Coming Tomorrow on SideDish

Every Wednesday is “Restaurant 101″ and tomorrow we will get another lesson from Miss Amy. Also, Gina Campisi is hard at work on her next “How to Open A Restaurant” report. And next Monday, we will have a surprise from Lisa Garza. If you have a question or comment, leave it below. I have tons of work to do and I don’t want to do it. Tra la.

Local Starbucks Machines Get New Look

I went to my neighborhood Starbucks (Mockingbird and Abrams) yesterday for a venti skinny vanilla latte. But that’s not exactly news. What is of interest are the brand spankin’ new machines with which they brewed my potion. The barista said they had just gotten them in the previous night. She wasn’t sure if it was part of a companywide roll-out, because they were a matter of necessity for her store. The fancy contraptions are lower (so the coffeemakers can actually see who they’re serving) and have a more refined temperature gauge so extra-hot and kids’ temp don’t get confused.

Newbie in Oak Cliff

This morning I heard about a new restaurant and wine bar called Bolsa that’s been open a little more than a week.  It’s right off Davis and across the street from Gloria’s in the Bishop Arts District. Anyone heard or tasted anything yet?

Cheap Wine with a Good Rep

As if we really need another reason to visit The Grape. Oh well, here’s one. The chef at one of Dallas’ favorites has secured the popular Three Thieves Zinfandel and Pinot Grigio for their menu, both priced at a super cheap $3 a glass. With a happy hour menu that includes lamb tartines and mini brat-burgers for only $6, perhaps you should duck out of work early today and head on over. Happy hour is from 4:30PM-7:30PM. Oh, and if you’re planning on trying out the new wines, I’d suggest you don’t dawdle. This special ends Sept. 22.

Best Lunch of the Day: Corner Market

I know I’m way behind the times, but I’ve never had lunch from Corner Market on Greenville Ave. Until today, that is. Pictured to the left is the delicious sandwich I just devoured and the one that Laura just ate. I believe mine was called the McMillan BLT (can’t find a website so can’t confirm) and Laura had the Mom’s Meatloaf. In addition to the bacon, lettuce, tomato and mayo, Corner Market puts avocado on there. In my mind, avocado elevates pretty much anything, so it’s no wonder I ate both halves even though they were huge. Also pictured is the mango iced tea, which was good, but not very fruity. They had all kinds of sandwiches that sounded great, as well as a case of salads. Everyone else was eating the chicken salad so I’ll try that next time.

Yep, it’s a challenge: I think I just had the Best Lunch of the Day. Do you disagree? Please comment, I’m always up for being proven wrong.

The Mercury Hearts Dogs!

Speaking of The Mercury, execuchef Chris Ward just let the cat out of the bag on his “Dog Days of Summer” special event. On Sunday, August 10 (2-5pm), Ward will demonstrate some favorite recipes for humans and canines alike. (Can I bring my dogs (left) ?) The afternoon of food, fun, along with a silent auction (I love silent auctions!) will benefit The Greyhound Adoption League of Texas. And it’s cheap–only $35 per person which includes 2 drink tickets, cooking demonstration with Chris Ward, a souvenir recipe book of demonstrated recipes, and a doggy bag of special canine treats. I’m in! (972-960-7774; 972-503-4258 or here.)

Videos of Domaine Chandon Winemaker Jim Kress

Domaine Chandon Winemaker Jim Kress stopped by the D offices recently to talk about some exciting new still wine offerings. Of course you know and love their sparkling wines, but did you know they produce a memorable Pinot Meunier? Check out these video clips for more detail about each wine.

2007 Unoaked Chardonnay
2007 Unoaked Pinot Noir Rose
2006 Carneros Pinot Meunier
2006 Carneros Pinot Noir

“I Thought You Only Got Salmonella From Animals”

That’s a quote from a Disher who read the post below about Central Market’s voluntary recall of fresh jalapenos. The fact, Jack, is that the salmonella bacteria can come from any food product–plant or animal–that has come in contact with human or animal feces. Read all about it here. And yes, it is just one type of food poisoning. There are others. Wash your hands and wash your food.

New Casual French Restaurant in Far North Dallas

A reader in FARNODA points us to a new spot that opened a couple of weeks ago (warning: overly groovy French pop music): Normandie Alliance. The name sounds more like an insurance agency than a “unique restaurant with reasonable prices and organic and healthy ingredients.” The menu includes soups, sandwiches, crepes, dessert crepes, quiches, pies, and salads. (How did quiche slip back into town?) It’s currently open for dinner and BYOB. Somebody try it and report back. Nice to report an opening. Hug a farmer and feed a chef.

The Vase Lady is Outta Here

Remember our rehearsal dinner lady with the vases? This morning she writes:

Nancy, I haven’t been on your page lately. Has anyone had anymore ideas for me?

Yes, sweet Vase Lady, I have a great idea. She is always a big help in these kinds of situations. Her name is Teresa Gubbins. You can find her here. Thanks for reading and have a nice day.

Can Somebody Help this Poor Girl

OK, full disclosure–it’s me. I am going to Atlanta and need some tips on where to eat. Not fancy so much as good. OK, stay away from jalapenos today and think for me. Varsity, I know. (Thanks Elizabeth Lavin for the picture. You’re a Georgia peach.)

Mansion Chef To Appear Live on Today Show

Note to self: Must wake up early tomorrow morning and switch channel from VH1. Chef John Tesar from the Rosewood Mansion on Turtle Creek will be rattling pans on The Today Show all the way out in New York City. I don’t know what time the segment will appear but I’ll let you know when I get a confirmation. I also don’t know who he will be appearing with, but good Lord, I hope it’s not Ann Curry. He will be making a fish recipe. Go John!

Update: John will be on during the latter part of the 9:00 hour, probably around 9:50.