Articles for May 1st, 2012

What To Drink Now: The Kentucky Derby and Cinco de Mayo All In One Glorious Day

posted by Hayley Hamilton | May 1st, 2012 12:20pm | filed under cocktails, Wine & Spirits | 2 Comments »

This Saturday is a cocktail play-land for spirit lovers with the Kentucky Derby and Cinco de Mayo happening the same day, and what better way to celebrate them both than with tasty libations that are slightly outside the box of what you might typically enjoy on these festive occasions.  Yes, the tried and true margaritas and mint juleps will always remain on the menu, but this year consider one of these combinations while watching the 138th running of the Kentucky Derby or toasting Mexico’s El Dia de la Batalla de Puebla or The Day of the Battle of Puebla, when Mexican forces defeated the French in 1862.  Some selections were sent for editorial consideration.

Tequila is the most well known spirit from Mexico, but for coffee lovers it doesn’t get any better than Kahlua, the rich, expressive and delicious coffee liqueur from Veracruz, Mexico. Delicious on its own, simply served over ice; stirring it together with a bit of vodka for a Black Russian, or adding cream for the much loved White Russian; or mixed in with your favorite cup of coffee.  Try the Cinnamon Spice Kahlua, inspired by a Meixcan Café de Olla, blending coffee with brown sugar and cinnamon, it will turn any plain cup into an exotic Mexican coffee.   Continue reading "What To Drink Now: The Kentucky Derby and Cinco de Mayo All In One Glorious Day"

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Restaurant Review: Mr. Mesero in Dallas

posted by Nancy Nichols | May 1st, 2012 11:25am | filed under Mexican Revolution, Tex-Mex | 11 Comments »

Nachos Conocidos. (Photography by Kevin Marple)

Veteran Tex-Mex restaurateur Mico Rodriguez is back doing what he does best: turning out high-quality food and providing stellar service. The co-founder of Mi Cocina, Taco Diner, and The Mercury bottomed out in 2008 when he lost control of his company, M Crowd. He is no longer involved in the popular Tex-Mex chain, but he is happy to start over slowly. “I started out with 12 tables and hit it big,” Rodriguez says. “I’m in here waiting tables and watching everything going on.” If Rodriguez keeps doing what he has been doing at Mr. Mesero over the last five months, he will have another shot at stardom.

CLICK HERE TO READ THE REST OF THE REVIEW AND THE BIT ABOUT THE QUESO!

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Seasons 52 to Open Second Area Location at NorthPark

posted by Nancy Nichols | May 1st, 2012 10:19am | filed under Closings, Openings/Closings, restaurant business news, Restaurant News | 5 Comments »

Loads of people love the Seasons 52 in Plano. Why? It’s fresh, seasonal, has a nice wine program…oh, and nothing on the menu is more than 475 calories. Dallas folks won’t have to drive to Plano for a mini-indulgence dessert, Seasons 52 is opening a Dallas location at NorthPark. Yes, it will occupy the former space known as McCormick and Schmick and will open this fall. The press release says it will “bring approximately 100 new jobs to the Dallas area.” Interesting spin. Is that more than the total number of employees who lost their job when McCormick and Schmick closed? Probably a wash. Seasons 52 likes to play around with other numbers: Master Sommelier George Miliotes features a diverse international selection of 100 wines, including over 52 choices offered by the glass.” Jobs! Wine! Free valet parking!

Jump if you need more to make you happy.

Continue reading "Seasons 52 to Open Second Area Location at NorthPark"

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Jay Jerrier of Cane Rosso Is a Great Host, and Great on Diners, Drive-ins, and Dives

posted by Krista Nightengale | May 1st, 2012 9:41am | filed under Celebrity Chefs, Celebrity Diners, Food On TV, pizza | 8 Comments »

The crowd watching Jerrier's TV debut.

Jay Jerrier invited me (and about 400 other people) via Facebook to his restaurant, Cane Rosso, to watch his debut on Diners, Drive-ins, and Dives. Yesterday morning, I got a text message from Cane Rosso’s automated database system that Jerrier was going to host a watch party at 9PM.  I also noticed several tweets about the party. (There’s a reason he’s a nominee for best tweeter.)

My husband and I got there early. We knew the kitchen would close around 8:30PM so the staff could watch the show, and we assumed the 400 Facebook friends would be early, too. Turns out, we were a little too anxious. Around 7:30, we had no problem getting a seat. Jerrier was cooking up a storm. But around 8:30PM, he took a break and started walking around. At one point he looked out the window, said something about moving his car, and rushed out. Then we saw the food truck Enticed roll up. Next thing we know, SsahmBBQ pulled up along side.  Jerrier came in and announced that it was all on the house. People ran out to get their shaved ice and Korean tacos just in time to watch Jerrier’s performance on DDD.

I wish I could break down the segment for you, but I can’t. There was a lot of applauding and cheers, so I missed some of what was said. And while the crowd was frenzied, Jay stood stoically and watched the show. His wife and kids were there as well. I planned on rewatching the segment when I got home, but there was a little game on and it took precedence. But I can tell you this: the pizza looked amazing, the shots of the pasta made us wish we had ordered pasta, and Jerrier did a great job. Also, he’s a really great host. (He’s even been kind enough to allow people to order ranch dressing at his restaurant. Kinda.)

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Have You Booked a Reservation For Mother’s Day Yet?

posted by Carol Shih | May 1st, 2012 9:30am | filed under Brunch, Holidays, Mother's Day |

Mother’s Day (May 13) is only two weeks away, which means you should’ve already booked your reservation already. If you’re a slowpoke and you haven’t, well, maybe you should take a look at our list. It’s got everything you need to make the right choice. Don’t let yo momma down, boys and girls.

Click here for the entire list.

Another Episode of Posh Nosh

posted by Nancy Nichols | May 1st, 2012 9:22am | filed under Celebrity Chefs, Cooking | 2 Comments »

Whenever I get grumpy, I watch a rerun of Posh Nosh. It’s a 2003 BBC parody of a TV cooking show. The program stars Arabella Weir and Richard E. Grant as the chefs Simon and Minty Marchmont who run the make-believe restaurant The Quill and Tassel. Search for the other episodes—I think there are only 8–online or on KERA. My favorite stars paella . Today I think we could use a little lesson on bread and butter pudding.

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