Another Exciting Epsisode of As the Chef Turns

Or Wack a Mole Chef Gone Wild. In this chapter, we find Joel Harloff, former chef at the Landmark, has landed yet another job. Earlier in the season, you might recall that Harloff was set to become the executive chef at Screen Door, the upscale comfort food spot in One Arts Plaza. Apparently that deal soured and Harloff headed to The Londoner in Addison to consult on a menu upgrade. Now comes word that Harloff is pairing up with former Nana GM, Paul Pinnell, at his new Dali Wine Bar & Cellar at One Arts Plaza. Stay tuned. There’s rarely a dull moment in the kitchens around town.

Pokka Green Tea w/ Jasmine

Lately, I’ve been trying different cold green teas. It’s healthy (sometimes), and a welcome departure from my normal diet of water, bourbon, or beer. So far I really haven’t found anything worthwhile. That is, until about an hour ago.

Picked up a can of Pokka Green Tea w/ Jasmine at the Whole Foods on Lemmon Ave. It tastes fresh, sweet, and the jasmine is unbelievable. At 72 calories and only 18g of sugar, it isn’t too bad, either. The unsweetened version (another brand I can’t remember that’s also in a can) was a bit too bland, and even a little bitter. This is just about perfect.

Grab one instead of an Orangina. I did.

Texas Sized Donuts

Yesterday I promised donuts. BIG donuts. Possibly the best donuts I’ve ever had. And I don’t even like donuts. Find them at Ma Wilson’s Texas Sized Donuts in Pecos, TX. Just don’t come on Sunday, she’s not open. And while the picture really doesn’t show the scale of these things, if you buy more than one, she’s got to use cake boxes—And I’m pretty sure she can only fit a few in there. With the size, the donut takes on a whole new character. More dough, less sugary crust. Given the caloric consequence, all donuts should be this good.

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Bolla at the Stoneleigh: A Therapy Session

A couple of nights ago I strolled into the newly redesigned Stoneleigh Hotel for a peek at Bolla, the new fancy pants restaurant that features the cuisine of David Bull. I’m all for progress, but…wait a second, no I’m really not. At least in this case. I have a deep emotional attachment to the Stoneleigh Hotel. My grandfather lived there as did many of my men friends who ended up divorced and homeless. For many years, The Lion’s Den, the dark bar in a nook outside the restaurant, was my home away from home. Long before Joe Miller’s became the media hangout in Dallas, Joe Miller was the bartender at The Den. The drinks and the men were stiff; the women were loose. Even when Joe Miller left to run his own spot (where the Loon is now) many regulars, like Blackie Sherrod, stayed behind and sipped their scotches at the Den. So when I walked in the other night and found the whole space ripped out, it ripped out a part of my heart. It was like going back to the house you grew up in and knocking on the door to ask the current owners to let you go back into your old bedroom. Once you find your former warm and cuddly bedroom has been turned into a shiny master bath, you just can’t help but feel sad. On one hand I’m happy that Dallas has a lovely boutique hotel but the next time I eat at Bolla, I’m taking my blankie. And my mommy. That’s all I need.

Best. Sammich. Ever.

While it may not look like much, this was the best sandwich I’ve ever eaten. Could have been the altitude, but most likely the 4.2 (nearly vertical) miles I had just hiked to the highest point in Texas. More after the jump.

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Green Thumbs Unite!

Dang, I just planted my herb garden last week, but I’m sure I did it all wrong. Again. Each year my basil grows tall and thin and tastes bitter while my parsley stays yellow and weepy. However, the lemon oregano cascades beautifully down the side of the planter box. I should probably figure out how to use it, eh? Anywhoo, I am going to take time out of my busy farming schedule to hit Central Market’s Herb Fest on Saturday, April 5, when the one, the only, and still very much alive Neil Sperry will be in the Dallas store to talk about planting and growing herbs. I’m so glad because this year I’ve decided to branch out and grow tomatoes, garlic, and peppers. Perhaps even a little of this which I hear can be pretty tricky to manage. Central Market’s Herb Fest runs April 4-6. BYOL.

Help Me Help Him

A curious Disher asks a burning question:

Do you know anything about the new restaurant (that is still in progress) that is opening in the old El Pulpo location next door to Alligator Cafe on Live Oak?

The Chicken Wing Thing

Will somebody please explain the appeal of chicken wings to me? Each morning I pass three huge restaurants that sell nothing but chicken wings. I know the whole Buffalo story and it just doesn’t conjure up any sort of romantic epicurean fantasy. Not like this or these. Chicken wings are greasy little wads of fat and they’re too much work to eat.

Drink and Dine for a Good Cause

Dining Out in Dallas will host its annual fund raising event “Battle of the Chefs” on April 2 from 6:30 to 10:00 PM. And from the looks of the invitation, it looks like it will be a mosh pit of chefs competing for the best grub of the night. So far they have 40 chefs participating. Check it out here. Individual tickets are only $50 and all proceeds benefit the Texas Neurofibromatosis Foundation.

Library Bar Gets a Makeover

The Warwick Melrose Library Bar is one of my favorite spots in the city. I’m a sucker for old-school hotel bars, and there aren’t that many left  (I’m still mourning the loss of Beau Nash). So I was surprised to learn that the LB had undergone a makeover. Looks like the colors have been updated and refreshed, but as far as I can tell, the cozy, clubby feeling is intact. The re-opening is set for April 1, so let’s all meet for a cocktail to discuss. Check out new pics after the jump.

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Friday Night Flights at Nana

This Friday night, I’ll be busy with Fashion at the Park activities, but if I wasn’t, I would be at Nana. Normally, I wouldn’t think of Nana as a happy hour spot, but even I can afford this deal: On the last Friday of every month, the Bar at Nana is offering a $15 deal that gets you samples of four different wines and accompanying food. Vincent McGrath, the wine director, will even explain what you’re drinking. Sounds fun, and you can’t beat the view. This Friday, wines from Ronan will be served. Call 214- 761-7470 if you’re interested.

New Spring Menu at the Mansion

Now that it’s spring, I guess I’m going to start blogging again! And, the Rosewood Mansion on Turtle Creek is introducing new menus. They’ve got cocktails perfect for the patio like the ginger-ita, Texas sangria, and Blazing Turtle (!). Inside at the wonderful restaurant, chef Tesar is making all kinds of new things, such as soup of spring garlic, burgundy snails, and lemon chlorophyll creme fraiche and leek and curry-infused baby turbot with lime orzotto, green apple and madras curry nage (not sure what nage is. Anyone?)

Since I’m always broke, this event sounds good to me: Two times this spring, the hotel will be serving free cocktails on the patio. Let’s all meet on April 7 for Moet Champagne cocktails. (Note: this is only from 6pm-7pm, so we will have to drink quickly.) Check the website for other events.

Aspen Is Just Around the Corner

Well, it’s actually in the mountains of Colorado but since Tim Rogers never reads SideDish I don’t have to worry about his heavy editing. Anywhoo, I’ve just made my plans for the annual Food & Wine Classic which takes place at the base of Ajax Mountain every June. This year it runs June 13-15^th and loads of folks from Dallas are going. But the biggest deal will be the Texas Outlaw Party that takes place at Kenichi on Friday the 13^th. That’s when you get to see all the national whoopteedoos try to get into our all-things-Texas party. Jacques Pepin and his daughter Claudine are always there. (They are both lovely people in spite of their fame.) Mario Batali and Drew Nieporent have attended. But this year I’m hoping to bump into the former Mrs. Salman Rushdie, Padma Lakshmi. I’d like to trade recipes for success with her. I don’t get her foodie deal. At all.

Rathbun Brothers On National TV

Execucelebrichefs Kevin and Kent Rathbun will appear on The Early Show (CBS 11) tomorrow morning sometime between 7 and 9:00 AM. On your mark, get set, program your DVR. (Wolfgang Puck. Sorry, I’m still miffed.)

Virgin Cocktail Spot Opens In Plano

A loyal D reader sends this note:

This place just moved into the same shopping center that I work in and it is AMAZING! I feel like we just found the best kept secret in Plano. I’m not normally a tea drinker, but every single drink they have there is beyond explanation. Doesn’t taste like tea - tastes more like a blend of fruits, juices, smoothies.

Yes, I heard about that place. I’m not overly inspired to drive to Plano for a virgin cocktail. Then again it’s a great excuse to break out my old silver flask. I love a good challenge.

2008 James Beard Foundation Awards Nominees Announced

The New York-Las Vegas-Yountville-centric nominees for James Beard Foundation awards just came over the wire. And  again most of Dallas’ talent was overlooked. Fearing’s is nominated for Best New Restaurant and York Street’s owner/chef Sharon Hage is nominated for Best Chef in the Southwest. New York design firm Mucca Design is nominated for their work at the recently opened  La Condesa at Victory. Fearing’s is up against Anthos (New York), Central Michel Richard (DC), Osteria Mozza (LA), and Osteria (Philly). Here is the whole list. Read it and weep. Wolfgang Puck, murmur.

Local Wine Blog Nominated For National Award

It may not be the Pulitzer but in the world of wine and wine blogging it’s a big deal. Especially when your name is Alfonso Cevola, the Italian Wine Director at Glazers, and your name is being tossed around with the likes of Eric Asimov for two American Wine Blog Awards (Best Writing and Best Graphics). His enchanting blog, On the Wine Trail in Italy, is always listed on our blogroll so I’m sure you’re familiar with his tales from the trails. If not, get hooked today. Chances are that he’ll win and he’ll go all suave bolla on us. Ya think? Naw. So vote here and vote often.

Wine of the Weekend

I cannot think of a better way to accompany a fresh spring meal than with a fruitful, refreshing rosé. Try the Antinori Scalabrone Tenuta Guado al Tasso Rosato from Bolgheri, Italy. Made from a unique combination of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah, and several other grape varieties, it has a rich, warm pink color. Aromas of strawberries, raspberries, and fresh summer fruit combine with a slightly spicy finish to create a complex, well-balanced rosé. This will pair well with any Easter brunch and can hold up to heavy meats including rack of lamb.

Too Lazy Too Cook For Easter?

There are plenty of families out there who are still scrambling to catch up with the fact that Easter is this Sunday. (So is the Pooch Parade at Lee Park! ) If you would rather spend the next 48 drinking “coffee” and tie-dying psychedelic Easter eggs, then you’d better call the good folks at T J’s Market in Preston Forest Shopping Center and choose something like the Heavenly Halibut family dinner from their catering menu. They’ve offer a couple of spectacular breakfast casseroles if you’re going to do the brunch thing and Easter bunny-shaped cakes for dessert. And you thought T J’s was just a fish market. 214-724-8247. Think again.

Benefit at The Meridian Room

The folks at Meridian Room are hosting a benefit for bartender David Allor, who was diagnosed with brain cancer late last year. The event takes place Saturday, April 5 with a suggested cover of $20. The evening’s festivities include a silent auction, live music (Speedtrucker, Murmur, Trey Johnson of Sorta, and others), and dirt cheap burgers and hot dogs on the back patio. Good cause for a great guy.

The Easter Bunny Is Almost Here

Still haven’t bought any Easter treats for this weekend? Well, as long as you pop into Celebrity Bakery for some iced bunny sugar cookies, cupcakes, or petit fours, your kids won’t be disappointed. (And we all know how you hate to disappoint your children.)

Italian Lusciousness Bottled

Chances are you’ve already tried a limoncello cocktail or two in the past year at your favorite trendy restaurant. The Italian lemon liqueur is as popular as ever. It is light, refreshing, a zesty addition to cocktails, and, let’s face it, really fun to say. It is not sour at all. Limoncello is made by infusing lemon rinds with pure alcohol, so the essence of lemon is extracted, but not the sourness.

Last night, I brought a bottle of Limoncé Limoncello ($22.99 at Goody Goody, 3316 Oak Lawn Avenue) home and whipped up a few tasty cocktails for my fiancé. Of course I drank some, too, but I’m exactly 44 days from my wedding day and trying to resist all forms of carbs. Anywhoo, I am apparently a talented bartender–or at least I am when mixing cocktails is as easy as adding limoncello to club soda garnished with a sprig of mint from the herb box on my kitchen table. I got a little creative and tried 1 part guava juice, 1 part limoncello, and one part vodka. That little tropical twist made both of us start dreaming of the many far off places we could be drinking this on the beach during our honeymoon. For a cocktail recipe created by a professional mixologist, follow the jump.

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Spring Into Spring

Fingers crossed for good weather on the evening of April 17, when the Crescent Complex presents its second annual springtime festival, Crescent Spring Celebration, benefiting Big Thought. Tickets are $75 and entirely tax deductible. So it’s, like, a no-brainer. Read on for highlights of the soiree:
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Show Some Luv

So I’m sitting here, enjoying my grande nonfat latté from Starbucks with a deliciously crunchy chocolate chunk biscotti from dunkluv in Grapevine. Owners Sara and Matty McLain quit their day jobs to start this biz, and boy I am glad they did. The biscotti has just the right texture—love that loud crunch in your head when you bit into it—and it can stand up to any hot beverage. Other flavors include cranberry walnut, lemon, honey, and almond, and the couple will customize packaging for a special occasion like a wedding. Luv it!

Watch the Mavs at Brooklyn

Tonight’s a big game. Mavs. Lakers. Time for Jason Kidd to step up. Hoop it up at Brooklyn Jazz Cafe for a Mavs watching party at 7:30pm. Enjoy $2 wells, $1.75 drafts and $4 pitchers (domestic only– Hello, Lone Star!), and 1/2 price appetizers. Plus, 10 percent food discount for customers wearing Brooklyn apparel. Yeah. I don’t get that last one either.