Articles for October 11th, 2010

Aspiring and Established Chefs Face Off on the AT&T Plaza Tomorrow

posted by Sarah Reiss | October 11th, 2010 3:20pm | filed under Celebrity Chefs, Contests | 1 Comment »

Twenty local culinary luminaries — from housewives to mortgage brokers to professional chefs — will raise their whisks tomorrow at 2:45 p.m. on AT&T Plaza to compete in a two-round Chef’s Challenge. The grand prize? The chance to create a signature menu item for the sports home of the Dallas Mavericks and Dallas Stars.

In round-one, each contestant will be given a variety of ingredients (provided by Central Market) from which they will conjure culinary magic in just 30 minutes.  Foodie judges (Martin Woodall, Jim Oetting, Bodhi Durant, and Brian Johnson) will select five finalists who will then move on to round-two: preparing their own pre-selected signature offering for the panel.

The champion chef will receive a luxury suite including food and beverage service for a Dallas Mavericks and Dallas Stars game and will be making public appearances throughout the season.

If you love reality TV as much as we do, head on down and witness this culinary fray first-hand.

1 Comment »

Free Drink For D Readers at Meddlesome Moth

posted by Nancy Nichols | October 11th, 2010 1:47pm | filed under beer, Celebrity Diners, cheap eats |

Do you have a copy of the October issue of D Magazine? If so, head to the Meddlesome Moth tomorrow (12th) and the following Tuesday (19th) between 5-7PM and show it to the hostess. She will give you a poker chip which you can redeem at the bar for a free drink—any draft, wine, or mixed drink.

Wednesday is Awash in Wine Events

posted by Sarah Reiss | October 11th, 2010 1:44pm | filed under Chef's tasting, Wine & Spirits | 2 Comments »

Prepare to reel in tipsy delight Wednesday, Oct 13 as Napa Valley vintners from Turnbull Cellars, Krupp Brothers, and Honig Vineyards pop up all over town.  Check out these four oenophilic options:

Option #1:  Meet the vintners from 5:30-7:30 at all three locations of Centennial Fine Wines & Spirits. 6805 West Northwest Highway (Turnbull Cellars), 8123 Preston Road (Krupp Brothers Estates), 15055 Inwood Road (Honig Vineyards). Free

jump here for more wine events… Continue reading "Wednesday is Awash in Wine Events"

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SideDish Special Report: 2010 KRLD Restaurant Week Survey Results

posted by Nancy Nichols | October 11th, 2010 12:34pm | filed under KRLD Restaurant Week 2010 | 2 Comments »

Just after KRLD Restaurant Week ended in early September, I put our patient and persistent intern, Taylor Walker, on a project. Taylor contacted every one of the 131 restaurants that participated in the program this year and asked them to complete a brief survey. Thanks to Taylor and the 125 restaurants who took the time to contribute their thoughts.

Some of the results surprised me. During August, when the event was taking place, I heard a lot of negative chatter from the restaurant industry. I thought responses would reflect “Restaurant Week fatigue.” However, 118 out of 125 (94%) restaurants claimed they would do it all over again next year. This year, 51% of the restaurants served their RW menu for 3 weeks (up from 38% in 2009). According to our survey, 82% of participating restaurants reported an increase in business during August, but only 39% cleared a profit.

We also asked for “on-the-record” and “off-the-record” comments which are printed below the whole survey.

Jump for the full report.
Continue reading "SideDish Special Report: 2010 KRLD Restaurant Week Survey Results"

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Somebody Help This Poor Girl: Chef-Driven Restaurants in Dallas

posted by Nancy Nichols | October 11th, 2010 11:41am | filed under Local/Slow Food | 19 Comments »

A gal from Houston tweets the question:

In Dallas for a few days this week. Best chef-driven places to eat?

Tell her how much better the food is here.

19 Comments »

The Grape in Dallas Turns 38

posted by Nancy Nichols | October 11th, 2010 10:30am | filed under Celebrity Chefs, Celebrity Diners | 4 Comments »

Chef Brian Luscher. (photo by Kevin Hunter)

I bumped in to one of the original Grape owners, Kathy McDaniel Flynn, last week. After reminiscing about some of the good old days, Kathy said she was so happy to see the restaurant doing so well. “Brian and Courtney have just been great for the place,” she said. “I can’t believe it has been 38 years.”

Well it has  and chef/owner Brian Luscher and wife Courtney are readying to celebrate the 38th anniversary of one of Dallas’ favorite restaurants. Luscher will feature a 3-course chef’s menu for $38 per person from Tuesday October 26 through Saturday October 30. If you like, Courtney will pair wines with each course.

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National Recall: Dog Food

posted by Nancy Nichols | October 11th, 2010 10:00am | filed under AgriBusiness | 1 Comment »

Make sure your dog is not eating this food.

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Spiceman’s 1410 in Dallas Has White Truffles

posted by Nancy Nichols | October 11th, 2010 9:48am | filed under Celebrity Chefs, Cooking, Local/Slow Food |

This just in from Dallas’ top forager, Tom Spicer

I have 4.7 oz of Italian White Truffles left @ $170.00/oz. They are from the region of Les Marche, Italy. I also have a new shipment of Black Garlic  @ $4/head.

And there is plenty more. Continue reading "Spiceman’s 1410 in Dallas Has White Truffles"