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What I Am Drinking Now: Walla Walla

The Walla Walla  region lies in both Oregon and Washington State.  The Oregon side mey be best known for producing those big, sweet and delicious yellow onions that you could almost eat like an apple they are so tender, tasty good. 

The Walla Walla region of Washington is fast becoming a favorite among those that love special, small production wine from boutique, family owned wineries popping up throughout the remote landscape. 

Nestled near the Columbia River, the region is magnetic and welcoming to locals and visitors alike.  The wine, like its surrounding, is alluring and interesting, with bold flavor profiles.  Unlike the regions just to their south (like Oregon’s Willamette Valley) they focus their wine making efforts on Bordeaux style grapes, like dense Cabernet Sauvignon, clean and crisp Semillon and Sauvignon Blanc (without all that citrus found in many New World options) and incredible Merlot.  Why is their wine so good? 

Contributing factors like mineral rich, volcanic soil from one of the largest basaltic lava flows in the world, combined with remnants of glacier outbursts and flooding that occurred 15,000 years ago throughout the region.  Intense soil equals concentrated flavorful wine.   Dedication to quality over quanity, and maintaining sustainability when possible speaks to why the region, and wine, are so special.   (more…)

Mini-Review: Maple & Motor Burgers and Beer in Dallas

Fried baloney sandwich.

Move over Wingfield’s, there is a new contender for Best Burger in Dallas. Maple & Motor Burgers and Beer is open for business and they make a great burger. I just popped in to the new joint on Maple across from Elliot’s Hardware and bought a fried baloney sandwich and a cheeseburger. I had to give the baloney sandwich to a co-worker because, after one bite, I was afraid I would eat the whole thing. The sandwich consists of a thick slice of star-cut baloney fried on the griddle and nestled between layers of mayonnaise, tomatoes, and lettuce, which is called  Cincinnati-style. You can also order it Cowboy style—cup-fried and filled with chili, cheese, and chopped onion. Could be the best new hangover cure.

I didn’t just stumble into this place. Last week I received an e-mail from owner Jack Perkins who alerted me to the opening along with a note saying that the “four families of Mexican Food” on Maple Avenue–Ojeda’s, Avila’s, Rosita’s, Herrera’s—have taken Jack under their wing and treated his crew like family.

A great new cheeseburger in town.

But back to the burger. It’s a half a pound of freshly ground grilled beef on a perfectly toasted bun–crisp not soggy–and covered with a thick slice of melted cheese. The fries were crisp and passed the “no bend” test. And it’s cheap: the cheeseburger and baloney sandwich are both only $4.50 each and fries are $1.75. Jack was there along with his lovely self-described “wing woman” and they could not have been nicer. I overheard Jack talking to his cooks. He was instructing them on how to cook the burgers. “Make it perfect before you make it fast,” he said. “I don’t want any food critics coming in here and complaining that it isn’t perfect.”

Slocum Street Style: Let’s Party!

Yesterday I spent a couple of hours driving around the Design District, or Lower Oak Lawn if you will. It’s already a groovy area but the plans for the future are really exciting. The Lionstone Group and PegasusAblon have formed a partnership to develop the  Dallas Design District which  includes both the Dallas Design Center and The Decorative Center. Plans include multifamily residences, a dozen restaurants, and retail establishments. No chains allowed only local businesses. (Restaurateur Shannon Wynne has already started construction on The Moth and Al Biernat has been spotted shopping real estate.) I am seriously considering moving there.

Anywhoo, I bring this up because D Home and Slocum Street Antiques and Design Association have teamed up and they are throwing a big shindig on Thursday, October 8 from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Jim “Savor Dallas” White has lined up eight restaurants to serve food. (Fedora Restaurant and Lounge, The Grill on the Alley, Go Fish Ocean Club, Hibashi Teppan Grill & Sushi Bar, Jorge’s, The Kitchen Table at Sheraton Hotel Dallas, Lavendou Bistro Provencal, and Paciugo Gelato.) The event is free and benefits the Design Industries Foundation Fighting AIDS. If you’re really nice, I’ll show you my potential new digs at The Alexan on Oak Lawn.

Let’s Tell Restaurant Stories: Spill it Servers

Have you waited tables? If so, chances are you have enough juicy tales to fill a book. Here is one of my most memorable tables.

I was working at La Cave Wine Bar on Henderson and a man called ahead to reserve a table in the back of the room near the cellar. He said he was going to have a flower arrangement sent to the restaurant and he would like it placed on a table along with a champagne bucket filled with ice and a chilled bottle of Dom Perignon. He pre-selected a cheese and pate plate. “I don’t want my wife to have to think,” he said. “No problem sir,” I said. (Whoops.)

That evening the couple showed up on time. They were dressed to the nines. I can still see her silver sequined dress. She’d had her hair done by Mr. Larry across the street. She moved through the room and perfumed the air with the strong scent of Opium. The dapper gentleman pulled out her chair. They sat side-by-side. They held hands across the table. I moved in to open the Champagne. It was then that I noticed the 4X6 note cards on his lap. Pop! went the cork. She sliced a bite of aged Mimolette.

Jump with me. (more…)

Somebody Help This Poor Girl: Birthday Bash

She is in a jam and doesn’t give us much to go on, but here is her plea:

I am in desperate need of some suggestions for a birthday dinner on Saturday and was hoping you could help. Needs to be a fun atmosphere, and good food. Preferably something unique.