I’m a sucker for birds. So is Mexican artist Luis Sottil. You may have seen his work in other Mi Cocina restaurants: he currently has paintings in six other restaurants. The mural at the new Mi Cocina in Lakewood, in the old Matt’s space, is scheduled to open in July. Sottill uses only natural pigments such as cochinella, mother of pearl, minerals, vegetables dyes, and14kt gold in his paintings. For this painting he was inspired by these birds: “Hooded Oriole, Altamira, Golden Cheeked Warbler, Painted Bunting, Texas Hummingbirds, and the Northern Mockingbird.” Tex-Mex for Twitchers!
UPDATE: Scott from dallasfood.org brings up a good point in the comments section. Several of the birds listed above would be a rare sighting at White Rock Lake. The press release reads:
This is the first time Sottil has studied the local natural environment and incorporated it into his Mi Cocina murals. The artist has chosen to feature birds including the Hooded Oriole, Altamira, Golden Cheeked Warbler, Painted Bunting, Texas Hummingbirds and, of course, the Northern Mockingbird.
Luis Sottil was inspired by his research of the history and “exuberant beauty” of White Rock Lake and the Lakewood area, and it reminded him of the lush biodiversity on his native Tampico, Mexico. In particular, Sottil was drawn to the many colorful birds that are common inhabitants of White Rock Lake which reminded him of home.
Hmm. Methinks Sottil should seek the advice of JR Compton and switch out the golden cheeked warbler for a monk parakeet. If you truly want to represent the “exuberant beauty” of White Rock Lake.
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.
Here, in chronological order, are a few significant wine events coming to Dallas.
Wednesday, February 22, 7pm: Honig Vineyards at Bailey’s Prime Plus with winemaker Michael Honig.
Thursday March 1st, 6:30pm: Paraduxx and Duckhorn at Ruth’s Chris in Dallas and Arlington.
Tuesday March 28th, 7pm: Krupp Brothers at Nana with winemaker Tres Goetting.
Full details below.
Sharon Hage seems to popping up all over the place. Good news. This just in:
Sharon Hage, best known for her culinary innovation at York Street, brings her rare talents to My Private Chef for two special evenings. Chef Hage will showcase her ingredient driven mentality in two underground dinners at this popular Deep Ellum kitchen and showroom in late February. With a sustainable, farm to table product focus Sharon will prepare a once-in-a-lifetime meal for 30 people each of the two evenings. Guests who make their reservations will only be privy to the the underground dinner location and await Chef Hage to reveal their dinner menu with each of the 5 courses.
More. (more…)
Sigel’s Addison. Saturday, December 10 from 11AM to 3PM. Sigel’s Cheesemonger Teresa McGee and Brazos Valley Cheesmaker Marc Kuehl will be at Sigel’s-Addison to taste Marc’s award winning raw-milk cheeses. More below.
Slow Food Dallas and North Haven Gardens. This very cool partnership will present a series of classes for novices and experienced gardeners. Mark you calendars. Here’s the linky dink.
Urban Acres. Holiday Market 2011. Need creative gift ideas? Or just want something fun to do with friends and family this weekend? Please join us this Saturday, December 10th for a Holiday Artisan Marketplace at Urban Acres! We’ve invited our favorite local craft and food artisans to share their goods in our fun, community-based setting. Each artist will showcase handcrafted artwork or artisanal foods that we just know our Urban Acres friends will appreciate! Check out the vendors here!
Smoke Camp at Lockhart Smokehouse. Smoke like a pro after “Smoke Camp.” The pitmasters at Lockhart Smokehouse will share some trade secrets such as: choosing the right meat, dry rub vs. wet rub practices, smoking techniques, proper trimming and carving, plus the art of “Burnt Ends.” Class includes dinner, cold beer, and a t-shirt. “Smoke Camp” will be held Tuesday, January 17 from 6:30-8-30pm. Cost $75. Space is limited, so call us to make your reservation early. 214-944-5521.
White Rock Market. The 3rd Annual Holiday Market takes place on Saturday, December 10 from 9AM to 3PM at Green Spot Market in East Dallas. (702 N. Buckner Blvd. 2140797-4989) Music, local food and handicraft vendors galore. It’s free. Venodors listed below.
Nosh. Black Winter Truffles from Perigord are now at NOSH. Fresh Capelini or Risotto with shaved Black Winter Truffles $25!
Details. (more…)
Hey kids, while we’re all for promoting healthier menus in schools, what you do after the bell rings is your own business. Want to save your Doritos bags and use the orange residue for eyeshadow? Go for it. Want to eat only Twizzlers for a week to see if your pee turns red? Be our guest. Want to sneak on over to Burger House’s 60th Anniversary celebration on Dec. 13 for .60 hamburgers and a French fry-eating contest (prize: free fries for a year and a donation to you school)? Knock yourself out.
jump for the deets/press release… (more…)
This just in…
Continuing its 23-year holiday tradition, Norma’s Cafe, the original Dallas comfort-food icon that has served Texas home cooking for 55 years, will again host its annual free Thanksgiving Feast on Nov. 24 from 11 am to 1 pm at its Oak Cliff location on 1123 W. Davis Street in Dallas.
During the event, 55 volunteers, many of whom helped start the tradition in 1988, will serve more than 4,000 home-cooked, Thanksgiving meals to hungry Dallas community members.
“The purpose of this day has never changed in 23 years – we enjoy sharing this day with the community and invite anyone who needs or wants a hearty, home-cooked meal to join us. That’s the meaning of the holiday to us,” said Ed Murph, owner of Norma’s Cafe. “At Norma’s Cafe, we are so thankful for our talented staff, loyal customers, and our volunteers and sponsors who make this event possible every year.”
Guests who partake of the Thanksgiving Day feast can expect a full spread of holiday staples, including turkey and dressing with cranberry sauce and gravy, mashed potatoes, peas, salad with ranch dressing, homemade rolls and cornbread, and fruit or a slice of the famous Norma’s Cafe Mile-High Cream Pies for dessert. In addition to the Oak Cliff event, Norma’s Cafe will be collecting monetary donations for the North Texas Food Bank and will be delivering to-go turkey dinners to several local churches and charity organizations.
This year’s event is made possible in part by several generous sponsors, including Ben E Keith, Schepps, Classic Caps, Clicks Radiator Service, Instant Whip Foods, Community Coffee, and Tyson.
I almost sent this email straight to Steven Doyle because I think he should audition. Then I thought maybe somebody else might like a chance. This call comes from Nick Corporon, Casting Associate with Pilgrim Studios.
We’re currently casting a TV show to appear on a major cable network. Any way you can help us get the word out, would be greatly appreciated. And if you personally know anyone who would be great, please pass this along!
Go long. I’m throwing.
Are you a chef, restaurateur, foodie or gourmet who is ready to find the love of his life? Pilgrim Studios is looking for a single, attractive and charming culinary enthusiast to be our featured bachelor on a new, unscripted show for a major cable network.
Jump for it.(Doyle, I get 20 percent)
And it took them this long because? Fuel City, once the most undiscovered street taco in Dallas, is now the most overrated street taco in Dallas. And they have a patio and a PR agency to prove it.
Did you know the recipes for the tacos originated in Durango, Mexico? Read all about it. (Bonus point: Do we still have presses to stop?)
Dallas, consider this press release my Monday morning gift to you. You’re welcome.
“Dallas, don’t be surprised if you see a Moose driving down the highway or floating in the sky. Dallas will have its share of “Moose sightings” this month due to the Grand Opening of Dallas’ first Smiling Moose Deli location in West Plano at Hebron Parkway/Park Boulevard, one block west of Midway. The Colorado based company will be one of Dallas’ hippest new delis providing patrons with breakfast, lunch and dinner selections, hearty portions and fresh ingredients far superior than their competitors…all served in a warm, (sic) décor with hints of both Colorado and Texas, as seen by (sic) their ski, snowboard and professional sports collections.
Grand Opening Day is this Thursday, September 15th from 8:00 am – 9:00 pm. Festivities will begin when Mo the Moose (the official mascot of Smiling Moose Deli) arrives as Dallas’ newest resident by air in a giant 6 story tall hot air balloon.
But wait, there’s more…
Men’s Health, the magazine I refer to as Abs! Abs!Abs! just launched a “Manliest Restaurant in America” contest. There are 45 restaurants on the list and two of them are from Dallas. Read all about it:
Maple & Motors and Bob’s Steakhouse are included among our 45 nominated restaurants in nine regions across the country. I thought you might want to encourage your readers to visit and vote for their favorite Southwest restaurant.
M&M is nominated cuz: “Packs of guys and families alike gather inside a nondescript little building in Dallas so short and squat it looks like it has a flat-top haircut, kicking it to the jukebox and chomping thick jalapeno-cheddar burgers and brisket sandwiches.” And Bob’s?: “It’s a classic steak joint where rich men with outsized egos feast upon hunks of prime beef with beautiful women of almost unfair proportions. It’s Texas, in every sense of the word.”
Well, down here we all know “rich men with outsized egos” is redundant. And “packs of guys”? The collective noun I would have chosen would have been “a rout of guys.” Why? Because the dudes at M & M tend to howl. So is it not “manly” to eat at a breastaurant? I’m so confused.
While this may not be the sexiest event on the calendar, it’s an important one, especially for people who suffer from celiac and food allergies and are tired of eating food that tastes like a hockey-puck. Keep reading for the release:
The Gluten & Allergen Free Expo (www.gfafexpo.com), October 1 – 2, 2011, is bringing the nation’s leading chefs, best-selling cookbook authors, and highly regarded nutrition and health experts to the Dallas/Fort Worth area to help people learn how to prepare healthy, tasty meals and baked goods without gluten and some of the most common allergens.
jump to learn more… (more…)
Old friends John Ley and Elwyn Hull left their full-time jobs in search of more satisfying work. They knew they loved working with people and wanted to find a way to help nonprofit organizations. So, naturally, they opened Two Corks and a Bottle—a custom winery and wine bar (where the serve as the wine makers) as part of the Wine Not, International Winery System.
All wines have been crafted on the premises using grapes sourced from quality vineyards from around the world, including France, Italy, Australia, South America, and California. The list contains over 25 red, white, and fruit wines by the glass and the bottle. During their daily wine tastings, five tastes run non-members $5, and are free for all Wine Club Members.
Jump for other highlights: (more…)
The full press release is below the fold. I haven’t read it, I just looked at the pictures. Twin Peaks, a Dallas-based breasteraurant, that features attractive waitresses, excuse me, Twin Peak Girls. I guess they had a contest because they have picked a winner. You can read the press release below.
Here is my question: Brittany is a lovely girl but don’t you think the winner of Miss Twin Peaks would, how do I say this, have significant peaks? Okay, sorry. I’m a big fat procrastinator promoting sexism.
From the copy and paste press release department:
The landmark honky-tonk announces the newest addition to the Gilley’s Complex. The Jack Daniel’s Saloon, a full service restaurant, is whipping up Texas favorites and is now open for breakfast, lunch and dinner Monday through Thursday 7 a.m. to 9 p.m., Friday and Saturday 7 a.m. to 1 a.m. and Sunday brunch from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. The 3,000 square foot cowboy haven hosts live Texas music Friday and Saturday nights and features leather couches, rod iron fixtures, Texas memorabilia and rustic cowboy furnishings.
Jump. (more…)
This just in:
Just in time for the start of grilling season, join Food + Wine today, Wednesday, May 18 at 1 pm for a live Q&A session with Chef Tim Love, veritable meat master and chef/owner of Lonesome Dove Western Bistro and Love Shack in Texas.
Chef Love will answer all your questions posted on the FOOD & WINE Facebook Wall (http://www.facebook.com/foodandwine) at 1:00pm for one hour. For a few of Chef Love’s recipes featured in FOOD & WINE like Sticky BBQ Beef Ribs and Cocoa and Chile Rubbed Pork Chops visit http://bit.ly/io52oy
Chef Love is part of our new Facebook chat series, FOOD & WINE Kitchen Insider. At FOOD & WINE we love to inspire the impassioned and adventurous epicure. To that end, each month we are giving you access to some of the epicurean world’s leading industry talent right here on our Facebook “Wall.”
Bring your Dallas International Film Festival ticket stub or pass to any of the Mockingbird Station restaurants (convenient if your screening of choice happens to be at the Angelika) for discounted food and non-alcoholic drinks. Here’s the official word:
The Dallas International Film Festival is partnering with Mockingbird Station to give festival goers 15% off their meal at any Mockingbird Station restaurant, which includes Café Express, Margarita Ranch, Reikyu Sushi, Rockfish, Trinity Hall Irish Pub & Restaurant, Urban Taco and Vapiano. The discount applies to food and non-alcoholic beverages, and can’t be combined with any other special/offer.