Artistic rendering of an artist's rendering.

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.

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.]

Wednesday, February 22,  7pm: Honig Vineyards at Bailey’s Prime Plus with winemaker Michael Honig.

Thursday March 1^st, 6:30pm:  Paraduxx and Duckhorn at Ruth’s Chris in Dallas and Arlington.

Tuesday March 28^th, 7pm: Krupp Brothers at Nana with winemaker Tres Goetting.

Full details below.

BAILEY’S PRIME PLUS HOSTS HONIG VINEYARDS WINE DINNER

Four-Course Dinner with Winemaker Michael Honig

WHAT:

Bailey’s Prime Plus at The Shops at Park Lane will serve a special four-course menu from Chef Grant Morgan featuring the wines of Honig Vineyards on Wednesday, February 22 at 7 p.m. for $85 per person (plus tax and gratuity).

Bailey’s Wine Director Jennifer Jaco will welcome winemaker Michael Honig who will discuss the wines with diners.  A leader in sustainable farming, Michael sits on the board of directors of the Napa Valley Vintners Association, whose mission is to promote, protect and enhance the Napa Valley appellation and its wines. With his seemingly endless energy, Michael is often referred to as “the James Brown of the wine industry” and spends 75% of his time out in the world introducing people to Honig wines.

MENU:

Pan Roasted Sea Scallops, Water Cress Salad, Ruby Red Grapefruit Emulsion

Honig Sauvignon Blanc, Napa Valley, California 2010

Agnolotti Pasta, Braised Lamb, Wild Mushrooms, Caramelized Onions

Honig Cabernet Sauvignon ‘Premier Napa Valley’, Napa Valley, California 2002

Japanese Akaushi New York Strip, Grilled Radicchio, Huckleberry Marmalade

Honig Cabernet Sauvignon ‘Bartolucci Vineyard’ Magnum, Napa Valley, California 2004

Rhubarb “Sponge” & Cream

Honig Sauvignon Blanc Late Harvest, Napa Valley, California 2008

RESERVATIONS:

Space is limited, reservations are required. For reservations call 214.750.8100.

WHERE:

Bailey’s Prime Plus Dallas at The Shops at Park Lane

8160 Park Lane, Suite 130, Dallas, TX

www.baileysprimeplus.com

Ruth’s Chris Steak House and Duckhorn Wine Company Celebrate the Exclusive Vintage Pre-Release of Paraduxx Across 81 Locations on March 1

Orlando, Fla.–— On March 1, Ruth’s Chris (www.ruthschris.com) will proudly partner with one of the legendary names of American winemaking when it holds Duckhorn Portfolio Wine Dinners in 81 locations across the United States. These exclusive dinners will feature signature Ruth’s Chris dishes paired with four of the most iconic wines from the Duckhorn Wine Company portfolio. In addition to Duckhorn Vineyards acclaimed Three Palms Merlot, which helped to establish Merlot as one of the New World’s great wine grapes, the event will feature the Goldeneye Anderson Valley Pinot Noir, Migration Russian River Chardonnay and the highly anticipated new vintage release of the Paraduxx Z Blend.

More details and reservation details at…

http://www.ruthschris.com/rsvp/duckhornwinedinner

Nana Holds Wine Dinner with Krupp Vineyards Winery

Join us for a special wine dinner featuring Krupp Brothers Winery on Wednesday, March 28th at 7:00 pm.  This event entails a dinner prepared by Nana’s Executive Chef, Anthony Bombaci; prepared with a array of Krupp Brothers wines. The winemaker, Tres Goetting will be in attendance. Experience an evening of fine dining with a panoramic view of Dallas from the twenty-seventh floor of the Hilton Anatole. The dinner will cost $150.00 per person, not including tax and gratuity.

Krupp Brothers Winery was founded after two brothers endeavor to achieve their goals. Jan and Bart Krupp, were businessmen who both shared a passion for wine. The brothers faced hardships at the beginning of their journey, but through perseverance they were able to succeed, and Krupp Brother’s Winery was born. Today the winery is a limited production artisan winery with hand crafting delicious, complex, wines from their world-famous Stagecoach Vineyard. They specialize in Bordeaux and Rhone varietals that were selected from some of the best blocks of our mountainous, rocky vineyards.

Though young, Tres Goetting is already a seasoned veteran of Napa and Sonoma’s wine industry. Tres joined the Krupp Brothers team in August 2010. A Napa Valley native, Tres spent the last six years as associate winemaker at Ladera Vineyards where he crafted award-winning wines from Napa’s rugged hillside appellations. Tres also honed his skills at St. Clement Vineyards, Domaine Carneros, Yorkville Cellars, Cosentino Winery, Tulocay Winery.

Nana is a restaurant with an inimitable sense of luxury and wonder, where its service, panoramic view of the city, and upscale American cuisine created by internationally-acclaimed Executive Chef Anthony Bombaci are simply astonishing. Hours are Sunday through Thursday from 6pm – 10pm and Fridays and Saturdays from 6pm – 10:30pm. Nana is located on the 27th floor of the Hilton Anatole Hotel at 2201 Stemmons Freeway, Dallas, TX 75207. Reservations are available by calling 214.761.7470.  For more information and the menu visit www.nanarestaurant.com .

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.

Sharon, like many local kitchen personalities, has chosen to collaborate with My Private Chef owner Holly Muller to display her talents and engage in a crowd of culinary aficionados. Holly Muller, who consistently welcomes guest chefs to host their special dinners in her downtown space, recently lead her first two underground dinners which satisfied consecutive sold out crowds. She will continue a regular schedule as lead chef in the underground dinners series yet is thrilled to spotlight Chef Sharon Hage for not just one but two rare cooking and dining experiences.

The general public can learn more about the underground dinner offerings and the chance to be served by Chef Hage by adding their name and email to the underground dinner distribution list found at My Private Chef.

Reservations are now being taken for Chef Hage’s underground dinners; seats are limited so potential guests are encouraged to sign up as early as possible.

What: Chef Sharon Hage’s Underground Dinners

When: February 24th & 25th; 7:30 pm arrival

Where: My Private Chef

$125/person

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 3^rd 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.Sigel’s-Addison

Saturday, December 10th     (11am-3pm)

Brazos Valley Cheese is dedicated to crafting all-natural, high quality, healthy cheese using raw milk, vegetable rennet, and no artificial flavors, preservatives or coloring. The milk comes from grass-fed cows that graze freely on three local Brazos River Valley Jersey/Brown Swiss dairies that do not use growth hormones or antibiotics. The high butterfat content of this milk makes rich, yellow, creamy cheeses. Every one of the cheeses is made with raw cow’s milk and all the hard cheeses are aged in underground cheese caves for at least two months. Theirsmoked cheeses get their flavor from being smoked over pecan shells in a restored 1860’s smokehouse.

Marc will explain the process that goes into handcrafting these exquisite cheeses as well as discussing using the cheeses in holiday menus. All of the Brazos Valley cheeses will be on sale after the tasting. For more information about this free tasting, or to place an order, please contact Teresa McGee at 972/387-9873 or store05@sigels.com.

White Rock Local Market Third Annual Holiday Market

Dec. 10 9 a.m.-3 p.m. At Green Spot Market in East Dallas

White Rock Local Market presents its third annual Holiday Market Dec. 10 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Green Spot Market and Fuels, 702 N. Buckner Blvd. Food and arts and crafts vendors will be available for all your holiday shopping. Fish Fry Bingo, a hillbilly jug band, will perform from noon -2 p.m.  The event is free. See http://www.whiterocklocalmarket.com for more information or call 214-797-4989. This is the final market of the 2011 Season. The 2012 Season will start in March. For a complete list of vendors go here: http://www.whiterocklocalmarket.com/vendors.html

White Rock Local Market is a non-profit, independent farmers market, a public space offering a venue for local farmers, ranchers and artisans to bring what they grow or make and sell directly to the East Dallas neighborhood.  The mission is to strengthen the community by creating a meeting place for residents to buy fresh, local and healthy foods, and quality arts and crafts.  WRLM happens twice a month (from March through December) – the second and fourth Saturday – at The Green Spot Market and Fuels, 702 N. Buckner Blvd. The second Saturday includes all vendors – food and crafts.  The fourth Saturday is just for farmers, growers and artisan foods. See http://www.whiterocklocalmarket.com for more information.

Farmers and Other Food Vendors for Dec. 10

Brennan Vineyards Sophisticated Wines with Texas Roots

Bon Aire Community Gardens
Uncertified organic produce, herbs and flowers

Chef Milton
Chili-honey roasted nuts

Eagle Mountain Farmhouse Cheese
Gouda and trappist style cheese

Empire Baking Company Artisan breads

Finley Farms
Seasonal produce

Good Earth Organics
Certified Organic produce

Grapevine Grains Fresh made granola, fresh rolled oats, swiss style muesli, and stone ground flours

Homestead Land and Cattle Company Grass fed beef, chicken and lamb

In a Pickle Handmade pickles

J&S Produce
Seasonal produce and mushrooms

JuHa Ranch Grassfed beef, lamb, pork, chicken and eggs

Kitchen Pride Mushrooms Portobello, oyster, shitake mushrooms

Lucido Pasta and Preserves
Handmade pasta and preserves

Magnolia Seafood
Gulfcoast seafood

Rosy Ridge Farm
Baked goods

Sachse Heritage Farms
Seasonal produce

South Texas Beef Jerky
Beef Jerky

Stephanie’s Premium Bakery Decorated cookies

Texas Honey Bee Guild
Zip Code Honey®

Texas Olive Ranch Olive oils from Texas grown olives

Texas Worm Ranch Worms, worm casting, compost tea

The Tamale Company Lard-free tamales

Village Baking Company Artisan breads and pastries

Wackym’s Kitchen Freshly baked cookies

Artists & Other Non-Food Vendors for Dec. 10

Abundantly Aromatic Handmade soaps and candles

Allie Kat Designs Jewelry and hair accessories

Aliona K Jewelry Metal glass and mixed media jewelry

Arrow Sarah Wooden box purses and jewelry

Bailey Bear and Company
Handmade baby burb clothes

Bella Rose Jewelry
Silver, copper and bronze jewelry

Bound Essential Oils
Body products made with essential oils

Capricho’s Studio Jewelry

Chickeeboom Handcrafted silver jewelry

Dowdy Studios T-shirt wagon

D.P.C.
Handmade women’s clothing

F is for Frank
Cast pewter jewelry and accessories

Freckled Chicken Handmade girl’s skirts, pillows and backpacks

Gotta Have-Its!
Hand knitted baby and adult hats

Handwoven by Tauntie
Hand knitted baby and adult hats

The Green Piano Handmade pillows and home accessories

Groovi Babi
Tie-dye potato-stamped onesies

David Anthony Harman
Photographs

Patti Haskins Handmade stuffed animals

Hip Hazel Hoops Hula Hoops

Kuchera Designs Custom furniture

La Alicia Recycled paper products

Metah Designs
Jewelry

Neke Designs Jewelry

Thomas O’Kelley
Adirondack chairs and furniture

Old Bike Guys
Vintage bicycles

One Fish Two Fish Vases and ceramics

Pig Dog Glass
Fused Glass Jewelry

Purple Ranch Lavender Farm Lavender body products, candles and tea bags

Red Ranger Ray Guns Recycled ray guns

Regal Cottage Eco-friendly toys and gifts

Shed Print Studio Original prints on recycled paper and fabric

Shirt Girls T-shirts, onesies and totebags

Sophy Sam Photographs

St. Barnibus Episcopal Church
Jewelry

Sunstone
Jewelry

Toomasooba T-shirts and prints

Trained Eye Studios Wood and metal furniture

Two Clay Hands Ceramics

Vintage Dreamz Accessories made from vintage jewelry

Vintage Loving Mama
Aprons and handcrafted items

Virtuous Designs
Handmade aprons and sock monkeys

Waggin’ Tail Treats Homemade dog treats

Wipe-n-Wear
Handmade aprons and accessories

Yum Scents Handmade soaps and body products

jump for the deets/press release…

When Burger House first opened its doors on Hillcrest in 1951, Dallas was quite a bit different than it is today. With just four lanes, newly opened Central Expressway stretched just over two miles from the northern edge of downtown to Northwest Highway. Families gathered around black-and-white television sets to watch popular new sitcom “I Love Lucy.”  Still just a high-schooler in Memphis, Elvis’ gyrating hips wouldn’t send SMU girls into a frenzy for another five years. A cheeseburger fries and a drink would set you back less than a dollar.

A lot has changed in the past 60 years, but Burger House’s loyal customers know that some things are just too good to mess with.  That’s why the burgers, fries and shakes at Burger House are made the same way today as they were way back in 1951. For one day only, on December 13, Burger House will make one welcome change.  To celebrate their milestone anniversary, on Tuesday, December 13, 2011, all Burger House locations will serve their famous cheeseburgers for just 60 cents and give away special prizes throughout the day.

Burger House on Mockingbird, located at 6248 E. Mockingbird Lane, will support local schools with a French-fry eating contest for students from 3 to 5 p.m. The first student to finish their basket of fries will win free fries for a year, as well as a donation to their school.

Free burgers, fries, shakes, hot dogs, T-shirts and hats will be given away throughout the day to diners who complete an info card in store. Current patrons are also being encouraged to sport their Burger House t-shirts for the celebration. Hourly prizes, including free burgers, fries and milkshakes for a year, will be up for grabs at Hillcrest and Mockingbird locations. One grand prize winner will win a 50-person hamburger party catered by Burger House, a $650 dollar value.

Burger House owners Angelo “Sonny” Chantilis, Jr. and Christopher Canellos are excited to give back to the community that has supported them for the past 60 years.

“What started out 60 years ago is still going on today, and we couldn’t have been here without our loyal customers,” says Canellos.

“I’m most excited to give back to the neighboring schools with the fry eating contest,” adds Chantilis. “The kids have been making up their own contests for years, so it’ll be great to actually reward their schools for all their practice.”

December 13, 2011

Milkshake toast at Hillcrest location and French-fry eating contest
at Mockingbird location to be determined.  Details to follow.

Cost:                60 cent cheeseburgers; dine-in only except at Hillcrest location

Where:             Burger House locations across Texas

6913 Hillcrest Avenue                                        7529 Campbell Rd.
Dallas, Texas 75205                                          Dallas, Texas 75248

14248 Marsh Lane                                             6248 E. Mockingbird Lane
Addison, Texas 75001                                       Dallas, Texas 75214

5323 Harry Hines Blvd., Bldg. C                         2405 19th St.
Dallas, Texas 75390                                          Lubbock, Texas

919 East I-30 #107
Rockwall, Texas 75087

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.

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)

If chosen, you will be featured on your own series and have the opportunity to date a select group of amazing women who share your love for great food and the culinary arts. You MUST have a strong background in cuisine (food writers and connoisseurs welcome as well!), and be the kind of man who thinks that there’s nothing sexier than a woman who can cook her way into your heart.
If this sounds like you, and you’re ready to make spectacular meals with the perfect woman, then contact producers TODAY! Email <mailto:CulinaryBachelor@gmail.com> CulinaryBachelor@gmail.com<mailto:CulinaryBachelor@gmail.com> with your name, age, location, a recent photo and a brief description of why you’d be perfect for this show.
Deadline to submit is November 9, 2011! Producers are waiting to hear from you NOW!
Nick Corporon
Casting Associate
Pilgrim Studios
818 478 4618
<mailto:ncorporon@pilgrimstudios.com>ncorporon@pilgrimstudios.com<mailto:ncorporon@pilgrimstudios.com>

Fuel City is destined to become the second most famous grassy knoll in Dallas.

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?)

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Dallas, TX — Fuel City aka “The Ranch in downtown Dallas” adds The Patio to the Fuel City ranch made famous by the tasty tacos served 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.   The Patio offers covered seating for up to 70 taco fanatics who flock to the Ranch for the traditional Mexican fare served up by Fuel City Tacos whose 3^rd generation recipes originated in Durango, Mexico.

“We are so excited about The Patio,” says John Benda, proprietor of Fuel City.  “We’ve long watched diners eat standing, curbside, in the car or out by the longhorns and are pleased to now have The Patio for folks to have a seat and enjoy our tacos and a cup of corn at any hour.”

Featuring tacos al pastor, picadillo, barbacoa, chicken/beef fajita as well as a selection of breakfast tacos served between 5-10am, all Fuel City Tacos are $1.40 and are served with diced onions, lime, cilantro, jalapeno and hot sauce.

Located on 8 acres in the heart of downtown Dallas on the banks of the Trinity River at the I-30/I-35 intersection, Fuel City is one of the highest volume gas stations in Texas.  Not just a gas station and convenience store with a state-of-the-art car wash, Fuel City features award-winning tacos, elotes (cup of corn), 5 of Texas’ largest Longhorns, a swimming pool, oil derek, windmill, drive-thru beer barn, karaoke and native Texas trees and cactus.

Fuel City is located at 801 South Riverfront Boulevard.  For more information call 214-426-0011

Go below for the whole story.

Dallas, Texas (October 13, 2011) – The Cedars Social will host a Shiner Beer Dinner prepared by Hell’s Kitchen Chef Sara Horowitz on Monday, October 17 from 6pm to close. Each dish in the three dishes will be paired with and prepared using Shiner beer, and the cuisine will be upscale comfort food, following the theme of the restaurant.  Diners may order one, two or all three of the dishes and prices will range from $9 to $19.  To make reservations or inquire further, please call The Cedars Social 214.928.7700.

Menu

Appetizer:

Shiner Light Hushpuppy Shrimp with Shine Hefeweizen Apple Slaw served in a Crispy Potato Basket, paired with Shiner Blonde

Entrée:

Filet Mignon with Shiner Blonde Tempura Onion Rings Mopped with A-102 Brew Sauce, with Haricots Verts& Cranberry Wild Rice Pilaf, paired with Shiner Oktoberfest

Dessert:

Gingerbread Ice Cream & Fudge Napolean Infused with Shiner Holiday Cheer Dripping with Cinnamon Agave Nectar & Peppermint Candies, paired with Shiner Holiday Cheer Beer

(A note from Chef Sara’s bio…)

Sara was a standout finalist on the second season of FOX’s “Hell’s Kitchen” battling out  reknown evil Chef Gordon Ramsey with true grit, and she was second runner up in The National BBQ Championship Series on Versus Network in 2006 fighting her way as a Wild Card gone dark horse to beat the Big Dogs of the National BBQ circuit.

“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…

Official hot air balloon arrival time is 10:30 am so get your cameras ready. Daryl “Moose” Johnston (co-owner of the deli and former Dallas Cowboy legend and current Fox commentator) will be there to greet him as he lands…

… Following Grand Opening Day, look for additional Moose Sightings as Mo the Moose (or his sidekick Mini Mo) takes to our DFW highways in a motorcycle sidecar as he learns his way around our fabulous city. When you spot his sidecar, be sure and look for the QR code which will link you directly to the Smiling Moose website for information and coupons. The deli will also be catering to kids and families throughout the weekend with fun giveaways such as: t-shirts, food, Moose antlers and Smiling Moose footballs.

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.

Here is a sample from one:

When tourists and travellers arrive in a new city, one of the first things they often look for is a place to grab a bite or get a good drink. Now, if they want to know where to find their favorite bar scene before they head out, they can turn to SceneTap, which shows the following in real time:

·         Number of people in the bar

·         Male-to-female ratio

·         Average age of patrons in the bar

·         Food and drink specials

SceneTap is a free app for iPhone, Android and the Web, and it gathers this information anonymously using facial detection cameras and “people-counting” technologies in participating bars.The app launched in Chicago in July and is expanding its network to a number of other major cities soon. More than 250 bars around the U.S. have signed up so far.

Here’s a stupid question. Is this a good thing or a bad thing?

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…

“Living on a restricted diet doesn’t have to mean living without the joy of cooking, baking and eating foods that look and taste great,” said Jen Cafferty, mother of two and founder of the Gluten Free Expo, now the Gluten & Allergen Free Expo. “There is nothing like this in the area – a place where individuals, parents, and others can spend from a few hours to a full day sampling hundreds of products, and discovering that special dietary needs and cookies that taste like cardboard are not synonymous.”

Open to the general public, the event features themed cooking sessions that will enlighten both beginners and more experienced amateur chefs, as well as a vendor fair, where attendees will meet and sample among more than 70 gluten-free companies, under one roof. A portion of the event proceeds will benefit the Gluten Intolerance Group Lone Star Celiac Support Group (DFW.celiac.org). All of the vendors are 100 percent gluten free; many also will showcase products free of the top eight allergens: milk, egg, peanut, tree nut, fish, shellfish, soy and wheat. The Expo will include a dedicated area up front featuring nut-free products.

About 1 in every 133 people has celiac disease, a condition in which the body cannot tolerate gluten, a protein found in wheat, barley, rye and commercially available oats. More than 300 symptoms ranging from digestive issues to depression are linked to celiac disease, and more than 95 percent of people who have it are undiagnosed or misdiagnosed, according to the National Foundation for Celiac Awareness. A gluten-free diet is essential for those with celiac disease, which many sufferers erroneously believe or have been told by medical professionals is irritable bowel syndrome or lactose intolerance. In addition, many families with autistic children are reporting a reduction in their children’s symptoms with a gluten-free diet. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that an average of 1 in 110 U.S. children has an Autism Spectrum Disorder.

The Gluten & Allergen Free Expo Vendor Fair will be held 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Saturday and Sunday, October 1 – 2, at The Westin Park Central, 12720 Merit Drive, Dallas, Texas. The cost to attend the Vendor Fair is $20 for adults; children 3-12 are $5. Tickets will be available at the door. The ticket price also includes an allergen-free arts and crafts area for kids as well as staged presentations by top chefs and bloggers. Seating is limited. Visit the website for additional information and to view the complete list of vendors.

Gluten & Allergen Free Expo cooking classes for the general public also will be held at The Westin Park Central in Dallas on Saturday October 1 from 8am to 5pm and on Sunday, October 2, from 9 am to 5 pm. Participants have the option to purchase sessions for part of the day or the whole day. All cooking sessions now have special themes from that focus in on one topic. From holiday cooking to bread baking, all levels of gluten and allergen free cooks will learn something new. All recipes taught in class will be entirely gluten-free, and most will be dairy-free. While eggs and sugar will be used, replacement information will be provided. Some, but not many, demonstrations will include nuts, soy and other allergens. The regular cost per session is $80, $100 for the “Bread & Beyond” session (Register online at www.gfafexpo.com). This cost not only includes the full day of classes but it also includes printed recipes, and access to the vendor fair. A gluten and dairy free lunch is available for purchase for an additional fee. Registrants can elect to purchase this lunch when they register for their cooking session(s).

John Ley (left) and Elwyn Hull (right) of Two Corks and a Bottle.

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:

D-I-Wine: Guests can make their own vintage onsite by choosing from a list of available varietals or blends. Once your vintage is ready, staff will show you how to bottle, cork, and label it.  Mother Nature (along with John and Elwyn) do the hard part.

Custom labels: Picking up a bottle of wine for a special occasion? Have a custom label created right on the spot.

Monthly wine memberships:Memberships offer you the opportunity to enjoy new wines each month for a fraction of the cost of most imports. Memberships offer special discounts on all wine purchases, accessories; access to exclusive events, and access to our wine of the month chosen by our wine makers.

Yappy Hour: The patio is dog-friendly, and the owners anticipate many future “Yappy Hour” fundraisers benefiting Pet Organizations. John Ley also hopes to use this venue to support Alzheimer’s, Brain Cancer and HIV/AIDS.Most recently, Two Corks and a Bottle held a fundraiser for the Lone Star Ride Fighting HIV/AIDS.