Articles for June 17th, 2011

Park Restaurant on Henderson is Closing For Renovations

posted by Nancy Nichols | June 17th, 2011 8:05pm | filed under Murmur, Really?, Restaurant News | 1 Comment »

Several folks have emailed to say Park Restaurant on Henderson is closing/closed. They are open right now but, according to the nice man who just answered the phone, they are closing on Sunday for renovations.

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Patron Raises a Toast, and a Billboard, to the Dallas Mavericks

posted by Hayley Hamilton | June 17th, 2011 4:48pm | filed under GO MAVS!, Wine & Spirits |

If you are driving on the Tollway at I35 today take notice of the billboards around you. Patron makes a proud salute to the Mavericks and their NBA Championship win. Congratulations Dallas Mavs!!!

New England Lobster Bakes Every Sunday at The Commissary in Dallas

posted by Nancy Nichols | June 17th, 2011 4:38pm | filed under Celebrity Chefs, Restaurant News | 4 Comments »

Starting this Sunday, The Commissary will host Sunday night lobster bakes. The reservations-only dinner will consist of a bucket of steamers, tomato and basil salad, corn on the cob, grilled Italian sausage with roasted new potatoes and a steamed 1.25 lbs lobster with drawn butter. For dessert they offer a selection of seasonal homemade pies such as buttermilk, pecan, and chocolate. The price is $35 per person. Call 214-643-6557. (No knobby knit cardigan sweaters allowed.)

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Weekend Trip: JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort

posted by Andrew Chalk | June 17th, 2011 3:35pm | filed under Andrew Chalk, bread, Breakfast, Brunch, game, Wine & Spirits | 3 Comments »


It used to be that the parents could go away to golf, chill, and dine in luxury or they could take the kids to the place where little ones are given the impression that the whole world was designed for them. The JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort combines both options. Golf predominates for adults, with not one but two TPC (Tournament Players Club) 18-hole courses designed by Pete Dye and Greg Norman exclusively serving resort guests. The centerpiece of activities for kids is a six-acre water park named the River Bluffs Water Experience where you’ll find a 650-foot rapid river ride, multiple water slides, 1,100 ft. lazy river, children and adult pools, whirlpools, and an expansive activity pool. These, and a host of other amenities (about more of which below), are not only the province of families, who tend to fill the weekends. During the week, the resort switches identities to become one of the leading corporate retreat locations in Texas. It is one of the few places where a Hewlett Packard, or a Yahoo, can bring thousands of employees. Continue reading "Weekend Trip: JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort"

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Catching Up With Tiffany Derry and Private Social in Dallas

posted by Nancy Nichols | June 17th, 2011 2:10pm | filed under Celebrity Chefs, Openings/Closings, Restaurant News | 1 Comment »

photography by Billy Surface.

According to owner Andy Austin, the construction of Private Social, the restaurant on McKinney where Tiffany Derry will soon store her knives, is in full swing. Austin says it looks like the opening will be in late August or early September. Meanwhile, the former Go Fish chef and Top Chef contestant  has been working on menus. “I have been a busy woman with my personal Tiffany Derry Co. as well as the restaurant,” says Derry. “This month I’ve had great coverage in Ebony, D Magazine’s special edition, BE Healthy, and Glamor last month. I have a partnership with Art institutes National program. I am enjoying life and living it to the fullest. Last week I spoke at a graduation ceremony and told people not to be afraid of dreaming big and at the same time work hard.”

In her spare time, Tiffany managed to send some sketches of the interior. See below. Continue reading "Catching Up With Tiffany Derry and Private Social in Dallas"

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Special Report: Soft Opening at RedFork in Dallas

posted by Nancy Nichols | June 17th, 2011 12:47pm | filed under Celebrity Chefs, Celebrity Diners, cocktails, Goats!, SideDish Bump!, Steven Doyle | 3 Comments »

The foodie who never sleeps.

You have to get up pretty early in the morning (or stay up all night) to beat SuperChef follower Steven Doyle to the table of a new restaurant. Last night, he was a guest at a super secret soft opening dinner at RedFork. Give his report on cravedfw a nice SideDish Bump.

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Woman Raped and Beaten Near Capitol Pub on Henderson

posted by Nancy Nichols | June 17th, 2011 12:07pm | filed under Bad critters, Buzz Killer! | 1 Comment »

Several days ago, I received an email warning women to be careful when leaving the bars and restaurants clustered on Henderson near Capitol Pub, J-Blacks, and Neighborhood Services Tavern. The email says:

Please be careful around J-Blacks and Capitol Pub. A friend of a co-worker’s was brutally beaten and raped while walking to her car last night from J Blacks. She was with the group watching the game and left the bar around 2AM. She was apparently parked on the street behind Capitol (near that park/school). No one knows exactly yet how and when it happened, but she was found early this morning on the street near Capitol naked and severely beaten.

I’ve located the PoliceReport that verifies this incident took place in the 2300 block of N. Garrett Ave. which is southeast of the Neighborhood Services, J-Black, and Capitol Pub area on Henderson, not near the park and elementary school.

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Ate it for $8: The Island Spot in Carrollton

posted by Nancy Nichols | June 17th, 2011 10:18am | filed under Ate it For $8, Ethnic Food | 12 Comments »

Kristy Alpert’s latest report on where you can find great food for less than eight dollars.

Trying desperately to satiate the serious travel bug I’ve come down with lately, and gearing up for some reggae tunes from a local-Texas-boy at the Cas Haley concert later that night, I grabbed my beach-bumming friend and headed out to The Island Spot in Carrollton. I figured if I couldn’t be on a beach in the Caribbean, at least I could eat some Caribbean fare. Lucky for us, The Island Spot is authentically Caribbean, down to the chill attitudes and friendly smiles.

As soon as I got out of my car, I could see through the window and watched a waiter rush from the back of the restaurant to open the door and greet us with an overly excited, “Welcome to The Island Spot. So glad you’re here mon!”

Jump for jerk Continue reading "Ate it for $8: The Island Spot in Carrollton"

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Eat This Now:PB&J Cupcake from Trailercakes in Richardson

posted by Nancy Nichols | June 17th, 2011 9:42am | filed under Cult Cuisine, cupcakes, Daniel Walker, Diets are stupid | 2 Comments »

The PB&J cupcake from Trailercakes.

Ladies and gentlemen, a very excited Daniel Walker.

I eat way too many cupcakes.  It’s almost embarrassing.  Luckily, there is no shortage of outstanding cupcakes in Dallas.  But as seriously as I take my cakes, today, I am proud to announce that I am crowning a new king.

Perhaps you have seen them mentioned on Sidedish previously, but any “hype” you have heard about Trailercakes is true. The cupcakes are  heavenly.  Among all of the sultry flavors offered by this little operation, the PB&J cupcake is in a class of its own, and in my opinion, takes the cake as best in Dallas. Chief Frosting Officer, Heather Zidell, and Chief Cake Officer, Leora Azoulay Lesh, join forces to bring together the perfect balance of sugar and flour.  No corners are cut with these desserts.  Quality ingredients make for an exceptional product and we, the eaters, are the beneficiaries of this pair’s dedication to the humble cupcake.

Stay with me.

Continue reading "Eat This Now:PB&J Cupcake from Trailercakes in Richardson"

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Food Feedback Friday

posted by Nancy Nichols | June 17th, 2011 9:17am | filed under Food Feedback Friday | 9 Comments »

Hey, Dishers. Where did you eat this week? Did you find something fabulous? Did you find something foul? We’d love to hear your thoughts on your latest restaurant experiences. Here’s what you reported last week.

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What to Drink Now: Refreshing Whites

posted by Hayley Hamilton | June 17th, 2011 8:32am | filed under Wine & Spirits | 2 Comments »

It is a constant ringing in our ears from every meteorologist to mom, stay hydrated. What could be better than hydrating with a chilled glass of cool white wine, especially when they are affordable enough to be enjoyed everyday.  Some of these options were sent for editorial consideration, all will hit the spot on a 100 degree day.

If you like a wine that is a bit more medium-dry than completely dry, with floral aromas or ripe fruit flavors there is an Australian sparkler that may be perfect for you.  Emeri Sparkling Pinot Grigio from De Bortoli Wine.  I was a bit unsure of this wine, sparkling Pinot Grigio from Australia?  But I learned that the that the winery had solid Italian roots, established by Northern Italian emigrants to Australia, Vittorio and Giuseppina De Bortoli in 1928. Their son Deen expanded the operation when he took over and married Emeri.  Their children are involved in every aspect of the winery today, with family as the key to their success.  The sparkler is a great afternoon by the pool wine as it has low alcohol, about 10.5%, with lychee fruit, honey blossom and blooming rose aromas. Continue reading "What to Drink Now: Refreshing Whites"

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