Articles for February, 2012

A Car Plowed Through Jimmy’s Food Store

posted by Carol Shih | February 29th, 2012 5:40pm | filed under Breaking News, Uncategorized | 6 Comments »

The DMN reports that an elderly woman crashed her car into the front side of Jimmy’s Food Store, a popular Italian grocery store and deli, around 3:30 pm. Thank the universe no one was seriously injured, but some wine and tables were destroyed during the drive-in (not really a drive-by, is it?). Jimmy’s fans can rejoice, though; manager Jeff White says that the store will resume normal business hours tomorrow since the sandwich counter is unharmed.

Good grief, it looks like Jimmy’s has had its fair share of bad luck. 2004 marked the year Jimmy’s suffered a terrible fire, and now a car just went and plowed through it.

6 Comments »

Spread Eagle Saloon Spreads its Wings Today

posted by Carol Shih | February 29th, 2012 1:41pm | filed under Openings/Closings, questionable judgment, Restaurant News | 7 Comments »

Krista Nightengale discovered breastaurant-ish Spread Eagle Saloon last August, and since then we’ve been eager to see how its marketing team would deal with such a, uh, wonderful name. Turns out today is owner Scott Scripps’ Grand Opening Party featuring $3 drinks and live entertainment starting at 8pm. I’d rewrite the rest of the press release, but it’s more effective if you read it yourself. Couldn’t have said it any better.

Guests will be able to order from the full menu which contains starters like the Pork Belly Stuffed Jalapenos with Honey-Bourbon Shiner Bock Glaze, Roasted Garlic Goat Cheese Fritters, or a Scotch Egg; Sandwiches like The Loaf (meatloaf with pickled shallots and Muenster cheese on a Ciabatta bun), or the Pig Press (smoked ham w/pork belly, sweet pickles, and Swiss cheese), or a “Traditionally Awesome” Turkey Club. In addition to the food, visitors to Spread Eagle Saloon can order from the distinct beer menu which features over 40 varieties of traditional American, Overseas, and American Craft Beers, all served cold in the can. A popular recent trend in craft brewing, canning provides for a fresh product uncontaminated by light and loss of carbonation and is environmentally friendly by means of recycling and lesser shipping weight.

Spread Eagle Saloon is owned and operated by Dallas native and SMU grad Scott Scripps. Scripps is a downtown resident as well and so is invested both personally and financially in the success of Dallas’ core neighborhood.

As for the name? Well, let’s just say there may have been some drinks involved.

Restaurant hours run from 4pm-2am on Monday through Sunday; kitchen closes at 11pm. Lunch and day-time hours will be added in mid-March.

7 Comments »

I Finally Found a Good Reason To Run…

posted by Hayley Hamilton | February 29th, 2012 1:25pm | filed under Wine & Spirits |

A press release just hit my inbox that makes this yoga lover want to roll up my mat and strap on some running shoes to prepare for the Third Annual Fueled by Fine Wine Half Marathon through the stunning Willamette Valley, Oregon wine country.  On July 15, when it is hotter than anything in our fine city, 1500 enthusiastic runners will hit the trail in one of the most picturesque wine regions in the country, running a half marathon through the Dundee Hills of Willamette Valley.  Presented in collaboration with the Dundee Hills Winegrowers Association, runners will have special access to some of the area’s most prized vineyards as the trail takes them off traditional paved streets through the vineyards of wineries such as Stoller, Domaine Drouhin and Archery Summit.  Perhaps the best time of year in Oregon is July, with day time temperatures barely reaching 80 and dropping into the low 50′s at night, and the chance of rain at its lowest all year.  Best part is, after the event runners and their friends & families are invited to a post-race wine celebration featuring 21 of Willamette’s best wineries including Domaine Serene, Winderlea, Stoller, Domain Drouhin, Archery Summit, Lange and many more.  Oregon Pinot doesn’t get any better than this, and you get some exercise too!  Register here.

KRUPS USA Awards White Rock Coffee with Best Brews in Dallas

posted by Carol Shih | February 29th, 2012 1:02pm | filed under Breaking News, Coffee | 1 Comment »

photography by Elizabeth Lavin

For the second year in a row, White Rock Coffee has won the coveted KRUPS USA Award for having the best cuppa joe in Dallas. Public voting through KRUPS’ Facebook page helped determine the winner. KRUPS USA, a company that makes coffee, espresso machines and kitchen appliances, has been trying to bring attention to well-deserved coffee shops from New York to Los Angeles.

“We were so thrilled with the response we received last year, and look forward to bringing these well-deserving coffee shops the attention they have earned,” said Michele Lupton, Marketing Communications Director for the brand. “At KRUPS, our motto is ‘Passion, Precision, Perfection,’ and we are always delighted to find like-minded coffee-purveyors who share our same goals.”

Jump for the list of winners. Continue reading "KRUPS USA Awards White Rock Coffee with Best Brews in Dallas"

1 Comment »

Happy Birthday, Leap Year Babies

posted by Carol Shih | February 29th, 2012 12:10pm | filed under Chirpy, Delusional behavior, Easy Mark |

Leap day only comes around once every four years, and for some reason, it makes me think about frogs. Dead frogs. The frogs that my Taiwanese grandmother likes to cook for dinner sometimes.

(Sorry, frog rights activists.)

I like frogs, so I thought I’d post a video to commemorate all the poor froggy souls that have been consumed for the past 32098024980298 years.

Edit: I just received word from DISH that “guests with a leap year birth date will receive a special gift of 50% off their food at DISH tonight. All they need to do is show their ID with their February 29 birthday.”

Sissy’s Fried Chicken Makes You Feel Right at Home

posted by Carol Shih | February 29th, 2012 11:11am | filed under grand opening, lunch, Nostalgia, Openings/Closings, Patio Dining, Restaurant News | 13 Comments »

Main dining room (left); screen porch (right) [photos by Micah Nunley)

It’s no secret that I avoid fried chicken like a bad disease. Something about fried chicken makes me want to look, sniff, and throw it back inside the KFC container it came in. Yet Sissy’s fried chicken is something else entirely. Paired with a fresh housemade Sriracha sauce, this Lisa Garza special has that hard-to-find balance you seek in any good ‘ole piece of Southern fried chicken: crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside.

At the media lunch I attended last week, I split a family-style meal with three other persons, and it took no small amount of self control to remember my table manners and share the amazing plates provided by Sissy’s Southern Kitchen and Bar.

Jump for some more Sissy’s love. Continue reading "Sissy’s Fried Chicken Makes You Feel Right at Home"

13 Comments »

Gas Station Tacos: Shell Station on Industrial Blvd. in McKinney

posted by Chris Baccus | February 29th, 2012 9:00am | filed under Gas Station Tacos |

Christopher Baccus is  a taco junkie and blogger. Not just any kind of taco, primarily those found in or near gas stations. In his last report he took you here. This week he presents…

It was a beautiful day in mid-January when our family enjoyed a walk around the Heard Natural Science Museum & Wildlife Sanctuary’s Dinosaur exhibit. Heading back to the freeway, driving the side roads of McKinney, we passed a couple gas stations.  The side of a Shell station had a large “Tacos 99¢” sign on a window.  There was no other signage or even a name for the food stand inside the service station, but inside was a diverse selection of breakfast, fried burritos, hot dogs and tacos.

Several trays of meats rested behind a glass food service area. Out from the hidden kitchen emerged a young woman asking if I wanted something.  Not exactly the friendliest of hellos and no hint of a smile.  I ordered several tacos: beef, chicken, pastor (pork), and a lamb barbacoa all on corn tortillas with cilantro and onions.

Continue reading "Gas Station Tacos: Shell Station on Industrial Blvd. in McKinney"

Extreme Makeover: Restaurant Edition

posted by Carol Shih | February 28th, 2012 2:24pm | filed under Restaurant News |

There’s been a recent trend of restaurants trying to reinvent themselves, and – like the spectacular Lana Del Rey – there’s a new name to go with every new look.

A few days ago, DMN‘s Leslie Brenner announced that Bijoux is closed until March 2 when it will reopen as a bistro with new table settings and decor. Goodbye, formal dining. See you when the economy gets better.

Teresa Gubbins over at Pegasus also reports today that Swig/Gin Mill on Henderson is dropping the “Swig” over a trademark dispute and shortening the name to “The Gin Mill,” which sounds better anyway.

TGI Friday’s World Bartender Championship Feat. Enrique Iglesias

posted by Carol Shih | February 28th, 2012 11:00am | filed under beer, Beverages, Booze News, Contests, Mixology is fancy for bartender | 7 Comments »

Londoner Charlie "Chuck" Bailey has a dedicated following among the Friday's crowd, even on this side of the pond. (photos by Karley Osborn)

We sent intern Karley Osborn out to brave a bartending championship in Grapevine on a Sunday night. What a trooper.

Two nights ago, while the rest of you were crying in your living rooms over Meryl Streep’s Oscar speech, I was cheering alongside the corporate world of TGI Friday’s as flair bartenders from nine of the chain’s international restaurants competed to become the “Greatest Bartender in the World.” Er, more specifically, the greatest TGI Friday’s bartender in the world.

The Gaylord’s Glass Cactus was decked out for the event’s 21st year like any 21-year-old’s birthday party venue should be with inflatable noise clappers, flashing strobe lights, and party anthems that sounded out of place until the drinks started flowing. Fans, friends, and family of the nine competitors helped themselves to fancified bar fixings like portabella sliders and fried jalapeno peppers as the competition introductions began around 7:00 p.m.

Jump for some Enrique Iglesias action.
Continue reading "TGI Friday’s World Bartender Championship Feat. Enrique Iglesias"

7 Comments »

Eat This Now: Taiwan Cafe in Plano

posted by Daniel Walker | February 28th, 2012 10:00am | filed under Eat This Now!, Good Asian Grub | 5 Comments »

Sesame Chicken

Ever since the Chinese New Year, I made a Chinese New Year’s resolution to find some exceptional Chinese food. Pretty creative idea, I know. If I’m being completely honest, I have never been too impressed with my experiences in the past, and many of this town’s apparent favorites were a bit of a let down for me.  After probing many friends, both Asian and non-Asian, about their stand-by establishments, I was pointed to Taiwan Café, an incredibly humble joint in a strip mall in Plano.  As the suburbs north of Dallas seemed to be the most celebrated areas for Asian cuisine, I thought this was probably a decent option, and when I found out it was cash only, this was only an affirmation of its legitimacy.

Another location of Taiwan Café exists in Richardson, and at one point they shared the same owner, but since that time, the Richardson location was sold and ownership changed, the name, however, stayed the same.  So, I can’t speak for this second location, but the grub at the Plano joint is better than any other I’ve had in Dallas. Continue reading "Eat This Now: Taiwan Cafe in Plano"

5 Comments »

Sandwich Review: Capriotti’s Sandwiches Get High Fives

posted by Carol Shih | February 28th, 2012 9:00am | filed under It's just lunch, italian food, Sandwiches | 15 Comments »

Tim and Zac make sure the sandwiches are edible (left); Slaw Be Jos with roast beef, provolone, Russian dressing (right)

After my online musings over whether Capriotti’s would be a good 50-store fit for our beloved DFW, the big boys over at Capriotti’s delivered four ginormous plates of sandwich samples to me and the office mates. D employees gathered ’round the choices yesterday, carefully selecting between the Bobbie (turkey, cranberry sauce, stuffing, and mayo), Homemade Turkey, Italian, and Slaw Be Jo (roast beef, provolone, Russian dressing, cole slaw). The conclusion? Capriotti’s sandwiches are – hands down – wayyyy better tasting than Jimmy John’s limp excuses, and if it continues to preserve historic buildings the way it is, I’m personally a-okay with its expansion into DFW territory as a big fan of the Bobbie. (Thanksgiving leftovers in a sandwich = genius) Just lay off on all the mayo, will ya?

Jump for high fives Continue reading "Sandwich Review: Capriotti’s Sandwiches Get High Fives"

15 Comments »

February 27 Food Truck Schedule in Dallas/Fort Worth

posted by George Lewis | February 27th, 2012 4:05pm | filed under Food Truck Schedule, Food Trucks | 3 Comments »

The big event this week for multiple food truck service is the opening of the Margaret Hunt Hill Bridge on Saturday, March 3.  Six food trucks will be part of the entertainment, including Nammi,The Butcher’s Son, Gandolfo’s, Ruthies, Jack’s Chowhound, and Trailercakes.

The Arts District location is temporarily moving.  The Arts District’s Veletta Lill tells us that because of some construction:

Starting Monday (February 27), and for the next month, the Dallas Arts District food truck court will be moved to the south side of Flora, between Crockett and Leonard (across the street from the Meyerson Symphony Center and the Winspear Opera House.

The Wednesday evening “Food Truckin’ Experience” continues, but several food trucks warned us to be sure to check Facebook and Twitter as they are not yet positive if it will be held at Sigel’s Greenville or a nearby location.

The number of food trucks in Dallas/Fort Worth is exploding like the dandelions in my back yard.  Planning on rolling in DFW includes Potato Potahto, Nacho Nachos, an unnamed burgers and grilled sandwiches truck, Three Lions, Burrito Baron, and both Café Con Leche and Sky’s Tacos from the most recent season of the Great Good Truck Race.  More on these as we get more information.

Update: Cup Cakin’ Machine and Zombie’s sent their schedule in a bit late, but we are still going to add it.

Jump for your schedule.  Always check Facebook and Twitter feeds to ensure they’ll be there. Continue reading "February 27 Food Truck Schedule in Dallas/Fort Worth"

3 Comments »

Fort Worth’s Reata Restaurant Revisited

posted by Allison Hatfield | February 27th, 2012 10:45am | filed under appetizers, I Hate it When That Happens | 1 Comment »
Tenderloin tamales and tortilla soup at Reata

Tenderloin tamales and tortilla soup at Reata

I was living in Fort Worth when Reata moved to Sundance Square in 2002, taking over the old Caravan of Dreams space. Not long in Texas, I experienced every day as a Lone Star adventure, and in Fort Worth those adventures were often accompanied by cattle and cowboys, boots and a biker boyfriend. Things aren’t like that for me anymore. I live in Dallas now. I haven’t seen a cow up close in years. I still wear my boots, but that biker boyfriend is only a cherished memory. Time passes. Things change.

But I was excited to revisit Reata. My first meal there, shortly after that opening nearly 10 years ago included the restaurant’s famed tenderloin tamale. I’ve never forgotten that day, the afternoon sun streamed through the windows as I sat across from a woman whom I thought would become a friend (she didn’t) and sank my teeth into my first bite of seasoned beef wrapped in masa and topped with pecan mash. It was heaven in a corn husk.

On Saturday last, I and a fellow ballet lover arrived at Reata at 4:35, after seeing Dracula at Bass Hall. The restaurant wasn’t seating yet, but the hostess gave us a buzzer with a jazzy picture of a horse on it and told us to wait. To pass the time, we browsed the little gift shop, running our hands over rhinestone bracelets, turquoise necklaces, and belts made of both. We tried on studded handbags for size and discussed whether fringe is just a Texas thing or a nationwide trend for spring. We left the spurs for someone else and got a drink at the handsome bar, which I like to fantasize fills with rugged working men later in the night. (I’ve been told it does not.)

Continue reading "Fort Worth’s Reata Restaurant Revisited"

1 Comment »

Restaurant Reviews: Stackhouse, Liberty Burger, Goodfriend Beer Garden in Dallas

posted by Nancy Nichols | February 27th, 2012 10:38am | filed under Burgers, Reviews |

Double loaded burger and sweet potato fries at Stackhouse. Photography by Kevin Marple.

Here is what we think. Let us know your thoughts.

Stackhouse Randy Kienast is a successful home builder. One of his best friends is Ben Spies, a world-class MotoGP rider. You’d think the twosome would be happy to spend their spare time knocking back a few beers and talking about guy stuff like crashing a motorcycle at 190 mph (which Spies has done) or installing a new shower pan. But that would be too easy. So Kienast found a rickety one-story house built in 1925, and together they turned it into Stackhouse, a gourmet-ish burger bar on Gaston, near Baylor Hospital. Thankfully they had the sense to hire someone who knows something about cooking meat, James Rose, the former chef at Bob’s Steak & Chop House on Lemmon Avenue.

Oh, there is so much more…

Upcoming Dallas Wine Tasting Events

posted by Andrew Chalk | February 27th, 2012 10:37am | filed under Andrew Chalk, Wine & Spirits | 1 Comment »

Dallas is wine central in the next two weeks, starting today:

MONDAY, FEB. 27

Burgundy 2009  Tasting, Sigel’s-Elite on Fitzhugh
5-7 p.m., Free.

Guest winemaker: Jean-Nicolas Meo of Meo-Camuzet in Burgundy
Co-starring: Jean Marie Dechamps (importer)
To be tasted:
Meo-Camuzet Bourgogne Rouge 07
Meo-Camuzet Gevrey Chambertin 09
Meo-Camuzet Vosne Romanee 09
Tremblay Chablis Fourchaume 09
Guy Amiot Chassagne Montrachet Vieilles Vignes 09
Paul Pernot Bourgogne Blanc 09
Genot-Boulanger Volnay Ronceret 09

The meaning: Prominent Burgundy winemaker based in the hallowed village of Vosne-Romanée presents some of his wines, but not his Grands Crus or Premiers Crus (domage massive). However, the price is right. Not to be missed.

Continue reading "Upcoming Dallas Wine Tasting Events"

1 Comment »

Somebody Help This Poor Girl: Garlic Bread in Dallas

posted by Nancy Nichols | February 27th, 2012 9:09am | filed under Sing-Alongs, Somebody Help | 13 Comments »

Here’s a request you don’t see everyday. Hear her plea:

Nancy, I have a constant craving for garlic rolls. I’m am six months pregnant and I think about garlic bread all of the time. I would like to know your favorite places but what I am really looking for is a recipe so I can make my own. Neither my husband or I are very good at cooking but how hard can garlic bread be if we don’t make the bread. Maybe you’re readers can help.

Hit it, yáll.

13 Comments »

Marquee Grill Execuchef Tre Wilcox is Auctioning Himself Off

posted by Carol Shih | February 27th, 2012 8:37am | filed under Celebrity Chefs, celebrity sightings, Charity events, fundraiser |

This could be all yours for one weekend.

Eater Dallas and Park Cities People may have talked about this already, but in case you’ve been hiding in a cave: Marquee Grill Execuchef and “Top Chef Allstar” Tre Wilcox is auctioning himself off for charity. You heard that right, ladies. It’s time to start bidding on Charitybuzz. Winner gets to spend two days in the kitchen (a weekend of their choice) with the hunky chef and enjoy a Chef’s Tasting on Saturday night. All the proceeds go to the Bridge Breast Network, and the bidding ends on February 29 at 1:22 PM CST.

Whoever wins the auction has my permission to post a minute-by-minute, play-by-play blog of the entire experience on Sidedish… maybe.

Uptown Borders is Turning into Max’s Wine Dive

posted by Carol Shih | February 27th, 2012 8:34am | filed under Breaking News, Openings/Closings, Restaurant 101, restaurant business news, Restaurant News | 12 Comments »

image from dallasuptownguide.com

After Borders went bankrupt, we all began to speculate what would happen with the empty Uptown storefront on 3600 McKinney. Now that 4,200 square ft. space will serve fried chicken and Kobe beef burgers at Max’s Wine Dive, a restaurant with locations in Houston, Austin, and San Antonio. Owner Jerry Lasco has spent a good three years looking for the right spot in Dallas, and apparently this is the one. Was it love at first sight? Continue reading "Uptown Borders is Turning into Max’s Wine Dive"

12 Comments »

Dallas SWAT Officer Shoots and Kills Chef Travis Henderson

posted by Nancy Nichols | February 25th, 2012 5:12pm | filed under R.I.P. | 56 Comments »

I just received word from Tracey Evers of the Dallas Restaurant Association: former chef and co-owner of The Place at Perry’s, Travis Henderson, was killed earlier this morning in Carrollton by a member of the Dallas SWAT team. The news of Henderson’s death is heartbreaking. Henderson was a devoted, hard-working chef. While he was chef at The Place at Perry’s, he was in constant contact with the media and promoted the restaurant and his co-workers with great pride. Henderson was the creator of one of the best chicken-fried steaks in Dallas. He was a lovely person and his talent will be missed. R.I.P, dear Travis. Dallas will not be the same without you.

56 Comments »

Main Street Garden Cafe Looking for New Operator

posted by Krista Nightengale | February 24th, 2012 4:04pm | filed under Uncategorized | 3 Comments »

The news that was released today about the spot that was once the Lily Pad makes me sad. Downtown Dallas Inc. is looking for a new operator to fill the space. For the past two years, it’s been run by Doug Brown of Beyond the Box. He decided to not renew the lease. So if you’re interested in doing a street-food place downtown, contact Dustin Bullard at bullard@downtowndallas.org. (You get two years free rent.)

Until someone signs a lease, Joshua Florence (who brought us Homegrown Music and Art Festival and City Tavern) will be in the spot. He’s doing a pop-up concept and will have food, drink, and music.

Though I’m sad about this (the Lily Pad had such an amazing group of people running it), I’m excited about the potential of the spot. Let us know in the comments what you’d like to see there.

3 Comments »

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