Articles for February 28th, 2012

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.
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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"

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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?

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