Vegans Unite: Spiral Diner in the OC

I’ve been driving North Beckley for months, watching the slow, slow progress of veggie favorite Spiral Diner. Would it ever open? Now comes word from Pegasus News’ Teresa Gubbins that the Fort Worth import is ready for customers. That makes me happy—not that I don’t like my meat. (Insert joke) But I’ve always enjoyed the original Diner and will happily trade in a 30 mile drive out west for a two block jaunt in my hood. Welcome to the Oak Cliff neighborhood, SD.

At Least There Are No More Singing Rodents

The Escapist reports that Chuck E’ Cheese founder Nolan Bushnell is bringing his latest dining concept to the Galleria in mid-2008. uWink features interactive digital entertainment. “At-the-table touch screens let you be in control of your meal and your fun,” says the company web site. So, in other words, you get to play games and place your own order at the table via these touch screens while “runners”–not waiters–bring you your food. I say: Ugh. Look, I love my iPhone but I don’t want it to serve me a mediocre burger.

Happy 4th to Dallas Uncorked

 Dallas Uncorked is one of those organizations I’d like to know more about. For example, how many cute, single, normal guys attend the events? Well, either way I’m sold, because drinking wine with a bunch of other people who like to drink wine is what I do most weekends anyway. The group’s fourth birthday is on April 17, and they’re having a bash at Candleroom (raise it!), complete with wine (duh) and food from Andrew Ormsby Catering and TUCKER Restaurant. And gifts too, for us! I like those kind of birthdays. Full details below.

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Big News With Bolla

So I got a sneak peek at the new Stoneleigh Hotel this afternoon, which is set to welcome guests on Monday, March 3. (Yes, it’ll be a mad dash to the end, but I have faith they can do it.) Furniture has arrived, spectacular chandeliers have been installed, and the paint is being touched up as I type. In addition to the new spa—my friends and I are having a pedi party there next Saturday—mouths are watering over the new restaurant, Bolla, under the direction of James Beard nominee David Bull. (Personally, I’m most excited by the tuna “block” with Merguez sausage, Malabar spinach, and manchego aioli.) You can make reservations for Bolla on OpenTable.com, but my sources tell me the restaurant is filling up fast.

Barolo Bargains

Looking for some nice bottles to complement that Yellowtail Zin in your cellar? (Don’t lie. You know you have one.) This weekend, The Wine Market is offering 25 percent off everything in its store. Go get you some.

Bengal Coast Gets Crushed

Head by Crush Wine Shop this weekend for its Saturday Chef Series and taste the South Asian fare of new Oak Lawn restaurant Bengal Coast. You’ll get five wine tastings, a glass of your favorite wine, and various vittles for $10. Good deal. I’ll admit that I was a little leery of Bengal Coast and its Americanized menu. (Concept restaurants and jaded foodies typically don’t mix.) But after several visits, I’m impressed. Has anyone else been yet?