High-end tastings are back at Petra and the Beast under a remodeled carport at the former gas station that houses the East Dallas eatery.

An outdoor dining room that feels like a desert oasis sits on the once-cracked concrete of the old carport. Tables sit on Southwestern rugs, with wine buckets and cleaning supplies located on nearby end tables. A shade cloth blocks the sun, and fans keep the 17-by-17-foot space cool from the sweltering summer heat.

“It feels like starting the restaurant all back over, or even starting a new restaurant,” chef Misti Norris told D Magazine. “It’s what we’ve done before, but at the same time, so different.”

Petra and the Beast remained open for curbside pickup when dining rooms closed in March because of the coronavirus pandemic. But guests missed the tasting experience, and Norris had to consider how to reopen in a way that was viable and safe for everyone, D Magazine reported.

Norris brings her usual creativity and trailblazing style to the outdoor tastings, except with cold or room-temperature dishes. Expect less animal fat and lighter dishes, such as seafood and mousse, according to the publication.

Seated tastings are available Thursday-Saturday from 8-11 p.m. They cost $150.

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Tonight was our first night of new normal dining... We have completely built an outdoor dining area that we feel is safety first! With that comes so many obstacles.. With the outdoor space we are doing tastings to express our much needed desire to create and to give people an experience that is almost lost at the moment. Tonight we were lucky enough to be embraced by those who have supported us from the beginning . we acknowledge there is much growth to be had, but we went into this with humble hearts, determination to be better, and to overcome hard times that we are faced with! We will continue to grow with the support of our community and in our true fashion continue to adapt and serve our community the best we possibly can. With doing our tastings and petra market we are not only able to give our employees a living wage but also able to take proceeds to feed our at risk community! We are so thankful to everyone who has continued to support us. We will grow, we will be better, and we will continue to help where we can. Special thanks to @joe.enderby for the direction! #farmforagefermentfire #supportsmall #supportlocal #supportcommunity #alwayspushing #alwaysadapting

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