Friday Foodie Fun

I like the idea of musical food reviews. Here’s one on barbecue. Signing up for voice lessons now. Thanks, PK.

Attention Ruth Reichl Wannabes: Write for SideDish

Are you ready for your close up? Want to be a part-time restaurant critic? Starting Tuesday you will have your chance. Send the lovely and oh-so-talented Sarah Eveans (sarah.eveans@dmagazine.com) a report and pictures of your experiences at local restaurants during the crazy dining days to come and we will post them on SideDish. Take your camera, grab a notepad, and set your Spell Check—after you’ve dined at a participating restaurant, send us a well-written report. Maybe we’ll even award a prize to the best writer. You just never know what is going to happen here.

Let’s All Drink to Support the Olympics

I’m sure others could think of healthier, sportier activities to participate in while viewing the Olympics. We, however, are always in favor of an alcohol-fueled way to celebrate pretty much anything. The folks at RA Sushi apparently feel the same way we do, because they have just unveiled the Star Spangled Cosmo, a cocktail perfect for drinking while eating sushi and waving your fist in the air and chanting “Go, USA” while very fit people run around and jump and stuff on the television.

The restaurant is offering this drink just in time for tonight’s opening ceremonies,and it is comprised of Skyy vodka, white cranberry juice, and a “little blue spirit.” (A sad ghost?) The rim is covered in sugar and to give the drink a little red, there’s a cherry on top. Try it now–it only lasts as long as the games do.

iFratelli Pizza Encourages Nudity

I must say that before this very moment, I have never used the words “swimsuit” and “pizza” in the same sentence. Maybe it’s just me-I wouldn’t wear a bathing suit in my own house. But some folks are proud of their bodies and iFratelli is giving you a chance to show yours off while you carbo-load. Here’s the official announcement:

i Fratelli Pizza is beating the heat with Swimsuit Sundays. Come in to any i Fratelli Pizza location (except Ristorante & Wine Bar) every Sunday in August and show your suit to receive a large cheese pizza for $5.  Unlike your lifeguard, we won’t make you wait 30 minutes to eat. Swimsuits preferred, birthday suits accepted. To view the full menu, and for i Fratelli Pizza locations.

I want pictures.

Sweet Tea Review: Screen Door

Scott Jones’ new One Arts Plaza hot spot is getting mixed reviews. The food is spotty though I found lunch pretty darn tasty. Great meatloaf open face sandwich and the fried green tomatoes with mozzarella are swoon-worthy. One thing everyone agrees on: the interior design rocks. It’s all very sophisticated Southern and provides a great backdrop for the ladies who lunch. Another thing I loved? The sweet tea. It’s refreshing and just sugary enough without being cloyingly sweet. A perfect summer sipper. Best of all? They leave the jug on the table so you can help yourself. Nice touch.

Los Angeles Moves to Ban Quick-Service Restaurants in “Poor Areas”

When I was a child, in the Middle Ages, we were taught to be very afraid of Russia. Not only were they evil Commies, the government controlled the lives of every day people by making them stand in line for toilet paper. While the Russian kids made toys out of empty vodka bottles, we hung out at M.E. Moses in Preston Forest, went bowling, or took tap dance classes at Buster Cooper. But our favorite activity was sitting at the counter near the pharmacy of Red Rawley’s and eating a huge plate of french fries.

Fast forward to July, 2008: the city council of Los Angeles proposes to suspend the development of quick-service restaurants in South Los Angeles. Why? According to a Los Angeles Times analysis, the 32-mile area has “more fast-food restaurants per capita than other heavily populated sections of the city.” Seems the city thinks they can reduce diabetes and obesity within the economically depressed region.” You can read more about it here.

So, it’s ok for Paula Deen to charge us $20 to clog our arteries but the “poor” can’t buy fried chicken? Let us discuss this while I make a guns out of my empty vodka bottles. Get mad.

Where is Dotty Griffith?

First, DMN dining critic Dotty Griffith retires from the food-writing biz. Then Mark Stuertz leaves the Dallas Observer. Hmm, that make me the only card-carrying AARP member covering the dining scene around here. But, as usual, I digress. Several foodies have asked me about Ms. Griffith. I hate to tell you this–she’s happy. Ding, dang if she doesn’t have a real grown-up girl job. In Austin. Here is her official reply:

On Monday, June 16, I begin a very exciting new career as Public Education Director for the American Civil Liberties Union of Texas. After 38 years in Dallas, I’m returning to Austin where I studied at the University of Texas. I retired from the Dallas Morning News in 2006 after 36 years as a reporter, editor and restaurant critic.

Thirty six years at one job? That is impressive. How many of you have been working in the same place that long. (Better question: How many of you are even 36-years old?) I’m in my 12th year here at D and I feel like I’m just getting the hang of it. Guess it’s time for me to Ranch Up! for another 24 years. Stay with me here. And say hi to Dotty.

Friday Giveaway on ShopTalk!

Sorry, Dishers. You can’t eat it. But beauty fanatics must visit the ShopTalk blog today to register for a chance to win a jar of FatGirlSleep from Bliss. Good luck!