How To Look Hot on a Date

So the other day I went to dinner at The Grill on the Alley at Galleria Dallas. (Please do not judge me for going north of 635 on a Saturday night. And please do not judge me for using a $40 coupon I got in the mail. And, yes, I paid for the date!) Anyway, I’d heard about the snazzy joint, a Beverly Hills import serving all-American (and expensive) food, and decided to throw caution to the wind and not make a reservation as recommended. Well, joke’s on me, because there are, apparently, restaurants in this town that actually get booked solid on a Saturday night—and in North Dallas! But don’t worry about us. We took a seat at the equally snazzy bar, where you can order from the dinner menu. Anyhoo, here’s where I got sexy. I ordered a glass of Tillman Claret meritage (delish), and volunteered to split the wedge salad (very ladylike). But then I went and ordered the chicken pot pie, which, forgive the cliche, was as big as my head. (I guess it had to be, because it cost $19.) I was horrified when the waiter set it down, but probably not as horrified as the waiter—or my date, for that matter—when I ate every chunk of chicken, carrot, and mushroom and proceeded to scrape every last bit of pastry off the rim of the dish. You’ll be shocked to learn I was home—and horizontal—by 9:45. And I was alone.

Tart Has Room to Party

While we’re on the subject of bakeries, I had dinner last week (Kavala: amazing) with the cousin of the owners of Tart Bakery on Lovers Lane. As reported here, they’ve expanded north and opened up a space at the Shops at Legacy in Plano. In addition to carrying the same tasty treats made famous at the mother ship, my friend relayed that the suburban outpost also has a party room, perfect for bridal/baby showers or any other baked goods-friendly occasion.

Re: Congrats to Society Bakery

Not to diminish the excellence of Society Bakery’s cupcakes, but I think Ellen should have tried the Ding Dong cake. It’s a masterpiece—way better than the Hostess confection that inspired it. Anyone up for a late-afternoon sugar run?

Congrats to Society Bakery

I just drove by Society Bakery on Greenville Avenue, and they have a sign outside announcing that Ellen DeGeneres picked their cupcakes as one of the top ten best in the country. It’s been a while, but I’ve tried one, and they are delicious. Sounds pretty good right now, I should have stopped. Way to go Society!

Fancy Pants Wine-Oh Dinner

Fine dining is alive and well at the Rosewood Mansion on Turtle Creek. Here’s proof: on Saturday, February 9, at 7pm, execuchef John Tesar is preparing a five-course menu to be paired with wine from cult Cabernet producer, Spring Mountain Vineyard. The wines taking center stage during the evening are offered for the first time as a complete–that would be eleven wines–vertical of Elivette and all reserve vintages from its 1993 renaissance to 2003. (That will no doubt put you horizontal.) Cost is $250 per person plus tax and gratuity. Reservations: 214-443-4747.

Super Bowl Brunch

OK, I admit the Super Bowl is not going to be all that super, but if you want to start the festivities early, The Grape is serving a bitchin’ a la carte brunch (10:30am-2pm) menu in addition to some “tailgating” football favorites like fried shrimp, ribs, and nachos. That said, if new chef/owner Brian C. Luscher turns on one TV in that romantic spot, he will be on my spit list. For. Ever.

The Restaurant Opening Of The Year?

Fearing’s? Charlie Palmer? According to one SideDishing father, it’s here.

Good Old-Fashioned Shoot Out In Fort Worth

Despite my glitzy urban chic demeanor, I am a cowgirl at heart. I still like to ride horses and play with guns. What I don’t do enough is go to Fort Worth where the cowboy spirit is very much alive. Now I have no more excuses—the White Elephant Saloon, one of the funkiest bars in America, is readying to celebrate its 121^st birthday. And they are going to do it up right by staging a reenactment of a gunfight between Luke Short and Jim “Longhaired Jim” Courtright on the streets in front of the Stockyards. If you’ve never sat on–or fallen off of–one of the saddle seats at the bar, it’s high time to do so. Head over on February 8^th, ‘round 7, and drink in some history of the Old West, a time when having the fastest gun was a good thing. I can’t wait to break out my Miss Kitty outfit . Paladin, Paladin, where do you roam? (God, he was so hot.)

Get High And Learn

I didn’t know a whole lot about sake until I took a fun class at SushiSamba in the Galleria. In fact the class was so fun, I forgot to post about it until an e-mail outlining their Valentine’s Day dinner (details below) arrived minutes ago. Anywhoo, besides learning about the types of sake, its history, and production details, the class covers sushi, as in how to make it, how the fish is graded, and the unique knife techniques involved in trimming. You even get the chance to make your own sushi roll. The hot and cold sake flows as freely as the edamame, tempura, shashimi, and sushi. It’s fun for a date or a birthday party. Click here for more info.

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