Caution: Eating hundreds of mini hot dogs could do irreparable damage to washboard abs.

Former Dallas Star and all-around good guy Mike Modano will be at The Stand on June 2 from 2pm – 4pm. The casual hot dog spot is hosting an Mini-Hot Dog Eating contest and Mo will be there to “cheer on contestants and possible chow down on some mini-hot dogs as well.” You can register to be a contestant for $25. If you win, you’ll get a check for $1,000. Proceeds will go to the Mike Modano Foundation, an entity that supports at-risk children.

Full details below.

The Stand in Dallas Presents:

Dallas’ 1st Annual Mini-Hot Dog Eating Contest

On Saturday, June 2nd, The Stand on McKinney Avenue in Dallas will host the 1st

Annual Mini-Hot Dog Eating Contest.

Contestants will compete for a Dallas first: their face painted on a 15-foot by 60-foot

wide mural off McKinney Avenue for an entire year next to some of Dallas’ most

generous philanthropists.

Other prizes include cash prizes and Big D bragging rights. For contestants, the

registration cost is $25 and open now online at www.TheStandDallas.com.  All

proceeds will benefit the Mike Modano Foundation, founded by Dallas hockey-

legend Mike Modano, helping at risk children in the DFW area.  Modano himself will

be there to cheer on contestants and possible chow down on some mini-hot dogs

as well.

First Place will win $1,000 and their image for everyone to admire on the

restaurant’s wall next to others who will win their spots through an upcoming

auction.  Second place will win $500 and third $250.

The 1st Place finisher will also be recognized at The Standʼs LIVE AUCTION on

June 16th for the remaining seven positions on the mural which will also benefit the

Mike Modano Foundation.

So grab your friends and your appetite and come out to The Stand on June 2nd

and show off your eating skills! You could be crowned the champion and be

immortalized in The Standʼs mural of all things greatness in Dallas, TX.

WHEN: Saturday, June 2nd

WHERE: The Stand, 2916 McKinney Ave., Dallas, Texas 75204

TIME: 2pm – 4pm

HOW: Register online at www.TheStandDallas.com

Benefitting: The Mike Modano Foundation

The crowd watching Jerrier's TV debut.

Jay Jerrier invited me (and about 400 other people) via Facebook to his restaurant, Cane Rosso, to watch his debut on Diners, Drive-ins, and Dives. Yesterday morning, I got a text message from Cane Rosso’s automated database system that Jerrier was going to host a watch party at 9PM.  I also noticed several tweets about the party. (There’s a reason he’s a nominee for best tweeter.)

My husband and I got there early. We knew the kitchen would close around 8:30PM so the staff could watch the show, and we assumed the 400 Facebook friends would be early, too. Turns out, we were a little too anxious. Around 7:30, we had no problem getting a seat. Jerrier was cooking up a storm. But around 8:30PM, he took a break and started walking around. At one point he looked out the window, said something about moving his car, and rushed out. Then we saw the food truck Enticed roll up. Next thing we know, SsahmBBQ pulled up along side.  Jerrier came in and announced that it was all on the house. People ran out to get their shaved ice and Korean tacos just in time to watch Jerrier’s performance on DDD.

I wish I could break down the segment for you, but I can’t. There was a lot of applauding and cheers, so I missed some of what was said. And while the crowd was frenzied, Jay stood stoically and watched the show. His wife and kids were there as well. I planned on rewatching the segment when I got home, but there was a little game on and it took precedence. But I can tell you this: the pizza looked amazing, the shots of the pasta made us wish we had ordered pasta, and Jerrier did a great job. Also, he’s a really great host. (He’s even been kind enough to allow people to order ranch dressing at his restaurant. Kinda.)

Two weeks in Provence coming soon.

Get ready for Central Market’s yearly culinary salute to foreign food. In 2010, we celebrated Argentina (Hi, Francis!). Last year we pigged out on Spain (Hola, Paco!). This year they are throwing a two-week soiree for France, specifically the southern region of Provence, which will begin on May 9 and run through May 22.

Here’s a little poop I learned: Zee hottest ticket will be a seat in the outdoor tent where the kick-off event, “A Taste of Provence,” will feature a sampling of dishes prepared by Chef Patrice Olivon! C’est magnifique! You know Olivon, oui? He’s the cute French dude who won Iron Chef hosts “Dinner is Served,” a lovely show on PBS. It is set for Wednesday, May 9, and begins at 6 p.m.

The menu includes some personal favorites from his childhood (served family-style at long tables), which will be paired with French wines (shocker!). Think: Pissaladiere (thick, pizza-like dish popular in Nice and Marseilles); tomates farcies (tomatoes stuffed with beef, rice & herbs); cod with aioli; roasted lamb with ratatouille; and warm seasonal fruit cooked in red wine served over vanilla ice cream (really?). So frugal Francophiles, get a cheap trip ($35 per person) to Provence, if only for one evening.  Tickets can be booked by clicking here or by visiting the Cooking School reservation site for Dallas.

Sancerre! Profiteroles! A truffle in every pot! Vamos, I mean, nous permettre d’aller!

(Below, I will copy and paste an actual MEDIA-ONLY release so you can get an insider’s look on how real food writing works. I will pair it with commentary from a professional media person.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE [Loud and clear! Got it. Type fast. Did somebody else get this while I was grabbing a sandwich. Hang on let me check the other sites!]

April 1, 2012 [WTF? Am I late here? It's April 16. Did this already go out and I am so screwed? Note to self: Google news before you write it. Alternatively, swear under your breath at PR people.]

CENTRAL MARKET PREPARES TO SHARE “L’ART DE VIVRE” [WHY didn't I think of that hed? (That's editorial lingo for headline. We are all too lazy to type the whole word out.]

Prepare for a gustatory tour of France’s famously food centric regions [Weak sub. Oh, that's edit-speak for sub-headline. Waaaay too long to type. "Food-centric regions" in France  is redundant.]

WHO: All Central Market stores across Texas [ Great start. WHO! Always start with WHO. It worked for Horton and it will work for you.]

WHAT: Get ready to celebrate two weeks devoted to France, a country know for its vast array of distinct food and wine offerings. Central Market, a division of H-E-B will host PASSPORT FRANCE May 9 – 22 to explore the delicious to be found in every day France, “a nation of Foodies.” [Yes, it pedestrian but it's short and to the point and food writers need short. And points. Next.]

This is the specialty retailer’s third foray into a wide-scale international celebration. In 2011, Central Market hosted Passport Spain; and in 2010 it launched with Passport Argentina.  Customers traveled the cultural and culinary landscape of these countries without booking a plane ticket or packing a bag. The events are known for their bounty of exciting food finds, live music and performers, authentic décor and celebrity chef and wine maker visits. [Great insert of backfill information. If I didn't work here last year, I now know how much great stuff I missed by living in Washington, DC.]

This May, CM store visitors can experience all things French during Central Market’s two-week extravaganza. Hands-on crepe making. Wine tastings hosted by winemakers, some part of multigenerational winemaking families. Stellar chefs such as Anne Willan of La Varenne and Patrice Olivon of PBS and Iron Chef fame will make appearances and host events. “An Introduction to French Cheeses” will be hosted by the Ambassadress of the French Cheese Club. [Okay, I'm fading a little.]

The aisles will be filled with finds from around France, such as La Mere de Poulard cookies, Kougin Amann, aged Comte, Petit Montebourg fresh cheese, Fallot Dijon and hundreds more, many exclusively available at Central Market. [I'm am so back. Those cookies are like crack, heroin, pot, and gin all baked into a thin disc of sin.]

From classes in the art of French cookery to French cheeses, breads and wine tastings, Passport France will take visitors on an incredible gustatory tour with no jet lag. [Well, I am confused. What do I do with all of this Ambien?]

WHEN: May 9 – 22, 2012 [Excellent information. Thank you Central Market for making my job a walk in the freaking park!]

WHERE: Central Market, all store locations: Austin, Dallas, Fort Worth, Houston, Plano,  San Antonio, and Southlake. Go to www.centralmarket.com for the latest details and to review classes available in May. Further details will be released as they are available. [Even bettah! There is more to come so I know there will be more to write. My job feels secure. Until the end of May.]

ABOUT CENTRAL MARKET: Central Market’s open, serpentine-flow, full view European-style layout offers a completely new food shopping experience.  A bountiful produce department with unmatched quality and variety, an 80-foot seafood case with selections from throughout the world, hundreds of cheeses, 2,500 wine labels, stupendous specialty grocery aisles with delights from every continent, and a world-class cooking school featuring hands-on instruction are among the features that make the Central Market experience unique. www.centralmarket.com. [Oaky, the serpentine-flow thing is getting old, but so am I. The store is really more maze-like but I suppose that would cause people to run for the straight aisles of Tom Thumb. Stupendous is a bit dramatic and delights, well my mind stayed to another train of thought, but I was immediately brought back to reality by the hands-on instruction. Oh, yes. France and hands. Good stuff. Count me in.]

Crowds gather At The Start Of Dining In Dallas At The Frontiers Of Flight Museum

At the Frontiers of Flight Museum two nights ago (incidentally, the best inside venue for charity fundraisers in Dallas), the Texas Neurofibromatosis Foundation held its annual fundraiser to raise awareness of a common yet unknown disease. This event, which first started in 1995, helps raise money for patient programs and research projects surrounding Neurofibromatosis, a devastating neurological disorder that affects more people than cystic fibrosis and muscular dystrophy combined. Every hour, three people are born with it. NF is the most common neurological disorder and is caused by a single gene mutation. It affects 1 out of every 3,000 people worldwide. At tonight’s event, twelve prominent chefs served food and 16 more contributed to the auction prizes in an auction led by Scott Murray to raise funds for this under-reported medical charity. In addition, over 40 other sponsors contributed to the cause. Here is a sampling of the dishes on display:

The Place At Perry's (Jaime Corona). Ahi Tuna Nachos

Pappas Bros. (James Johnson). Lobster Bisque

Dragonfly (Dan Landsberg). Rope Hung Smoked Salmon with Saffron Pearl Cous Cous & Golden Raisin, Toasted Almond & Harissa Rouille

Bailey;s Prime Plus (Grant Morgan). Bruschetta

Nothing Bundt Cakes. Red Velvet. Chocolate Chocolate Chip. White Chocolate Raspberry.

Second Floor Restaurant (Joel Harloff). Wild Boar Ragout on a Pretzel Hoagie with a House Mustard Cole Slaw

Bridge Bistro (Kay Agnew). Stilton Savory Cheesecake. Wild Mushroom Savory Cheesecake. Herb Grilled Spring Vegetables.

Trulucks (Manny Vera). Tuna Tartare with Pickled Beets and Pears. Fresh Wasabi Goat Cheese on Sesame Flatbread

Meso Maya (Nico Sanchez). Halibut Ceviche with Watermelon, Passion Fruit, Avocado, Jicama, Cilantro and Cucumber. Elote Con Crema - Wood Roasted White Corn with Mexican Crema, Lime Juice & Chile Piguin

Dee Lincoln's Restaurant and Bubble Bar (Juliard Ishizuka).

Del Frisco's Double Eagle Steakhouse (David Holben). Spiced Rubbed Prime Beef Tri-Tip with Cheesy Jalapena Griswold Grits & Pomegranate Glaze

Sullivan's (James Mockerman). Carved Beef Tenderloin. Whipped horseradish mashed potatoes. Finished with Bordelaise

Hey All – just got our air date from the Food Network…we’ll be on Diners, Drive Ins, and Dives on 4/30.  We’ll for sure have some kind of watching party at Cane Rosso.  They didn’t tell me the theme of the episode (overrated blowhards??) or what other restaurants will be on it…as soon as I know I will pass it on.

Gromer Jeffers Jr

1. Dallas County Judge Clay Jenkins is in the restaurant business. He owns a small stake in Mr. Mesero, an Uptown Mexican spot that opened late last year.

2. Dallas County Commissioner Elba Garcia, Jenkins’ Democratic ally on the commissioners court, also has an ownership stake, along with her husband, former state Rep. Domingo Garcia.

3. Jenkins said he was brought into the deal by Mico Rodriguez, who gave Dallas the popular Mi Cocina restaurants.

Nothing wrong with that. Gromer goes on to quote said judge: “We’ve got the best steak dish in town,” Jenkins boasted.

Whoa, judge! That is quite a ruling. Then Gromer points out: DMN dining diva, Leslie Brenner, gave the joint one star. If I were Gromer or Rodriguez, I would demand a retrial. I don’t know about the steak, but the food I’ve eaten at Mr. Mesero is four-star. Whoops, I don’t do stars. Therefore, I call on a jury of my peers.

Bittman will talk about he lost 35 pounds, solved health problems, and reduced his personal impact on the environment. The lecture is FREE and their will be a book signing opportunity after the event. To RSVP for Mark Bittman’s appearance at Temple Emanu-El, contact Nancy Rivin at 214-706-0000, or nrivin@tedallas.org.

Pastrami sandwich at Deli-News. Photography by Kevin Marple.

As I opened the menu at Deli-News, the self-proclaimed “New York-style restaurant,” I casually asked my Brooklyn-born-and-raised Jewish friend what qualifies a delicatessen as New York style. Two hours later, I stumbled out of what could have been a long, neurotic Woody Allen movie. “It’s a Russian-Jewish thing,” he snapped. “You see this bagel. You see how this bagel shines. Now that’s a bagel.” I ate the bagel. “Now, you see this pastrami,” he snipped. “This is real pastrami. It’s got the right amount of fat and it’s steamed. It’s not too thick. It’s not too thin.”

He goes on.

Slow-cooked pork covered with caramelized onions and peppers.

Nick Badovinus and chef Dan Riley have been hunkered down for over a year developing the menu and creating all kinds of delicious roasted meats for Off-Site Kitchen. Today he is finally opening the doors!

Now, hold your horses. The dining room is tiny. Off-Site Kitchen is basically a take-out restaurant with a few stools inside and some picnic tables outside. Here are some pictures of what you can expect. The food, inspired by “what line cooks eat,” is basically simple sandwiches and breakfast burritos made from quality roasted meats. Roll the Badovinus quote of the year:

“It’s light industrial food,” he said. “It’s the kind of food you want to eat before you go solder something.”

Off-Site Kitchen will be open for lunch only from 10:30AM until 3PM for the next two weeks. Then the breakfast menu will kick in and they will begin serving at 7AM and will remain open until 7PM. “After we hit our stride, we’ll start rolling out the meat-by-the-pound program,” Badovinus said. “I’m so excited. This place is a real man cave.”

The original date for OSK’s opening was February 14, 2011. After Badovinus missed his mark, he decided to workshop the place and open on Valentine’s Day this year. “You see how many financial sacrifices I made to pay for my original vision,” Badovinus said. “I mean I’ve got a wheelbarrow of pork rinds down here. Who doesn’t love that?”

Badovinus was only half-joking about the Valentine’s Day opening. He and chef Dan Riley have used the Off-Site Kitchen space to tweak the menus of Badovinus’ other restaurants (Neighborhood Services, Neighborhood Services Tavern, and Neighborhood Services Bar & Grill). They also use the huge kitchen as a commissary for the other restaurants. The receive, portion, and distribute all of the meat and seafood at Off-Site Kitchen.

SOLDER, EAT, REPORT. No call-in orders. Plan to show up and wait.

[Also, Neighborhood Services Bar & Grill in Preston Royal will open for lunch in two weeks.]

The menu and photos are below.

Wheelbarrow of pork rinds.

Cherry cola pie.

Green chile cheeseburger.

First customer.

After much consideration, pizza-maker extraordinaire Jay Jerrier and pizza-eater extraordinaire Evan Grant (that’s me), have come up with four finalists for our Name a Napoli Pizza contest.Tuesday (Feb. 7 or tomorrow to most of you), we will roll out some samples of these fine entries for you to taste and, as always, the full Cane Rosso menu will be available. One of these fine recipes will end up as a special pie on the Cane Rosso menu for the next month and one of these neophyte pizza creators will walk away with a nice little prize package. Maybe we can come up with some other surprises, too. So, if you are free come on down. We’d love your input here and at the restaurant. Here are the finalists. Be there at 7PM.

Deep Ellum Brewery has just released their first (only?) production of “Love Runs Deep” Cherry Chocolate Double Brown Stout (deets below). Think you’ll find it at Tom Thumb? Nope. Bolsa Mercado bought the entire batch. Each 22-ounce bottle is individually numbered and made with red tart and dark sweet cherries and Organic/Fair Trade cocoa nibs. Expect to find all 300 of them on the shelves of Bolsa Mercado during their next Open House on February 11.

If you can’t wait until the 11^th to get a food fix from The ‘Cado, head over on February 8. If you are lucky, you may be able to look past talented chef chefs Jeff Harris and Matt Balke and spot the rare, elusive chef Sharon Hage in the kitchen. She will be creating a “Take Home Dinner For Two.” Who knows, by then Bolsa Mercado may have Alan McClure creating Fudgesicles or Grant Achatz doing dishes. Could happen. Pigs fly in Oak Cliff.

CHERRY CHOCOLATE DOUBLE BROWN STOUT -

8% ABV 27 IBUs

Our logical offering for a passionate time of year.

Who says Brewers can’t pluck your heartstrings? We’ll play right to your heart (and

palette and belly) by taking our already smooth and rich Double Brown Stout and taking

out to a night on the town. By adding real Red Tart and Dark Sweet Cherries at the

beginning of fermentation and **(Organic/Fair Trade) cocoa nibs at the end of

conditioning, once a year we treat our Double Brown Stout lavishly. Don’t be a selfish

lover, share with this someone special.

Style: Cherry Chocolate Baltic Porter

Hops: US Goldings, Mt. Hood, US Northern Brewer, Summit

Malts: Pale Ale, Munich light, Brown, Munich Dark, Oats, Crystal Rye, Extra Dark

Crystal, Dehusked Chocolate

Yeast: California Lager

Other: Blackstrap Molasses, Red Tart & Dark Sweet Cherry Puree’, Cocoa Nibs

Packages: 50L, 1/6th bbl

But hark! This morning comes word from the corporate world of Denny’s: They’re produced a video spoof dubbed “Skillet Whisperer” for Funny or Die. The company’s original intent was to find “someone energetic and who would connect with English-speaking Latinos but also the Spanish-preferred Latinos.” Instead they have produced a bilingual “commercial” funnier than any you’ll see on the Super Bowl. More importantly, it makes this middle-aged WASP want to try a skillet at Denny’s.

Nick and Sam's Steakhouse (Samir Dhurandhar). Cantonese Shrimp

The March of Dimes Signature Chefs Auction is a major fundraiser for the organization each year. The event on Saturday night was a sell out and over 800 people filled the Fairmont Hotel’s Regency Ballroom to participate in a live and silent auction and enjoy food prepared by 17 talented and generous chefs led by Kent Rathbun of Abacus (and other concepts). The money raised (watch this space for a total when announced) will fund the March of Dimes work to end birth defects. A major focus for the charity at the present time is premature birth. It is a startling fact that, despite a quarter century of rising living standards and technological progress, the national premature birth rate has increased 36 percent. Premature birth is now the number one cause of death for newborns. March of Dimes funds research, education and community programs in Dallas and operates state wide on public policy issues that impinge on this situation. November 17th is World Prematurity Day. Attendees of Saturday’s event met the Ambassador Family for the March of Dimes, the Strauss Family, who have a son born prematurely. Fox 4 weeknight sports anchor Mike Doocy emceed the event and gently cajoled the responsive crowd to give. In addition to donors on the night, a long list of local companies sponsored at various levels, making a major difference to the total funds raised.

Attendees spent most of the evening savoring food from the chefs. Not only did those chefs provide their food and staff, many also donated to the live or silent auctions. Most had created elaborate special meals for groups of between 4 to 12 people, but there were several that offered ‘additions’ to the meal.

Jump for the deals and the meals.

• one chef was offering a hunting trip and accommodations in his lodge;
• one offered a brewery tour;
• three chefs offered upscale hotel accommodations in addition to the meal (nothing like walking upstairs to bed);
• one offered a cooking class;
• one offered a meeting with the winemaker at the meal;
• one offered the meal in a Lexus showroom and the dealer would provide the bidder with a week’s free use of a Lexus of their choice (tip: choose the LFA);
• one would host your New Year’s Eve Party;
• one offered a round of golf, a wine tasting and spa day;
• one would accompany the winner on an expenses paid trip to Napa for four days.

The pictures below give a sense of the specialties offered on the evening. I don’t usually detect trends at charity fundraisers but there seems to be a couple here. Asian influences abounded, whether they be subtle flavors like Gilbert Garza’s almost raw yellow fin tuna or full-on Asian food such as André Natera’s Thai pork dumplings or Richard Chamberlain’s Kobe beef potstickers. Also, a Latin American trend appears to be evident. Abraham Salum showcased Komali (rather than his eponymous restaurant) and Matt McCallister’s Campo (based on the food of Mendoza, Argentina) was serving too. Latin influences (like cilantro and jicama) cropped up elsewhere too.

Abacus (Kent Rathbun). Niman Ranch Chipotle "Bacon and Eggs"

Bijoux and Second Floor Bistro and Bar (Scott Gottlich). Duck Confit with Blue Cheese-Stuffed Dates

Campo Modern Country Bistro (Matthew McCallister). Tempura Morcilla with Tart Vanilla Apples and Bone Marrow Sabayon

Chamberlain's Steak and Chop House (Richard Chamberlain). Kobe Beef Potstickers with Mandarin Orange Ponzu and Wasabi Cream

Charlie Palmer at the Joule (Richard Blankenship). Ricotta Ravioli, Braised Pork, Fiore Sardo.

Del Frisco's Double Eagle Steakhouse (David Holben). Roasted Rack of Lamb, Herb Goat Cheese and Spiced Tomato Glaze

Komali Restaurant (Abraham Salum). Piloncillo and Ancho-Chile Braised Pork Jowl Tostada with Jicama Cilantro Salad

Rosewood Mansion on Turtle Creek (Bruno Davaillon). Foie Gras Doughnut Hole, Smoked Sea Salt, Fig and Aged Balsamic

Mi Piaci (Ross Demers). Coriander Crusted Colorado Lamb with Caramelized Artichokes and Braised Kale

Nana at the Hilton Anatole (Anthony Bombaci). Scallop Ceviche with Cilantro Sorbet and Avocado

Nick and Sam's Steakhouse (Samir Dhurandhar). Cantonese Shrimp

Opio Restaurant at Hilton Park Cities (Billy Webb). Pot Roast with Winter Vegetables

Pyramid Restaurant and Bar (André Natera). Thai Pork Dumplings with Lemongrass and Thai Basil

Pyramid Restaurant and Bar (André Natera). Crème brûlée.

Sevy's Grill (Jim Severson). Seared Jumbo "Day Boat" Scallops, Creamy Leek Orzo and Truffle Lemon Butter

Shinsei (Jason Czaja). Honey Hoisin Steamed Buns

Suze (Gilbert Garza). Seared Yellow Fin Tuna with Soy, Wasabi, Sesame and Jalapeno

Whiskey Cake (T.J. Lengnick). Bourbon-Glazed Pork Belly "BLT" on Brioche with Tomato-Chili Marmalade