Where are You Headed For Mother’s Day?

If you still need a place to eat on Sunday, look here for suggestions. Hopefully, though, you’ve got the resy all taken care of. If so, we want to know where you’re taking your lovely mama. Or, if you’re cooking for mom, what are you making? My mom is coming in from KC, and we’re going to the Mansion for brunch. Yes, it is fancy, but she’s worth it. And I can’t afford it on my own. Stacey is having breakfast at her in-laws (she’s hoping for pancakes and mimosas), Stephen was planning to go to Kitchen 1924 but must go to a cousin’s graduation instead, Todd is going to either Texas Land and Cattle Co or the Char-Co Broiler (”I come from country peasant stock. My mom and stepdad don’t like to spend a lot of money on food,” he explains), I can’t find Jennifer (but I’ll bet she’s going somewhere good) and Nancy is in West Virginia, so…we can only guess what she’ll be having.

Where Tre Wilcox Will Be Tomorrow Night

I am fortunate enough to be attending Evening at the Lake tomorrow, courtesy of People Newspapers. Looks to be a fun night, and Tre Wilcox is not only the honorary chair, he and his culinary services are a part of the live auction. I’d put a bid in if not only to beat him down with questions about this. And for some of his tasty Southern cooking, natch.

Spiral Diner: Now in Oak Cliff

I just got around to visiting the new Spiral Diner in Oak Cliff. If you’re not familiar, it’s a diner done vegan style. You can get all the basics: burgers, sammiches, breakfast, except all the animal products are replaced with plant substitutes. I’m no vegan, but I can still appreciate the fare. (One of my favorite Chinese joints is all vegan. No worrying about “mystery meat” and it feels healthy, even if it’s a huge plate of Kung Pao.)

The original location is still in Ft. Worth and has quite a following. This location is at Beckley Ave & Zang, which is only about 5-6 miles from Oak Lawn.

I’ll be back to try breakfast before I put my $0.02 in (I had lunch this time.) But if you go, be sure to try the Agave Limeade.

(Jamaican Jerk BBQ San’ich pictured)

Don Henley Eats! Don Henley Eats!

This just in, in the nick of time:

Bonnie Raitt and Don Henley had dinner with their crew last night at Nana. They are in town playing at the closing dinner event for the 2008 Hilton Focus Service Owners Conference.

I haven’t been able to confirm it but I heard he took the stairs to lower the carbon footprints on his dining experience.But here’s the real question: what is the Hilton Focus Service Owners Conference and how do they afford to pay Bonnie Raitt and Don Henley to play at a conference dinner? I’m just curious.

Tillman’s Roadhouse To Host “Food and Juice” Pairing

This just in from execuchef Dan “More Flavor is Never a Bad Thing” Landsberg: On Tuesday, May 20^th, Tillman’s will host a wine dinner with Guy Davis and his limited production of Russian River Valley wines. Menu and pairings after the jump. Limited to 20 peeps. $90 per person.  214-942-0988 for reservations. Continue reading "Tillman’s Roadhouse To Host “Food and Juice” Pairing"

Mostaccioli with a side of Modano

Here’s a nice alternative to your typical fried-cheese-chomping/draft-beer-chugging sports bar for tonight’s Stars/Red Wings game. Riccardi’s in Uptown is hosting a watching party in its lounge featuring $5 wells, bellinis, and margaritas. Afterwards, celebrate the game one win with–in my opinion–some of the best veal cannelloni in town. Great. Now I’m hungry.

Avner Samuel Drops A Bomb

I just finished talking with Aurora’s chef/owner Avner Samuel and, once again, he’s got some big plans in the works. He swore me to secrecy but I crossed my fingers behind my back. All I can say is that he’s making some big ch-ch-ch-changes and it makes me hungry. Now I will sit here at my desk and wait for him to come across the street and hit me over the head with a copper sauce pan for opening my big fat mouth. I just can’t keep a secret. Y’all want to guess?

Cheap Lunch at Whole Foods

We love Whole Foods. But we all know it’s not the cheapest lunch in town. Today when we made our bi-weekly trip to WF for fat-free ginger cookies, though, there was a man with a grill and many condiments set up on the patio. Apparently on Wednesdays, from 11–2, you can get a hamburger, chips, and a drink for $5.99. Even better? Tuesdays are shrimp quesadilla days. Insert tummy rumble here.

Oh–this is the Highland Park locale, not sure if others are offering similar deals…

Love Travel? Love Wine? Think You Work Hard?

Then you’ll love Kim “Fresh Face” Pierce’s story on Neal and Janice Newsom in today’s Food Section of the DMN. Great read, Kim.

I Need Apple Pie Right Now

No, I am not preggers. But the mention of Perry’s (below) jostled what is left of my memory and I remembered eating a bitchin’ piece of apple pie there. I also like the mile-high version at Sammy’s Bar B Que and the fried apple turnover at Goff’s. Et tu, Dishers? Spill it.

Perry’s Is One Crabby Place

The honorable Travis Henderson II, of Perry’s would like the SideDish Nation to know he is receiving his first shipment of soft shell crabs from Maryland this Thursday. He will serving only “primes” and doing them sautéed or deep sautéed.

New Orleans Food Blog

The IACP recently held their annual conference in New Orleans. I’ve spoken with several of my colleagues who attended and they were more than thrilled to find a thriving food community. Most of the attendees came away with a message from the citizens of NOLA: food professionals need to spread the word that the restaurants of the city are open for business. To that end, Judith Klinger, of Aroma Cucina Blog, has set up New Orleans food-related links written by IACP members who blogged from the conference. I’ve been perusing it for an hour. I am so hungry I could eat these. Read it and eat.

National Hot Dog Eating Contest Coming To Plano

I love this event and I challenge any of you big mouths out there to participate in the upcoming Nathan’s Famous International Hot Dog Eating Championship that will take place at Sam’s Club in Plano on June 21 from 11:00am to 1:00pm. The competition has been happening in Coney Island since 1916 and last year’s champion, Joey Chestnut (what a great name), ate 66 dogs in 12 minutes. The pig out was televised on ESPN. I want a member of the SideDish/FrontBurner Nation to bring the Yellow Mustard Belt to Dallas. Let me hear from you if you are serious. In the meantime, sign up here. (Mrs. Joey Chestnut has such a great ring to it.)

UPDATE: This event is a qualifying round for the big event that takes place on July 4 in Coney Island.

Cyclone Anaya: Another Take

I’m a little late getting to this. I had lunch with Stephen last Friday, a perfect patio day in Dallas if ever there was one, and Cyclone Anaya’s patio was gayer than a Designing Women marathon on Lifetime. The boys were out in force at this new Oak Lawn restaurant. It seemed to be an instant smash and for some good reasons. Nice margaritas with a cool circular interior bar. Mexican food that tasted fresh and handcrafted rather than your typical greasy Tex-Mex. (The enchiladas Anaya were stuffed with juicy chicken chunks, sauteed mushrooms and onions, and gooey cheese. These were some fantastic and—best of all—memorable enchiladas.) And, once again, a great multi-level patio. Sure, this is all based on only one trip. But I’ll be back. Lets just hope that Cyclone Anaya can exorcise the ghosts of past failed restaurants in the same space. (Nuevo Leon, Cayuse, and many more)

Abacus: Looking Good, Tasting Good

Yesterday my husband and I celebrated our seven-year anniversary with dinner at Abacus. I had never been there before, so I can’t speak too much to the results of the restaurant’s recent makeover. It seemed nice enough inside, with a lot of neutrals and wood tones. There was nary a geometric shape to be found. Kent Rathbun was there, meeting and greeting.

We decided to go with the nine-course tasting menu with wine pairings. After the jump is a brief description of what the kitchen cooked up for us (from an eater’s perspective, not a critic’s), if you’re interested. Continue reading "Abacus: Looking Good, Tasting Good"

Cretia’s On McKinney Is Closed

Yep, it’s boarded up and a new tenant is moving in. My sources won’t talk until the ink on the new lease is dry. Anyone out there have a clue? No, it is NOT Nick Badovinus’ new place.

A New Sweet to Beat the Heat

Are you ready for a sorbet parlor? I hope so cuz one, Sorbeteria, is throwing a grand opening on Saturday, May 17^th across from NorthPark (7700 W. Northwest Highway). According to the press release, the premium sorbets have a higher fruit content than a typical sorbet and they use raw cane sugar as opposed to refined. If you show up on the 17^th, you can taste it all for free! (PS, it’s already open.)

Friday Fun in Fort Worth

Last weekend I had the pleasure of driving to Fort Worth to witness the marriage of our own Julie Blacklidge. The reception was held at LightCatcher Winery . The wine and the facility were perfect for a late spring event. Anywhoo, the drive made me wonder why I don’t head to Fort Worth more often. Especially to the Modern Art Museum where they host a wide variety of activities all the time. The Café Modern isn’t just a typical museum sandwich shop, it is manned by a real female chef, Dena Peterson. On the first Friday of each month, you can experience live music, cocktails, and dinner at Café Modern with a docent-led, twenty minute tour of the galleries. I say go. Call now: 817-840-2157.

Loads of Great Food at the Farmers Market

Besides Paul’s corn stand, I visited a lot of my favorite spots at the Dallas Farmers Market, including John Lucido’s stand. Every spring, I buy all of the starter plants for my herb garden from John and yesterday I stocked up on his homemade jalepeno-flavored linguine along with a couple jars of roasted garlic pasta sauce. I also picked up some fabulous onions from Lemley’s (below) across the street. Tonight I’m going to bake the onions and eat them alongside a plate of pasta and tomato sauce. And for dessert I’m going to open a jar of Lucido’s sweet Texas peaches and cover them with Blue Bell vanilla ice cream.

Think and Talk About Street Food Tomorrow

If you haven’t read D contributor Rawlins Gilliland’s sassy piece on street food in Dallas in this month’s print pub, do so here. Then tomorrow you can listen to Rawlins wax poetic on his adventures in outdoor dining with Kris Boyd on Think (90.1) from noon to 1:00pm. Inspired by editing Gilliland’s story, I hit the Dallas Farmers Market this weekend for a piece or two of corn slathered with mayonnaise and butter from Paul’s Sweet Roasted Corn stand. I found Paul standing outside of Shed One shouting, “Come on baby, and get your corn. D Magazine loves us.” Yes we do. Especially the condiment bar (below).

Bijoux Will Host Two Wine Dinners in May

I admit it, I’ve never been to Bijoux Restaurant in Inwood Village. The announcement after the jump gives me two good reasons to go. Continue reading "Bijoux Will Host Two Wine Dinners in May"

Waters Drinks Wine

Roger Waters, of Pink Floyd fame, is in town to play a gig at tonight at Superpages.com Center. (What. Ever.) According to one of my super-sleuth, he dined at Al Biernat’s yesterday where Waters ordered his usual–a $1,400 bottle of Mouton Rothschild wine. Interesting, isn’t it?

OrangeCup. Go Getcha Some.

For all the lovely folks who are just itching to complain in the comments section about us writing about food that is delivered to our offices: Today is another one of those times. Save your finger strength, because even if I had to pay for OrangeCup, I would blog about it. This stuff is darn tasty. Even Nancy said she loved it, and we all know she’s got an extremely highly developed palate.

Yes, the OrangeCup peeps did just bring us by 36 cups of yogurt, complete with toppings. But here’s what else is good: It’s a local company, started by two UT grads (hence the Orange, I’m guessing), and their first shop just opened up in NorthPark Center. They offer three kinds: tangy Natural, citrusy Zum, and berry-y Acai Berry. The favorite in our office was definitely Natural, with Acai coming in second. The yogurt is all-natural, it’s fat-free, and low-cal. Toppings include all kind of fruit, coconut, granola, peanuts, and my favorite, Fruity Pebbles.

Next up is a store in Stonebriar Mall, with many locations to follow. On Saturday, local musician Brad Thompson will be performing from 2–4pm at their NorthPark location. Everyone, go try it and tell me what you think on Monday.

Cyclone Anaya: My Take

Our nightlife maven, Kyle Kearbey, had good things to say about Cyclone Anaya’s Mexican Kitchen. So good, that it convinced Todd and I to check it out for lunch today. And what a day. If it’s patio weather, this should be on your list. Not exactly an amazing view (Hall at Oak Lawn), but the people watching proved to be some of the best around town. It’s a beautiful restaurant inside, too. I especially dig how cozy it feels, even with the use of some very expensive materials.

So how’s the food? I’ll let Todd tell you about his dish, but I opted for the Fish Tacos (pictured). Generous portions of well-seasoned fish and a couple bucks worth of avocado make up the fare. What you can’t see is a side of cilantro lime vinaigrette (that looks much too creamy to be called a vinaigrette), that suprisingly didn’t overpower everything else. It’s a solid choice—literally. I half expected the tortilla to fall apart as they often do with that much food. They didn’t, and were surprisingly easy to eat. Kudos on construction.

Also got a frozen sangria margarita (hey, it’s Friday) after repeatedly hearing their margaritas recommend. I wasn’t impressed. A little too sour and not enough flavor. Strong enough, but just not that tasty. Perhaps on the rocks would have been the way to go.

Either way, it’s worth a trip and I’ll be back to try some of the more interesting dishes. Todd’s take is next up.

Mother’s Day Recommendations

Don’t forget to check our list of Mother’s Day dining options here.

Dining Horror Stories

A Disher who lives in Southlake says her experience at Mi Chulas Good Mexican was really bad :

The manager/owner needs anger management! He grabbed my daughter’s arm cause she was going to the front door to greet her dad and yelled “there is no running in here”. Then approached our table 2x saying- I here you have a problem with me– never apologizing- my daughter was terrified. They are taught in school that if strangers touch you they can be the “bad man”. With her crying at the table the entire time, he kept attacking us verbally and then came back a 2nd time. We requested him to leave us alone so we could finish up and we would not return to his restaurant and he said “good!” Wow, this spirit of anger will not succeed as a cafe owner- he will fail.

Did Harvey Gough move to Southlake without my knowledge? Anyone else been?

Get Your Cosmo On at Social

I know there are quite a few of you who are excited for the Sex and the City: The Movie. So just admit it already! There’s no shame in that game. Social at Hotel Lumen has even created a happy hour special just for you, and they’re calling it “Sex and the Park Cities.” On Wednesdays this month, from 5–10pm, belly up to the bar for half-price Cosmopolitans. If you’ve seen the commercials for the movie, you know the ladies are drinking these martinis again (they stopped because “everyone else was drinking them.” I think that means us, but oh well), so get in the proper SATC spirit by downing a couple yourself.

Nick and Kelli Barclay Do Dallas

I just returned from a lovely lunch at Salum with Nick and Kelli Barclay. Most of you remember Barclay’s, the popular modern Euro-British restaurant they operated in the darling Victorian house on Fairmount Street that now houses Lola. In 2000, they left Dallas and returned to Cornwall, Nick’s homeland in the southwestern tip of England. There, in the small town of Looe, they built their dream hotel/restaurant, The Barclay House.

After building a successful business and winning all kinds of awards, Nick and Kelli sold Barclay House about a year and a half ago and have been living in Looe with their “fingers in all kinds of pies.” However that hasn’t stopped them from keeping a toe in Dallas. There is even a possibility that their whole bodies, along with their three kids, will be back in business here in “a year or so.” While in town this week, they’ve been checking up on old friends like Dean Fearing and filling their bellies with Sonny Bryan’s barbecue. Leave them a message below. They’d love to hear from you.

Whole Foods Teams Up With Lauren Bush and Rwanda

See the bag pictured to the left? If you buy one at Whole Foods for $29.99, your purchase will provide 100 meals to the hungry children of Rwanda. The line of reusable totes was designed by supermodel and niece to the president, Lauren Bush(pictured), who is also the co-founder and CEO of FEED Projects and they go on sale today exclusively at Whole Foods in the United States, Canada, and the U.K. I have the zippered burlap—it fits nicely in the bottom of my purse and expands to the size of a large paper bag.

Sushi and Sunshine Poolside at Fuse

When I think of eating something by the pool, I usually re-think it and stick with a margarita. Or! A Coors Light. But the folks at Fuse want us to think sushi. They are offering half-price appetizers, sushi, and cheap (relatively) drinks during happy hour on their fun and breezy pool deck all summer long. Brisket potstickers? Check. Spicy tuna rolls? Check check. Dirty martinis? (!) Big check. And on the plus side, there’s no reason to wear a bathing suit, since you’ll be eating at a restaurant, and all. And beers are $3. Cha-ching! Jump for the details.

Continue reading "Sushi and Sunshine Poolside at Fuse"

Big D’s Dogs

I’ve been hearing good things about Big D’s for months and just now got around to stopping by. Should have gone sooner; the Thai Chili Dog (pictured) was greatness. Consisted of shredded lettuce, cilantro, green onions, fresh jalapeños, shredded carrots, and thai chile lime sauce. Plus you’ve got the 1/4lb kosher dog, all of which comes on a grilled potato bun. I always enjoyed the Chicago Dog at Wild About Harry’s, but they’ve got nothing on Big D’s.

Don, the owner, will likely be the one serving you up. His Myspace page says he graduated from the California Culinary Academy. Good thing too, Dallas has been deserving dogs like these for a while.

When I go back, I’ll be trying the Greenville Ave Dog (Shiner Chili, Shredded Cheddar, Tomatoes, Green Onions, Jalapenos, Homemade Ranch, and Hickory Smoked Bacon). I hear the Shiner Chili is worth the trip alone.

Celebrity Sighting: Jenna & Laura

An alert Disher who loves margaritas and MiCocina files this report:

Our “reporter” went on to say that the Mercedes the Bush gals left in was sporting two “Obama 2008!” bumper stickers. Swamp land (or voting rights) in Florida anyone?

Your Next Good Deed? Shopping at Whole Foods

 We love Whole Foods (especially the fat-free ginger cookies and the cheese samples. And the roasted chicken. And the chicken salad. And…we’ll stop there). We usually go to the store on Lemmon Avenue because of it’s proximity to D Mag HQ. However, on May 7, we will have to venture to the Preston and Forest locale for Community Giving Day. This time, five percent of the day’s sales will benefit Attitudes & Attire, a great organization that helps women gain confidence and become self-sufficient. From 6–7pm, bring in an accessory donation and get a $10 gift card to the Whole Foods Spa. Jump for all the details.

Continue reading "Your Next Good Deed? Shopping at Whole Foods"

Bob’s Steak & Chop House Files for Bankruptcy

According to a restaurant supplier, the Bob’s Steak & Chop House in Houston has filed for bankruptcy. All Dallas area locations are up and running. Developing.

You Want Food With That Airline Ticket?

Here  is yet another indication that the rich are getting richer and the poor are getting poorer. And hungrier. Thankfully, Fort Worth chef Tim Love is going to save Dallas travelers from starving while traveling.

Rum for the Roses at Windmill Lounge

The folks over at Windmill Lounge will open early (3PM) this Saturday to allow ample time for libations before the Kentucky Derby. There will be a hat parade, large screen TVs, and complimentary biscuits with ham and gravy. Mint Juleps for one and all.

Abacus Is Open For Business

Kent Rathbun has just completed a complete makeover of starship Abacus. New menu; gorgeous digs. Rathbun is back in the kitchen. They had a quick soft opening on Monday and Tuesday nights and they’re ready for you now. Beet salad, anyone? Looks like tall food is making a comeback.

Just In: Texas Crop Report

If you really want to stay on top of the eat local and regional movement, make the jump and read the Crop Conditions Report compiled by Robert Burns at Texas A&M University. Pay attention Dishers, this is important stuff. Continue reading "Just In: Texas Crop Report"

Duck: Incoming Cupcakes

This chick’s name is Pamela Jenkins. In Las Vegas she is known as the Cupcake Queen. Pamela was born in Jacksboro, Texas. According to her website, she “studied in New York City, Spain, Argentina, and has traveled the globe. She is a total “foodie,” loving to visit the culinary establishments of Vegas.” Riveting. She ended up in Vegas as the executive assistant to the CEO of the Golden Nugget casino. One day she was sitting in her office reading a story in the newspaper about a woman who was selling cupcakes. In January 2006 she quit said job and opened The Cupcakery in Vegas. She sold 275,000 frickin’ cupcakes (at $2.75 a pop) in one year. This summer, The Cupcakery will open a location in The Shops at Starwood in Frisco. You’ll be interested to know that when Jenkins is not spending time creating new cupcake recipes, she spends time with her three dogs Josephine, Tora, and Calypso, riding horses, and doing Bikram Yoga. You’ll also be interested to know that in my spare time I write about former executive assistants who turn into millionaires by selling cupcakes. I want my mommy.

Mexican Food in Allen

Anybody eaten at La Finca in Allen? Is it worth the drive? Help.

The Black Crows Set to Play Taste of Addison

The town of Addison will be rocking next weekend when the Taste of (Bill) Addison opens the doors at 5:00PM Friday May 9. Check out the website for all of the activities. Highlights? Pinkalicious: The Musical, Flair Bartending Exhibition, and a Saturday night performance by The Black Crows. Good, clean, cheap fun. Hit it, boys.

Looking For Fabulous Lasagna? Wine?

Next October, a group of my friends and I are heading to Tuscany for ten days. Besides taking cooking lessons and a culinary tour, we are also hitting several (hundred) wineries. To prepare for our trip, I am organizing a series of get-togethers designed to pre-educate the group with all things Italian. Last night was Tuscany Wine 101 and our “teacher” was Alfonso Cevola, you know, the Italian wine director at Glazer’s who writes a wicked wine blog. Anywhoo, Alfonso showed up with six wines and I showed up with a couple of frozen sausage and meatball lasagnas from Jimmy’s Food Store. People, the wine was great, but the lasagna was even greater. A tin that feeds 6-8 is only $30. Our hefty group of ten barely touched the second one. I also picked up some tasty sesame crackers and several Italian cheeses. There is no better spot in Dallas for Italian food. And I’m including all of the restaurants that call themselves Italian. I’ll list the wines we tasted below. Good stuff. Continue reading "Looking For Fabulous Lasagna? Wine?"

World-Delicacies.com Update

Lordy, if half of you who have taken the time to e-mail me about the loss of World-Delicacies.com had actually gone to the store, they’d still be in business. And they are kinda sorta. A Disher, keen on all things green, sends this:

They [wholesale side of World-Delicacies.com] were bought by a company called European Imports. They then moved to a location in Grand Prairie and are operating as European Imports.

There you go.

Bijoux Founders to Open Project in Westin Galleria Dallas

Word comes that Scott and Gina Gottlich, of the ultra-fancy and fabulous Bijoux restaurant, will be opening up a new restaurant in the Westin Galleria Dallas. No word on the concept, or really any info at all about the place, but it is scheduled to open sometime this year. Follow the jump for the press release.

Continue reading "Bijoux Founders to Open Project in Westin Galleria Dallas"

Al Biernat Ups His Ante

The master of steak house ceremonies has hired long-time Dallas chef Michael Weinstein to develop a brunch and catering menu. Many of you will remember chef Weinstein from his gigs at The Riviera (weeping), The Grape, and Aurora, to name a few. Maybe chef Weinstein will answer one Disher’s burning question: “Help! I want the recipe for the Al’s salad with the hearts of palm, avocado, crab, and shrimp.” Or maybe not. Time will tell.

Dining Options for Mother’s Day

OK, kids. Jump for the press releases I have received for special Mother’s Day dining. Sure I copied and pasted them. Sure it’s not an exhaustive list. But it’s a dang good start. As I get more, I’ll add them If you have a better idea, post it in under comments. On your mark, get set, make reservations.

Update: More added! Continue reading "Dining Options for Mother’s Day"

LightCatcher Releases Off-Dry Rosé

LightCatcher Winery in Fort Worth just released the 2007 Texas Kiss Merlot Rosé ($14). Winemaker Caris Turpen said:

This year’s version is true to form - light, crisp, and just sweet enough to push the fruitiness right up to the front (technically it’s “off-dry”).  The flavors are strawberry, cherry, watermelon and cranberry - a perfect complement to spicy and warm-weather dishes.  And, the color is gorgeous - a transparent ruby red, clean and enticing.

You can expect that this will sell out soon, as it does every year. I love this wine with fish and shellfish dishes that have a bit of sweetness in the glazes or sauces. Turpen also has a dry-style Merlot rosé, Etain’s Rose ($18), that I cannot leave the winery without buying drinking at least one bottle. It is crisp and refreshing, but has structure and complexity. Try it with chicken, Asian food, even steak.

RE: Top Chef

Okay, not be Queen Redundant of Redundancy, but to our handicapping Disher I say: word. I’ll be so happy when Lisa, Nikki, Mark, and Antonia are gone. Especially Lisa and Nikki. I mean, seriously. Now that we’re on to week eight, it really is game-on time. (My picks: Stephanie, Dale, Richard, and Andrew—despite his uber tweakiness.)

More Virutal Food

My husband and I had lunch recently with some friends (at The Counter. It was decent. Get the sweet potato fries.), and the wife mentioned in passing that she had started a food blog. She has always been interested in cooking and baking, and her collection of cookbooks dwarfs my entire library. But, even knowing all that, I am still impressed with her effort (especially since she has a 1-year-old and a part-time law career to boot). I guess these online amateur foodie outposts are more prevalent than I think. That true?

Top Chef: The Game: Mid-Season Recap

Remember this, when we decided to make Top Chef:Chicago into a fun game? It’s halfway through the season, and the same Disher who invented the game sends the mid-season review:

Just watched Wednesday night’s ep on the DVR last night and though that we should do an almost-mid-season review of the handicapping. This shouldn’t be too tough, since the players are few in number. I have the picks as such:

Me:                        Richard, Dale, Stephanie, and Andrew (4 for 4 so far)

You:                       Richard, Antonia, Nikki, and Manuel (3 for 4)

Donna:                 Antonia, Jennifer, Richard, & Stephanie (4 for 4)

Logan:                   Richard, Stephanie, Mark, Ryan (3 for 4)

Todd J.:                Richard, Stephanie, Dale, and Spike (4 for 4)

RB:                         Dale, Richard, Jennifer, Antonia (3 for 4)

I find a couple things interesting. First, everybody has Richard Blais in their group, and thus far he’s got to be in the clubhouse with the lead, but it’s only Friday (literally and figuratively) and there are 36 holes yet to play.

Second, nobody had more than one of the early round losers.

Third, I’ve been very impressed with this group compared with Season 3. After about the second or third episode, each of the chefs seems to feel that they have to bring it every week; last season, there were a lot of folks who seemed to just want to coast in the middle and then try to turn it on in the playoffs.

Last, I think that there are a bunch who are just hanging on by a thread: Mark, Antonia, Nikki, and Bad Attitude Lisa. If there were a group challenge coming up with all 4 of them on the same group, I could see the judges cutting the entire group just to be rid of them. Except that the show probably has a 16-episode contract and that would totally screw up the production schedule.