2010 March | SideDish

Articles for March, 2010

Wine Dinner Wednesday

posted by Sarah Eveans | March 31st, 2010 1:57pm | filed under Events, Wine Dinner Wednesday |

It’s Wednesday, which means either:

a) someone will make an inappropriate joke involving “hump day”

b) we’ve been healthy for two whole days, and it’s time to eat some cheese (projecting here)

c) it’s time for Wine Dinner Wednesday.

If you guessed C, you are very, very smart. Click here for the list.

Explanation: Kessler X+

Kevin Smothers of Pulse Publicity in Austin sent out a press release about Nova yesterday. In it, he referred to the neighborhood as Kessler X+. Today, he sends an email to explain the origin of the moniker.

I promise we didn’t make up the Kessler X+ moniker on our own. Here’s a little background: KERA Arts and Seek blog.

Kevin also promises to update us on J. Black’s Feel Good Lounge on Henderson. Or SoEaHen. What’s the quirky name for your neck of the woods. Hmm, let’s see I live near Northwest Highway and Midway…NoWay? Go.

11 Comments »

Kent Rathbun to Appear on Good Morning Texas

posted by Nancy Nichols | March 31st, 2010 1:07pm | filed under Celebrity Chefs |

I have been told that tomorrow’s Good Morning Texas program taped the other day is a “must watch.” Now you have been told. Word is: Kent Rathbun is “off his rocker.” Starts at 9:00 a.m. on Channel 8.

Ricardo Avila’s Mextopia is Almost Ready to Open in Dallas

posted by Nancy Nichols | March 31st, 2010 10:51am | filed under Food Crime, Food Fight!, Openings/Closings, Restaurant News | 23 Comments »

The exterior of Mextopia is purple.

They are putting on the finishing touches of Ricardo Avila’s Mextopia (2104 Greenville Ave.214-824-9400). Scheduled opening date is April 9. Anyone been back to the former location. In case you missed the story on the Mexican revolution that took place last month in this restaurant, you can catch up here. Here. And here.

23 Comments »

What I’m Drinking Now: Easter Wine, Texas Style

posted by Hayley Hamilton | March 30th, 2010 4:44pm | filed under Easter, Texas Wine, Wine & Spirits |

As we welcome spring with a beautiful Easter weekend, why not celebrate some of the Texas wine makers that are doing great things here and abroad. Yes, we continue to see Texas wine makers emerging onto the market with pleasing Texas based selections; but I also love the stories of our wine makers from Texas that are making stellar wine from California to Argentina. Here are a few that may go well with your Easter brunch. Some selections were sent for editorial consideration, some I just love. Thank you Easter Bunny!!!

Oak Cliff Cellars Chardonnay– I just found this little gem the other night at Dali Wine Bar. The creation of Oak Cliff, Dallas resident Jim “JR” Richardson, who started his winery in Calistoga, California, just a few years ago, mainly because he loves wine, and the celebration of bringing friends together around a great food with a glass of your favorite wine. The Chardonnay is fresh and crisp, filled with bright green apple and pear with light mineral notes. Continue reading "What I’m Drinking Now: Easter Wine, Texas Style"

Chef Kelly Hightower’s Cuisine to Highlight Nova Menu

posted by Nancy Nichols | March 30th, 2010 2:02pm | filed under Celebrity Chefs, Restaurant News | 5 Comments »

Ever heard of Kessler X+? Neither has Todd Johnson, D’s art director and knower of all things Oak Cliff. Anywhoo, it is minor news to a major-ish announcement: “The first gastro-pub in the burgeoning Kessler X+ area, Nova will spotlight the cuisine of Dallas native Kelly Hightower, formerly of Hatties, The Mansion on Turtle Creek, and Kavala, among others.” (Someone please define gastro-pub for me. I thought it involved lots of beer.) What happened to tapas for bikers? Jump for details on “walkability,” “social hub,” and “globally influenced plates.” Continue reading "Chef Kelly Hightower’s Cuisine to Highlight Nova Menu"

5 Comments »

Chef Matthew Antonovich Speaks

posted by Nancy Nichols | March 30th, 2010 12:53pm | filed under Celebrity Chefs, Nutjobs, youthful spontaneous restaurants | 7 Comments »

So, this is the last post about Matthew Antonovich until he opens a freakin’ restaurant in Dallas. He responds (sin spell check) to yesterday’s post:

Nancy,
Thanks for your interest in my culinary project, The Dallas concept raised 1.2 million and the adjusted 1.9 million to complete the project was to much to put into the area which only has one other new restaurant opening in and we did not sign the final lease after getting the final construction bids and cost for furniture, fixtures and equipment. My investors, a real estate development group I have been working with in Dallas is looking at another restaurant site and we are looking at the concept for that area, and will review plans again on this perticular location closer into the Turtle Creek business area. Continue reading "Chef Matthew Antonovich Speaks"

7 Comments »

Shinsei Chef Shuji “Elvis” Sugawara Injured in Motorcycle Accident in Dallas

posted by Nancy Nichols | March 30th, 2010 12:38pm | filed under Celebrity Chefs, Restaurant News | 16 Comments »

Elvis last week. Photo by Kevin Marple.

Shuji “Elvis” Sugawara, the handsome master sushi chef at Shinsei, suffered serious head injuries after a motorcycle accident late Sunday night in Lakewood. “It happened about 10 p.m.,” says Shinsei co-owner Tracy Moore Rathbun. “The doctors said he was so lucky. He is responding to the surgery really well.”

Sugawara was found by a passing motorist who called 911. There are no details about how the accident happened. Sugawara suffered a massive head injury and was in surgery all night Sunday. Eventually doctors stopped the bleeding in Sugawara’s brain. “Lynae stayed with him all night,” says Rathbun of her business partner, Lynae Fearing. “They said that head injuries like this are usually fatal.”

Sugawara is in ICU at Baylor. Rathbun projects he will be out of the restaurant for at least a month. Elvis will have a computer up soon! He wants to hear from you.

16 Comments »

Sushi Rock in Plano Presents Thai Food from Issan Region on Saturday Nights

posted by Nancy Nichols | March 30th, 2010 10:48am | filed under Celebrity Diners, Ethnic Food, Restaurant News | 1 Comment »

Hunting for sticky rice in Issan.

A loyal Disher just emerged from his fox whole to report this:

Sushi Rock in Plano is now offering traditional (not Americanized) Isaan food Saturday nights from 10:00 pm until 2:00 am. They will continue offering sushi and their full menu until 2:00 as well. Thai musicians will perform live during this time also.

Well, bring on the scorpions! This region of Thailand (Northeast) has already introduced the American palate to papaya salad and sticky rice.

I spoke with the lovely Vasana Tung, one of the owners of Sushi Rocks. “We are a Japanese restaurant but we decided we wanted to do something different for the late nights on Saturday,” says Tung. “Instead of opening another restaurant we decided to do this.” She’s sending the details later today.

UPDATE: MENU BELOW

Continue reading "Sushi Rock in Plano Presents Thai Food from Issan Region on Saturday Nights"

1 Comment »

Somebody Help This Poor Girl: 48 Nights @ Sylvan Thirty in Dallas

posted by Nancy Nichols | March 30th, 2010 9:01am | filed under Celebrity Chefs, Celebrity Diners, Hippie revolutions, Restaurant News, Silly Reasons to Celebrate | 9 Comments »

This gal e-mails me every Tuesday morning. She, oh let’s call her SYBIL, is crazy to find out who the chef of the week is/was at 48 Nights @ Sylvan Thirty.

In case you’ve been on a morphine drip for the last couple of months and watching endless reruns of “24″, you know all about the guerilla restaurant in Oak Cliff. (No, not Gorilla. That’s the new vegetarian spot in East Dallas.)

Anywhoo, 48 Nights is a pop-up restaurant that rotates 24 high-profile chefs over 48 nights in building scheduled for demolition. The Smoke/Bolsa folks are behind the charity-driven enterprise that is open only on Monday and Tuesday of each week through July. They’ve created a great buzz—the “game” is to release the menu in advance and reveal the chef only once the patrons are seated on Monday night. Smart, the next two months are pretty much sold out, however I found plenty of availabilities in May, June, and July.

Which brings me back to Sybil. Every Tuesday morning she wants to know who the chef was on the previous night. So, this post will be a first in a series called “Enable Sybil, Feed 48 Nights.” Mr. Mojo is rising. Who was the freakin’ chef last night? Go. Eat. Report. (Kidding about Gorilla.)

9 Comments »

Alberto Lombardi to Open New Place in the Old Chip’s Place

posted by Nancy Nichols | March 29th, 2010 4:01pm | filed under Closings, Openings/Closings, Restaurant News | 17 Comments »

A little bird just chirped this big news:

Lombardi bought the old Chips place next to Taverna. Turning it into a low key pizza place to buy a slice or a pie and a bottle of wine.

UPDATE: Bill Armstrong, Lombardi’s longtime rep, says Lombari is taking over the Chip’s space. However, the concept is “still under raps.”

17 Comments »

Matthew Antonovich, Matthew Antonovich? Where are You? Louisville, Kentucky!

posted by Nancy Nichols | March 29th, 2010 3:41pm | filed under Celebrity Chefs, Closings, Openings/Closings, Restaurant News, Silly Reasons to Celebrate, Steakhouses, Thai, Wasted Calorie | 9 Comments »

This dude is crazy!

Good lord have mercy on my wicked soul. Chef Matthew “Fingers of TIE Flurry” Antonovich blew back into Dallas a few months ago with a long load of bull. In particular, a stream of wordy releases boasting his 12,000-square-foot Thai Steakhouse and club located “just a drive by the Arts, the American Airlines Event Center, Dallas World Trade Center and Dallas Market.”

First he claimed his concept would be in the most exciting neighborhood in Dallas. Then he hinted it would be near Highland Ranch. WHOOPSIE, he meant Highland Park.

Then POOF! He disappeared. The guy who boasted “God bless the recession I have found great deals on equipment, designers and food service experts hungry to put Dallas back on the map of best restaurants in America” just went away. His Twitter feed went dark. My inquisitive e-mails? Unanswered.

Hark! I found him. According to Louisvillemojo.com:

A new restaurant to be named Antonovich’s Tuscan Grille could open in the old Ferd Grisanti’s restaurant (12112 Taylorsville Road) as early as Derby Eve. If Matthew Antonovich and building owners Greg and Vince Grisanti can seal a deal, the “upscale casual” restaurant would serve freshly prepared Tuscan fare for lunch, dinner and private parties. Its Enoteca Wine Bar, complete with a wood-burning pizza oven, would also serve a social hub for the later-night 40 to 55 year-old crowd. To imagine it properly, Antonovich said to consider an amalgam of Jack’s Lounge, Mama Grisanti and Casa Grisanti.

More, could be here. Oh, what a lunatic.

9 Comments »

Dimples Cupcakes to Open in One Arts Plaza in Dallas

posted by Nancy Nichols | March 29th, 2010 2:59pm | filed under Baking, cupcakes, Restaurant News | 7 Comments »

This just in from our cupcake correspondent, Allison Hatfield.

Yes, yes, cupcakes are so last year. You told me that already. But I won’t be convinced. And clearly there’s a whole lot of cupcake eating going on. Proof: Dimples plans to open a fourth location at One Arts Plaza in June. That’s another 850 square feet of cake-and-frosting goodness to be located in the space now occupied by WRR, across from 7-11. Owner Chad Sorrells seems plenty excited. Until then, get your sugar fix with the just-launched ice cream-filled cupcakes. That’s right, Dimples is pumping homemade vanilla or chocolate soft serve into its oversize delights – available only at the Frisco location for now.

7 Comments »

Outstanding in the Field is Headed to FM 1410 in Dallas

posted by Nancy Nichols | March 29th, 2010 2:52pm | filed under Events, Farmers Markets, Foodie People, Restaurant News | 4 Comments »

Hurry, these tickets will go fast! The roving culinary adventure, Outstanding in the Field, will set up their community table in Dallas at Tom Spicer’s FM 1410. I hear Sharon Hage is going to cook, but that hasn’t been confirmed. The “restaurant without walls” concept is about as farm-to-table hip and chic as you can get. The event will take place on October 6. Rock on, Spiceman!

4 Comments »

John Tesar Joins DRG Concepts in Dallas as a “Corporate Culinary Leader”

posted by Nancy Nichols | March 29th, 2010 2:04pm | filed under Celebrity Chefs, Restaurant News | 44 Comments »

: John Tesar has a new boss.

Huh? What? Hello, John? WTF is a corporate culinary leader? Is that like the chef’s version of a Boy Scout troop leader? Oh wait, here comes the news: DRG Concepts, owner of Dallas Fish Market, Dallas Chop House, Go Fish Ocean Club, and Fish Express, has hired John Tesar as one of the company’s TWO culinary leaders.

Tesar will team up with Anupam “AJ” Joglekar, the former chef at Bengal Coast, to provide culinary and operational leadership for all DRG brands. Tesar’s official title is culinary director. Joglekar is the corporate chef for DRG and execuchef for Dallas Fish Market.

Sounds vague, eh? There is more to come: DRG Concepts is planning new concepts that will be announced in a few weeks. Betcha one is all Tesar, all the time.

44 Comments »

Mark Your Calendar: Asian Heritage Festival in Plano

posted by Nancy Nichols | March 29th, 2010 1:38pm | filed under Ethnic Food, Festivals |

Plano’s seventh-annual Asian Heritage Festival kicks off on Saturday, May 1 at Haggard Park. The festivities include “a wide variety of multiculturalism, live music, family events, exhibits, and plenty of great food for festival goers. An array of Asian countries and various ethnic Asian groups will be represented at the festival, providing education and entertainment for families of all backgrounds. Other activities will include demonstrations of Asian culture, dance performances and various events geared toward children. Talented artists from Asian communities will be in attendance as well.” Admission is FREE! Details are FREE!

Somebody Help This Poor Girl: Eclair

posted by Nancy Nichols | March 26th, 2010 1:02pm | filed under Celebrity Diners, dessert | 5 Comments »

She’s getting older. She needs help.

Tomorrow’s my birthday and I’m pretty sure a really excellent eclair is the best way to celebrate. Got any suggestions about where one might be found?

5 Comments »

Chef Point Cafe in Watauga Protests Proposed New York Salt Ban

posted by Nancy Nichols | March 26th, 2010 12:56pm | filed under Food Fight!, Foodie People, Hippie revolutions, Restaurant News | 3 Comments »

Good heavens, the government is certainly stirring up the culinary world. On March 5, New York Assemblyman Felix Ortiz, D-Brooklyn, introduced legislation to ban the use of salt in restaurants. The bill states in part:

“No owner or operator of a restaurant in this state shall use salt in any form in the preparation of any food for consumption by customers of such restaurant, including food prepared to be consumed on the premises of such restaurant or off of such premises.”

First trans fat, then calories on menu, now no salt? How long before Nathan’s hot dogs are illegal. Anywhoo, Chef Franson Nwaeze and his partner/wife Paula of Chef Point Cafe are protesting the proposed legislation by serving “My Choice Salmon” at their fine-dining-in-a-former-gas-station restaurant in Watauga. “The salmon is cured with salt and smoked. We serve it sliced, with diced onions and tomatoes in creamy asiago sauce over fettucini pasta,” says Chef Franson. “It has a delicious flavor that could not be duplicated by shaking salt onto it at the table.” For more info, check out My Food, My Choice. Wanna try that salmon? Chef Point Café. 5901 Watauga Rd. 817-656-0080.

3 Comments »

Let’s Bake: Carrot Cake

posted by Nancy Nichols | March 26th, 2010 9:14am | filed under Baking, Recipes | 3 Comments »

Macaroon/macaron-gate is behind us and it’s time to move on to carrot cake (karat kake?). Anywhoo, Katy Purwin and Christine Cochran, the two young and hungry chicks behind the Young & Hungry blog share their recipe for carrot cake.

Ah, birthdays! The one day a year that is absolutely, positively, narcissistically all about YOU. Everybody deserves to feel special on his or her birthday, and isn’t cake such an integral part of delivering upon that sentiment?

I was recently preparing to bake a birthday cake, a carrot cake, to be exact. Ingredients had been purchased and measured. Butter and eggs were coming to room temp. Low and behold, Christine emailed me that same day to tell me that she had encountered the most enchanting carrot cake recipe of all time (great cooking minds obviously think alike) and that I MUST make it or forever live with the guilt of having served a sub par confection. And just like that—boom!—course corrected. And the truth is that this just may be the best carrot cake ever. Incredibly moist, so much so it almost tastes candied, and super rich. Thank goodness that birthday was saved from the doldrums of an ordinary cake. Once again, sugar saves the day!

Go with the girls. Continue reading "Let’s Bake: Carrot Cake"