Feta Pizza Greens Restaurant | San Francisco
Greens Restaurant | San Francisco

Winning Chicken: Ranch-Seasoned Fried Chicken Golden Corral | Based in Raleigh, N.C.
Golden Corral | Based in Raleigh, N.C.

Sweet Mem’ries: Southwest S’mores Frida Southwest | Oklahoma City
Frida Southwest | Oklahoma City

Cali-Med: California Shakshuka Fredericks at The Clift Royal Sonesta Hotel | San Francisco
Fredericks at The Clift Royal Sonesta Hotel | San Francisco