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Craft Cocktails Texas Brings Creative Concoctions and Artisan Spirits To Dallas

posted by Hayley Hamilton | June 3rd, 2012 10:43am | filed under Booze News, cocktails, Festivals, Wine & Spirits | 28 Comments »

Over four days from June 14-June 17 a new spirits festival will take Dallas by storm, celebrating all things boozy and including some of the best mixologists in the city and the state, Craft Cocktails Texas. The growing interest in high-end cocktails created with whimsy using quality spirits and fresh mixers inspired the event, sure to introduce guests to creations, flavors, presentations and ideas they would have never imagined before. The educational cocktail party will also give back with a portion of proceeds from Craft Cocktails Texas will benefit the Youth Foundation of the American Heart Association. Founded by Brian McCollough and Nico Ponce, Ponce notes:

The event is a four day festival featuring seminars, tastings, and cocktail parties, and is a celebration of the growing movement of craft cocktails, prohibition and pre-prohibition cocktails, and the utilization of artisan spirits in cocktail dens and restaurants across our state. 3 years ago there were only two or three true mixology programs in Texas and now we’re getting close to 50. This is changing the way that people are drinking across our state and we’re celebrating and embracing the new (old) direction that cocktails are headed.

Most events will take place either in and around downtown or at The Stoneleigh. Great to see what a few spirit loving Dallas guys can do for the city, help bring recognition to the incredible mixologists we have in town and teach people a little bit about their favorite distilled libations. Full details available here.

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Is Bourbon Really Bourbon if it is Made in Fort Worth?

posted by Nancy Nichols | June 1st, 2012 9:30am | filed under Booze News | 9 Comments »

Do you know the difference between whiskey and bourbon? Do you know if a bourbon made in Fort Worth is really a bourbon or just a whiskey?

Consider this situation: Yesterday afternoon at 3:51PM, Jasper Russo, Director of Wine Marketing at Sigel’s, sent out an email. Subject line: Introducing TX Blended Whiskey from F&R Distillery in Fort Worth, TX. Opening line: “Leonard Firestone and Troy Robertson have joined their passion and vision to produce distinct premium Texas whiskey from the only artisanal bourbon distillery in North Texas.”

I received another email from Russo at 4:20PM. Subject line: Bourbon controversy.Content: As soon as my email about Firestone & Robertson TX Whiskey hit, I was inundated with complaints from customers crying foul and telling me that Bourbon was not Bourbon unless it was made in Bourbon County, Kentucky. While my Spirits Buyer (Andy Hubbard) assured me that this was not the case, I went to Wikipedia for backup. (Really, Jasper? Don’t you have Jim Beam’s cell number?) Bonus content: Bourbon trivia from Andy- Jack Daniels cannot be labeled as Bourbon, not because it is made in Tennessee, but rather because it is filtered through charcoal.

I’ve heard bourbon referred to as whiskey and whiskey called bourbon. Correct me if I’m wrong: bourbon is classified as a whiskey but not all whiskey is bourbon. My heavens, drinking brown is so complicated. Go white!

Jump for the info on the small-batch whiskey from the only artisanal bourbon distillery in Texas.

Continue reading "Is Bourbon Really Bourbon if it is Made in Fort Worth?"

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The 8th Annual Texas Sommelier Conference: Registration is Open!

posted by Nancy Nichols | May 17th, 2012 9:20am | filed under AgriBusiness, Booze News, Bring it!, GO TEXAN, Texas Sommelier Conference, TexSom 2012, Wine & Spirits, Wine Pairing | 1 Comment »

The dates for one of the area’s most interesting events is set. On August 12- 13, the Four Seasons Resort & Club Dallas at Las Colinas will host the 8th Annual Texas Sommelier Conference. The three-day conference includes educational sessions, wine tastings, and social media workshops. The 2011 TexSom conference featured the largest contingent of Master Sommeliers at a public event. This year should be no different. However, you don’t have to be any kind of sommelier to buy a seat. Some of the names you can rub shoulders with include:

Scheduled Master Sommeliers include James Tidwell, Drew Hendricks, Wayne Belding, Brett Zimmerman, Guy Stout, Tim Gaiser, Laura Williamson, Keith Goldston, Nate Ready, Melissa Monosoff, Brian Cronin, Cameron Douglas, John Szabo, Geoff Kruth, Laura DePasquale, Jay Fletcher, Andrew McNamara, Peter Neptune and Greg Harrington. The speaker lineup also includes James Beard Award Winners Rajat Parr and Paul Grieco, Master of wine Christy Canterbury, wine marketer Paul Wagner, Union Square Hospitality Group Wine Director John Ragan, and Leonetti Cellar Owner Chris Figgins.

The seminar topics, times, and various ticket prices are listed below. For more information or to register, click here. Like, fast. Continue reading "The 8th Annual Texas Sommelier Conference: Registration is Open!"

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North Texas Beer Festival Features Local Craft Breweries and More

posted by Carol Shih | May 14th, 2012 12:00pm | filed under Booze News, Events | 1 Comment »

David Lee, Chuck Homola, Larry Papkin, and Jonathan Barrows from the North Texas Homebrewers Association

One of our new summer interns, Teo Soares, loves beer, so we sent him off on his first assignment to the 2nd Annual North Texas Beer Festival. Looks like he survived.

“We’ll compete for shelf space, we’ll compete for tap handles, but in the end we’re all friends,” said Kendra Harrell, a sales manager for Saint Arnold Brewing Company. “We’re not going to rumble.” She paused. “Although, you know, maybe I will.”

Saint Arnold was one of fifty breweries at last Saturday’s North Texas Beer Festival, which drew about 4,500 visitors to the Irving Convention Center at Las Colinas. Jim Campbell from Andrews Distributing Company opened the Festival by presenting a $5,000 check to Honor Flight DFW, a local nonprofit that sponsors all-expense paid trips for veterans of World War II to the conflict’s memorial in Washington D.C. Before leaving the stage, Campbell reminded visitors to bid on a silent auction (which would eventually raise an additional $5,000 for the organization) and told us to drink.

Jump for the booze. Continue reading "North Texas Beer Festival Features Local Craft Breweries and More"

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Beers With Friends Bonus: Conquering American Craft Beer Week in Dallas

posted by Liz Johnstone | May 11th, 2012 4:19pm | filed under beer, beer pairings, Booze News, Drinking | 4 Comments »

I know, I know. You’ve been waiting on pins and needles for Part II of Beers With Friends. But consider this an extra, in which I give you a run down of the various American Craft Beer Week activities. It all starts on Monday. I’ll break it up by day, and then maybe tell you which ones my expert, Michael, and I are most interested in checking out. Armed with excellent tolerance (debatable, in reference to myself) and tastebuds (definitely, in reference to Michael), we will boldly go where several of you are probably also and already going. Check back for specifics from Strangeways, and as always, add more ideas in the comments.

Continue reading "Beers With Friends Bonus: Conquering American Craft Beer Week in Dallas"

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Lucky Gives Rousing Speech at The Chesterfield’s Happy Hour

posted by Carol Shih | May 2nd, 2012 7:03pm | filed under Booze News, Bring it! | 25 Comments »

Lucky’s supporters are gathered at The Chesterfield right now, grateful as ever that Lucky is back. One faithful customer (who usually visits the bar 2 to 3 times a week) told me that he hasn’t been back to The Chesterfield ever since Lucky got kicked out. (Except for this one time when he dropped in to tell The Chesterfield he wasn’t coming back ’til Lucky was reinstated.)

“No Eddie, no us!” declared the gentleman. Well, sir, it looks like Lucky isn’t going to budge without a fight.

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Dallas Police on the Scene, Again, at The Chesterfield

posted by Nancy Nichols | May 2nd, 2012 3:57pm | filed under Booze News, Delusional behavior, Food Fight! | 19 Comments »

Lucky and police officer at 3:30PM . (Photo by Carol Shih)

Last Thursday, Ed Bailey, majority owner of The Chesterfield, called the police and attempted to have one of his minority owners, Eddie “Lucky” Campbell, removed from the premises. The operation failed.

According to Campbell, Gary Van Gundy, president of Edward C. Bailey Enterprises, showed up with an attorney a little before 3PM today and the police were asked to have Campbell removed. “Yes, they’re here right now,” said Campbell from his cell phone. “They are trying to have me removed from the property.” Campbell showed the officers the lease which is in Campbell’s name. “They tried to say I was trespassing,” Campbell said. “But I’m not.”

Bailey and Campbell are locked in a bitter battle over how to operate the Chesterfield. Both teams are lawyered up and won’t get into specifics. Bailey owns 51% of the business but his name is not on the lease agreement. “Look, I’m here right now and I’m starting a huge all-night happy hour starting at 5:30 today. I am reinstating the staff that Bailey fired and those who walked out in disgust,” Campbell said. “These people have kids and need to work. Our disagreement is a private matter about business and I want to get it resolved.”

I asked him how he planned to run a business with an unhappy partner. “It’s difficult,” Campbell said. “I’m not a lawyer. Ed and I disagree on how to run this business. As far as I’m concerned, I’m still operating The Chesterfield.”

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New Wine Store Coming to Central and Walnut Hill in Dallas: Total Wine & More

posted by Nancy Nichols | April 10th, 2012 10:34am | filed under beer, Booze News, Bring it! | 6 Comments »

Good heavens, Walnut Hill and Central is turning into Booze Row. Centennial has been on the corner for a long time and Spec’s, the ginaormous liquor and wine store, opened there in mid-December. This morning comes news that Total Wine & More will open in “early summer” just a few blocks down (or up) from Spec’s. (Note: They’re hiring!) This will be the chain’s first store in Texas and 80^th overall location. Here is their claim:

“Total Wine will offer a greater selection of wines, spirits, and beer in its store than any retailer in Dallas.”

Yow. Zah. That’s ballsy. I guess we’ll wait and see. Oh wait, Co-Owner and President David Trone has something to say:

“Total Wine & More will offer a shopping experience unlike any other in Dallas. We feature wine from nearly every wine-growing region in the world, as well as a tremendous selection of spirits from every price range, and a diverse offering of beers, from America’s most popular beers to hard-to-find microbrews and imports. I believe Dallas residents will be surprised and amazed when they first enter our store.”

Bring it, Hoss. We’ll be the judge. Say, how much Texas wine are you bringing?

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Rohst Korean Marinade is Changing Name and Menu: Rohst Greenville Bar & Grill

posted by Nancy Nichols | March 20th, 2012 1:06pm | filed under Booze News, restaurant business news, St. Patrick's Day | 2 Comments »

Earlier this morning I chatted with Danny Ham, owner of Rohst Korean Marinade on Greenville Avenue. I noticed a new sign over the door and called to ask about the changes he planned. “We are keeping our best-selling Korean dishes,” Ham said. “But we are adding more neighborhood-friendly American dishes like steaks, shrimp, and scallops to the menu.” The new menu is still under development. With the new name change comes the re-lighting of the old Greenville Avenue Bar & Grill sign.

Speaking of green, Mr. Ham also said there was a rumor “on the street” that Rohst had set the record for sales on St. Patrick’s Day by topping $100,00 for the day. “That is just a rumor,” he said. “I know because I count the money.” The comment made me curious. What percentage of cash liquor sales are rung up? I mean a restaurant doing $100K a day? Anyone have an guesstimate or a thought on SPD business?

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Where to Drink for St. Patrick’s Day in Dallas: A Neighborhood Guide

posted by Raya Ramsey | March 13th, 2012 4:11pm | filed under beer, Booze News, Drinking, St. Patrick's Day | 6 Comments »

photography by Sergio Garza

First, a few St. Patrick’s Day fun facts:

St. Patrick wasn’t Irish.
Almost 37 million Americans claim Irish ancestry. (The rest just pretend on March 17.)
Nearly 13 million pints of Guinness are consumed on St. Patrick’s Day.
There are four towns in the United States named “Shamrock.” Texas has one of them.
My sister used to eat all the marshmallows out of the Lucky Charms box growing up.
Leprechauns exist.

Now, without further ado, we present a guide to boozing on the mean green holiday, organized by our favorite ‘hoods. We know we’ve left off some great bars that will be hosting great times (great time = green Irish beer, Celtic jams, and corned beef and cabbage), but this is just a little taste from a few different DFW territories.

Continue reading "Where to Drink for St. Patrick’s Day in Dallas: A Neighborhood Guide"

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TGI Friday’s World Bartender Championship Feat. Enrique Iglesias

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

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.
Continue reading "TGI Friday’s World Bartender Championship Feat. Enrique Iglesias"

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Boozy Events to Start Off Your Day

posted by Carol Shih | February 22nd, 2012 8:59am | filed under beer, beer pairings, Booze News, Rewritten Press Releases, tequila, Wine & Spirits, Wine Pairing |

The Fort Worth Flying Saucer is hosting its Third Annual Barley Wine Experience on Saturday, February 25, starting at 11 AM in the Sundance Square. Draft and bottled wine selections are available for those who are into craft beers, and guests can order food from the Hungry Farmer Plates menu. Admission’s free, but beer and food are not. Click here for more information.

Blue Mesa Grill Teams up with Ambhar Tequila for a series of workshops called Tequila Lab. Marcelo Nascimento, Ambhar’s lead mixologist, is teaching each lab participant how to make, mix, and enhance tequila drinks. Three drinks and a Blue Mesa menu are included with the class, so hurry and sign up if you would like to be one of the 35 participants.

7 PM Wednesday, February 29th.
Dallas/Northwest Hwy. location only – Lincoln Park, 7700 W. Northwest Hwy.
Limited to 35 participants. Please call (214) 378-8686 to sign up.
$35 per person includes drinks and appetizers.
For more information see www.bluemesagrill.com.

Not in the mood for tequila? Beer could be your answer.

For the first time in DFW history, there is going to be a Local Brewery Beer Pairing Dinner over at the Common Table. Deep Ellum Brewing Company (DEBC) is joining up with four other breweries (Franconia Brewing Co, Lakewood Brewing Co, Rahr & Sons Brewing Co and Peticolas Brewing Co) to host this sweet dinner. Chef Mike Smith will be cooking 5 courses paired with 5 beers. There are still 16 spots open for the March 5th dinner, and $15 per person is being donated to Open the Taps, a grassroots movement fighting for beer equality.

Kinky Friedman and Ruth Buzzi Rocked Out at Allgood Café in Dallas

posted by Nancy Nichols | February 13th, 2012 11:38am | filed under Booze News, Hippie revolutions, make mine a double, tequila |

Kinky Friedman showed up for his gig last night at AllGood Café with comedian Ruth Buzzi. Yes, the Ruth Buzzi from Rowan and Martin’s Laugh-In. Buzzi lives west of Fort Worth on a 220-acre ranch where she and her husband raise cattle and quarter horses. Here is a brief note from Allgood Café owner Mike Snider:

In the course of a 1 hour + show, Kinky referenced: Zorro, Batman, Johnny Cash, Willie, Lone Star Cafe in NYC, albinos, Rick Perry (of course), Molly Ivins, Barbara Jordan, Jim Nabors, Muhammed Ali, Townes Van Zandt, Ira Hayes and so many more I can’t remember. He brought Ruth Buzzi onstage from the audience to tell the story of how she once cut Kinky’s hair back in the 70s.

Kinky is in town promoting his Man In Black tequila. SideDish reporter Haley Hamilton is meeting with him at 2PM for a tasting. Good times.

Kinky Friedman in Dallas Sunday at Allgood Cafe: Singing and Slinging His Man in Black Tequila

posted by Nancy Nichols | February 10th, 2012 1:19pm | filed under Booze News, Cult Cuisine, Drinking, Hippie revolutions, make mine a double | 2 Comments »

Here's Art Grindle, I mean Kinky Friedman. He wants to sell you some tequila!

“This is not New Age Mexican Mouthwash like some of the stuff that has reached the market over the past 20 years or so,” Kinky said. “It is not smoothed out by multiple filtering and tailored to what some marketing guys think Americans want. It’s the real deal and naturally smooth because we start with mature agave.”

Did he just say “mature?” If you’d like to taste Kinky’s tequila and hear him sing, head over to Allgood Café on Sunday, February 12. All I know is that it is an “evening performance.” Deets to follow. Check out Kinky’s liquor here.