Articles for October 17th, 2012

Kathleen’s Sky Diner on Lovers Lane is Closed

posted by Nancy Nichols | October 17th, 2012 3:39pm | filed under As the Restaurant Turns, cake, restaurant business news, Restaurant News | 39 Comments »

Kathleen's peppermint cake photographed by Kevin Marple.

I’m waiting for a phone call from owner Robert Ellington, but my sources say Kathleen’s Sky Diner is closed and the Salvation Army trucks are on the way to make a pick up. Apparently it’s an issue with the landlord.

Robert and Kathleen Ellington opened as Kathleen’s Art Cafe on Lovers Lane in 1988. It was the place to hang. Literally, for local artists. The Ellingtons created one of first spots to feature the works of local artists, all of which were for sale. The bakery next door has always been a favorite source for peppermint chocolate cake, carrot cake, and other baked treats. A few years ago, the restaurant was reconcepted and renamed Kathleen’s Sky Diner.

Hopefully Robert will call me back and I’ll have better news: Like they’ve found a new location.

UPPITY DATE: I’ve talked with some of the staff at Kathleen’s. They are very sad and disappointed. They were proud to work there, loved the food, and will miss their regular customers. Most of them worked there because it was a locally owned, close organization and they are shocked that Robert would just close the doors without notice.

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Mesa’s New Fall Menu is Spectacular

posted by Carol Shih | October 17th, 2012 1:25pm | filed under Mexican Revolution, My Favorite Restaurants List, oak cliff, Patio Dining, People we love, pork, Regional Mexican Cuisine | 2 Comments »

Guiso del rey (seafood combination with jalapenos, mussels, clams, octopus, and shrimp. (photos by Melisa Oporto)

Mesa needs more love.

At the media dinner I was invited to last night, there wasn’t a single breathing soul in the restaurant besides the bloggers and writers tasting the new menu by Raul Reyes, owner and chef extraordinaire of Mesa Veracruz Coastal Cuisine. Sure, it was a Wednesday evening, but it was still surprisingly empty for a restaurant of such high caliber.

Perhaps Reyes’ new fall menu can persuade enough people to venture out to the adventurous side of Oak Cliff, where Mesa is squeezed between a pawn shop and bakery.

Jump for some sweet shots by Melisa Oporto. Continue reading "Mesa’s New Fall Menu is Spectacular"

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White House Chef John R. Hanny Shares Presidential Secrets at an SMU Lecture

posted by Tiffany Thomas | October 17th, 2012 12:01pm | filed under Events | 1 Comment »

Chef John R. Hanny (photo by Tiffany Thomas)

Last night, I tasted food fit for a President and heard stories you wouldn’t find in any publication except for John R. Hanny’s book, Secrets from the White House Kitchens.

Hanny, who served as a visiting chef for the White House during the administrations of Presidents Kennedy through Clinton, spoke at an event hosted by SMU about his time at the White House. He is the type of chef who regards cooking and eating as a communal experience. He believes that a conversation with good food builds lasting ties. His family is the oldest family in the hospitality industry with its roots in Buffalo, N.Y.

He began his career cooking and working in his father’s restaurant, coincidentally called the Little White House. By age 20, Hanny was a master chef and was commended by the French government as a “chevalier” for his work in the French wine industry.

Hanny spoke of the grandiose favor and fare of French dining and protocols, and how they were forsaken after Thomas Jefferson’s presidency. The French protocols, which Hanny considers to be the only true and proper way, were not adopted again until John F. Kennedy took office.

Continue reading "White House Chef John R. Hanny Shares Presidential Secrets at an SMU Lecture"

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Giveaway: Two Season Passes to the State Fair of Texas

posted by Carol Shih | October 17th, 2012 9:00am | filed under State Fair, State Fair of Texas | 70 Comments »

Christi Erpillo of The Dock restaurant has been kind enough to give me two season passes to the State Fair of Texas. Usually, these passes are for employees, but she’s made a very special exception here. With these magical passes, you can get into the fair for free and every day until the Fair closes. Didn’t like Erpillo’s fried Samoas the first time? Go again. And again. And again.

To enter this giveaway, just state your favorite thing about the State Fair. (Please keep your comments clean.) I’ll enter all your names randomly into a drawing and pick a winner by 5 p.m. today. You can either come to our office to pick up the tickets or we can mail them to you. You pick.

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Fine Wine Dining is Alive and Well at the Rosewood Mansion on Turtle Creek

posted by Nancy Nichols | October 17th, 2012 8:49am | filed under Events, food pairings |

Chef Bruno Davaillon is a brilliant chef. His rendition of fresh Maine lobster, poached rhubarb slices, crunchy blood sausage made with lardo and leeks, served in reduction of lobster broth and Syrah was maybe my favorite meal of 2012.

Occasionally the Mansion hosts wine dinners. I’m not sure, but I think they only market them through their newsletters. The small events sell out fast. Each time I receive a notice, I want to go. The food and wine pairings are brilliant. If you aren’t on their email blast, sign up now. Perhaps there is still room for the fall Burgundy dinner on Oct. 23. It  features De Montille wines and Davaillon’s decadent five-course meal. Canapes are back! Rejoice and check the attack for your old fondue pot. It could happen again.

Jump for Bruno’s menu.

Continue reading "Fine Wine Dining is Alive and Well at the Rosewood Mansion on Turtle Creek"