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Restaurant Bits and Bites and Dinners and Stuff and Beyond: A Must Read

Craft Dallas. Vino 150 Sundays. Every Sunday, Craft Dallas offers any bottle of wine listed under $150 on their “voluminous and well-chosen list” for half price. 214-397-4111. All day.

The Grape. Execuchefowner Brian C. Luscher of The Grape hosts a very special Chef’s Come-As-You-Are wine dinner on Wednesday, March 24. Featuring wines from one of the most highly regarded winemakers in France, Michel Chapoutier, Chef Luscher will create a 3-course bistro-style menu to complement these hand-selected wines. Industry expert Courtney “The Other Courtney” Steinberg of Republic Distribution Company hosts the special evening. Deets below.

Nana. Friday Night Flight schedule and menu below.

TJs Seafood Market. Jon Alexis, the Energizer Easter Bunny of the fish business, has released catering menus for Passover and Easter. Crawfish and halibut are in season. Jump for more.

Bread Winners. Celebrate National Waffle Day on March 23, 2010! (Hmm, I waffle everyday.) Anywhoo,  go below.

FroYo News. A day without froyo news is like–beat,beat– night. Today, we learn Pinkberry has added the swirly goodness of mango yogurt and will open another location on March 26 in Arlington.  Yogen Früz now serves Chai Latte.

Medical City and Greater Dallas Restaurant Association have teamed up with Frisco ISD and Genghis Grill to produce KIDS Teaching KIDS, a cookbook that features snacks for children that both meet the criteria of nutritionists as heart healthy, and also connect with children’s imaginations to ensure that the food will be eaten and enjoyed again and again, facilitating a real and vital lifestyle change. More below.

Cyclone Anaya. The folks at Cyclone Anaya’s would like you to help them help the Turtle Creek Chorale raise money for a trip to Spain. (Who does not want a free trip to Spain?) The series of fundraising dinners with the Turtle Creek Chorale starts on April 5 and a portion of sales will benefit the “Turtles on Tour.” Think it is too good to be true? Jump.

Savor Mexico! Hey, what a catchy name for an event! Screw Dallas, Desperados Mexican Restaurant has partnered with the Consulate General of Mexico in Dallas, the Universidad del Valle de Mexico in San Luis Potosi, and the Texas Chef’s Association to present a course in real Mexican food. OF COURSE, there is a competition—it takes place Wednesday, March 31 at The Milestone Culinary Arts Center. Deets below. (Don’t tell Jim White.)

Zinsky’s. Tina Wasserman will kick my ass if I don’t tell you about this fundraiser. (You do not want to be on her bad side.) Anywhoo, La Wasserman wants you to “mark your calendar and gather your friends for good food and good company for a GREAT cause.” Wasserman, author of Entree to Judaism, will be the guest host at Kibitzer Night at Zinsky’s on March 25. Bring your own wine, eat pastrami, sales benefit the Dallas Furniture Bank. Go below for ‘mo.

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Dallas Baker Bronwen Weber of Frosted Art is Back on the Food Network

What is an episode about cake designers on Food Network Challenge without Bronwen Weber, execuchef of Frosted Art Bakery in Dallas? Boring.

Set your DVRs– Weber is set to compete in a challenge to create the best Golden Anniversary cake in the country. The episode, appropriately titled “Incredible Anniversary Cakes,” begins Sunday, March 21 at 7:00 p.m. Here is the show’s schedule.

Let’s Bake: Chocolate Macaroons

Today, Katy Purwin and Christine Cochran, the two young and hungry chicks behind the Young & Hungry blog share their recipe for chocolate macaroons.

As a college student studying abroad, I spent a great deal of time sauntering around the streets of Spain, on the hunt for local bakeries hiding in the copious nooks and crannies of European boulevards (because, let’s be honest—study abroad consists of little actual study).  One of my favorite items to order was a dessert borrowed from neighboring France (though some claim the origins are Italian) the Parisian macaron (or macaroon): tiny, beautiful, colorful gems that are celebrated throughout Europe and beyond. (more…)

Is There a Butchering Class in Dallas?

That is a damn good question. I don’t have the answer but I’d like to hear from anyone who knows of one. A reader is says, “I am considering ordering a whole lamb from a local farm, and wanted to get my feet wet before an entire beast wound up in my lap.”

Update: From chef Sharon Van Meter: “Yes Nancy, chef Andre Bedouret offers a 4-hr Butchering Class at Milestone Culinary Arts Center. 4531 McKinney. Dallas TX. Call 214-217-2918 for more information.”

Loft 610 Announces Cooking Class Series with Tre Wilcox

It’s a familiar dance . Here’s the deal.

This series will be six interactive cooking classes.  The class will be divided into 4 teams which are headed up by Executive Chef Tre Wilcox, Executive Sous Chef Jermaine Brown, Sous Chef Jason Skinner and Loft 610 Pastry Chef Kara Blair.  Each team will spend the day preparing one of the 4 courses.  At the end of the day (around 5:00 pm), all students are allowed one guest for dinner and wine.  This usually turns into a bit of a party so prepare to have fun. The Loft 610 chefs will not teach the guests by using recipes. They will teach you techniques that are valuable and useful to be a great home cook.  The cost of each class is $350 which will include a Loft 610 apron, hands on training, dinner and wine with a guest.

Jump for the joy of cooking. (more…)

International Bakery and Cuban Dulceria in Carrollton

Rita and Sara Vazquez  made waves in the Dallas design community a few years ago with their Havana 1515, a line of high-end home accessories influenced by their Cuban roots. Their father, Rene, opened the International Bakery in Carrollton in 1979. Now the sisters have turned their talents to running the bakery. Sarah and Rita claim to make the best Cuban sandwich in Dallas. Check out this video produced by Bigger in Texas. 2662 N. Josey Ln. Ste 228. Carrollton. 972-242-3797. Go, eat, report.

Let’s Cook: Pasta alla Carbonara

Today, Katy Purwin and Christine Cochran, the two young and hungry chicks behind the Young & Hungry blog, share their recipe for pasta alla carbonara.

Tony Bourdain famously declared his love for eggs with some rather unsavory language (reference No Reservations Chicago if you don’t know what I’m talking about.)  While I might have chosen different wording, I certainly understand his predilection for all things egg, delicious little protein bombs that they are.  Then when I saw a Mario Batali recipe that combines eggs with the other food that brings me to my knees–-pasta–I knew I was destined to create my own version at home.

Mario calls this pasta in the style of the refrigerator man, or pasta alla carbonara.  Any way you choose to say it, it’s light and lovely.  The egg coats the pasta such that it creates creamy, salty strands of heaven on the tongue, a perfect dish for a cold winter’s night.

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Upcoming Foodie Event: Les Dames d’Escoffier Raiser Grazer in Dallas

Gina Puente-Brancato (owner La Buena Vida Vineyards, Grapevine, TX), Carol Ritchie (“Cookin’ with Carol” TV cooking show host), Cristianna Ginatta (owner Paciugo Gelato), Janice Provost (Chef/Owner Parigi), Sharon Hage (Chef/Owner York Street), and Paul Lambert (Mozzarella Company).

Inside scoop: You can get some of the best food and travel bargains in town at the silent auction tables during the annual Les Dames d’Escoffier Raiser Grazer. (One year I “won” four nights at a darling boutique hotel in Jamaica for $250, half of what they charge for one night.)

Anywhoo, the next LDE Raiser Grazer will take place on Sunday, February 28th at the Fashion Industry Gallery from 6-9:00 p.m. This year’s theme “Women Stars of Wine & Food” will showcase just that—Dallas area chefs and wine gals doing their thing. Tickets to the Les Dames Raiser Grazer are $50 after February 26 and at the door. However they are available  NOW onlinefor $45.

Jump for full details. Follow Les Dames on Facebook.   for up to the minute news.

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El Smokeador y Smokehopper Blog: Chicken Fried Smoked Brisket

Chicken fried smoked brisket by El Smokeador.

A couple of weeks ago a commenter, who goes by El Smokeador and operates a meaty blog called El Smokeador y Smokehopper, left a comment with a link to his recipe for brisket cooked with Butterfinger candy bars. I printed it out and plan to try it soon. This morning, El Smokeadore and his co-blogger, Smokehopper, send another creation: chicken friend smoked brisket.  (I love the idea of using a leaf blower to stoke a fire, but I would suggest you proceed with caution.) I think this guy is wacky enough to be included in our blogroll. Et tu, oh brutal ones?

Winners of Rex’s Gumbo Challenge Announced In My Inbox

Funny enough, I actually did wake up thinking about yesterday’s gumbo challenge at Rex’s Seafood Market this morning. (Well, I drove by the market on my way to work. Pretty much the same thing.) When I got to the office, I had an email from a nice man named Doug telling me the results. Love it when things work out like that. Here it is:

My name is Doug (redacted). I live in University Park. I came in second place with my crab and shrimp gumbo. The winner was a guy who drove in from New Iberia La named Eric and served his chicken and Andouille gumbo. There were 5 professional judges.

There was also the “Peoples Choice Award” voted on by the 100 people who showed up to sample our gumbo.

I won that!

Way to go Doug! And if you’d like to send your recipe, we wouldn’t be opposed.

Get Your Gumbo On at Rex’s Seafood Market This Sunday

Okra, a key ingredient in gumbo.

Got a winning gumbo recipe stashed away somewhere? It’s time to bring it out. Rex’s Seafood Market is hosting it’s second annual Gumbo Challenge this Sunday (Jan 31). If you want to participate, you have to call Rex’s and tell them what kind of gumbo you’re making. On the day of the challenge, you bring your dish to the Market (hot, please) at 2pm. The party goes from 3–6, and the winner gets a prize (I just called, and they hadn’t decided yet what the prize will be. Probably in-store credit). There’s no charge to get in, and there will be drinks, food, lots of gumbo tasting, and both a general vote and a judge’s vote.

Sounds like a great excuse to practice your gumbo-making before the Superbowl next weekend.

Matthew Antonovich Plans His “Back With a Little Bangkok” Comeback

Michael Hiller has an update on chef Matthew “Sipango” Antonovich’s new venture, Tie Restaurant and Social Club. Short story: Matt is going to open a 12,000-square-foot space in a “perfect location” that “can support a 5 million dollar restaurant with local support that can be busy 7 nights a week.” The overall concept is a bit confusing. Part of the complex will be “the first Thai Steakhouse in America.” According to Antonovich’s Twitter page, “TIE Restaurant will have live entertainment, Indian Dinner Seating, Vietnamese and Hong Kong Street Food Menu under 15 dollars.”  The rambling post on escapehatchdallas.com goes on to say, “God bless the recession I have found great deals on equipment, designers and food service experts hungry to put Dallas back on the map of best restaurants in America.”

I know one thing—this guy can cook. I am curious to know where he found $5 million dollars in this economy. Want to know more about Mr. Antonovich? He’s not shy.

Two questions. Are there Thai Steakhouses in Thailand? Was Dallas ever on the map of best restaurants in America? Just curious.

UPDATE: Whoopsie. Doodle. Doodle. Folks, please stay in your seats with your seat belts fastened until the caption has turned off the seat belt sign.

Ding.

Dallas Farmers Market Announces Winter Cooking Class Schedule

The 16th year of cooking classes at the Dallas Farmers Market, sponsored by The American Institute of Wine & Food and the Dallas Farmers Market Friends, will kick off on January 9 with James Neel of Tramontana. The classes are held every Saturday from 11:30am until 1:00pm. (Doors open at 11am). The demonstration kitchen is upstairs in the Market Resource Center, 1010 S. Pearl Expressway.  For information, please call 214-653-8088.  Jump for the whole package. (more…)

Kent Rathbun Announces The Dirty Dozen Cooking Class Schedule at Abacus

On your mark, get set, e-mail Donna Tanner at donnat@kentrathbun.com. Hear her roar:

“Below is the schedule for the first six months of the 2010. Payment is due at the time of booking and refunds will be not be issued for cancellations within two weeks of the class. If we can rebook your spot, you will receive a full refund. There may be times when Chef Kent cannot make the class and there will one of our other chefs in his place. The cost is $400 per class.” (more…)

Top Chef Handicapping with Wes Mantooth

Fan fave Kevin. Photo courtesy bravotv.com

Disher Wes Mantooth just sent me a love letter. “The D-Empire blogs are all boring as spit today,” he says. Anyway, he wants to talk about Top Chef, and I know there are several TC fans out there. His thoughts are below.

Top Chef is coming to a close. Who’s not going to make it? We’ve got 5 left: Kevin, Jennifer, Eli, and the Brothers. The easy call is that Jen and Eli both wind up packing their knives, but we’ve seen in the past that it only takes one little slip for an otherwise more-talented chef to get packing before their time was due, resulting in a less-talented poseur to take the crown (i.e. Josea). So, here’s my handicapping on who makes it to the Final Table:

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Tom Spicer Wants You to Get Sauced

Get down and mushroom-y with Tom Spicer.

Bring your own wine to Spiceman’s Absolutely Unusual Culinary Extravaganza. For those of you still using Morton’s salt, Spiceman is Tom Spicer, forager and procurer of all-things-produce. His wonderfully offbeat shop, Spiceman’s FM 1410, is next to Jimmy’s Food Store and Urbano Café in East Dallas. This Saturday (November 21) Spiceman will teach a few cooking classes. Festivities kick off at 10:30 a.m. with roux making and continue with wild mushroom paella cooked by The Spiceman over a bonfire and duck and Andouille gumbo by David Anthony. Spiceman says,  “Come dine, bring yo wine and loose yo mind at Spiceman’s Gumbo ‘n da Garden!” Wild mushrooms? Oh, yes. 1410-B Fitzhugh. 214-954-7974.
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Making Soba Noodles at Tei-An at One Arts Plaza in Dallas

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Last week Andrew “Baby Face” Chalk attended the soba noodle making session held at Tei-An. The event was a big deal— Akila Inouye, Master Chef of Tsukiji Soba Academy in Tokyo, visited Tei-An restaurant at One Arts Plaza to give a demonstration of the technique of making soba noodles. Inouye’s brief U.S. tour only included New York, Los Angeles, and Dallas. Why Dallas? Tei-An owner Teiichi Sakurai is a student of the master. Here for your viewing enjoyment is Soba Noodles: The Movie.

Stephan Pyles Announces Holiday Cooking Classes in Dallas

Make your reservations now for the Modern Thanksgiving and Holiday Entertaining Cooking Classes taught by Chef Stephan Pyles, a pioneer of New American Cuisine and legendary founding father of Southwestern Cuisine. During each class, Chef Pyles will share his personal insights and experience on fall and holiday entertaining. Demonstrations will include a four-course meal or holiday buffet with matching wines or beverages.  Participants will also learn recipe techniques from the restaurant, as well as those inspired by his travel experiences. Classes will take place in the restaurant’s private dining room, where dividing walls open to a state-of-the-art kitchen for demonstrations.
Modern Thanksgiving – Saturday, November 21, 2009 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Holiday Entertaining – Saturday, December 12, 2009 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Classes are $95 each. Space is limited, please contact Randall McGehee, 214.999.1229 x112, rmcgehee@stephanpyles.com

Fall Cooking Classes at the Dallas Farmers Market

The American Institute of Wine & Food and the Dallas Farmers Market Friends have released the schedule for the 16th year of  cooking classes at the Dallas Farmers Market. The classes feature local chefs and begins on Saturday, October 24th.  Classes are held every Saturday from 11:30am until 1:00pm. This season will feature Samir Dhurandhar (Nick & Sam’s), Tiffany Derry (Go Fish Ocean Club), Garreth Dickey (Hibiscus), Tre Wilcox (Loft 610), and Anthony Bombaci (Nana). Jump for details. (more…)

Restaurant News: Bits and Bites

From the copy and paste press release department of redundancy department.

GattiTown.
Husband-and-wife duo Paul and Aimee Griffiths have opened Dallas’ first GattiTown, an entertainment eatery that implores patrons to “eat up the fun” in its 20,000-square-foot facility replete with every facet of fun to be found. Located at 11722 Marsh Lane, the entertainment eatery opens in the Park Forest Shopping Center at the corner of Marsh and Forest.  Included in the 20,000-square-feet-of-fun are an open kitchen and quiet Courtyard Cafe, four private rooms for parties, a cartoon theater and a sports room with giant flat screen TVs. (Jump for full details.)

Canary Café.
Join Chef/Owner Mansour Gorji of Canary Café this fall as he shares his award-winning cooking techniques.  His sixth in a series focuses on New Mediterranean cuisine with Italian influences and includes a three-course dinner paired with three wines for $59, plus tax & gratuity.  Seating is limited; call 972.503.7080 for class reservations. (Jump for details.)

“HALLO-WINE TRAIL” in Grapevine!
Saturday, October 31st
11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Ticket Includes:Three Tastings at each of the Eight Wineries, One Large Crystal Wine Glass, Food Samplings at each Winery, Premium Bottle of Wine…Costumes Encouraged! Tickets $45 in advance, $50 at door. May be picked up starting at 9 a.m. at Cross Timbers, 805 N.. Main, 817-488-6789 Tickets can be purchased at www.grapevinewinetrail.com.

Whatever Department. Ten Best and Worst Foods for Cholesterol.

2nd Annual Gourmet for Good.
An evening of elegant dining…The National Osteoporosis Foundation (NOF) is hosting its 2nd Annual Gourmet for Good®, an evening of elegant dining in Dallas. This fundraising event gathers NOF supporters, bone health advocates and Dallas foodies at a cocktail reception honoring PAULA LAMBERT of The Mozzarella Company! You’ll enjoy hors d’oeuvres and a fantastic raffle, followed by chauffeured limo transportation for groups of 10 to top-rated Dallas restaurants. Guests who purchase a seat ($150) or table will enjoy a multi-course dinner with special attention from participating restaurants’ executive chefs. Monday, October 26, 2009
6:00 p.m. Cocktail Reception, Raffle and Restaurant “Reveal” at Samuel Lynne Galleries
1105 Dragon Street I Dallas, TX 75207
7:30 p.m. Limo Transportation to Dallas Restaurants
7:45 p.m. Dinner at a Top Rated Restaurant
202.223.2226 or visit www.nof.org/gourmetforgood

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Somebody Help This Poor Girl: Cooking Class Birthday Party

This could be fun or a disaster. Y’all help her decide.

Do you know who might be doing in-home cooking classes/birthday parties?

Greek Food Festival in Dallas Starts on Friday

This upcoming weekend, September 25-27, is the 53rd Greek Food Festival in Dallas. There will be “thousands upon thousands” of Greek pastries, overflowing cups of coffee (a new addition this year), and “heaping plates of gyros and grilled souvlaki.” And dancing, lots of dancing, music, and goodies to buy. Click here for more info or jump for details. (more…)

Il Cane Rosso’s Jay Jerrier Is Totally ’80s On ShopTalk

Eric Stoltz in Some Kind of Wonderful: just one of my '80s crushes.

Yesterday, over on ShopTalk (our sister blog about shopping, fashion, beauty, and other fun stuff), Rhonda Reinhart asked people to submit photos of themselves from the 1980’s. There might even be a prize for the best (worst?) photo. The example she used is of Eric Celeste, and it is pretty amazing. Okay, okay, what does this have to do with food? Jay Jerrier of Il Cane Rosso submitted his photo this morning. It.Is.Awesome. And there’s even some Ratt involved. Is it better than Eric’s? Discuss. And please, submit your own, if you dare.

Paul From Jimmy’s Food Store: You Want Olive Oil? I’ve Got Olive Oil.

Paul DiCarlo of Jimmy’s Food Store in Dallas was buying wine from “2 Italian Dudes that came by to sell some Sagrantino from Umbria.” Short story shorter, they ended up making a deal to import Borgese Olive Oil, a “great finishing oil” that is “perfect for your next burrata.” Wise guy. Paul says there is always a bottle open in the store and it sells for $15.99 Jump for details of upcoming wine tastings. (more…)

How To Cook Rack of Lamb Like Charlie Palmer, The Video

Colorado lamb rack with fingerling Lyonnaise and pancetta balsamic reduction.

As Jennifer has mentioned, I got to cook with Charlie Palmer at his restaurant yesterday. Well, I didn’t really cook. I just asked questions and got sweaty, and left the cooking to chef Palmer and his exec, Scott Romano. Kyle Kearbey got it all on camera.

Watch the video here. Inspired? Make this dish tonight.