Pappas Bros. Steakhouse Dallas Awarded The Grand Award From Wine Spectator

DALLAS, Aug. 1, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Pappas Restaurants owners, Chris and Harris Pappas, proudly announce Pappas Bros. Steakhouse Dallas has earned the coveted Grand Award from Wine Spectator magazine. In accepting this award, Pappas Bros. Steakhouse Dallas is joining a very elite group – only 74 restaurants in the world at this time hold this honor.

The Grand Award is the highest award granted by Wine Spectator. It is presented to restaurants that maintain a high standard of the quality and selections of their wine collections. Wine Spectator's Grand Award winners typically carry more than 1,500 selections or more and have upheld certain standards found only in the most selective of wine programs. It was noted that Pappas Bros. Steakhouse's passion for wine was also reflected in the food, service and ambiance found in the restaurant. "This award is a great acknowledgement of our wine program as well as of Pappas Bros. Steakhouse Dallas, and we are honored to have been chosen," says Harris Pappas.

Pappas Bros. Steakhouse Dallas joins Pappas Bros. Steakhouse Houston - the only other holder of the Grand Award in Texas – in receiving this honor. The wine cellar inventory at Pappas Bros. Steakhouse Dallas totals nearly 33,000 bottles and 3,000 selections highlighting some of the best wines from around the world. Specifically known for their broad selection of Bordeaux, Burgundy and an extensive representation of the wines of California. Pappas Bros. Steakhouse Dallas has earned a reputation for their handpicked selections. In addition to world-class producers such as Ramonet, Mortet, J.L. Chave, Vega Sicilia, Conterno and Henschke; an in-depth selection of vintage ports and Madeiras as far back as 1834 are available in the Pappas Bros. cellar.

Pappas Bros. Steakhouse and the Pappas Restaurants Wine Department team contributed to earning this esteemed award.

Barbara Werley, Master Sommelier at Pappas Bros. Steakhouse Dallas, is one of only four in Texas, and she is also one of only 17 female Master Sommeliers in North America. Werley adds, "I'm really excited to have our wine program recognized with this honor. It's great to have the support of the Pappas family who had the foresight to commit to a great wine program 15 years ago when they opened the first Pappas Bros. Steakhouse in Houston and then continue their great support when the opened Pappas Bros. Steakhouse in Dallas in 1998."

Drew Hendricks, Master Sommelier and Pappas Restaurants Wine Director, has been recognized for his talents over the years, including winning the 2007 International Chaine des Rotisseurs Young Sommelier Competition. He is also the co-founder and President of the Texas Sommelier Association.

Chef James Johnson, Pappas Bros. Steakhouse Dallas Executive Chef, is well-known for opening some of Dallas' most well-known dining establishments. Since coming to Pappas Bros. Steakhouse in 2006, Johnson has led Pappas Bros. Steakhouse Dallas to such honors as "Best Steakhouse in Texas," in 2007 from Texas Monthly and "Best Steakhouse in Dallas" in 2011 by D Magazine. He was named as one of "13 Chefs to Watch" by Esquire magazine in 2003.

Chef Michael Velardi, Pappas Restaurants Executive Corporate Chef, is the founding Executive Chef at Pappas Bros. Steakhouse. Velardi's corporate leadership shows in the complexity and diversity of Pappas Restaurants' food.

Rick Turner, General Manager at Pappas Bros. Steakhouse Dallas, has worked for Pappas Restaurants for almost 14 years. Turner holds a Bachelor of Science in Business from the University of Houston, a Certified Sommelier certification, a Certified Specialist of Spirits and numerous certifications from Beverage Alcohol Resource.

Jason Hisaw, Advanced Wine Sommelier for Pappas Bros. Steakhouse Dallas, has been essential in developing the Wine Program. He has worked with the entire Pappas team to uphold the standards and development of diversity of the wine list.

Other valuable members of the team that contributed to this award Heather Greene, Certified Wine Sommelier, and Jason Huerta, Certified Wine Sommelier.

Pappas Bros. Steakhouse, named "Best Steakhouse in Texas" by Texas Monthly, is the premier steakhouse in Houston and Dallas. Widely recognized as one of the highest quality and best restaurants in the nation, Pappas Bros. serves dry-aged, prime beef accompanied by succulent side dishes, and finished with rich desserts.

For additional information, visit www.pappasbros.com.

Pappas Restaurants has been providing outstanding food, service and atmosphere for more than 30 years. With locations in Houston, Dallas, Austin, San Antonio, the Rio Grand Valley, Atlanta, Chicago, Denver, Albuquerque, Cincinnati, and Phoenix, our restaurant family now includes more than 80 locations that have been voted among the best restaurants in North America in local, regional and national publications. The privately held Pappas concepts include Pappadeaux Seafood Kitchen, Pappasito's Cantina, Pappas Bros. Steakhouse, Pappas Seafood House, Pappas Bar-B-Q, Pappas Burger, Yia Yia Mary's Pappas Greek Kitchen and Dot Diner. For more information visit www.pappas.com.

SOURCE Pappas Restaurants