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. (more…)

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.