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Articles about Beverages

TGI Friday’s World Bartender Championship Feat. Enrique Iglesias

Londoner Charlie "Chuck" Bailey has a dedicated following among the Friday's crowd, even on this side of the pond. (photos by Karley Osborn)

We sent intern Karley Osborn out to brave a bartending championship in Grapevine on a Sunday night. What a trooper.

Two nights ago, while the rest of you were crying in your living rooms over Meryl Streep’s Oscar speech, I was cheering alongside the corporate world of TGI Friday’s as flair bartenders from nine of the chain’s international restaurants competed to become the “Greatest Bartender in the World.” Er, more specifically, the greatest TGI Friday’s bartender in the world.

The Gaylord’s Glass Cactus was decked out for the event’s 21st year like any 21-year-old’s birthday party venue should be with inflatable noise clappers, flashing strobe lights, and party anthems that sounded out of place until the drinks started flowing. Fans, friends, and family of the nine competitors helped themselves to fancified bar fixings like portabella sliders and fried jalapeno peppers as the competition introductions began around 7:00 p.m.

Jump for some Enrique Iglesias action.
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posted by Carol Shih | February 28th, 2012 11:00am | filed under Beverages, Booze News, Contests, Mixology is fancy for bartender, beer | 7 Comments »

First-Take Bar Review: Sundown at Granada

Pull up a chair at Sundown's cozy bar. (photography by Jason Acton)

Sundown Tea (photography by Jason Acton)

The Concept: Sundown at Granada is the Granada Theater’s neighboring restaurant and bar with a long list of draft beers and hand-crafted cocktails. Although I’m sure you can grab a bite pre-show, I would be filled with panic watching a line get longer next door while shoveling down the last forkfulls of food and chugging the rest of a beer. This is a perfect spot, however, to discuss your favorite act post-performance and perhaps mingle with band members, who are sure to wander over for a bite.

Who’s There: Thirty-somethings interested in enjoying some quality time together. (Rather than 20-somethings hollering over their third round of Jager bombs.)

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posted by Raya Ramsey | January 10th, 2012 3:29pm | filed under Bars, Beverages, Brews News, Drinking, First Take, Mixology is fancy for bartender, Nightlife, Openings, Reviews, Tea, beer, cocktails | 6 Comments »

First-Take Bar Review: Tate’s Craft Cocktails

Tate's bartender makes a "Quila Smash," right. (photography by Jason Acton)

The Concept: Another place for bartenders to have love affairs with their carefully crafted cocktails. Classics inspire the menu. (A gimlet, the Aviation, and a “Beautiful Cigar Girl” grace the drink lineup.)

Who’s There: What appeared to be young business professionals (early 30s) packed the place to let loose on the bar’s second night of business (last Thursday). It was a relief to rub elbows with the grownup versions of the typical McKinney Avenue weekend crowd. Surprisingly, even though the mixologist’s concoctions were the obvious choice when ordering, we saw the usual suspects lined the bar. (Red wine, vodka soda, etc.) But once one person ordered something fancy, it spurred his neighbors to make more inspired selections.

When You Enter, Make a Beeline For: The big table by the door, if you’re bringing a crowd, or a seat at the bar. When specialty cocktails are the name of the game, always buddy up with a bartender. The space is small (like, Nonna small) so be prepared to stand.

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posted by Raya Ramsey | December 12th, 2011 11:11am | filed under Bars, Beverages, Mixology is fancy for bartender, Nightlife, Openings, cocktails | 6 Comments »

16 Dallas Holiday Cocktails You Must Try Now

Autumn Leaves at Victor Tangos (photography by Matthew Shelley)

I spent the last week researching bars serving up holiday cocktails in Big D. Then photographer Matthew Shelley and I made our way around town to give them a look and a taste. Here’s our toast to our new favorite holiday-inspired cocktails. Cheers.

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posted by Raya Ramsey | December 7th, 2011 12:30am | filed under Awards, Bars, Beverages, Chocolate, Christmas, Coffee, Drinking, Hanukkah, Holidays, Mixology is fancy for bartender, Nightlife, Wine & Spirits, cocktails, dessert | 13 Comments »

Report: Beaujolais and Beyond at the Omni Dallas

Beaujolais festival goes shagadelic at the Omni. (photo by Desirée Espada)

Friday was the night to be French in Dallas! The French American Chamber of Commerce threw their annual Beaujolais and Beyond Festival at the new Omni Dallas Convention Center Hotel. This festival started in Dallas over 20 years ago and it celebrates the arrival of the first bottles of Beaujolais Nouveau wine which is ceremoniously released each year on the third Thursday of November. Recently organizers have broadened the scope and now include wines from elsewhere in France and French grape varietals grown in the US. They have also invited French restaurants and caterers to provide a cornucopia of food. Friday’s soiree had a ‘60s theme and most of the sponsors were in costumes (I had no idea how many identical twins Austin Powers had). Images from the decade were displayed on a giant overhead screen and a section near the front was roped off to display iconic cars  which included a Jaguar e-Type, Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia, and a Porsche (Austin Powers 7th thought that it was the 356 Super 90). Impossibly thin girls in mini-skirts and Mary Quant tights danced on pedestals and one was kind enough to explain to me that the particular e-Type on display had the closed-in headlamps, making it more valuable to collectors.

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posted by Andrew Chalk | November 21st, 2011 11:26am | filed under Andrew Chalk, Beverages, Celebrity Chefs, Food is art. Art is Food., Texas Wine, Wine & Spirits, appetizers | 1 Comment »

Eat This Now: Pie Shakes from Scrumbscious Pie Company in Mesquite

Nestled in the shadows of the towering stadium of the Mesquite High School fightin’ Skeeters, sits a humble family-owned pie shop with owners every bit as sweet as their glorious cherry pie.  Dallas needs more pie shops like Scrumbscious.  Sure, plenty of places offer a handful of pie flavors, many of which are honorable in their own right, but when an establishment is willing to dedicate their lives to the creation of an American icon, you can rest assured they are going to do things right.

Choosing your slice of pie can be a daunting task indeed for the indecisive and scatterbrained among us, but luckily you are safe enough just throwing a dart at the menu board and ordering whatever it lands on (Note: do not throw darts in the store, they do not appreciate this).  I could ramble on about my favorites, the silky smooth coconut cream, the rich, aromatic fresh pecan pie, but really, just go with your gut on this one.

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posted by Daniel Walker | October 14th, 2011 12:45pm | filed under Beverages, Diets are stupid, Eat This Now!, cheap eats, dessert, frozen treats, ice cream | 3 Comments »

Social House Reopens in Addison

Yes, it’s true. The Social House has reopened—not in Uptown, but in Addison. So many “social”-themed names, we’re trying to keep it all straight. There’s The Social House, The Cedars Social, Social 121, and the soon-to-come Private Social.

Regardless, at least in terms of The Social House, their press release says it all:

The Social House, a new supper pub offering contemporary American cuisine, is now open at the Village on the Parkway in Addison.

Created to enhance all forms of social interaction, the Social House offers guests a comfortable, yet polished atmosphere featuring stone walls adorned with wooden framed televisions and a unique wooden ceiling. This casual setting features an indoor/outdoor patio perfect for late night dining. With 22 televisions, a fireplace and private meeting areas, the Social House can accommodate almost any social gathering like a guy’s night out, a fun date or corporate happy hours.

With three full bars, guests can easily order from the Social House’s drink menu which offers more than 50 beers on tap including craft, import and domestic beers along with a 60 bottle wine list and ten specialty cocktails. The 75 item menu offers an array of bar snacks, salads, burgers, sandwiches, tacos and entrees including a luscious Chicken Fried Steak crafted with 21 day aged  beef. Among the more adventurous dishes found on the menu include III Meat Meatloaf with ground beef, pork and buffalo, Chicken Fried Oysters with horseradish cream sauce,  The Sink Burger with white cheddar, Swiss cheese, Ancho pulled pork, and fried onion strings and the Social House Griddle Cheese with white cheddar cheese, Granny Smith apples and Wright’s apple wood smoked bacon.

posted by Sarah Reiss | July 8th, 2011 12:35pm | filed under Bars, Beverages, Social-this; social-that | 1 Comment »

Kathy Jack, Owner of Jack’s Backyard in Dallas, Releases Statement to Clear Controversy

Give these gals some credit (sorry) for speaking up when they’re down on their luck. Kathy Jack and Susie Buck of Jack’s Backyard closed their popular indoor/outdoor venue on June 26. There has been some talk going around about why they closed and even though they’ve released the statement below, I’m still a little unclear on their message. Owner Kathy Jack writes “I developed a plan with the head of the creditors’ committee to repay our back debts and start repaying investors but ultimately, we were not given that opportunity.” By the landlord? By the bank? Whatever,  I admire her courage and commitment to make things right. I’ve asked for more details. Below is the statement she released late last night.

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posted by Nancy Nichols | July 8th, 2011 12:48am | filed under Best Gay Hangout Restaurant Evah!, Beverages, Bureaucratic red tape, Closings, Patio Dining, Pre World Series Depression, Restaurant News, beer, hold on to your effin hat | 9 Comments »

How To Smoke a Cocktail, Courtesy of Four Lounge’s Keith LaBonte

Recently, we sent ace intern James Bright out to Four Lounge to chat with Keith LaBonte about the current state of cocktails. What he returned with is both instructional and inspirational. Take it away, James…

For almost two weeks I’ve been waiting to try a peanut butter and jelly martini. I talked to virtually every person I came into contact with about my excitement and hopes regarding the drink. Thankfully, Four Lounge’s proprietor and molecular mixologist Keith LaBonte didn’t disappoint. The beverage is a perfect blend of light peanut butter sauce and vodka with a delicate jelly whip cream.
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posted by Sarah Reiss | July 6th, 2011 1:54pm | filed under Beverages, Mixology is fancy for bartender, cocktails | 11 Comments »

Screen Door—A Summer Menu Tasting in Pictures

Officially my favorite new small plate for summer: crispy cheese-grit fritters & green tomato mostarda at Screen Door in One Arts Plaza. (Photo by Sarah Reiss)

Last evening, Chef David McMillan invited us down to One Arts Plaza to taste some of Screen Door‘s new summer dishes and cocktails. What follows is a visual journey through that tasting.

jump for a visual journey through Screen Door’s new menu items… (more…)

posted by Sarah Reiss | June 29th, 2011 2:06pm | filed under Beverages, Brunch, Chef's tasting, Diets are stupid, dessert | 3 Comments »

Sweating Prohibition-Era Bullets At The Cedars Social

The glasses aren't the only thing that's sweating. Ball and Chain (left) and Belleview (right) cocktails at The Cedars Social.

In her June review of The Cedars Social, Nancy described house mixologist Michael Martensen as someone who, “has spent the last eight years redefining cocktails as a culinary art, and his thoughtful, exhaustive drink menu at The Cedars Social celebrates almost 100 years of drinking… ‘It’s a cocktail den. It’s all about imbibing. We don’t have olives or Red Bull, and we don’t make dirty martinis. We need people to get out of their comfort zone.’”

Given that breaking out of my comfort zone is my favorite hobby, I called some pals to meet me for a cocktails-only visit last Friday afternoon/evening. There, at the corner of Lamar and Belleview, we lucked into some threadbare velour chairs in the bar area, ordered some cheese, and settled in for the long haul.

jump to read how things went so very very wrong… (more…)

posted by Sarah Reiss | June 27th, 2011 11:42am | filed under Alright already!, Beverages, Buzz Killer!, Hot Links!, Mistakes I made, Mixology is fancy for bartender, cocktails | 5 Comments »

Where to Eat, Drink, and Make Merry
for Cinco de Mayo in Dallas

photography by Matthew Shelley

Yep, it’s that time of year again: time to celebrate the Mexican army’s glorious victory over the French at the Battle of Puebla, on May 5, 1862.

Now, how about a margarita? Here are your best bets for making the day a grand fiesta.

Brackets
Booze: $2 Dos XX, Coronas, margaritas, tequila shots
Food: $2 street tacos, Mexican pizzas, and nachos
Tunes: Live DJ music
When: 7 pm to 2 am

El Ranchito
Booze: $5 El Jimado tequila shots, $3.50 regular margaritas, $4.50 large margaritas, $2 drafts, $2.50 domestic bottles, $3.50 imports
Food: $5 choriqueso, cheese enchilada dinner, or half orders of nachos
Tunes: Mariachi music starts at 7:30 pm
Extras: all day happy hour
When: 11 am to 10 pm

La Calle Doce
Booze: $3 margaritas and draft beers, $5 El Jimador tequila shots
Food: $5 food specials like shrimp cocktail, cheese enchilada platters, and half orders of nachos
When: 11 am to 10 pm

Urban Taco
Booze: $5 house margaritas, Sangria, Bloody Maria, Limonada Corrupta, Tequila Slammer, and Silver Azul Blanco tequila shots and half-priced drafts
Extras: all day happy hour
When: 10 am to 11 pm (more…)

posted by Raya Ramsey | May 5th, 2011 12:02am | filed under Bars, Beverages, Cinco de Mayo, Events, Nightlife, Tacos, Tex-Mex, beer | 2 Comments »

Saying “Yes” To Generosity. How Many Rounds Do You Go?

My friend Tim loves the idea of a two-round rule.

So you’re out for drinks, dinner, brunch, whatever, and the check comes. All parties reach for their wallets, but one magnanimous soul says, “I’ve got this.”

Cue the obligatory back and forth:

“No, no, let me.”

“No, no, I insist.”

“At least let me get the tip.”

“No, really. I want to.”

and on and on it goes.

I especially dislike being on the giving end of this merry-go-round because when someone argues against letting me treat them, it dampens the moment. I can’t do it often, and if I’m trying to be nice, who are you to block my mojo? What we all really want is for the receiver to say, “Wow, thanks. What a nice surprise.” Or something to that effect.

But when the shoe is on the other foot, I’m just as guilty as anyone. So, a few years back I decided that I needed to get better about accepting generosity when it comes my way. I adopted a two round rule. When I’m on the receiving end of someone else’s generosity, I give it two solid, back and forths, after which I smile and love them up with a warm and heartfelt thank you.

But I want to know about you. How many rounds do you think is reasonable?

(I know all of us have encountered a special someone who never reaches for his or her wallet—those cads who expect the world to cover their bar tab. Let’s not talk about those people. They’re tools. This is about acknowledging generosity.)

posted by Sarah Reiss | April 14th, 2011 2:26pm | filed under Beverages, Brunch | 6 Comments »

First-Take Bar Review: Katy Trail Ice House

The Katy Trail Ice House

Here are our thoughts from opening night at the new jogging trail-adjacent bar:

The Concept: It actually backs up to the Katy Trail. We parked on Blackburn Street, walked up a path to hop on the trail, and walked a few feet to get to the back entrance of the Ice House. Dozens of wooden picnic tables cover the patio. Inside it’s all wood walls, tin accents, one long bar, and (as we counted) seven flat-screens, featuring sports. To summarize: casual.

Who’s There: Families with kiddos, girls in sundresses, and sets of couples packed the picnic tables. Inside, groups of guys (college-aged to 40s) and gals (mostly 20s and 30s) with beers in-hand huddled around each table. Basically anyone who wants a low-key evening with some brewskies can enjoy this place. (more…)

posted by Raya Ramsey | March 28th, 2011 12:30pm | filed under Bars, Beverages, beer | 11 Comments »

Rathbun and Tequila Ambhar Stage Cocktail Shenanagins

Love tequila? We do. Which is why hearing that Chef Kent Rathbun (Abacus, Jasper’s, Blue Plate Kitchen, Shinsei, etc.) is co-hosting a tequila showdown. Bartenders at Rathbun’s restaurants will compete to create cocktails using Tequila Ambhar’s platinum, reposado, or anejo tequilas; the winning blend will be chosen by mixologist, Marcelo Nascimento and featured at Rathbun’s restaurants throughout April with an overall winner to be picked at an end-of-the-month party.

In addition, Rathbun’s hosting the following events:

Tequila Ambhar Tasting at Kent Rathbun’s Home – March 22, 6:30 – 9:30 pm. Indulge in Mexican vanilla-rum raisin tamales, smoked pork shoulder chalupas, and ceviche nachos along with Ambhar Kiwi Basil, Pear Meyer Lemon, and Ambhar Sunset cocktails. Puff on a Don Beningo cigar to round out the evening. $125 per person

Tequila Ambhar Cocktail Showdown at Aqua Lounge – May 1, 3 – 6 pm. Taste all seven cocktails created through Rathbun’s contest and vote for your favorites. Passed hors d’oeuvres will be provided. $98 per person

Ambhar and Moet Summer Bash at Aqua Lounge – June 5, 1 pm. Restaurants participating in the cocktail challenge include Abacus, Rathbun’s Blue Plate Kitchen, Zea WoodFire Grill, Shinsei and Jasper’s in Plano. $98 per person

posted by Sarah Reiss | March 22nd, 2011 9:00am | filed under Beverages, Chefs, cocktails |

Best Place To Watch The Daytona 500: Texas Motor Speedway

It’s was the opening race of the 2011 NASCAR Sprint Cup season and the biggest event on the NASCAR calendar. The Daytona 500 is a spectacular spectator event but it took place about 1,000 miles from Dallas. Fortunately, Texas Motor Speedway had a solution that allowed fans to watch the race in style and eat well at the same time. It’s called The Speedway Club, a nine floor building at the track overlooking turn one that has a plush ballroom at the top. They invited me to check it out…

posted by Andrew Chalk | March 3rd, 2011 11:15am | filed under Andrew Chalk, BBQ, Beverages, Brunch |

Oscar Nominees and the Drinks They Inspired

Thanks to Hayley Hamilton for posting her inspirational list of Oscar night cocktails. As someone about to be in possession of a home with an actual bar, I will be holding on to those recipes for later use. Those of you not so stymied, time to get cracking!

In addition, Big Pappa Frank Bruni scoured New York City on behalf of the New York Times to compile an additional list of that city’s mixologists’ ideas for Oscar night cocktails, each created in the spirit of the characters portrayed in the Best Leading Actor/Actress category. One mixologist’s choice to funnel red wine into the lower portion of “The Natalie Portman” is truly inspired. Another’s use of a frozen chunk of rock in lieu of ice in “The James Franco” is Onion-worthy comedy.

Print out Hayley’s recipes; check out Bruni’s list. It’s certainly not a competition, but I bet you’ll find a favorite.

posted by Sarah Reiss | February 25th, 2011 11:30am | filed under Beverages, cocktails |

Special Report: Jason Kosmas to Leave Bolsa in Dallas

Jason Kosmas. photo by Robert Bostick.

Steven Doyle has the latest scoop on the peripatetic mixologist, Jason Kosmas. Take it away, Dallas Dude.

Jason Kosmas has had a busy year. Earlier this year he left Neighborhood Services Tavern to work along side Eddie “Lucky” Campbell behind the bar at Bolsa. He also published his second book Speakeasy. Kosmas told me that he is going to leave Bolsa soon to work as beverage director at Twomey Concepts alongside chef Tre Wilcox at the soon-to-open Marquee Club in Highland Park Village.

The humble and talented bartender has regrets leaving Bolsa adding that his time with the restaurant has been enjoyable. “Historically I have not moved around much in my career, says Kosmas. “I left Neighborhood Services because I need more flexibility in my schedule after the book was released. When I was first approached by Justin Beam [Twomey Concepts] I said I wasn’t interested because I have been very happy being part of Bolsa. I love the clientele, the neighborhood and all the staff. But when I saw the details of the opportunity it made perfect sense.”

The Management position will give Kosmas a chance to exercise his creativity and work hours which will enable him to spend more quality time with his family. Kosmas will begin working for Twomey Concepts next Monday morning hashing out the details of staffing and outfitting the soon-to-open restaurant. Kosmas will oversee all aspects of the beverage program including the wine program which he said will be a fantastic value for the market.

As for Eddie Campbell, he and fellow barman Michael Martensen (The Cedars Social) started a build out for their yet-to-be-named downtown concept that will feature many of the same pre-Prohibition cocktails and a small menu at the former Dr. Bell’s BBQ space once home to a bar run Jack Ruby.

Well, all of this great news comes just in time for cocktail hour. Thanks, Steven. Chin-chin.

posted by Nancy Nichols | February 17th, 2011 12:01pm | filed under Beverages, Restaurant News, cocktails | 19 Comments »

Urban Taco Uptown Gives You A Free Drink on Tuesdays With December 2010 D Magazine

We love a freebie, and this one’s a no-brainer. The Uptown location of Urban Taco is so jazzed about being named one of D’s best new restaurants, that they want to pay it forward by treating anyone bringing in a December 2010 issue of D Magazine to a free Apple Cider Spiked Punch or a Hot Cocoa-Quilla every Tuesday throughout the month of December.

(Uptown location only. Actual drink may or may not look like the picture above.)

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posted by Sarah Reiss | December 10th, 2010 10:40am | filed under Beverages, cocktails, freebies |

Try the Pumpkin Vanilla Martini at The Second Floor

Pumpkin Vanilla Martini

I went to The Second Floor a couple of weeks ago to test out the newest cocktail on the Molecular Mixology list: the Pumpkin Vanilla Martini. I’d like to start this little recap off with my conclusion: I think The Second Floor is a little gem lost among the Oceanaire and The Grill on the Alley giants at the Galleria. I’m no food snob, but I do love to eat, I am a little finicky, and I can tell you I enjoyed everything served. The martini was beyond delicious. The pumpkin concoction was served with a sprinkling of cinnamon for spice, a dollop of frozen Godiva white chocolate liqueur (which is created in front of you at the bar), and a side of candied cranberries. An invitation to try a smattering of dishes was welcome, and everything from the flatbread to the house-made potato gnocchi was tasty. Jump for details.

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posted by Raya Ramsey | December 9th, 2010 12:34pm | filed under Beverages, Christmas | 4 Comments »

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