Articles for January 6th, 2012

Stewpot Alliance Announces Chef Line-Up For 2012 Soup’s On! Luncheon At Union Station

posted by Nancy Nichols | January 6th, 2012 2:03pm | filed under Celebrity Chefs, Charity events | 3 Comments »

The fourth annual SOUP’S ON! Stewpot Alliance Luncheon and Art Sale is set for January 24 (11 a.m. – 1:15 p.m.) at Union Station downtown. I’ve bought several pieces of art at this event and I urge you to attend. Especially this year. The keynote speaker is Jeannette Walls, author of one of my favorite books, The Glass Castle. Music will be provided by the Hamilton Park Men’s Choir.

Food? Oh, yes. A stellar line-up of chefs will be on hand: Chef Brian C. Luscher of the Grape Restaurant is first chair. His roster of talent includes Randall Copeland and Nathan Tate (Restaurant Ava); Bruno Davaillon (Mansion), Kevin Garvin (Neiman Marcus), Keith Hanks (Capital Grille), Matt McCallister (Campo Modern Country Bistro ), Abraham Salum (Komali, Salum), and Janice Provost (Parigi).

Jump for the details. Continue reading "Stewpot Alliance Announces Chef Line-Up For 2012 Soup’s On! Luncheon At Union Station"

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Dining Etiquette: To Pray or Not to Pray in a Restaurant

posted by Nancy Nichols | January 6th, 2012 10:39am | filed under It's just lunch, lunch, Politics of Food, questionable behavior, questionable judgment | 45 Comments »

Several years ago I met a man for lunch at Stephan Pyles. It was the first time we’d met. We sat down and ordered. When the food arrived, he grabbed my hand and asked me to join him in prayer over our lunch. I bowed my head but kept my eyes open. Diners all around us were watching us as the very nice man prayed. And prayed. And prayed.

I admit I was extremely uncomfortable. Not because he was religious and blessed his every meal and minute on earth, but, and I don’t know how to put this gently, because I felt he was imposing his beliefs on me. Now don’t go all crazy on me, I am being honest. Looking back at it, I realize it wasn’t that big of a deal. However, I would like to hear what you think about this situation. Should he have asked me if I would have liked to join in prayer or was it “fair” that he grabbed my hand and assumed it was okay?

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So, You Want To Start a Vineyard In Texas? Texas AgriLife Extension Service Will Show You the Way

posted by Andrew Chalk | January 6th, 2012 9:44am | filed under AgriBusiness, Andrew Chalk, Texas Wine | 6 Comments »

Owning your own vineyard sounds so lovely and romantic. Each night as a gentle fog cools your grapes, you and your dog wander through the rows of vines bursting with perfectly formed grapes. The birds fly over your land and feast on your neighbors crops. The insects travel miles away to gnaw on the branches of another vineyard. Each night, you polish the gold medals hanging on your bedpost. It’s so easy and rewarding. Why doesn’t everyone have their own vineyard.

If you want to find out why, The Texas AgriLife Extension Service, has just the conference for you: Grape Grower Workshops.

Let’s talk reality. Go.

Continue reading "So, You Want To Start a Vineyard In Texas? Texas AgriLife Extension Service Will Show You the Way"

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Top Chef: Texas, Episode 9 Recap

posted by Nancy Nichols | January 6th, 2012 9:31am | filed under Top Chef: Texas | 3 Comments »

Loren Means has a lot of different jobs here at D Magazine. Only one is writing the recaps of Top Chef: Texas. I thank her for her volunteer spirit, especially this week because she is not feeling well.  Now let’s get it on.

Something has blown into Dallas and assaulted my sinuses.  I woke up yesterday surrounded by wadded-up tissues I don’t even remember using in the night. Feeling like a bobble head I stumbled to get dressed and ready myself for the day. Then while driving to work and throwing myself one hell of a pity party I was cut off by a Toyota Venza. (True story.)  I practically had to pull a Jeff Gordon maneuver to avoid rear-ending  Cruella De Vil. Thank goodness the Claritin daze hadn’t taken effect just yet. My day started badly and naturally, I blamed Beverly. I will try not to ooze negativity as I take you through last night’s episode of Top Chef: Texas. Too late?  Hold please – I’m making an award.

Jump for molecular gastronomy, barbecue, and Austin. Continue reading "Top Chef: Texas, Episode 9 Recap"

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Food Feedback Friday

posted by Nancy Nichols | January 6th, 2012 8:54am | filed under Food Feedback Friday | 10 Comments »

Dishers, where did you dine and what did you eat this week? Here is what you reported last week.

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