Sometimes a Scarf is Just a Scarf

When I think of terrorism, Rachael Ray is probably one of the last people who comes to mind. But hey, that’s just me. CNN reports that Dunkin’ Donuts recently pulled an ad after complaints that the scarf she was wearing resembled a traditional Arab headdress.

The coffee and baked goods chain said the ad that began appearing online May 7 was pulled over the past weekend because “the possibility of misperception detracted from its original intention to promote our iced coffee.”

I wonder what Mrs. Ray thinks about all of this? I’m guessing it’s not “Yum-o!”

Back on Track

So, after being scolded last week for revealing Dale’s exit from Top Chef sooner than I should have, I’ve learned my lesson and will make no comments until after the jump, save for this, TC has reclaimed the No. 1 spot in my heart.

Warning! Spoilers start immediately after the jump.

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Dog Days for a Disher

Can someone please help this sweet Disher out:

My husband and I just got a new puppy.

I’m wondering where I can find a listing for restaurants and bars that allow puppies on their patio besides Lee Harveys? I need to get her socialized which means going out and about- she can’t go to lee harveys until she has her full immunizations!

I’ve seen people with dogs on the patios of Toulouse and Taverna. Does anyone else have ideas?

Pinot Tasting and Big Wine Sale

Two big jammy and juicy events are happening at Oak Lawn’s The Wine Market. This weekend, create your own Pinot tasting by selecting four of any nine featured wines for only $10. Afterwards, stock up your cellar. The Wine Market is moving and all of its wines are 25 percent off.

Go High and Get Higher

I don’t know why I tend to forget about the fabulous bar at Nana (warning: way groovy music), but I do. Now that the Chaparral Club is gone, the bar at Nana is the swankiest place in town to swirl a couple cocktails and dance. The lights of Dallas twinkle below while the soft jazz and sophisticated clientele make you feel hip in our somewhat square city. Perhaps it’s the Sex and the City glow going around town, but right now I feel like heading up the elevator to the 27^th floor for a coconut mojito and a view of Dallas. Maybe Brian D, Sweany will bring his big Texas Monthly expense account to town and buy me one or ten.

The “Best of Texas” is a Big Claim

My Spanxs go off to the skinny bitch, Patricia Sharpe, and her crew that includes sweet Brian D. Sweany at Texas Monthly for, “BBQ08,” an exhaustive search for the best barbecue in the great state of Texas. Heck, I just try and cover two major cities and a few dozen in between and I can not imagine coordinating such an undertaking. I’ve tackled a few of their finds and have a couple others in my back pocket but Brian D. Sweany is going to have to buy me a rib before I talk. Read the feature and tell me what you think. Nice pictures too. (And yes, I agree with them about Dallas, we’re not such a great ‘cue town.)

Anywhoo, I just opened up an e-mail from another former D staffer, Mr. Rod “Don’t Call Me Rodney” Davis, who is now living in College Station. He points me to this link written by Robb Walsh at the Houston Press. Headline? “Best Burger in Texas?” Don’t get me wrong, I’m all about finding a nugget of a burger, rib, or side of pea salad in a ramshackle building in a small town. (Yo, those hog wings in Athens? Yes, please) I eat down and dirty all the time, but sometimes I find a lovely gem in a jewelry box. Like the cheeseburger at Taco Diner or the chicken fried steak at El Fenix. But best burger in Texas? I don’t think I could stomach that search. Unless you guys helped me out here.