Chicago's Maple & Ash "IDGAF" Experience Comes to Dallas by Way of Monarch

It costs more than a flight to Chicago, but who cares, right? We got all those money trees here.

By Amelie Baquero and Lauren Drewes Daniels

October 19, 2023

A Maple & Ash tasting menu will be available at Monarch. Maple & Ash

[
        {
          "name": "Air - MediumRectangle - Inline Content - Mobile Display Size",
          "component": "18855504",
          "insertPoint": "2",
          "requiredCountToDisplay": "2",
          
          "watchElement": ".fdn-content-body",
          "astAdList": [
            {
              "adType": "rectangle",
              "displayTargets": "mobile"
            }
          ]
        },{
          "name": "Editor Picks",
          "component": "17105533",
          "insertPoint": "4",
          "requiredCountToDisplay": "1",
          
          "watchElement": ".fdn-content-body",
          "astAdList": [
            {
              "adType": "rectangle",
              "displayTargets": "desktop|tablet"
            },{
              "adType": "rectangle",
              "displayTargets": "desktop|tablet|mobile"
            }
          ]
        },{
          "name": "Inline Links",
          "component": "18349797",
          "insertPoint": "8th",
          "startingPoint": 8,
          "requiredCountToDisplay": "7",
          "maxInsertions": 25
        },{
          "name": "Air - MediumRectangle - Combo - Inline Content",
          "component": "17105532",
          "insertPoint": "8th",
          "startingPoint": 8,
          "requiredCountToDisplay": "7",
          "maxInsertions": 25,
          
          "watchElement": ".fdn-content-body",
          "astAdList": [
            {
              "adType": "rectangle",
              "displayTargets": "desktop|tablet"
            },{
              "adType": "rectangle",
              "displayTargets": "desktop|tablet|mobile"
            }
          ]
        },{
          "name": "Inline Links",
          "component": "18349797",
          "insertPoint": "8th",
          "startingPoint": 12,
          "requiredCountToDisplay": "11",
          "maxInsertions": 25
        },{
          "name": "Air - Leaderboard Tower - Combo - Inline Content",
          "component": "17105535",
          "insertPoint": "8th",
          "startingPoint": 12,
          "requiredCountToDisplay": "11",
          "maxInsertions": 25,
          
          "watchElement": ".fdn-content-body",
          "astAdList": [
            {
              "adType": "leaderboardInlineContent",
              "displayTargets": "desktop|tablet"
            },{
              "adType": "tower",
              "displayTargets": "mobile"
            }
          ]
        }
      ]

Chicago's popular steakhouse Maple & Ash is setting up shop in the swank downtown Dallas restaurant, Monarch, later this month. Both are spearheaded by two-Michelin star chef Danny Grant.

Specifically, the culinary team at Monarch will be executing Maple & Ash's IDGAF menu, which is Chicago-speak for tasting menu.

Eater Chicago has anointed it an essential steakhouse with a "stylish and boisterous dining room," with a standout selection of caviar (same at Monarch), dry-aged steaks (same) and fine wines (yep).

According to a press release, the I Don't Give a F*ck Menu at Monarch will "surprise guests with an extraordinary Monarch x Maple & Ash culinary creation," and the menu will change daily.

So, is the Maple & Ash menu being served at Monarch? Looks like it. The menu includes things that are exclusive to the Chicago restaurant, including Blacked Out Oysters, a fire-roasted seafood tower, and agnolotti (Pillows of Love). The full $290 per person experience comes with a meat entree, or fish and a few vegetables and potato side dishes.

Chef Eric Dreyer will lead the execution of the IDGAF menu at Monarch. It should be noted that Monarch has its own IDGAF menu called The Royale, which is also $290 per person.

Maple & Ash’s IDGAF menu will be served at Monarch in Dallas from Oct. 26 to Oct. 31. Save a spot by upgrading your online reservation to include the IDGAF menu.

Is it worth the upgrade? Or should you go with the regular menu at Monarch? We asked a Chicago Reddit user, as anyone would. Imanj23 opined that it takes the pressure off ordering and the experience is carefully curated but wasn't too sold on the value of this meal over ordering off the menu. However, at this Monarch experience, diners will be able to order things not on the regular menu.

Reservations are likely a must here. Not actually, but if you're planning on throwing down $290 just for the meal, make a ressie.

Become A Member

BEFORE YOU GO...
Can you help us continue to share our stories? Since the beginning, Dallas Observer has been defined as the free, independent voice of Dallas — and we'd like to keep it that way. Our members allow us to continue offering readers access to our incisive coverage of local news, food, and culture with no paywalls.

Lauren Drewes Daniels is the food editor of the Dallas Observer. She started working as a freelance writer in 2013 and became editor in 2021. She covers Dallas' evolving dining scene, the many openings and closings as well as trends and breaking news. She oversees annual lists including Top 100 Bars and Top 100 Restaurants and contributes to the Best of Dallas. If you have a tip about an amazing pastry, pie or taco, let her know.

Contact: Lauren Drewes Daniels

Follow:

Facebook: cityofate

Instagram: @lbd1975