Articles for June 15th, 2011

Robert Columbo Buys Primo’s in Dallas

posted by Nancy Nichols | June 15th, 2011 4:49pm | filed under Restaurant News | 9 Comments »

Veteran Dallas restaurateur Robert (Trece, Villa-O, Sfuzzi) Columbo has inked a deal to buy Primo’s, the popular Tex-Mex spot on McKinney Avenue. Columbo didn’t have too many details other than he plans to keep the restaurant the same but “after 25 years, the place could use some freshening up.” Former owners Phil Lacerte and Frank Linero remain as partners. More coming in the next few days.

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RedFork in Dallas Readies For Soft Opening This Weekend

posted by Nancy Nichols | June 15th, 2011 4:31pm | filed under Celebrity Chefs, Openings/Closings, Restaurant News | 2 Comments »

Looks like RedFork, the eagerly awaited restaurant cheffed by Jeff Harris, is planning a “very, very soft” opening this weekend. The official opening date is next Friday, June 24.

Dinner will run from 4PM to 11Pm followed by a late-night menu from 11pm-2 am. RedFork is not just a restaurant, the powers that be want you to know it is a “bar with amazing cocktails by Brian McCullough, and a cool patio. You can order dinner on patio and at bar. Brunch will be served on Saturdays and Sundays from 11-2pm starting next weekend.

The culinary team includes executive chef Jeff Harris, best known for his excellent work in the kitchen at Craft Dallas. Matt Balke, former sous chef at York Street will be by Harris’ side. In the bar, is Brian McCullough, a seasoned veteran who started his bar at the 8.0 in The Quadrangle back in the late 90′s. His resume also includes stints at Jeroboam, Republic, The Belmont Hotel, and Smoke. The crew will be generally managed by Eddy Metten, a pro with over 25 years in the business. The food? Brunch menu, Redfork dinner menu, late-night menu, and specialty cocktail menu.

RedFork is located at 2537 N. Fitzhugh Ave. Reservations only for parties of 8 or more. 214-827-3200.
Jump for pictures of the interior.


Continue reading "RedFork in Dallas Readies For Soft Opening This Weekend"
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Upcoming Opportunities to Taste

posted by Hayley Hamilton | June 15th, 2011 3:22pm | filed under Cheese, Wine & Spirits | 1 Comment »

There are always great opportunities to taste throughout the city.  Here are a few that sounded particularly fun over the next few weeks, and some help for Dad if you are still looking for the perfect gift.

Dad’s Day is Sunday, if you haven’t figured out your plans yet, it is time.  If your plan involves cooking for Dad then pick up a few special bottles of wine for him this weekend at the Sigel’s big Dad’s Day California Cabernet wine sale.  They have dusted off some older vintages from their cellar to ensure that Dad has a good bottle on his day.  A few stand outs include a 2004 Colgin Cariad 99 point for $399; a 1997 Chateau Montelena Estate Cabernet 98 point for $99.99; 2003 Araujo Eisele 98 point for $224.99; and a 1995 Harlan Estate Red 99 point for $499.99.  Options will vary at different locations.   Continue reading "Upcoming Opportunities to Taste"

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7-Eleven Giving Away FREE Maverick Blue Slurpees During Mavs Parade

posted by Sarah Reiss | June 15th, 2011 3:14pm | filed under Free Stuff! | 1 Comment »

Yes, you heard me right. Blue tongues for everyone! Here’s what we know, straight from the HORSE’s mouth:

To commemorate the Dallas Mavericks championship win over the Miami Heat, 7-Eleven is giving fans a taste of victory in a Slurpee cup. The free small Maverick Blue Slurpee will be available at select downtown 7-Eleven stores during the Dallas Mavericks Victory Parade. With temperatures expected to reach 100 degrees on parade day, fans will likely appreciate the free opportunity to beat the heat. While in the store, fans are encouraged to check in on Foursquare for a chance to win prizes.

7-Eleven, headquartered in Dallas, wants to celebrate with the city as we “parade” our championship through the streets of downtown. Also, fans that come to the stores for their free small Slurpee can check in on Foursquare to win prizes ranging from movie tickets to a trip to space. The trip to space drawing will be conducted, and a winner announced, on July 5, 2011.

When: Thursday, June 16 starting at 9 a.m.

Where: Downtown Dallas 7-Eleven store locations along parade route at:
·        Commerce and Darrien (2008 Commerce St.)
·        Elm and Market (711 Elm St.)
·        Commerce and Field (1295 Commerce St.)
·        Patterson and Akard (511 N. Akard St.)
·        Elm and N. Good Latimer (2608 Elm St.)


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Brews News—Report From the Field: Rahr Brewery Tour

posted by Sarah Reiss | June 15th, 2011 2:09pm | filed under beer, Brews News | 3 Comments »

Rahr Brewery tap room. (Photo by Julissa Treviño)

First-time contributor Julissa Treviño sends this report from her Rahr Brewery Tour:

“It’s really refreshing to see what’s going on in Texas,” said Fritz Rahr, owner of Rahr & Sons Brewery in Fort Worth, of the recent craft beer boom in the state.

On Saturday afternoon, the Rahr brewery in the Near Southside neighborhood was packed with a few hundred sweaty beer lovers. Temps hit the high 90s, and the brewery has no air conditioning. Luckily, the open backdoor let in a breeze. Four long, wooden picnic tables stretch across the warehouse, but many of the visitors here have brought their own lawn chairs.

Jump for more brewery tour highlights… Continue reading "Brews News—Report From the Field: Rahr Brewery Tour"

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New Indian Restaurant in Plano: Ziyaafat Mughal Cuisine

posted by Nancy Nichols | June 15th, 2011 1:53pm | filed under Ethnic Food, Openings/Closings, Restaurant News | 2 Comments »

A loyal Disher just cruised down Custer Road in Plano and reports Ziyaafat Mughal Cuisine is open for business. The menu is an intriguing mixture of Persian/Indian specialties “influenced by the Imperial kitchens of the Mughal Empire. It looks delicious and is 100 percent Zabihah Halal.

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What to Drink Now: Santa Barbara County and the Santa Ynez Valley

posted by Hayley Hamilton | June 15th, 2011 1:44pm | filed under Travel, Wine & Spirits | 1 Comment »

Vineyards at Melville

The wineries in Santa Barbara County may not be as publicized as some of their friends up the road in Napa or Sonoma, though Sideways did help make towns like Solvang a destination instead of just a stop over.

Santa Barbra County wineries are producing stellar, high quality wine from local vineyards with a focus on Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Rhone varietals, especially smoky, spicy Syrah.  Still a young region, it is not uncommon to see vineyards bookended by large cattle ranches instead of just seeing a spread of vineyard after vineyard, and the laid back attitude of Southern California permeates the air throughout the County.  The oldest winery established in the area was aptly named Santa Barbara Winery located in the heart of downtown Santa Barbara, but some of the real stars of the region are coming out of the Santa Ynez Valley.  I visited a handful recently that left me wanting more and anticipating my next trip to the region.

Continue reading "What to Drink Now: Santa Barbara County and the Santa Ynez Valley"

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Brews News Update: We’re Not Saying Lakewood On Tap is a Big Rip, But…

posted by Sarah Reiss | June 15th, 2011 1:28pm | filed under beer, Uncategorized | 20 Comments »

Straw boater? Check!

Naturally, one of us had to go sample the wares at Lakewood on Tap and the Lakewood Whole Foods. So, like the newshound he is, Tim headed down yesterday after work, empty growler in hand, stars in his eyes. What follows is the exchange between him an Whole Foods this morning:

Tim to Whole Foods: “I was all excited last night about swinging by the Lakewood store with my growler and getting it filled up, until I realized I got screwed. I paid $14 (w tax) to fill my own growler (64 oz) with Dog Fish 60 Minute. That’s roughly 22 cents per ounce. Now then. A six-pack of the same beer costs $11.89 (w tax) and delivers 72 ounces. That’s roughly 18 cents per ounce. What the heck is going on here? Suddenly I’m not so thrilled about your new growler program. Am I missing something?”

jump to find out if Tim is, indeed, missing something… Continue reading "Brews News Update: We’re Not Saying Lakewood On Tap is a Big Rip, But…"

20 Comments »

Where to Celebrate Maverick’s Victory In Dallas

posted by Nancy Nichols | June 15th, 2011 12:30pm | filed under GO MAVS!, Restaurant News, Slow News Day | 5 Comments »

I’m sure there are many local restaurants and bars throwing victory parties at their establishments. If you are a bar or restaurant throwing a party, feel free to post the particulars below.

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Show Dad Some Love With A Fathers Day On The Town. Then Leave Him Alone. He’s Tired, Dammit.

posted by Sarah Reiss | June 15th, 2011 11:39am | filed under Brunch | 2 Comments »

He’s been there through thick & thin. Gruff and grumpy but full of scruffy love. Complaining about your electricity/hot water/gas usage, scowling at your boyfriends/girlfriends, and generally being the loveable curmudgeon who’s there when times are tough. He doesn’t want another tie; he doesn’t want Aqua Velva; what he wants is a good meal, a stout drink, and some appreciation. Is that too much to ask?

Jump for a list of places to take him to show that you get it… Continue reading "Show Dad Some Love With A Fathers Day On The Town. Then Leave Him Alone. He’s Tired, Dammit."

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Kroger and Murray’s Cheese Shop Partner to Bring Specialty Cheese Shops To Dallas

posted by Andrew Chalk | June 15th, 2011 9:11am | filed under Andrew Chalk, Cheese, Wine & Spirits |

And, Action : Murray's Cheese Shop goes live today.

Check out the video below. Kroger and New York’s Murray’s Cheese have partnered to put a Murray’s Cheese Shop in Dallas area Kroger stores. The first  store opened in Irving on May 25, the Fort Worth location opens July 6, and Murray’s shop in the Kroger on Mockingbird at Greenville debuts today. If the model proves popular, the cheese-store-within-a-store concept will be rolled out to other Kroger stores. I stopped in yesterday for a media tour and spoke to folks from Murray’s and Kroger.

Cheese details below. Continue reading "Kroger and Murray’s Cheese Shop Partner to Bring Specialty Cheese Shops To Dallas"