Bukhara Grille: Now Bukhara Wok, Chef Leaves to Clay Pit

A while back, I posted my glowing review of Bukhara Grill in Richardson. (I generally stay as far from buffets as possible.) Bill Addison reports on the EATS blog that Bukhara’s chef, Vijay Sadhu, has moved to the Clay Pit in Addison, and the Grill is now called “Bukhara Wok”.

Lisa Garza Speaks: Episode Three

Jump for The Next Food Network Star’s take on the mini-challenge, her critiques, and meeting Martha.

(more…)

Tre Wilcox Talks about His Upcoming Plans

I bumped into former Abacus chef and Top Chef contestant Tre Wilcox in the Grand Tasting Tent at the Aspen Food & Wine Classic. He has lots to say. And he says it well.

Blue Canyon Kitchen, Tavern, and Wine Bar in Rockwall

For Father’s day, I took dad and the family to Blue Canyon in Rockwall. It’s in a new development called “The Harbor” off Lake Ray Hubbard. It’s a handful of restaurants and shops, right on the water. Nice sunset views, and generally makes you feel like you’re somewhere besides Rockwall, Texas.

Jump for the good, and not so good.

(more…)

Flavor Tripping in Snider Plaza

While Miss Nancy was off in high-falutin’ Aspen, there was still fun to be had in Big D. Saturday night, Flavors from Afar owners Gary and Nancy Krabill invited 30 friends and media types to try Synsepalum dulcificum, the “miracle fruit” that has had people buzzing since The New York Times published an article about it last month. The berry tricks your tongue into tasting sweet instead of sour—jump for a breakdown of the flavor trip and photos of the party. (more…)

Aspen Food & Wine Gallery: II

Veracruz Café: Still the Best Mole

Had dinner at Veracruz in Oak Cliff this weekend. First time I’ve been back since they expanded. No wait, LOTS more room, and the Mole Xiqueño is still tops.

There’s A New Blog in Town

Don’t let the latest foodie site in town take you away from SideDish, but you are allowed to check it out. (BTW, it made me jones for a hot dog at Harry’s.) I’m gone.

Aspen Food & Wine Gallery: I

Lisa Garza Does Good

I’m just going to make a few quick observations about last night’s episode of The Next Food Network Star and then you can all chime in. Nipa and Jennifer bore me beyond tears—neither has shown a hint of star quality. Jeffrey? Well, it hardly matters since he’s taken his sophisticated soul food home after he got bumped last night. Aaron’s impromptu on-camera rap about his “culinary point of view”—currently the hottest phrase in the culinary world—was well done. I want to rub Vaseline on Kelsey’s perky point of view. She would have impressed me if she’d frozen some grapes and labeled them “Chill Pills.” She needs them bad.

And what is the deal about the scarcity of ingredients in New York? First, what was it turmeric that Nipa couldn’t locate? Then last night we witness cayenne-gate? What. Ever. On to the big challenge or whatever they call it on this show. I liked the concept (point of view?) of creating a product and having to market it to 50 buyers and Martha Stewart. That was a great challenge and I think it separated the talents of the group out well. Lisa’s was the only contestant to provide a well-thought out CPOV and, despite wearing ping pong balls around her neck and gushing like a teeny bopper in front of Martha, Lisa’s basil-orange marmalade combined with the back story on her product was rock solid. Lisa hooked Martha with “sustainability.” OK, your turn.