Articles for October, 2012

Dallas Has the Most Amazing Chefs

posted by George Lewis | October 31st, 2012 4:33pm | filed under Celebrity Chefs, Chefs | 4 Comments »

How does Stephan Pyles find enough time in a day? Besides opening Stampede 66 just recently, Chef Pyles took time out of his day to do a calendar photo shoot for the Down Syndrome Guild of Dallas at his original restaurant with these two lucky kids.

We have some amazing chefs who give of their time for the March of Dimes, Scottish Rite Hospital, and in this case, Down Syndrome awareness.

Thank you, Chef Pyles.

To purchase a 2013 wall calendar, go here.

4 Comments »

Sneak Peek: British Beverage Co. in Uptown

posted by Carol Shih | October 31st, 2012 3:26pm | filed under beer, Booze News, Openings/Closings, Restaurant News | 8 Comments »

The exterior of BBC (photos by Carol Shih)

Tomorrow the British Beverage Co., located at 2800 Routh Street in the Quadrangle, is opening for dinner service. It opens officially to the public on November 5. And on November 12, lunch service starts. Excited? Not Yet? You probably should be.

Plan B – the same guys who brought you Bolsa and Oak – designed the dark, cozy interior. It looks exactly like a London pub. It’s dim, but doesn’t feel stuffy. Not at all. Communal tables line the front of the room, where there’s easy access to the full-service bar. Just imagine: 45 wines and champagnes, 50 beers on draught, and 100 different bottled beers. Pair that with a BBC burger (blue cheese, onion marmalade, ground beef, croissant bun) or some herb brioche crusted fish and chips made by executive chef Jason Hice, who was most recently at Nana before it turned into steakhouse.

Continue reading "Sneak Peek: British Beverage Co. in Uptown"

8 Comments »

Don’t Eat This Now: Bombay Chopstix’s Food Truck

posted by Carol Shih | October 31st, 2012 12:01pm | filed under Food Trucks | 8 Comments »

Desi Manchurian with eggroll, basmati rice, and chicken (photo by Carol Shih)

There’s a Bombay Chopstix restaurant in Irving and Richardson, and then there’s Bombay Chopstix’s food truck, Bombay Street Food, that features highlights from the restaurant’s menu. When I first heard that a food truck serving Indo-Chinese fusion was hitting the streets, my ears perked. I scoured George’s handy dandy food truck schedule. I waited. Then I pounced.

Bombay Street Food is now its fourth week of operation. Last week, when I visited, I went up to the fire engine red truck and received maybe the best food truck service I’ve ever had. Of course, this could be due to the fact that no one else was around me. My first free eggroll came on a paper plate with Sriracha sauce. It was vegetarian, stringy from cabbage bits, and not crispy at all. Still enjoyable, though, because it was free. Seeing how I couldn’t decide what to order, one of the Bombay guys asked me, “What do you like? What do you usually get at Pei Wei or P.F. Chang’s?”

If I’d been smarter, I would’ve left as soon as I heard that last question.

Continue reading "Don’t Eat This Now: Bombay Chopstix’s Food Truck"

8 Comments »

Into Shelley’s Belly: What to Eat in Marfa, Texas

posted by Matthew Shelley | October 31st, 2012 10:00am | filed under Into Shelley's Belly, Special Report, Travel | 6 Comments »

Downtown Marfa (photos by Matthew Shelley)

On my second venture to Marfa, I again found myself in absolute marvel of its energy, beauty and endurance. It is a strange little place, seemingly asleep and unkempt, but all the while buzzing with big city attitude and enchantments. Clean air and quirky sophistication abounds in this little big city. It wrapped me in its velvety overcoat, made no doubt from a designer you’ve never heard of. Marfa doesn’t need you, and at many times makes you feel like the awkward accountant who typically keeps his mouth shut in the office but decided to be daring at the Halloween party, and because of his social ineptitude has worn something disturbingly inappropriate. Either way, I set out to taste and here is what I have to tell.

Continue reading "Into Shelley’s Belly: What to Eat in Marfa, Texas"

6 Comments »

Somebody Help This Poor Girl: Private Chef for Party

posted by Nancy Nichols | October 31st, 2012 9:00am | filed under catering, somebody help this poor girl out | 13 Comments »

Calling all private chefs. Gal looking for a party chef:

I am looking for a private party chef to cook for 10 –12 people.  The party is November 9 or 10 in my house.  I’d like upscale American cuisine with appetizers and desert for $80 to 100 bucks a head including gratuity.

Sign up below.

13 Comments »

A Photo Essay of the Blues, Bandits, and BBQ Festival in Oak Cliff

posted by Carol Shih | October 30th, 2012 12:23pm | filed under BBQ | 2 Comments »

Venison sausage and smoked chicken with Carolina sauce and bourbon-based sauce by True BBQ. photos by Melisa Oporto

We sent photography intern Melisa Oporto off with her camera and a mission to capture the atmosphere at the Blues, Bandits, and BBQ Festival in Oak Cliff last Saturday. Clyde Biggins was there, of course, waving roasted legs in the air and having a ball of a time. Kids played in the grass, blues bands sang under trees, and man’s best friends enjoyed the great outdoors. You could smell barbecue in the air. D‘s Creative Director Todd Johnson, who acted as one of the meat-eating judges, said he was blindfolded as he consumed forty pieces of chicken and pulled pork. Another table of judges had the honor of tasting brisket and ribs. When Todd sent me a list of all the winners (pasted down below), he said it made him burp just looking at the list. I don’t envy him, but you might after you take a look at Melisa’s photo essay.

Jump and drool. Go ahead, we won’t judge you.

Continue reading "A Photo Essay of the Blues, Bandits, and BBQ Festival in Oak Cliff"

2 Comments »

Love Shack in Denton Closes, Turns Into a Steakhouse

posted by Carol Shih | October 30th, 2012 11:06am | filed under As the Restaurant Turns | 6 Comments »

Once upon a time, when life was good, there were three Love Shacks. Now there is only one. Bad news has hit the streets of Denton: the second remaining Love Shack said its final goodbye to gourmet burgers yesterday. Tim Love’s burger place posted on its Facebook wall:

Dear Love Shack fans,

As of today, October 29th 2012, the Love Shack Denton location is permanently closed. After 18 months of business, Chef Tim Love has decided to redesign and renovate the space which will open as a brand new concept in early 2013.

Please direct all questions to info@loveburgershack.com

Thank you for your dedicated support and patronage, and we look forward to seeing you at Tim’s new concept!

DFW.com’s Bud Kennedy has the scoop on what’s happening. Love plans to turn his spot into a high-end steakhouse.

 

6 Comments »

Cook Hall Brings Casual Fare to the W Hotel

posted by Iris Zubair | October 30th, 2012 10:23am | filed under Openings/Closings, Restaurant News | 4 Comments »

Cocktail kit (left); a very lit bar (right) photos by Melisa Oporto

While we quietly mourn the loss of Craft Dallas and Ghostbar, W Dallas Victory Hotel is offering a brand new aesthetic to their upscale décor. Patrons will now be able to look forward to the inviting and laid-back atmosphere of Cook Hall, a classic American gastropub vision from NYC-based company CCHG (Culinary Concepts Hospitality Group). Cook Hall’s replacing the often unaffordable Craft Dallas menu with moderate pricing, sharable plates, and a Cocktail Kit. It will open for dinner on Tuesday, October 30.

Jump for a visual preview of Cook Hall.

Continue reading "Cook Hall Brings Casual Fare to the W Hotel"

4 Comments »

Into Shelley’s Belly: Avila’s on Maple Avenue

posted by Matthew Shelley | October 30th, 2012 9:30am | filed under Ethnic Food, Into Shelley's Belly, Sexy food | 10 Comments »

Brisket tacos (photos by Matthew Shelley)

I don’t imagine anyone ever accusing Avila’s Restaurant of being too complicated. That being said, its simplicity embodies the heart that makes this restaurant sing. All of my chakras tingle every time I come here. Tucked away on the bustling Maple Avenue, Avila’s has been serving delicious, authentic Mexican fare for the last 25 years. It’s precious, comforting, and a relaxing experience away from the hustle of this brain crazy city life we stomp through during the work hours.

Continue reading "Into Shelley’s Belly: Avila’s on Maple Avenue"

10 Comments »

Somebody Help This Poor Girl: Vegetarian/Carnivore Dinner Spot

posted by Nancy Nichols | October 30th, 2012 9:18am | filed under Somebody Help, Vegetarian/Vegan | 8 Comments »

We don’t really care that her “good friend just received a big promotion,” but we will help her with her with her question:

$he asked me to recommend a nice place for her, her husband, and me to have a special dinner. They are both vegetarians, and I am a carnivore. Do you know of any nice restaurants that vegetarians rave about?

8 Comments »

What To Drink Now: Riesling

posted by Hayley Hamilton | October 30th, 2012 8:54am | filed under Wine & Spirits |

20 years ago, in my youthful days of wine drinking, the thought of drinking a Riesling sounded about as good as the thought of eating halibut cheeks or octopus, interesting because the off-dry method of making Riesling was quite popular at the time, something many young palates gravitated to.  I always wanted something with more character and versatility …and very, very dry.

As we grow though, our palates change along with our personalities, and though I still gravitate to that dry wine, I have found that many Rieslings whether made in an off-dry or dry style deliver on character, personality, versatility and overall good taste.  Here are a few Rieslings to consider that will be an interesting start to an evening, to pair with dinner or even enjoy over dessert.  A few selections were sent for editorial consideration.

Germany is best known for their Riesling, with the area of Mosel-Sarr-Ruwer being best known for the prized Rieslings their much celebrated and planted variety creating highly mineralic, steely yet sublimely delicate wines from grapes grown in slate-rich soils.  S.A. Prum has been making some of the best in the mid-Mosel for over 100 years.  The S.A. Prum 2009 Wehlener Sonnenuhr Kabinett maintains a low alcohol level, around 9%, yet delivers a much bigger, rounder Riesling filled with layers of slate and steel with green apple, tangerine and lime notes and a touch of sweet baking spice like ginger or nutmeg on the finish. Continue reading "What To Drink Now: Riesling"

October 29 Food Truck Schedule and News for Dallas/Ft. Worth

posted by George Lewis | October 29th, 2012 4:57pm | filed under Food Truck Schedule, Food Trucks | 1 Comment »

On Monday, thanks to Sunnyland Patio Furniture (7879 Spring Valley at Coit), Monday Night Foodball is back from 5-8 PM.

North Dallas gets more food truck action on Wednesday at Prestonwood Baptist Church‘s Fall Festival.  Food trucks include Cajun Tailgator, Easy Slider, Ruthie’s Grilled Cheese, Ruthie’s Cheesesteaks, Rockstar Bakeshop, Tin Star Taxi, and Bombay Street Food.

“The Parking Lot at Sprouts” is back on Thursday evening at 1800 Henderson Ave.

On Sunday, several of the best food trucks in Dallas will be at the Down Syndrome Guild of Dallas’ Buddy Walk at Victory Plaza to raise funds and awareness.  The food trucks will be there starting at 11am.  It is an open event with no admission.  Food trucks include Easy Slider, Enticed, Nammi, Trailercakes, Good Karma Kitchen, Ruthie’s, Gandolfo’s, and The Butcher’s Son.

Here is your schedule for the week.  Always check Twitter and/or Facebook before going out. Continue reading "October 29 Food Truck Schedule and News for Dallas/Ft. Worth"

1 Comment »

Giveaway: 12 Taco Bueno Gift Cards Worth $10 Each

posted by Carol Shih | October 29th, 2012 1:37pm | filed under Free Stuff!, freebies, Tacos | 9 Comments »

Proof that 12 cards exist

Somehow the suits up at Taco Bueno headquarters got wind of the fact that Anthony Bourdain has never eaten Taco Bueno before, which he admitted in an interview with us last week. The Bueno guys are being very generous today. I have in my possession 12 cards worth $10 each that you can use on November 5 and 6. Taco Bueno is doing this thing called “Guac the Vote” all day on November 6. Anyone who goes in and says they’ve voted gets free guac and chips. This means if you go to Taco Bueno on November 6 and show them one of these little cards, you can get free lunch and guac and chips. What a deal. Nay, what a steal!

Okay, here’s how to play the game and win one of these 12 cards: Create a TV show starring Anthony Bourdain. In 150 words or less, tell us what you’d have him do. Eat Taco Bueno? Brave the weather in the Arctic? It’s up to you. We’ll pick twelve winners by tomorrow (Tuesday) at the end of the day (5:00 p.m.). Winners can either pick up the gift cards up from our office or have them mailed directly.

9 Comments »

Dallas Chefs Delight at March of Dimes Auction

posted by Sarah Bennett | October 29th, 2012 12:20pm | filed under Charity events | 2 Comments »

Beef short rib ravioli with sweet corn bisque from Komali (photos by Sarah Bennett)

Dallas’ top chefs were cooking up a storm last Thursday at the annual March of Dimes Auction at the Omni Hotel. Lead chef Kent Rathbun of Abacus, who has worked on this project for 15 years, led a team of over 20 top local chefs who each brought their own signature dish to the table.  Guests could stroll around the ballroom to sample dishes, refill on wine, and ponder which auction items to bid on.

The Signature Chefs Auction of Dallas has raised over $7 million since 1995 for healthy babies and moms. It also has cranked out some awesome dishes.

Jump for the lowdown.

Continue reading "Dallas Chefs Delight at March of Dimes Auction"

2 Comments »

Scalini’s in Richardson is Closed

posted by Carol Shih | October 29th, 2012 11:22am | filed under Closings, Openings/Closings, Restaurant News | 2 Comments »

Over the weekend, Scalini’s Pizza and Pasta in Richardson shuttered down. A quick phone call to the owner and general manager, Luis Delafuente, explained why. Kind of. “I’m really disappointed that we had to close down. It was just not a good location from the very beginning. We just regret that we had to close. We’re looking for another location. Somewhere else in the metroplex that’s best for Scalini’s.”

My source tells me that’s not the only reason why, but Luis did not care to elaborate.

2 Comments »

Si Lom Thai Asian Fusion Opens on Oak Lawn Avenue

posted by Nancy Nichols | October 29th, 2012 9:15am | filed under Openings/Closings, Restaurant News | 5 Comments »

Our gal on the street with a sharp eye for detail snapped this picture while driving. Si Lom Thai Asian Fusion is in the subterranean space formerly known as d’Carlo and, before that, Daniele Osteria. The address is 3300 Oak Lawn next door to Goody Goody. They are open.

5 Comments »

Shake-Up In Ownership at Acme F & B: Colleen O’Hare and Jeana Johnson are Out

posted by Nancy Nichols | October 29th, 2012 8:39am | filed under As the Restaurant Turns, Chick Chefs Rule!, Cult Cuisine, Good Morning, Legal news, Peripatetic chefs, restaurant business news, Restaurant News, SideDish Readers Are Smart People, Whac-A-Mole Chefs | 7 Comments »

Girls Gone Wild: Colleen O’Hare, Brooke Humphries, Brianna Larson, and Jeana Johnson at Acme F&B.

Last week I heard there was trouble brewing at Acme F & B. My insider, Garganta Profunda de una Vaca, relayed intel: The four owners were in disagreement over the “meat allocation program and front of the house service system.” GPDUV said Acme  F&B c0-owners (Team Barcadia), Brooke Humphries and Brianna Larson, bought out co-owners Colleen O’Hare and Jeana Johnson, (Team Good 2 Go Taco, Goodfriend).

I emailed Jeana Johnson last Monday and asked if the buyout scenario was true. She replied, “This is not true.” I pushed, “Are you still owners.” Johnson typed, “Yes we are.” I smelled a lawyer. I went on to bigger and better things.

Last Friday, at 6:56PM, Johnson sent me an update: “Ok NOW we are no longer owners of Acme.” (Attorney aroma again.)

Perhaps it’s as simple as the too-many-cooks syndrome. But since the restaurant opened on June 1, there have been confusing signals.  Our First Look, written by Carol Shih, painted this picture:

Each table also has a front wait who brings the food to your table, and a captain who guides you through the menu. He or she is the one who explains to new guests why ACME F&B changes its menu daily, stressing the importance of what the Good To Go and Barcadia women are trying to implement: better treatment of farmers while keeping the quality of food top-notch.

A little less than four months later another picture emerged: Norm Grimm was named executive chef. Grimm’s appointment was somewhat surprising since most of us assumed O’Hare and Johnson, the names most closely associated with the food program, were in the kitchen. We called, we asked, and we were assured this was a natural progression of their business plan.

Mierda happens. It certainly has at Acme F& B. Humphries, Larson, and Grimm, all eyes are on you. Bring us your best game.

(Side note: Humphries and Larson are opening a third Barcadia location in New Orleans.)

7 Comments »

What To Drink Now: Big, Bold Red Wines

posted by Hayley Hamilton | October 26th, 2012 5:37pm | filed under Wine & Spirits | 2 Comments »

Finally, the temperatures have dropped….and hearty red wine is on the menu for dinner tonight paired with a juicy steak, braised lamb or even a cedar planked, smoked salmon. Here are a few favorites I have tried recently that are begging to be enjoyed with the finest autumn flavors and winter delights.  Some selections were sent for editorial consideration.

I love the merriment of celebrating the Beaujolais Nouveau of the season as much as the next guy, and happily raise a glass at the annual Beaujolais Festival every year, but I am so thrilled that the past few years the French American Chamber of Commerce, the team behind this well loved event, has added other wines, first showcasing many of the finest from Texas, and recently adding wine from throughout France and California.  I had a chance to try a few of this years selections last night at the festival kick-off event presented by the French American Chamber of Commerce and Goody-Goody, attending as their guest, and can pleasantly say we are in store for some great wine this year.  A few standouts included a Left-Bank Bordeaux from Chateau Ducluzeau blending 50% Cab with 50% Merlot to create a highly structured, bold wine filled with ripe red fruit, stone, spice and leather.  Though not as hearty as some of the other wines included in this post, they poured a lush and lovely, nicely balanced and youthful Merlot based rose that was gorgeous, Chateau Rol Valentin Rose from Right-Bank Bordeaux.   Continue reading "What To Drink Now: Big, Bold Red Wines"

2 Comments »

A Casting Call for MasterChef is Happening Tomorrow in Dallas. Bring Your A-Game.

posted by Tiffany Thomas | October 26th, 2012 1:15pm | filed under Celebrity Chefs, celebrity sightings, game | 5 Comments »

Graham Elliott, Gordon Ramsay, and Joe Bastianich via zap2it.com

Tomorrow, master restaurateur, Joe Bastianich will be holding a casting call to see if anyone in Dallas has what it takes to be a master chef. Co-host of Fox’s hit series, MasterChef, Bastianich has been dubbed the “Simon Cowell of the Food Industry” so aspiring master chefs might want to bring their A-game and some thick skin.

When I spoke with him yesterday he said that he expects great things from Dallas. “Our last winner was from Texas and we, generally, always get great results from Texas,” he said. I was surprised to learn that MasterChef is not about who has the best culinary background or technique. Bastianich expressed that the show is about good food and chefs that love what they do.

With that said, I’m officially calling out all chefs of the DFW area to come out tomorrow from 10 a.m-6 p.m. to Le Cordon Blue at 11830 Webb Chapel Road Dallas, TX 75234. Who knows? You just may walk away with a spot on Season Four of MasterChef to compete for $250,000 and a cookbook deal. Sounds pretty delicious if you ask me.

Tiffany Thomas is a 22-year-old from Shreveport. She graduated from Northwestern State University of Louisiana in Natchitoches, LA. She enjoys writing, cooking, shopping, and eating.

5 Comments »

Food Trucks Are Hitting the Streets in Denton, Keller, and Carrollton. Denton Foodie Truck Festival Tonight!

posted by George Lewis | October 26th, 2012 12:41pm | filed under 'Burbalicious, Food Trucks |

The City of Dallas started allowing “gourmet food trucks” in early to mid 2011 when there were about five on the road.  They were not allowed to operate in the Central Business District.   There were still lots of regulations, but the City, the Arts District, and the CBD worked through the details and, since then, food trucks have been an integral part of the thriving Arts District area.

Now, let’s contrast three of the suburbs: Carrollton, Keller, and Denton.

Over a year ago, in or around May 2011, I heard some rumors that Carrollton would start allowing food trucks in their new DART transit stop.  That turned out to be a stretch.  They were actually considering allowing smaller food carts.  I poked around and found  a city council video (skip to 15 minutes), where one council member says:  “Carrollton is not Chicago or Detroit.  We are more progressive. This is 2011, we go to Chipotle, places like that.”  The ordinance to allow food carts in the transit zone did finally pass 5-2.  Carrollton does  allow gourmet food trucks, but few go there unless it is for a private event.

Let’s look at Keller.  They allow food trucks.  So-Cal Tacos frequents the area often.  But in July 2012, they shot down a proposed Keller Food Truck park by a vote of 4-3 because they felt it was competitive with nearby brick-and-mortar restaurants.  According to So-Cal’s Scott Wooley, two of the no votes have expressed interest in seeing another opportunity at bringing a food park to Keller.

Now, let’s dissect Denton.  In March 2012, Denton Councilman Kevin Roden posted a possible ordinance change to allow gourmet food trucks in Denton.  Before there were onerous regulations, so hot food trucks were basically only visible on the college campus.  Now, a few months later, Denton has changed the ordinance and will host their first Food Truck Festival,  “Denton Foodie Truck Festival: Friday Night Bites” tonight from 5pm to 10pm in the downtown Denton transit center.  Participating food trucks include: The Butcher’s Son, Crazy Fish, Cup Cakin’ Machine, Gandolfo’s NY Deli, The Pickled Carrot, Rock N’ Roll Tacos, Rockstar, Shitake Swerve, Three Lions, and Bombay Chopstix.

Go. Denton. Go.


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