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Mini Review: DallasChocolate.org Tasting and Dinner in Dallas

We had to stare at this for 75 minutes without tasting.

Allison Hatfield files this report:

Chocolate comes in many forms. My faves: the kiss and the fountain. I never met a marshmallow kabob I couldn’t improve with a pass through a shower of molten chocolate. I even bought a mini chocolate fountain so I could have one at a housewarming (I later tried to turn it into a cheese fountain, but that’s a story for another day).

Anyway, my relationship with chocolate has previously been that of a rather low-end consumer. And I’m fine with that, but I was also excited to expand my horizons at Saturday’s chocolate tasting and dinner hosted by DallasChocolate.org.

From bean to bar.

About 40 foodie types met at Milestone Culinary center in the afternoon to hear Alan McClure and Steve DeVries—world-class artisan chocolate makers and founding members of Craft Chocolate Makers of America—talk about harvesting, fermenting, roasting, grinding, refining, and conching (I still have no idea what that is). It was a high-level education on the sometimes low-tech business of making chocolate, from beans to bar. And it was pure torture. Not because these guys aren’t really smart and interesting, but have you ever spent 75 minutes sitting in front of eight kinds of chocolate without eating any of them? Try it, friends.

When we’d finally learned enough to appreciate what lay ahead, we crunched on bittersweet nibs (roasted then crushed cocao beans) and let a large piece of untempered chocolate melt on our tongues—as happy as Charlie with the golden ticket.

Rhonda Ruckman, formerly of Doughmonkey made us cry.

All that learning worked up an appetite for the chocolate-inspired dinner that followed the tasting. Passed hors d’oeuvres included crostini with lavender goat cheese and nibs. Sit-down fare was summer greens with a savory chocolate tower (chocolate on a salad—really), herb-crusted salmon with a chocolate balsamic glaze, and dueling desserts of chocolate cake and chocolate tart from Doughmonkey extraordinaire Rhonda Ruckman. (We miss you, Doughmonkey.)

More photos here.

Restaurant Review: Rathbun’s Blue Plate Kitchen in Dallas

Yes, mac and cheese. Kevin Hunter Marple photo.

I ate at Kent Ratbun’s Blue Plate kitchen six times before I  formed an opinion. So many people love this place. I don’t.

New Restaurant in Dallas: Mario & Sabino’s

Mario Alfaro has repainted the old Casa Blanca.

The old Casa Blanca on Lemmon Avenue is turning into the new Mario & Sabino’s a “Mexican and Salvadoran food restaurant. Mario is Mario Alfaro (left) and his business partner is Sabino Valle. Mario hopes to open next week. Hmm. I just stuck my head in the door and if they make it by next week, I want to hire the contractors.

Mario & Sabino’s, a new Mexican Salvadoran food restaurant on Lemmon Ave.

2009 Texas Sommelier Conference in Dallas: Grieve Sauvignon Blanc

Today, Andrew Chalk talks with the two darling men behind Grieve Family Winery in Lovall Valley, California. The wine is 100% Sauvignon Blanc and Andrew felt it was “one of the most interesting white wines of the show.” The show being the TexSom Grand Tasting.

2009 KRLD Restaurant Week: Reservation Swap

I hope this picture, by Marshal Aston, is less offensive and will encourage good will among traders.  Here are the rules: if you have an existing reservation at a participating RW restaurant, leave the date, time, restaurant, and number of people along with a contact e-mail below in comments. I will monitor the post and Twitter (DSideDish) any requests. Be nice to each other.

UPDATE: Reso for 2 tonight @ Stephan Pyles up for grabs.

2009 KRLD Restaurant Week: Reader Reviews

Comments are open. Operators are standing by.

[UPDATE: Capital Grille, Abacus, Rathbun's Blue Plate, Fearing's, Nana, Bijoux, Charlie Palmer.]