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Restaurant Bits and Bites

From the copy and paste press release department.

Hi Nancy. Would it surprise you to know that if we all ate out just one more time a week, we’d pump $118 million [ed. note: billion] back into the economy over the course of a year?  We learned that, and a lot of other surprising info about the connection between the restaurant industry and the overall economy – which led our agency down the path of creating a video that we’re just crazy enough to think might encourage a few folks to change their perspective on eating out. We’re calling it Eat Out for a Change.  Here’s a link to the video.

Côtes du Coeur Society. The Trinity River Chef Showdown on Thursday, October 29 6:30 – 9:00 PM at the Milestone Culinary Arts (4531 McKinney Avenue) Join us for great food, wine and a friendly cooking competition between the celebrated Chefs of Dallas and Tarrant Counties! Featuring Chef Richard Chamberlain as Master of Ceremonies and a surprise panel of judges. Chefs of Dallas: David McMillan and George Brown vs. Chefs Tarrant: Brian Olenjack and Jon Bonnell. Wine generously provided by Grailey’s Fine Wine benefiting the American Heart Association. Here is a link to tickets and more information.

Fish City Grill. Did you know that October 25th is National Pasta Day? To honor that delicious, versatile dish, and to help out our local food banks during a time when the depressed economy has greatly affected their donations, Fish City Grill is partnering with the North Texas and Tarrant County Food Banks to give back to the community in celebration of National Pasta Day! October 25th through October 31st, at participating Fish City Grills and Half Shells locations, customers bringing in a donation of mac & cheese, pasta, or pasta sauce will receive $3.00 off of their purchase of the new Shrimp Mac ‘n Cheese or any of the new Hearty Item Menu offerings. So while helping to fill local food bank pantries, participants can fill their bellies at the same time!

Stone Crabs at TJ’s. Sweet, Succulent Claws Avail Every Weekend In Season. Florida Stone Crab Claws are one of the most delicious treats from the sea. The large claws are closer in size to a lobster claw than a crab. And the meat?  Oh the meat!  So sweet, so sumptuous, so fresh.
Stone Crab Claw fans know that you dip the crab in a special mustard sauce that we at TJ’s carry all year round (creatively called “TJ’s Special Mustard Sauce”, 3.99/cup). SUPPLIES ARE LIMITED Never trust a “fresh” seafood market that doesn’t run out of things (think about it), so guarante your orders by Wednesday for Saturday pick up. After Wednesday, Stone Crab Claws are first come/first serve (you can still call ahead after Wednesday to reserve from what we have.) Stone Crab Claws are Market Price…we expect them to be apprx 19.50/lb this weekend. Depending on availability the price could drop deeper into the season. 214-691-2369.

The Cultured Cup in The Plaza at Preston will be featuring work from local potter Ginny Marsh.  Ginny specializes in handmade Wabi Sabi style pottery, a form of pottery that draws from the traditions of the Japanese tea ceremony.  They will be demonstrating how to make matcha (Japanese powdered green tea used in the Japanese tea ceremony) in some of her bowls and she will be available to talk about the process of making them and present them in beautiful wood boxes. Saturday and Sunday (Oct. 24-25) from 1-5 p.m.

Gordon Biersch Brewery Restaurant. Set to open its doors to the second Texas location on November 9 at Park Lane and Central Expressway – 8060 Park Lane Suite 125 Dallas, TX 75231. The restaurant will feature an on-site brewery that adheres to the 500-year old German purity law Reinheitsgebot (Rine-HEIGHTS-ge-boat), which states that beers are made from only four ingredients—barley, hops, water and yeast.  Gordon Biersch will offer the definitive culinary experience with its universally inspired, but uniquely American, menu and award winning signature, hand-crafted beers.  A patron can enjoy a Märzen Barbecue Burger while sipping a crisp lager that has been brewed on site or engage in a cocktail from the full service bar while noshing on a Grilled Chilean Sea Bass. Jump for more.

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Stone Elephant Opens on Abrams in East Dallas

Michael Kobelt (Rawlings @ The Ballpark in Arlington and Charlie Palmer @ The Joule) and Timm Zbylut (former GM at Lee Harvey’s) have teamed up to open the Stone Elephant across from Jakes at Skillman and Abrams. Right now they are serving a limited bar and grill menu and will be expanding the list to include home-style features and brunch on Saturday and Sunday. They have big screen TVs, a stage for bands, karaoke, pool tables and video games. Details to follow.

Best German Restaurant in America: Bavarian Grill in Plano

That is what the press release from Inga Bowyer, president of Germandeli.com in Colleyville says. Let’s get the details.

Over 400 German restaurants, located throughout the United States participated in this first year of the search for the “Best German Restaurant in America.” Bavarian Grill, located in Plano, Texas, garnered almost one third of all the validated votes cast during the two-month online voting period. They also received the majority of positive judging forms from “undercover judges,” and the restaurant scored well with teams of expert judges who dined incognito at the highest scoring German restaurants. Health Department inspections were also reviewed to confirm a consistent “A” rating for the restaurant.

The goal of the annual competition, according to Inga Bowyer, president of GermanDeli.com, is to recognize German restaurants that serve up a truly ethnic experience. According to Bowyer, Bavarian Grill’s classic German entrees like schnitzel, sauerbraten, bratwurst, and roasted ham hock are complimented by a selection of over 50 different imported German beers.

Das ist alle! Lassen Sie uns essen!

UPDATE: We will be celebrating this Wednesday, October 14 at 7 pm with a victory party where we’ll be presented a plaque by Inga Bowyer, President of GermanDeli.com.  We’d love for you, and any Side Dish readers, to join us for the celebration!

Restaurant News: Bites and Bites

From the copy and paste press release department: Some fabulous things to eat and drink.

Barking Rocks News Flash. Friday night, October 16th we will be listening to Beatlegras.  They are accomplished musicians that blend Beatles music and bluegrass style in a way that Ringo would totally dig. Doors open at 7:00 for a little socializing (wine drinking) and the show will begin about 8:00. Rumor has it that Rhett is coming to sit in on a song or two. We only sell about 100 tickets so it will be very intimate.  Secure your $15 seat by dropping by the winery (preferred) or calling 817-579-0007.

Whole Foods Market/Highland Park. Match craft beer with great food. Wednesday, October 14, 2-4:00 p.m. (4100 Lomo Alto & Lemmon) Garrett Oliver, Brewmaster of Brooklyn Brewery, author and international beer guru, will be at the store to answer all of your beer and brewing questions. Garrett will be cooking and pairing four of his brews with delicious foods as well.

Rahr and Sons Brewery and the Greyhound Adoption League of Texas.  Wrap up Greyhound Awareness Month Saturday, Oct 17 1:00-3:00pm with an afternoon beer tasting. Cost is $5 per person which includes a souvenir pint glass and 3 full beer tastings.  A portion of the proceeds benefit The Greyhound Adoption League of Texas.Click here for more information or call 972-503-GALT.  Rahr and Sons Brewery is located at 701 Galveston Avenue in Fort Worth.

Five Sixty by Wolfang Puck. New New Happy Hour Concept. “Sip and See” takes on a whole new meaning with the launch of Five Sixty by Wolfgang Puck’s happy hour on Monday, October 12.Dallas’ restaurant with a view will serve beverages and bites at happy hour prices on weekday evenings. Monday through Friday, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., Five Sixty will offer a changing food menu of various “chef’s choice” items in the restaurant’s bar and lounge atop Reunion Tower. Drink offerings will include a list of five choices comprised of beer, wine and cocktails. This is a happy hour designed to keep guests smiling with each of the five tapas-sized plates and five varying drink options priced at $5.60 each.

It’s A Grind Coffee House. Fairgoers receive 10 percent off soothing tea drinks (”Soothies”) with fair ticket stub or photo of consumption of greasy goodness. To receive the discount all customers must do is show their State Fair of Texas ticket stub or a photo of them consuming deep-fried delicacies (photos will be added to the It’s A Grind Facebook page). “Soothies” are made with real fruit puree and green tea, which has been shown in studies to help aid in digestion. They are available in three flavors: Mango Mania, Strawberry Banana and Wildberry. Fairgoers can simply ride the DART rail system Green Line from the Fair Park to the Baylor Medical station (It’s A Grind’s Dallas’ location) to get their “Soothie” to help ease the pain!”

Sevy’s Scotch Club. On our beautiful covered patio, from 5:00-7:00 pm on Monday, October 19th. We will feature five great single malts with specially selected food pairings for each.  $44.95 per person, plus tax and gratuity.  Reservations required, seating is limited.  Contact Jimmy, Stefaan, or Amy M. at SevysCatering@aol.com, or 214-265-7389.

Mini-Review: Maple & Motor Burgers and Beer in Dallas

Fried baloney sandwich.

Move over Wingfield’s, there is a new contender for Best Burger in Dallas. Maple & Motor Burgers and Beer is open for business and they make a great burger. I just popped in to the new joint on Maple across from Elliot’s Hardware and bought a fried baloney sandwich and a cheeseburger. I had to give the baloney sandwich to a co-worker because, after one bite, I was afraid I would eat the whole thing. The sandwich consists of a thick slice of star-cut baloney fried on the griddle and nestled between layers of mayonnaise, tomatoes, and lettuce, which is called  Cincinnati-style. You can also order it Cowboy style—cup-fried and filled with chili, cheese, and chopped onion. Could be the best new hangover cure.

I didn’t just stumble into this place. Last week I received an e-mail from owner Jack Perkins who alerted me to the opening along with a note saying that the “four families of Mexican Food” on Maple Avenue–Ojeda’s, Avila’s, Rosita’s, Herrera’s—have taken Jack under their wing and treated his crew like family.

A great new cheeseburger in town.

But back to the burger. It’s a half a pound of freshly ground grilled beef on a perfectly toasted bun–crisp not soggy–and covered with a thick slice of melted cheese. The fries were crisp and passed the “no bend” test. And it’s cheap: the cheeseburger and baloney sandwich are both only $4.50 each and fries are $1.75. Jack was there along with his lovely self-described “wing woman” and they could not have been nicer. I overheard Jack talking to his cooks. He was instructing them on how to cook the burgers. “Make it perfect before you make it fast,” he said. “I don’t want any food critics coming in here and complaining that it isn’t perfect.”

State Fair of Texas: New Food Fight

The finalists for the Fifth Annual Big Tex Choice Awards were announced yesterday. A panel of three judges will decide Best Taste and Most Creative winners on Labor Day.

Perhaps we should have our own little voter’s poll below. Let’s Ranch It Up for these tasty tidbits. Or submit one of your own. Go crazy. Be creative–let’s try for 67 comments. K? Go.
Real Contestants:

Green Goblins – Cherry peppers are hollowed out, stuffed with spicy shredded chicken and guacamole, then battered and deep fried. Served three to a skewer and topped with queso.
Deep Fried Butter – 100% pure butter is whipped till light and fluffy, then specially sweetened with a choice of several flavors. The tantalizing mixture is surrounded by a special dough and quick fried. Served on a stick.
Twisted Yam on a Stick – A delicious, towering, spiral-cut sweet potato on a 13” skewer is fried to a delicate crispy texture, then gently rolled in butter and dusted with cinnamon and sugar.
Fernie’s Deep Fried Peaches & Cream – Sweet juicy peaches are coated in a delicious batter of cinnamon, ginger, coconut, graham cracker crumbs, eggs & milk, then deep fried to a crunchy golden brown on the outside, while luscious and sweet on the inside. Served on a plate drizzled with raspberry sauce and sprinkled with streusel topping & a dollop of whipped cream. A side of vanilla butter cream icing is provided for dipping.
Texas Fried Pecan Pie – A mini-pecan pie is battered and deep fried to a golden brown. Served drizzled with rich caramel sauce, then topped with whipping cream and chopped candied pecans.
Country Fried Pork Chips – Thin sliced pork loin is seasoned, surrounded by a tasty corn meal batter and deep fried. Served with sides of ketchup or cream gravy.
Sweet Jalapeno Corn Dog Shrimp – Shrimp on a stick is coated with a sweet and spicy corn meal batter, then deep fried to a golden brown and served with a spicy glaze.
Fried Peanut Butter Cup Macaroon – A peanut butter cup is wrapped inside a coconut macaroon fried and dusted with powdered sugar. Also available with a scoop of Blue Bell ice cream.

Dallas Restaurant News: Bits and Bites

From the copy and paste press release department:

Molto Formaggio. “MF has sourced an exciting new line of handcrafted cheeses from Switzerland and Bavaria that will be new to area consumers. Among the finds that will be introduced this week at both Molto Formaggio shops are Forsterkase, Scharfe Maxx, Heublumen, Bavarian Limburger (organic), and Challerhocker. Molto Formaggio is pleased to announce that they will be receiving shipments for both Thanksgiving and Christmas of the world famous Vacherin Mont d’Or cheese.  These one pound pieces are only produced 3 months out of the year and are truly the most luscious and wonderful cheeses made in the world.  Customers must preorder these cheeses for delivery in November or December as they will surely be sold out due to the limited quantities available.”  HP 214-526-0700. Preston Forest 214-361-9191.

Rathbun’s Blue Plate Kitchen. “Introducing Heart-Healthy Lunch Items and $10 Menu Choices. Chef Kent Rathbun has created heart-healthy menu items including, Grilled Chicken Breast with Portobello Mushrooms, Ricotta, Rosemary Olive Oil and Mache Salad; Salmon Burger; Heirloom Tomato Dallas Mozzarella Salad with Avocado Green Goddess Dressing; Tassione Farm Field Green Salad with Roasted Lemon-Sherry Vinaigrette; Grilled Chicken Breast with California Avocado, Paula’s Cottage Cheese and Avocado Yogurt; and Shrimp, Crab and Lobster “Coleslaw” with Cilantro-Lime Dressing. All heart-healthy menu items are designated by a red heart. In conjunction with these items on our everyday menu, Chef Rathbun will offer a Heart Healhty Blue Plate Special for lunch and dinner until September 5. Starting September 14, on each Monday our Blue Plate Special will be Heart Healthy. Come join us and feel good again! Chef Rathbun has also added new $10 menu items on our lunch menu. Enjoy Carr Valley Mammoth Cheddar Grilled Cheese, Chef’s Choice Taco Plate of the Day, Salmon Burger and Grilled Flatbread and Hummus with Feta Cheese.”

The Pyramid Restaurant. On Friday, September 25th, the Pyramid Restaurant will host a Spaten Beer Pairing Dinner. Executive Chef jW Foster will pair his exciting “modern American” cuisine with the legendary German beers from Spaten. Details and menu below.

Chisholm Trail Longhorn Beef. “Dallas-based longhorn co-op Chisholm Trail Longhorn Beef, which is owned and maintained by several Dallas residents that also own other Dallas-based business. Mike Crawford, not only owns Red Peak Ranch, he owns and operates a marketing firm here in Dallas. The Texas longhorn co-op has just joined the Texas Department of Agriculture’s GO TEXAN program. Chisholm Trail Longhorn Beef is currently being served at Local in Deep Ellum and at Opa! Grill on Preston. Full release below.

Chick-fil-A.  “Free Chick-fil-A Original Chicken Sandwich to all customers wearing any sports-related apparel on Labor Day to celebrate the second-annual Chick-fil-A Kickoff football game!This year’s Chick-fil-A Kickoff Game will feature University of Alabama against Virginia Tech at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta.” (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!

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Dallas Dining Scene: News and Notes

*ALDI Food Market will be hosting its fourth hiring event in North Texas from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. and from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. on August 25 and 26 at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Arlington. This is a great opportunity for those seeking employment as a manager trainee. ALDI provides it’s employee’s with full health care (including medical, dental and vision insurance) plus 401k for all employees who work at least 20 hours per week.  Manager trainees will start at $20 per hour as they train to become store managers, with the potential to make $65,000 to $85,000 annually. More info here.

*Sushi Axiom.  Launching a new happy hour this month: every Wednesday, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. They will be offering FREE light appetizers and $2 off other popular selections.  Also, $2 off hot sake and draft beer, $5 bartender’s choice Chardonnay and Merlot $5, and  Mekhong ‘Ritas.

*Urbino Pizza e Pasta is celebrating their grand opening on Thursday, August 27, at 7p.m. The evening will feature complimentary pizza, pasta, and cocktails and live music by DJ Jose G. 2323 N. Henderson

*Pappas Bros. Texas-Zinfandel tasting on Friday, September 11th at 6:00 p.m. Barbara Werley, Director of Pappas Bros. Wine Department and one of only 17 female Master Sommeliers in the world, teams with Kim Wood and Jason Hisaw, Advanced Sommeliers, and Heather Green, Certified Sommelier, to guide each guest throughout the evening “Zinner’s Repent.” This wine tasting, $45 per person plus tax and gratuity, is the last tasting of the Summer!! Reservations are required. A $25 dining voucher will be given to each wine tasting guest for redemption in restaurant after the tasting or for The Stag’s Leap Wine Dinner on September 25th. 214-366-2000.

*Taco Diner. New patio that seats 42 Mambo Taxi-lovin’ diners at Preston Center. TD is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Shannon Wynne Will Open New Restaurant In Dallas: The Moth

Veteran Dallas restaurateur Shannon Wynne has signed a lease on the “old Ann Sachs tile space” in the Design District (High Line & Oak Lawn) and will open a restaurant/bar called The Moth. Veteran is a nice way to describe Mr. Wynne, in reality he is a crafty, no-bs geezer. Ask him a question and he gives you a straight answer.

Here is a transcript of our phone conversation. (more…)

Evan Grant Is A Slacker: I Have To Do His Work. Again.

What you guys don’t know is that I was the one that broke Josh Hamilton’s Photo-Gate on InsideCorner last weekend while Evan Grant was face down in a hotel room in Anaheim. So you won’t be surprised when I have to make you aware of Evan’s next promotional gig: Tomorrow,  Pappasito’s Cantina (located at 10433 Lombardy Lane in Dallas) will host a game-watching party featuring former Texas Ranger players. (The current players are in Cleveland.) RUSTY GREER will be there! Fajitas for two will only be $16.25! Evan will be there! It all starts at 5:30 p.m. Admission is free. For additional information call 214-350-1970.

Comfort Food In Dallas: What Comforts You

I am getting a little uncomfortable with the direction comfort food is taking. Can I blame it on the Gen Y population? Sure, why not. They don’t read SideDish. Gen Y’ers are more Britney than Julia.

While the overall trend in dining today is to eat sloooowly, the Gen Y’ers I know are more content to snack quickly. What happened to the good old days of turning on The Thorn Birds (before you knew Richard Chamberlain was gay), grabbing a spoon and a half gallon of ice cream, and eating the whole thing? Once, after I got turned down for what I thought was my dream job, I went back to my apartment, made a three-layer German chocolate cake, and ate every last crumb. Did I feel better? You betcha.

What is comfort food? At home it is one thing, but now restaurants are trying to comfort us in public. Take Kent Rathbun. (beat, beat…) He has gourmet comfort food. He isn’t alone; there are lots of folks making their mortgage payments by selling upscale mac and cheese. Isn’t gourmet comfort food an oxymoron? If you agree, then WTF is healthy comfort food? A lie? You betcha.

I was curious to see if there were any distinctive differences between generations when it came to constant cravings. I didn’t have to Google far to find this little salty tidbit. Jump with me. (more…)

Sigel’s Offers “One of the Five Best Beers of the World”: Piraat Ale from Van Steeneberge Brewery

Hello,beer lovers. Sigel’s has an exclusive deal for you. The beer news according to Jasper Russo:

“Only 10 of these special 9-liter bottles are allocated for the entire state of Texas. To reserve your bottle please contact Bruce Calhoun at bcalhoun@sigels.com or 214/350-1271. The Ale will be available for pickup at the Sigel’s store of your choice in mid-July.”

How much does it cost?

“ $294.99 for a 9-Liter bottle. Regularly, $324.99”

Tell us about the beer.

“A trippel by strength, an IPA by history. Triple means that the brewer has used three times the normal amount of barley malt, thus starting with more starches, getting more sugars after cooking, and finally more alcohol after a long fermentation. In the 17th and 18th century, a strong ale like Piraat was highly prized by the seafaring captains for its keeping qualities and its high and healthy food value. The daily distribution of a pint of this ale kept the pirates in good health and gave them the spirit to survive the hard life on the sea. 10.5% alcohol.”

Does it have a subtle haze?

“Piraat’s powerful glow builds up from inside. Deep golden with a subtle haze. Lots of hops and malt and a mild sweetness. Reminiscent of bread dough, spices and tropical fruits. Piraat is a great food beer and works well in combination with fish and meat. Often appreciated as an after dinner beer and cigar lovers claim there is no better beer to enjoy with a cigar.”

Southwest Foodservice Expo: Reports From Day One

Gena and Mark Maguire. Mark will be sworn in as new prez of TRA tonight.

Yesterday, the Southwest Foodservice Expo opened for a three-day run at the Dallas Convention Center. I spent most of the day wandering the halls with InsideCorner’s Evan “Grumpy” Grant. We bumped in to PegNews’ Teresa Gubbins and Marc Lee, Mark and Gena Maguire, Herschel Walker, Amy Severson, Lee Fuqua, and Richard Chamberlain.

I hope the 12 Dishers who “won” an opportunity to roam the event will file their reports below. If you followed DSideDish on Twitter, you already know our knee-jerk reactions. If not, I’ve decided to post my report through pictures. Click on the box below for slideshow.

Southwest Foodservice Expo June 28, 2009

Wine Dinner Wednesday

Ready to wine and dine? Here are some options from Fuqua Winery (tonight), Hector’s on Henderson (tonight), The Grape, Chamberlain’s Seafood Market, Sigel’s, Sevy’s  Grill, Charlie Palmer, Pappas Bros. Steakhouse, Cafe Toulouse, and Nana.

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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.”

Cobb Switch Barbecue In Carrollton Announces Soft Opening

“The aroma of hickory smoke wafts over the city Monday as Cobb Switch Barbecue co-owners Blair Black and Chris Andrews begin serving slow-cooked barbecue for lunch and dinner.” Translated: Cobb Switch Barbecue, the new spot in Carrollton with a lengthy pedigree of owners, is open. Sort of. Accordint to co-owner Brian Blair the “casual eatery’s fun, tongue-in-cheek atmosphere” doesn’t go hard until the grand opening on June 8. A lot of you have wondered about the name. Drawing on lore from East Texas and the small community of Cobb Switch (about 40 miles east of Dallas) the name comes from “Nearly Lost Legend of Cobb Switch Barbecue.” Listen.

This barbecue joint is dedicated to the smokin’ memory of Cary Cobb, wrongly accused barbecue bandit of East Texas. You won’t believe how he became famous.

One day as a Texas & Pacific train chugged along the railroad siding or “switch” named after him, Cobb pocketed three lumps of coal that fell from the locomotive. Two weeks later, he was facing a $5 fine for “stealing” coal.

Back in the late 1800s, five bucks was a lot of money. “Prove it,” said Cobb as he served a couple of railroad detectives slices of fork-tender beef brisket, mouth-watering dry-rubbed ribs, and melt-in-your-mouth pulled pork…all cooked over coal-fired hickory wood.

Soon the story of Cobb’s delicious destruction of evidence spread all over Kaufman County and the legend of Cobb Switch BBQ was born.

Amazingly, Cary Cobb is absolutely no relation to Phil Cobb, co-owner of Cobb Switch BBQ. Phil just liked the Cobb Switch name. However, co-owner Chris Andrews believes his family’s East Texas farm may have been purchased from the Cary Cobb family. No kidding.

*This story is the rural equivalent of the urban legend. Very little is true. In the mid-1800’s there really was a Cary Cobb. Today, there’s still an East Texas community and rail siding named after him. The part about the coal is a bunch of crap from the Internet. We totally made up the part bout the barbecue.

I like tongue-and-cheek barbecue. It sounds very European. Jump for the menu, location, and hours.

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New Beer By Ferran Adrià Is Made For Food Pairing

Here’s a quick sip of culinary news of the world:  Team elBulli–Ferran Adrià, Juli Soler, and award-winning sommeliers David Seijas and Ferran Centelles–joined forces with Estrella Damm, the leading brewer of Barcelona and crafted Estrella Damm INEDIT, a beer brewed specifically for food pairings. It took them more than a year and a half and 400 iterations to settle on “a unique coupage of barley malt and wheat with spices which provide an intense and complex aroma. It aims to complement food once thought to be a challenge in terms of culinary pairings, including salads, vinegar-based sauces, bitter notes such as asparagus and artichokes, fatty and oily fish, and citrus.” The beer made its U.S. debut last night at event hosted by Dan Barber at his restaurant, Blue Hill at Stone Barns. Anthony Bombaci? Have you made the call?

Sigel’s Sign Gets a New Home in Addison

Oh, I love happy endings. (Watch it.) Remember the Sigel’s sign saga? According to Jasper Russo at Sigel’s, the sign will shine again soon.

Last night the Addison City Council agreed to allow us to install our historic 1950s neon sign at the Sigel’s-Addison location (15003 Inwood Road). The sign is being refurbished and will be set in place sometime next month. We look forward to continuing to have this significant piece of Sigel’s history on display for our customers to enjoy. We will alert everyone when we have a final date for the installation. We are planning a lighting ceremony and 1950s themed sale. Details as they are finalized.

Champagne? Yes, Jasper, I can taste it already.

Victory Tavern Hopes For Maverick’s Victory

Don’t have a ticket to the big game tonight or a flat sceen TV? You don’t have to be a total loser–you can sit on a bar stool about a hundred yards from the AAC action at Victory Tavern. (I really should consider writing for an ad agency. Where does this come from?) Quick rationalization: cheap beer. Starting at 5 pm, Victory Tavern will feature $2 Bud Light drafts, $3 craft drafts, and $2 domestic bottles along with  ancho BBQ-glazed meatloaf and aged cheddar mashed potatoes ($5), Tavern burgers ($6), and Yukon chips ($2). Laura, Spider Monkey? They are calling your names.

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?

Food Network’s Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives: Jamaica Gates In Arlington

Who in the Sam Hill is the local snitch for the Food Network? Our area chefs can’t buy a James Beard Award but national reality TV shows love to take them for free. Last night poor Bronwell Webber was iced from Last Cake Standing but tomorrow, or more specifically May 11, will be another day to cheer for another familiar face. Chef Barbara Renfro of Jamaica Gates Caribbean Cuisine in Arlington will appear on Diners, Drive-ins & Dives. They’re hosting a watch party which will double as a birthday bash for Chef Renfro. There will be live reggae music. Bronwen Weber is bringing a cake and Leslie Brenner is bringing grouper. Yummy, I love fish. Okay, so Webber and Brenner won’t be there, but that doesn’t mean you can’t rocksteady from 4 pm to 11 pm with the locals. I know Teresa Gubbins will be there. She shot the sheriff.

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.

“Dewhurst Bill” Will Allow You To BYOB To Any Restaurant

Restaurant owner Amy Severson is fightin’ mad. She just sent me a note: “I find it highly laughable that after 70+ years of a patchwork of liquor laws that take forever to modify, this one goes through like some bad Chinese food.”

She’s referring to what is being called the “Dewhurst Bill.” Seems our Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst is a wine snob and is frustrated by not finding the wine he likes on Austin wine lists. Dewhurst has a bill on its way to the state Senate that would let Texans carry their own wine into liquor-carrying restaurants and leave with whatever they don’t drink. You can read the story here . Amy is calling around to local restaurateurs and will send a full report later. Guess I should send her a bottle from my stash.

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.