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Rumormonger Eric Celeste Says The Tipperary Inn in Dallas is Making a Comeback

He sends this rumor report of a rumor.

Dallas Observer 2009 Best of Dallas® Food List: What do You Think?

Please don’t sue me for using your cover art.

I’m stuck at home in my little glass house. I see a few pebbles on the floor and I think I will toss them.

I just scanned through the Dallas Observer’s 2009 Best of Dallas® Food list. It reminds me of that Who song. What is it, Kirk? Something about the new boss and the old boss? YAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH! Bomp, bomp, bomp. YAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH!

Dave Fairies, I have a quick question: Does the Observer repeat “Bests” if, when the next year rolls around, no one else  fills the category as “Better®?” (That’s mine, dude.)  This is a serious question and I ask it because I have to deal with the beast of ‘Bests” and understand the difficulty at uncovering them. So, Mr. Fairies, do you roll over “Bests” from year to year by moving them into different categories or because they are the “Best” of their original category? Let’s go through the list together and see. Jump with me. It’s not far. (more…)

Where There is Fire, There Will be Smoke Restaurant at The Belmont Hotel

This announcement comes from the copy and paste press release department:

Belmont Hotel Debuts New Restaurant “Smoke”
Serving Hardwood Cooking From Scratch

DALLAS, TEXAS (August 31, 2009) – A slow burn thick with Southern style arrives in Dallas this September with Smoke. Fresh from a renovation and concept overhaul, the Belmont Hotel’s restaurant reemerges as a homage to an old fashioned smokehouse, with hardwood cooking from scratch and authentic southern flavors. Led by Chef/Co‐Owner Tim Byres, inspired by his recent travels to America’s smokehouse roots, Smoke will offer patrons a culinary experience that satisfies both the palate and soul. Employing time‐honored cooking techniques and recipes with a commitment to local ingredients, Smoke is down‐home cooking done right. JUMP!

(more…)

Dallas-Based Falcon Restaurant Advisors Will Open New Restaurants In Dallas And Texas

Hold on to your effin hat—the Dallas-based Company, Falcon Restaurant Advisers, has  signed deals to open new restaurants in Dallas and the rest of the world. Hear them roar:

Despite news reports of a downturn in commercial real estate, Falcon Companies  group Falcon Restaurant Advisors is gearing up for growth in 2009 with the announcement of several new clients.  The company has new agreements with six national restaurant chains to help them find new locations in Texas and across the country.

Brick House Tavern + Tap – Brick House Tavern + Tap is a casual lounge like gastropub atmosphere.  Falcon will be representing the organization in major Texas markets including Dallas / Fort Worth, Austin, and San Antonio

Celebrity Ventures – Sports-oriented restaurant with a gender neutral design, each restaurant is partnered and named after a different local, sports hero. In Dallas, the concept will be focused around Dallas Cowboy’s star Emmitt Smith.

Joe’s Crab Shack – Joe’s has more than 120 locations in 28 states across the United States.  It is one of the largest, most-successful seafood restaurant chains in the country.  Falcon will be representing Joe’s in major Texas markets including Dallas / Fort Worth, Austin and San Antonio.

Mariano’s and La Hacienda Ranch – Birthplace of the frozen margarita machine, Falcon will be working with the popular Mexican restaurants featuring fine Mexican Cuisine and Mesquite grilled steaks in Dallas / Fort Worth.  The company prefers suburban areas and to buy their own land.

Smashburger – The new “Better Burger” concept, designed to deliver great tasting burgers and sides in a hip, modern environment, quickly and conveniently.  Falcon Restaurant Advisors will be representing them in the Dallas / Fort Worth area and other select markets in Texas and Oklahoma.

WHAT? No In-N-Out?

Cigar Bars In Dallas: They’re Just Nasty

Amy Severson files a report on Richard Chamberlain’s new cigar bar in Addison. Okay, so cigar smokers are people too and they need a place to hang out and smoke cigars and order expensive wines and cognacs. I will not take that away from them. Unless the air they are polluting is attached to a restaurant. I have never met a cigar bar “in” a restaurant that I liked. Okay, Javier’s does a nice job of separating the men and their smoke from the dining room, but the last time I was in Del Frisco’s, I was smoked out. (I think they have since closed the smoking lounge.) Anywhoo, good for you RC, hope it works. If it does, please share your secret with other restaurants. It’s a surefire way to spoil a non-smokers dinner.

Cobb Switch Barbecue is Having a Party

Sent to you via me: “Phil & Janet Cobb, Blair Black, Dotty Griffith and Chris Andrews invite you to join them in celebrating the grand opening of Cobb Switch Barbecue.”

The soiree takes place this Saturday, June 27, from 11a.m. to 4:00p.m. There will be live music, $1 margaritas, and raffle drawings to benefit the North Texas Food Bank. Current DMN dining critic, Leslie Brenner, will demonstrate how to make a perfect aioli at 2:00 p.m. If you are still reading this, that last line was not true. Head up to 2625 Old Denton Rd. (Northwest corner of George Bush Turnpike) in Carrollton. 214-483-3600.

Flying Saucer to Land in Garland

A self-confessed excited hophead in Rockwall asks:

A friend mentioned the other day that a Flying Saucer was going to opening in Garland at the former County Line BBQ there on the shores of Lake Ray Hubbard. Being very skeptical that Garland (seriously, Garland!) was going to get a Flying Saucer, I had to go see for myself, and sure enough, there’s a temporary sign from the roof announcing that a FS would be opening soon. Have you heard anything about this and/or when they may be ready to open?

From the BlackBerry of Mr. Shannon Wynne, owner of Flying Saucer: “Yes. Next to Bass Pro right on lake Ray Hubbard. Opens last week in July. Will have catfish and chips and shrimps and chips.”

Martini Park in Plano to Open as Sambuca 360

Thanks to my newest bestest friend, Greg Janda at NBCdfw, here’s a look inside. Sambuca 360 is scheduled to open in July.

Let’s Not Shed a Tear For The Tipp

Since I tweeted this news over the weekend, and since I have a lot of experience at The Tipperary Inn (trivia on Tuesday nights, a number of times I’ve wandered in next door from the The Wine Therapist or from The Lakewood Landing across the street), I feel I should say something we’re ignoring. Not to junk-kick the owners when they’re down, but, well, here comes the junk kick.

The Tipp sucked. When they re-opened the space years ago, they spent a lot of money trying to recreate the “feel” of a pub without investing anything in the elements of a pub that matter. The bartenders and waitresses were (for the most part) surly and unhelpful, the food was awful, and the drinks were overpriced. The back room, with its big TVs and slapdash sports-bar vibe, was like someone’s poorly designed basement playroom.

Compare The Tipp to a place like the Old Monk. The waitresses are wonderful, the bartenders professional, the music great but not overbearing. It feels like home. The Tipp always felt like a great house that someone bought and then neglected, watching it slowly decay. The economy isn’t what is killing it. The Monk is doing bang-up business. The guys from Bolsa told me yesterday that business is booming. Why? These places have owners who are invested in making their space feel welcoming, serving great food, and providing top-notch service. The Tipp wasn’t. That’s why it is going away. Let’s not kid ourselves.

Tipperary Inn Will Close On Saturday

Well this week is starting out with a bummer: “The Tipp” will close on Saturday, May 16. Ding dang, that is going to make moving our offices downtown even harder. Here is the official announcement:

Dear Friends of the Tipperary:

It is with heavy heart that I announce the closing of “theTipp” this Saturday, May 16th.
I very much would like to take the opportunity to say thank you to all of the wonderful customers, groups, associations and musical talent we have had the pleasure of meeting and working with these past five years. As you all know, the Tipp has been my family run business and many of you have gotten to know not only myself, but that of my wife Ellen, daughter Beth and granddaughter Meghan who have been regular fixtures at the pub.

Due to the downturn in the economy with declines in sales and an unsuccessful lease renegotiation, we have decided to close our doors. These past five years have been a great experience for us. We have met and have special relationships with so many wonderful people here – we will greatly miss you all.  We will certainly treasure many of the memories and special occasions that we have hosted at the pub.

We will finish up the week with our normal schedule of events including Monday Karaoke, Tuesday Trivia, Wednesday Poker, Friday night with Paddy Gone Wild and Saturday host The  Trinity River Whalers CD release party. We hope to see you this week here at the Tipp.

Sincerely,
Tim (& Ellen Russi)
The Tipperary Inn
5815 Live Oak Street

So I have a question. Why would any landlord let a tennant go at this point in the economy? I know every case is different but I keep hearing “unsuccessful lease renegotiation” a lot lately. Another bank perhaps?

Martini Park in Plano: Something’s Happening Here

You know the words: what it is ain’t exactly clear. But there is some movement going on behind the scenes. A new spot is getting ready to make a big announcement. Oh, I wish I could tell. In the meantime, here’s a little history lesson.

Flip’s Patio Grill In Fort Worth Opens On Monday

Gratuitous photo of Josh Hartnett.

“This is the best restaurant I have ever done,” says Steve Hartnett. “It includes everything I have ever learned in the business.” Hartnett created Fox & Hound, (80-ish locations), Cool River (Dallas, Austin, Denver), and Flip’s Patio Grill in Grapevine. He currently owns Bob’s Steak & Chop House in Grapevine. Outside of the local restaurant business, Hartnett owns millions in real estate (and a penthouse apartment) in Dubai. Oh, and he is a distant uncle to Josh. Hartnett.

So why was Hartnett unable to take my phone call on Wednesday? “I’m on a ladder mounting a lion head,” he said as the phone dropped to the floor. He’s a hands-on operator who delights in putting on the finishing touches. Tonight and tomorrow night will be a soft opening weekend for invited friends and family. (And maybe distant nephews?)

I hope he has a lot of them, Flip’s Patio Grill is 15,000 square feet and includes a huge outdoor patio. The menu centers on freshly ground and hand-formers burgers. Like Cool River, there will be pool and other games. Flip’s is located in the NE retail area of Western Center Blvd and IH35W on Fossil Bluff Dr. Flip’s opens to the public on Monday, April 27th.

1st & 10 Will Do It Again: Lakewood’s 1st & 10 Opens Today

Head over to Mockingbird and Abrams at 11:00AM this morning and be first to dine at Lakewood’s 1st & 10. You may remember the sad day Bailey’s 1st & 10 closed, but today is a day for fans to rejoice. I hear they have a vastly improved selection of beers, wines, and alcohols.

Rahr Brewery Makes Special Texas Red Beer For The Rangers

Meet Tony Formby. He’s the managing partner at Rahr & Sons Brewing Company in Fort Worth. If you click on the video below, you can watch Tony talk about Texas Red, the beer they brew just for you to drink while watching the Texas Rangers play in Arlington. Take it away, Tony. (Oh Tony, I lied to you about the editing deal. I’m lightly hopped.)

Diamonds, Baseball, and Food: Not Necessarily In That Order

I used to love baseball. Now, I just love diamonds. Today, I’m headed to Surprise, Arizona for the spring training. I’m not talking about working out on old rusty bed springs, you spoiled, self-indulgent, willful, dirty-minded, liquor-ridden readers, I’m talking about the time-of-the-year training camp for YOUR Texas Rangers. As you know, the D empire has a new sports blog, InsideCorner. I am going to Surprise to do some investigative reports for SideDish. Teaser: expect pictures of handsome athletes, celebrity interviews, a Dallas hamburger scoop, and (potentially) the announcement of my engagement to Michael Young. Stay tuned. The next few days will be full of surprises.

McClard’s Bar-B-Q Hearts SideDish

Timmy’s review of McClard’s Bar-B-Q made it through cyber space to owner Scott McClard. He sends an update.

I really can’t thank enough for the awesome article about us.  We do not take these things lightly, this is family business, still run by family members only. We work very hard at what we do, so when we hear something like this, it confirms what we’re doing is worth every bit of it !!!!!!!!

Just to let you know “Playboy Magazine” was here for 4 days doing an article about us also “we are very excited about that too” it will be in the June issue.

I bet you’re excited Scott. And I’m sure Timmy is sorry he missed the photo shoot.

Former Mansion Bartender Surfaces: He’s Opening a Concept in Victory Plaza

Regular drinkers love to be loved and served by their favorite bartenders. I’m sure it’s a ritual that goes way back in time. (Do you really think the studly Cro-Magnon man let just anybody pour his tall scotch on the rocks or Rusty Skeleton?) Anywhoo, I digress.

Monday, we put out an APB for, Michael Martensen. He surfaced with news. He’s currently a Liquor Ambassador and Southwest Mixologist for Diageo, a company that reps a lot of booze. But Michael will soon be back in the biz. Lissen up:

It is going to be a neighborhood bar in Victory Plaza, but it will be approachable for all people. It is also going to have my touch on the cocktail menu with influences from all over world using unique ingredients.

Do you want more details? Ask away. Michael, your audience is listening.

Case of the Missing Mansion Bartender

Several Dishers are sad that their favorite bartender, Michael Martensen, has left the Mansion. Michael, if you are out there, drop me a line. You’ve got a lot of people looking for you.

Bar Food Is The Best Food

On FrontBurner, I just posted a review of four bars I hit this weekend. But three of them serve food, and I want to mention the dishes: at NSL, the sports bar, I had a surprisingly fresh, flavorful garden salad with grilled chicken, lightly covered in a balsamic vinegar-based dressing. The bartendress championed the spaghetti, which was reasonable at about $10, but described its gravy as “kind of Mexican.” That scared me. At the Blue Collar Bar, I mentioned the really tasty chicken sandwich on Texas toast, topped with a ginger sauce, tomatoes, and scallions. The appetizers like fried pickle chips and the corn fritters were tasty and big, considering the $6 price tag, but the meatball poppers were too BBQ-y and a little dry. Overall, a solid, interesting bar menu. And of course, the queso and chips (really like nachos) and the rigatoni mac and cheese at Central 214 were rich and sumptuous, perfect for a guilty bite after a big cocktail or two.

That said, my favorite bar food is still the burger at the Lakewood Landing. Yours? Or have you guys covered this to death already?

City of Plano Changes Liquor Laws

Yo, Martini Park. You might want to think getting back to business in Plano. Monday night the Plano City Council changed the city ordinance. No more liquor/food ratios. Gentlemen, start you pub concepts. Gold rush.

Can Somebody Help This Poor Girl

A young and restless reader needs your help.

I need a wine bar or a good happy hour bar for women. Can you help me?

Hmm, would assuming she is looking for Sue Ellen’s be assuming too much? Probably. Boys, now’s your chance to lure the lovely ladies to your favorite den.

Something “Sultry” is Opening in Uptown

Just when I think the whole world is going to hell, I get a little ditty like this that makes me smile. Here’s the news about 2one4, a new bar, sultry lounge, and sexy patio set to open soon:

Delve into luxury, by way of private cabana seating, 15 plasma screen televisions, bottle service and a deejay every night.  2one4 is an outlet for those looking to deviate from the norm.  The doors to the sultry lounge in Uptown are set to open during the holiday season 2008 (exact date TBA.) 2one4 inhabits a 4,000 square foot space with an intimate second floor and expanded second floor patio overlooking uptown.  It is the venue where those in the mood for a sleek bar, a sultry lounge and sexy patio setting can enjoy all three concepts. If you’re one that enjoys pizza, but never felt chic eating it—welcome to 2one4. The lounge’s kitchen is headed by Executive Chef Jonny Weisman, who started his pizza creativity at Vinny’s New York Style Pizza and Pasta in Charlottesville, Virginia.

I don’t know about you, but I am freakin’ chic as all get out when it comes to eating pizza. I met my first future ex-husband while  cramming a slice of double-cheese with peperoni into my mouth at Vito’s in L.A. Talk about sultry. C U @ 2one4. (3005 Routh Street) Let’s delve, baby.

re: WSJ Says We Fail As City of Serious Spirits

Eric, thanks for bringing this up. After watching a season of Mad Men with Manhattan in hand, reading Imbibe!, and visiting a NYC speakeasy that re-defined my idea of a good drink (chemistry vs. a long pour)—I’m left wanting more from Dallas’ bartenders.

Here’s what I’m searching for:

• House made bitters, syrups, and grenadine
• Egg whites in my sours, and Maraschino Luxardo in my Aviation
• Vodka being the least prevalent bottle behind the bar
• High quality, and correct types of ice (PDT has four)
• A bartender that knows the Savoy
• A proper gin martini (Plymouth gin, please)

I could go on, but I’m essentially looking for a bartender as obsessed as this guy.

WSJ Says We Fail As City of Serious Spirits

One of my favorite columns is Eric Felten’s “How’s Your Drink?” column that runs every Saturday in the Wall Street Journal. In this week’s offering, Felten tells about how spent a year and a half evaluating the bartenders at old-school, elegant hotels across the country. His methodology: He would order a Sidecar (”[A] standard in the classic cocktail canon. Made of brandy, Cointreau and lemon (or lime) juice, it is a drink known to any bartender worthy of the title.”) and an Americano Highball (”Campari, sweet vermouth and soda water on the rocks. The Americano is one of those semiobscure classics that all serious bartenders know, and that amateurs have never heard of.”). Dallas, as you may have guessed from this headline, did not fare well.

I also ran into the awful sour-mix-and-Rose’s Sidecar combo in Dallas at the Stoneleigh and the Melrose Warwick hotels. I didn’t get any sort of Sidecar at the grand, downtown Adolphus Hotel. The young woman behind the bar was too bored to be nonplussed: “We don’t do much of that kind of drink,” she said, unapologetically.

Reminds me of the awful excuse of an Old Fashioned I received at a favorite pub that shall not be named. Quite a far cry from the perfect OF I received later that same day (so sue me) at Sevy’s. What say you, commenters? Are we bereft of good bartenders? Or his Felten’s sample size too small? (So to speak.)

Bye, Bye, Bailey’s

A Hillside-dwelling Disher brings word today that Bailey’s 1st and 10, the venerable East Dallas sports bar with an aversion to publishing menu prices, has closed its doors for nonpayment of taxes to the state of Texas. I called their number just now, and it has been disconnected. Here’s hoping they get that straightened out or something.