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The Macallan Highland Single Malt Scotch Whiskey…It Is So Good

Jay Liddell is a Scotch man, which works out well as he is one of three brand ambassadors in the United States for The Macallan Scotch.  His counter parts reside in New York and LA, but The Macallan has placed Jay in Dallas, as this is the area they consider to be best for celebrating current The Macallan aficionados, and to grow future supporters of this premium single malt scotch.  I had an opportunity to sit down with Jay recently to get an insiders perspective on why The Macallan is so special. 

First thing to get out of the way is why The Macallan is referred to as “The Macallan.”  Simply said, would you refer to who some call the greatest rock band of all time as “Beatles?” Of course not.  And since  The Macallan is the world’s most precious whiskey, you of course refer to it the same way. 

This is not just a company belief,  in 2007 a 1926 vintage bottle of The Macallan was auctioned off at Christie’s Auction House for a final bid of $54,000, making it one of the most expensive single bottles of liquor ever sold.
This year they are preparing to release an acclaimed 57 year aged single malt (only the second release ever) in hand crafted Lalique crystal, with a price tag around $15,000 a bottle. 

For those of us in a different tax bracket looking for a single malt with depth, character and intense flavor the 15 year Fine Oak Highland Single Malt, or the 18 year Sherry Oak Highland Single Malt are solid bets.  (more…)

Lazare in West Village is Now Lemmon Bar in West Village

Or maybe Lemon Bar. We’re not too sure. Anyone? Thanks, JB.

Wine Dinner Wednesday: Monday Edition

This week/month you will find lovely wine dinners at Maximo, Lawry’s, Sangria, Chamberlain’s Steak and Chop House, Pappas Bros. Steakhouse, Coast, Dali Wine Bar, Victory Tavern City Grille, and Nana.

Jump for list and details. (more…)

Rock N Taco to Open in Uptown in Dallas

A loyal Disher was driving down McKinney Ave. and noticed a new sign in the old Rocco’s Pizza place. Sign says “Coming Soon Rock N Taco.” Anyone?

UPDATE: “It is set to open by New Year’s Eve. We will be open 7 days a week, and late nights Thurs-Sat. It is going to be a sexy, yet fun atmosphere. We will have a margarita bar as well as dining. I will send you the menu as soon as it is finished. Can’t wait.”

Best German Restaurant in America: Bavarian Grill in Plano

That is what the press release from Inga Bowyer, president of Germandeli.com in Colleyville says. Let’s get the details.

Over 400 German restaurants, located throughout the United States participated in this first year of the search for the “Best German Restaurant in America.” Bavarian Grill, located in Plano, Texas, garnered almost one third of all the validated votes cast during the two-month online voting period. They also received the majority of positive judging forms from “undercover judges,” and the restaurant scored well with teams of expert judges who dined incognito at the highest scoring German restaurants. Health Department inspections were also reviewed to confirm a consistent “A” rating for the restaurant.

The goal of the annual competition, according to Inga Bowyer, president of GermanDeli.com, is to recognize German restaurants that serve up a truly ethnic experience. According to Bowyer, Bavarian Grill’s classic German entrees like schnitzel, sauerbraten, bratwurst, and roasted ham hock are complimented by a selection of over 50 different imported German beers.

Das ist alle! Lassen Sie uns essen!

UPDATE: We will be celebrating this Wednesday, October 14 at 7 pm with a victory party where we’ll be presented a plaque by Inga Bowyer, President of GermanDeli.com.  We’d love for you, and any Side Dish readers, to join us for the celebration!

What Does Your Cup of Coffee Say About You?

I guess mine would say I’m cheap, black, and half and half. Tomorrow (Tuesday) on Think (90.1) with Krys Boyd we will find out what our coffee says about us and our society. At 1:00 p.m., Bryant Simon, Professor of History and Director of American Studies at Temple University and author of Everything but the Coffee: Learning About America from Starbucks, will discuss the topic. Leave what your coffee says about you in the comments below and perhaps Dr. Simon can use our comments to tell us what our coffee says about Dallas.

Restaurant News: Bites and Bites

From the copy and paste press release department: Some fabulous things to eat and drink.

Barking Rocks News Flash. Friday night, October 16th we will be listening to Beatlegras.  They are accomplished musicians that blend Beatles music and bluegrass style in a way that Ringo would totally dig. Doors open at 7:00 for a little socializing (wine drinking) and the show will begin about 8:00. Rumor has it that Rhett is coming to sit in on a song or two. We only sell about 100 tickets so it will be very intimate.  Secure your $15 seat by dropping by the winery (preferred) or calling 817-579-0007.

Whole Foods Market/Highland Park. Match craft beer with great food. Wednesday, October 14, 2-4:00 p.m. (4100 Lomo Alto & Lemmon) Garrett Oliver, Brewmaster of Brooklyn Brewery, author and international beer guru, will be at the store to answer all of your beer and brewing questions. Garrett will be cooking and pairing four of his brews with delicious foods as well.

Rahr and Sons Brewery and the Greyhound Adoption League of Texas.  Wrap up Greyhound Awareness Month Saturday, Oct 17 1:00-3:00pm with an afternoon beer tasting. Cost is $5 per person which includes a souvenir pint glass and 3 full beer tastings.  A portion of the proceeds benefit The Greyhound Adoption League of Texas.Click here for more information or call 972-503-GALT.  Rahr and Sons Brewery is located at 701 Galveston Avenue in Fort Worth.

Five Sixty by Wolfang Puck. New New Happy Hour Concept. “Sip and See” takes on a whole new meaning with the launch of Five Sixty by Wolfgang Puck’s happy hour on Monday, October 12.Dallas’ restaurant with a view will serve beverages and bites at happy hour prices on weekday evenings. Monday through Friday, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., Five Sixty will offer a changing food menu of various “chef’s choice” items in the restaurant’s bar and lounge atop Reunion Tower. Drink offerings will include a list of five choices comprised of beer, wine and cocktails. This is a happy hour designed to keep guests smiling with each of the five tapas-sized plates and five varying drink options priced at $5.60 each.

It’s A Grind Coffee House. Fairgoers receive 10 percent off soothing tea drinks (”Soothies”) with fair ticket stub or photo of consumption of greasy goodness. To receive the discount all customers must do is show their State Fair of Texas ticket stub or a photo of them consuming deep-fried delicacies (photos will be added to the It’s A Grind Facebook page). “Soothies” are made with real fruit puree and green tea, which has been shown in studies to help aid in digestion. They are available in three flavors: Mango Mania, Strawberry Banana and Wildberry. Fairgoers can simply ride the DART rail system Green Line from the Fair Park to the Baylor Medical station (It’s A Grind’s Dallas’ location) to get their “Soothie” to help ease the pain!”

Sevy’s Scotch Club. On our beautiful covered patio, from 5:00-7:00 pm on Monday, October 19th. We will feature five great single malts with specially selected food pairings for each.  $44.95 per person, plus tax and gratuity.  Reservations required, seating is limited.  Contact Jimmy, Stefaan, or Amy M. at SevysCatering@aol.com, or 214-265-7389.