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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.

Dalmore Scotch Tasting In Dallas

Last Thursday, Rhonda Reinhart and Sarah Evans attended a Delmore scotch tasting at Di Terra’s in Dallas. This is what they remember:

Richard Paterson by Sarah Eveans.

Meet Richard Paterson. He’s a scotch whisky master blender, and he came all the way from Glasgow to present a Dalmore scotch tasting Thursday night at Di Terra’s on Lower Greenville. I was there, and I was scared. See, I don’t drink scotch—or any brown liquor, really. So when Paterson started his speech by declaring that “Scotch whisky is not for p*****s,” I was frightened but also, oddly, delighted. I mean, he said “p*****s,” for crying out loud. I liked him already. Plus, what if I ended up loving the scotch? Then clearly I would be a badass and not a p-word, and that would make me very happy. But then we tasted the first selection. And, well, let’s just say things were not looking good for my badass-ness.

After a lesson on the proper process for scotch drinking—hold the glass at the bottom, swirl, smell, pour in water, hold in mouth, swallow—we tried a 12-year-old single malt that lingered in the throat and mouth long after the sip was swallowed. And I don’t mean that in a good way. The scotch was so strong and so burn-y, and I was obviously a p-word. Paterson said the top note was citrus. I couldn’t tell. I was too busy letting the Evian wash it all away.

Upset but undeterred, I pressed forward with scotch No. 2. This one, called Gran Reserva, was stronger. Great, right? I couldn’t even handle the first one. Sadly, the same thing happened. So, at this point, I’m thinking fine, whatever, maybe I’m not a scotch drinker. I could deal. (more…)

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…)

SideDish Movie Screening: Julie & Julia And Whole Foods In Dallas

Okay Dishers, you’ve heard about the movie, read my review, and are already sick of the trailers on TV, BUT I bet you still want to see this flick for FREE. I have 5 pair of tickets to give away. All you have to do is fill out this tiny little form for a chance to win 2 tickets to see Julie & Julia next Thursday, August 6th at 7:30 p.m. at the Angelika. Then you can thank Karen Lukin of Whole Foods for making it happen. If you want to get psyched for the movie or you just happen to be in Preston Forest next Monday (August 3), Whole Foods is hosting a “We Remember Julia” cooking class at 9:00 a.m. It is also free. Begging for freebies is always encouraged. Bring it. (You have to see the fake yawn scene.)

UPDATE: NYT article on food prep for the movie.

What I’m Drinking Now: Tequila

Friday, July 24th,  is National Tequila Day….yes, tequila has its own day….and to honor this occasion I have been drinking a lot of tequila!  So, why does tequila earn the right to  have its own day?  I had a conversation recently over a tequila pairing dinner with Jose Hermosillo of Casa Noble Tequila to learn why tequila has the right to it’s own national day. 

For Casa Noble, a tequila producer since 1776,  it is a passion for growing 100% USDA certified Organic Blue Agave plants, that is hand picked, slowly cooked for 38 hours in stone ovens.  Only the agave heart and core are used in their tequila, which is then triple distilled for the cleanest flavor.  This is classic tequila production with traditional methods that have been in place for over 200 years.  Casa Noble then ages their Reposado and Anejo in 100% new French oak barrels, imparting the flavor profiles often found in wine like vanilla, chocolate and spice. (more…)

The Best Margarita In Dallas, Ctd.

Hey, Nancy. The girls at D Home disagree. They got in a limo and went margarita tasting one night to find the best margarita on the rocks in Dallas. (See that giant margarita in the upper right-hand corner of the site? That’s their favorite.)

Best Margarita In Dallas: The Maximo Heat From Maximo in Dallas

Drink this margarita now. Photo by Kevin Hunter Marple

A few days ago, Kyle Kearbey asked an innocent question on SideDish: What is your favorite summer cocktail? It not only made me thirsty, it reminded me to tell you about a new margarita in town. I discovered the Maximo Heat when I was reviewing Maximo Cucina and Margarita Lounge. The review comes out in a week or so, but I have to tell you about it now. This is the best margarita I’ve had outside of Rick Bayless’ Topolobampo in Chicago. The Maximo Heat is a gorgeous green concoction of sweet agave syrup mixed with freshly squeezed lime juice, Sauza Silver (or your choice of tequila from their list), triple sec, and muddled raw jalapeños. After one sip, your tongue becomes a stage for a spirited symphony filled with staccato notes of sweet, sour, bitter, salt, and tart. Seconds later, a bolt of fiery jalapeño crashes like cymbals in your head. It is not to be missed.

What’s Your Favorite Dallas Summer Cocktail?

Nightlife editor–and Miss Sweet Tooth–Kyle Kearbey is working on a story about the best summer cocktails in town. Do you have a favorite? If so, leave a comment here, yo.

Southwest Foodservice Expo: Disher Video Reports

Wow. Disher Andrew Chalk took his job at the Expo seriously. He just turned in video clips of the oddest finds at the show. Put on your earplugs and enjoy. (You know where to put the cork.) Great stuff, Andrew.

First up: Coffee made from civet cat poop.

Second: The cutlery eating machine.

Third: Food so good you can’t eat it.

Fourth: Making rum in Austin. Texas. Yes, Austin, Texas. Good stuff.

Finally: The talk of the Expo: Chocolate covered crickets. Yes, bugs.

Breakfast at Wimbledon

One of my favorite days all year, and though my favorite Rafael Nadal pulled out of the tournament before it began, I will be watching with hopes that Roger Federer is there, and will continue on with his Grand Slam streak for this year.  This year’s final will be held on July 5th, yes the day after fireworks and celebration.  So why not continue the festivities with cocktails and some of your favorite breakfast indulgences.  Strawberries are a requirement for any proper Wimbledon breakfast.  English Bangers are also a favorite of many Wimbledon fans.  For me, that would be a fluffy frittata filled with local veggies, paired with a tall Bloody Mary made with “The Ultimat Vodka.”  (more…)

New Summer Drinks at Bread Winners

I’m nursing a nice sunburn today. Seriously, it hurts to type. What I need is a nice frozen libation to soothe my lobster-red spirit. And just like manna from heaven, I get an email from Bread Winners. They’re debuting two new frozen drinks: a frozen cherry limeade (made with 3 Olives cherry vodka and limeade) and a frozen Jack and Coke. Both are served soft-serve style. The popular Uptown cafe and bakery also just opened the rooftop bar at its adjoining The Quarter Bar. All of that sounds mighty refreshing. Just don’t forget the sunscreen. Trust me.

Somebody Help This Poor Girl: Driving to Aspen

Jeffrey Yarbrough (Big Ink PR (Dallas) and national wine expert Joshua Wesson partied in Aspen last year.

Anybody headed to Colorado next weekend for the Aspen Food and Wine Classic ? Is so, make sure you hit Explore Booksellers where Dallas gal Monica Greene has just reopened her remolded restaurant, Escape. The menu is organic vegetarian.

Two Dishers “lucky enough to snag tickets” are driving from Denver (I-70 route) and ask for dining suggestions along the way. I say wait until you get to Basalt (Grana Bread Company). If you know of a hidden gem on or off the highway, leave it below.

If you make it to Aspen, you can get free Texas munchies and Texas wine on Friday afternoon (June 19 at 3:00 p.m.) at the annual Texas Outlaw Party at Kenichi. There you will find a huge contingent of Dallas and Texas attendees: Jeffrey and Tara Yarbrough,Mike Hoque (Dallas Fish Market), Tre Wilcox, Mike Karns (El Fenix), Kevin Williamson of Ranch 616 in Austin, Tom and Lisa Perini (Buffalo Gap), Bunny and Richard Becker (Becker Vineyards) . Who knows, maybe Mick Fleetwood will return this year. I’m sorry I won’t be there this year to produce the Second Annual Derriere of the Day Contest. Guess I’ll have to do it in Jacksonville tomorrow.

Havana Social Club in Dallas Offers Unique Father’s Day Experience

We have several cigar fanatics in our office who love to hang out at the cigar bar at Javier’s. I’m not even sure they know about the Havana Social Club in Victory Plaza.  HSC carries a huge selection of international cigars and more than 45 types of rum from Central and South America plus specialty sipping rums such as Zaya rum (Trinidad) and Matusalem Gran Reserva (Dominican Republic). The Club is open to the public, but if you buy a membership the club  provides exclusive amenities including personalized private humidor lockers made from red oak wood. They have a super air filtration system that allows non-smokers to enjoy a mojito with a stogie-smokin’ friend.

This Father’s Day, HSC is offering cigar-rolling lesson with their in-house Cuban Master Roller. The half-hour lesson ($30), includes two rum drinks, a demonstration on the “anatomy of a cigar,” and proper cutting techniques. I guess that means when the party is over you’ll know a robusto from a perfecto. Special membership prices available. 214.303.0544.

One Arts Plaza Is the Place to Be for Happy Hour

I dropped by Dali last night before attending a DSO concert. (Query: Is there such a thing as conductor’s elbow? Because that Van Zweden guy was brandishing that baton like he was going to kill the entire strings section.) Anyway, One Arts Plaza was hopping. Live music on Fedora’s patio. Dali was doing brisk service. Lots of liquored up revelers having a great time. It was the place to be. Now, I know why. One Arts is offering all types of happy hour specials with free valet service until 6 p.m. Want the complete list? Might as well jump.

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Half Price Drinks on The Mansion Terrace

Here’s a deal perfect for springtime. Throughout April, enjoy half priced drink specials every Wednesday 6pm to closing on The Mansion’s terrace. DJ Face will spin tunes as well.

Twitter Along With Me

See that Pine Warbler to the left? He lives in my yard. His name is Buzzy. I introduce you to Buzzy because he is the poster bird for my Twitter account. Come fly with me.

UPDATE: PR Peeps, if you send me press releases and ask me to Twitter them, I will poke you in the eyes with my steely beak.

Free Food and Drink at Go Fish Ocean Club

How can I resist an e-mail with a subject line that reads: Free Event For SideDish? The invite says free food and cocktails at Go Fish Ocean Club from 6PM to 8PM on Tuesday, March 24. I say, let’s bring them to their knees.

RSVP to daniella.giglio@dallasrestaurantgroup.com.  Report Back.

Road Trip Proposal: Blue Ribbon Bacon Festival

Okay all of you bacon-lovin’ Dishers, we are taking a road trip next year. We’re going to Des Moines. That’s in Iowa. Specifically, next February when the Blue Ribbon Bacon Festival takes place. We will take InsideCorner’s Evan Grant with us and watch him compete in the bacon eating contest. We will drink bacon Bloody Mary’s and eat bacon-candied ice cream. I’m checking the dates for next’s years gig. Who is in? I am serious. PK, you rock.

Flights of Fancy Margaritas at Sala

Chef/owner Doug Brown’s new Tex-Mex joint in his old Amuse spot in the Cedars is pretty cool and the appetizers are mighty tasty. (Queso with chorizo and crispy, juicy taquitos = OMG get those in my mouth now) But what won my table over last night were Sala’s margarita flights. Much like wine and tequila flights (which the restaurant does as well), you can do a vertical tasting of three different frozen libations. We opted for the swirl flight and sipped on blood orange, passion fruit, and cactus pear versions. Best of all, flights are half price on Thursdays. It’s such a great idea, I have to wonder: Does anyone else in town offer margarita flights? And, if so, why aren’t I drinking there?

Case of the Missing Mansion Bartender

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

SideDish Supper Club Update

See that groovy drink to the left? That’s a watermelon martini. But it’s not just any watermelon martini, it’s a martini made with watermelon prepared sous vide. This morning I met with Mercury Chef Chris Ward and he showed me the cocktail he created for the inaugural SideDish Supper Club dinner on March 5th. Next week’s event is sold out but the Mercury is hosting another one on the 12th. Wait until you taste that watermelon. Mercury: 972-960-7774.

Holy Smokes: A New Cocktail Trend

The newest cocktail trend in New York and San Fran is, according to Josh Durr of Molecular Mixology, using smoked ingredients in cocktail recipes. (And here I’ve been muti-tasking for all these years!) Anywhoo, since we love our smokers here in Big D, I thought I’d share a few recipes for the confident, at-home cocktailian. (Is that a word?) So jump, you confident cocktailians and smoke away. Good stuff.

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Cheap Hooch at La Cubanita

Alberto Lombardi’s Cuban-inspired Knox/Henderson restaurant isn’t just tasty. (Best yuca fries in town — sorry, La Duni.) It’s now a great place to get liquored up. New happy hour specials (3-7pm daily) include $2 mojitos, frozen margaritas, and rum punch. Yes, $2. That should stimulate the economy. Or something.

Booze News

This just in from Park Cities Prime:

Park Cities Prime is now offering rare Remy Martin Louis XIII cognac at a good value.  A .5 oz. pour is $50, 1 oz. is $100, and 2 ounces is $200.  This is in addition to the $40 Dom-by-the-glass promotion that will now run until the end of February. Park Cities Prime is located at 8411 Preston, (SW corner of Preston and NW Highway). 214-691-7763.