Articles about Cult Cuisine
The Perfect Procrastination: How To Boil an Egg
My perfectly boiled egg.
As you can tell from the headline, I am deep in the process of procrastinating. While my real job calls for thousands of words about dining, I am convinced it is far more important that I drop what I am supposed to be doing and answer a question sent to me by PR boy toy Jef Tingley. Yes, he spells his name with one “f,” but I will save that analysis for a later procrastination post.
“Jef with one f” asked me how to boil an egg. Don’t laugh. How many times have you had tiny shards of shell pierce the delicate skin beneath your fingernail? I shared my secret with “Jef with one f” by private message on Facebook which made several people curious enough to email and ask (BEG!) for my secret.
You are going to have to jump hard. Continue reading "The Perfect Procrastination: How To Boil an Egg"
11 Comments »Mind Your Head: Incoming Taco Restaurant, Taco Republic, in Richardson
Ron Guest, the nice man who gave us Café San Miguel on Henderson Ave. (R.I.P.), is back in business in Richardson. Natch Teresa “GubbShoe” Gubbins is all over the story like truffle oil on fries. Gubbshoe writes Guest’s new spot, Taco Republic, is “an intriguing new spin on gringo tacos.” Expect catfish tacos, “smoky brisket with chipotle barbecue sauce topped with fried onion rings,” and other “whimsical” tacos. Always on alert for the underdog vegetarian diner, Gubbshoe assures us all they don’t have to worry. Quotes and more details here. Taco Republic in located in the space formerly known as La Paloma at Central and Spring Valley. (Next up: Taco Republican. Now, there’s a concept.)
1 Comment »BBQ Snob Reports: Fancy Smoked Brisket in Dallas
Brisket sandwich at Jack Daniel's Saloon. Photo by Daniel Vaughn.
Slow-cooked brisket (sometimes “advertised” on menus as “smoked”) is trending in Dallas along with sweet potato tots and green chilies on anything. Last week the self-proclaimed BBQ Snob, Daniel Vaughn, policed a few fancy restaurants which claim to serve “smoked brisket.” He covers Texas Spice at the new Omni Convention Center, Jack Daniel’s Saloon, Holy Grail Pub, Torchy’s Taco, and the unpleasantly named Asador in the Renaissance Hotel. As usual, it’s a great read.
3 Comments »Somebody Help This Poor Boy: Chicken and Waffles in Dallas
He’s cold, lonely, and hungry. He wants the comfort of a plate of chicken and waffles. Hear him whine.
I miss Roscoe’s in LA. Is there any place in Dallas that serves chicken and waffles like those?
I tried to convince him to come over to my house for dinner, but he plays for the other team.
16 Comments »Trader Joe’s Announces Two New Locations: Dallas and Plano
According to Teresa “Gumbshoe” Gubbins, a representative for Trader Joe’s told the told the DMN a store will open in the old Arcadia Theater space on Lower Greenville Avenue in the fall of 2012. A Plano location, in an old Kroger at Preston and Park, will open in the spring. The Fort Worth store at 2701 South Hulen Street and a location in a the Woodlands near Houston will open this spring. I have not been able to confirm the rumor that developer Ray Washburne plans to move the Santa Monica Pier to Highland Park Village.
13 Comments »Restaurant Review: Terilli’s in Dallas
Shrimp scampi and the restaurant's interior. (photography by Kevin Marple)
When Jeannie Terilli opened this spot in 1985, it was an instant success. The bar was always mobbed, and there were long waits for tables. Live jazz pulled in a mixed bag of customers who spilled out onto the sidewalk. After Terilli’s was destroyed by a fire in March 2010, many industry insiders speculated Terilli would not rebuild. They were wrong. And I’m glad she did. The interior of the rebuilt Terilli’s is spectacular. There are now three levels of seating, including a rooftop with fantastic views of downtown Dallas. The walls are painted black and contrast nicely with the charred, rusty brown exposed brick. The only thing that hasn’t changed is the food.
Finish it here. Then tell me if you like Terilli’s.
“Honey, You Get the Pie.” Buying Holiday Pie in Dallas
Every year, I get the same command: “Honey, you get the pie.” Last year, I failed miserably. I asked you where to go. Here is what you suggested. I got an early start on 2011 by tasting my way through your list of suggestions.I set out on my pie trek, using your suggestions as a guide post. I found my pie nirvana at Little Aprons Bakery. Read more about my gluttonous adventures through Little Aprons, Central Market, Normas, and more.
Little Aprons' cherry pie
SideDish contributor Daniel Walker also helped. He wrote about apple pie: “The Place at Perry’s brown-bag apple pie is quite possibly the greatest pie to have ever graced my lips.” More recently, Daniel told us about Scrumbscious Pie in Mesquite where he found fresh baked pies and “pie shakes.”
Yesterday, I got the command. The pie is my job. I’m wavering on which route to go. Am I missing something? Please help me–and potentially yourself–by tossing in your thoughts.
5 Comments »Somebody Help This Poor Girl: Recipe for “Real Texas” Pecan Pie
She’s not from Texas and wants to impress her husband’s family.
Hi! I need some advice on what makes a pecan pie a real Texas pie. I’m from Newark and I married a Dallas boy. This is my first Christmas cooking for his family. They are fifth generation Texans. Feeling the pressure. Also do you say pecaaan with a long a or pecown?
Good lord, woman. You sure ask a lot of questions for a gal from New Jersey. Hit her, I mean it, y’all.
9 Comments »Chicken Scratch and The Foundry to Open in Oak Cliff
How long before Oak Cliff secedes from Dallas county to form their own little republic? Think how cool that would be for the business folk: the restaurateurs and funky food shops could make their own rules, they could charge a toll to enter and exit, and fine customers not wearing flannel.
Obviously either Tim Byres, Christopher Jeffers, or Chris Zielke (or all three!) would rule the roost. Today the triumvirate announced two more projects. The owners of Smoke and Bar Belmont took over the 3-acre plot of land that used to be Jack’s Backyard. (Fort Worth Avenue and Pittman St.) First up: Chicken Scratch, a family-friendly restaurant serving—wait for it—“cast-iron fried and wood-fired rotisserie chicken with wholesome handmade sides.” It’s “slow fast food.” (Wouldn’t it be fast slow food? I’ll leave that one for someone else like Jack Perkins.)
Next door to The Scratching Chicken, I mean Chicken Scratch, will be The Foundry. Sounds serious, right? Nope. The Foundry will be a bar offering simple drinks. (Drama! Do I sense a struggle between mixolgists v bartenders?) The drinks with be simple and strong. (I could say something about my ex-husband here but I’ll let it pass.) There will be beer—lots of drafts and bottles and microbrews plus “usual suspects.” Affordable! Live music! And, if they can swing it: the property will be able to “host food and merchandise trucks, drive-in movies, and other community themed events.”
The Foundry is scheduled in early January 2012 and Chicken Scratch “soon after.” (I still think they should have named it Petticoat Junction. Wouldn’t you eat chicken at the Shady Rest? Such a duh.)
Trending: “Scratch” in a restaurant name, fried chicken, and regular bartenders without pork pie hands and mutton chops.” Somebody get me a Realtor.
My Go-To Holiday Pot-Luck Party Recipe: The Astro-Weenie Christmas Tree
My Astro-Weenie Christmas Tree contribution to D Magazine's holiday party.Circa 2008.
Three years ago, I introduced you to Charles Phoenix, the “Ambassador of Americana.” More importantly, I introduced you to his “recipe” for the Astro-Weenie Christmas Tree. (I made several for the D Magazine holiday party in 2008. Co-workers still stalk me for my secret herbal ingredient.)
Well, thanks to SideDish, Phoenix’s career and has catapulted over hosting grade school field trips and roller skating parties to doing national TV spots with Martha Stewart and commenting on NPR. (Rawlins in drag?) I think it’s time to bring back the Astro-Weenie recipe. Remember, as they say in England, you can always make one suitable for vegetarians. Mind your head.
Lisa Garza Names Jeffery Hobbs “Leader of the Kitchen” at Sissy’s Fried Chicken
Lisa Garza juggles relationships to get Sissy's Fried Chicken open.
Although La Garza is all about sisterhood (“I am Sissy,” Garza says. “Sissy is southern slang for “sister” and I am developing every aspect.”) there will be no sissy in the kitchen. La G has plucked Jeffery Hobbs and named him “leader of the kitchen.”
Oh, it’s a tangled tale—an episode of As the Restaurant Turns. Here’s the synopsis: Lisa was married to Chef Gilbert Garza. Together they operated Suze Restaurant, the cozy spot on Midway and NW Highway. At some point, Jeffery Hobbs joined the happy couple to work on the kitchen team as chef and partner. Hobbs and Gilbert ran a great restaurant. Lisa concentrated on catering. Lisa was picked as a contestant on Next Food Network Star. The experience was devastating, as most former TV reality participants will admit is generally the case. The Garzas divorced and Lisa retreated for a couple of years. She emerged as a fancy caterer. Found a new guy. Got re-married and is now pregnant with new restaurant.
After eight years at Suze, Hobbs splits to partner with burgeoning bully restaurateur, Jack “Maple & Motor” Perkins. They’re consulting on taco joints. Then La G calls Hobbs and asks him to be the “leader of her kitchen.” According to La G, Gilbert has given his blessing to the deal. See, there can be happy endings. Or beginnings. Stay tuned.
8 Comments »Groovy Menu Changes at AllGood Café in Deep Ellum
Good Times: Chef/Consultant Brian Hennington, Executive Chef Maximino Garcia, PM Chef/Sous Chef Cesar Martinez.
Mike Snider of AllGood Café is one nostalgic SOB. When he felt like his menu needed a little tweaking he called in Brian Hennington. Yow. Zah. Blast from the past: Hennington was the original “real” chef in Deep Ellum. He was the talent behind the first Deep Ellum Café (stories anyone?). Since DEC closed, Hennington has been working around the area consulting for Blue Mesa and The Bronx. He did a spell as at Inn of the Mountain of the Gods in Ruidosa, New Mexico and Hennington’s Texas Café in Granbury.
More importantly to Snider, Hennington played a big part in developing AllGood Café’s style and first menu which also included input from “Daddy Jack” Chaplin and AllGood’s execuchef Maximino Garcia. (This is starting to sound like the culinary version of The Traveling Wilburys). Recently the team reunited and put together some (hopefully) new hits. I’ve listed some of the “updated and refreshed” items below.
Snider told me he’s not the only one happy with the new menu. “The service staff is thrilled to have something new and different to eat,” Snider says. “It may seem like bragging but I have servers who work five or six days a week, many who have been here from five to nine years, and they eat usually each shift they work. Then they come back for dinner the same day or on their time.”
(BTW, Santa Fe-style is officially a trend in Dallas.) Continue reading "Groovy Menu Changes at AllGood Café in Deep Ellum"
2 Comments »Somebody Help This Poor Girl: Birthday Party for Teenagers in Dallas
This mom is in a difficult predicament. She has a daughter about to turn 16. Mom wants to find someplace a group of teenagers can have some fun. Hear her plea:
7 Comments »I have a restaurant quandary and need help! My daughter is turning 16, and we need to find a restaurant to have dinner for 15. She is casual and bohemian, does not go for fancy, just fun. I was hoping to come up with something offbeat like Middle Eastern with belly dancers but have no idea. Just looking for festive. If you have any fun ideas (Oaklawn, N. Dallas, downtown), I would be most grateful.
Tonight is Industry Night, Celebrity Chef Pizzaiolo at Cane Rosso
Monday nights, from 6–10pPM, Cane Rosso will host a Celebrity Chef Pizzaiolo who will make a special pie to sell for $16. So far the completion is scheduled through Dec. 19. The celebrity pizzaiolo who sells the most pies on their night will win the coveted Cane Rosso Golden Peel and Trophy. Portion of the proceeds from the pie benefit Deep Ellum Urban Gardens. Food and drink specials for industry staff.
Schedule thus far (with more to be announced)….
11/7 – Brian Luscher from the Grape
11/14 – Chad Houser and Janice Provost from Parigi
11/21 – Randall Copeland from Restaurant Ava and soon to open, Left Bank
11/28 – Jack Perkins from Maple & Motor
12/5 – John Tesar from The Commissary
12/12 – Dean Fearing from Fearing’s
12/19 – Daniel Vaughn from Full Custom Gospel BBQ
12/20- Nancy Nichols and Leslie Brenner
Jump
Continue reading "Tonight is Industry Night, Celebrity Chef Pizzaiolo at Cane Rosso"
11 Comments »Stone Crab Season is Here
If you come here often, you know the ubiquitous jonfromtjs. His comments are found on every food blog and social media outlet in Dallas. His real name is Jon Alexis. His real job is marketing his family’s seafood and catering shop TJ’s Seafood Market. I’ve known Jon’s parents, Pete and Caren, since the early 1700s. I’ve witnessed Jon’s profile and knowledge of business mature. Jon’s sends many enthusiastic announcements about the promotions at TJs. This one caught my attention.
Florida Stone Crabs – a trip to Miami without leaving your home. Stone crabs are sweet, mild, and delicious. Dip in TJ’s Creamy Mustard Sauce for an authentic experience. Prices are in flux – right now LARGE claws are 31.99/lb.
Thanks for that, Jon. Oh, and I love the video. It cracks me up.
Special Report: The Best Coffee in Dallas
Oddfellow's. (photo by Elizabeth Lavin)
Todd Johnson wears a lot of different pants around the D empire. Primarily, he is the company’s Creative Director. He oversees all of the art and photography and design stuff. He eats out almost every meal and posts his meals on Facebook. But Todd drinks more coffee than any other human being I have ever met.
When he came up with the idea of doing a feature on the best coffee in Dallas, the rest of the tea-sipping editorial staff said, “Go, dude.” He went. And went. And went. After a month of sampling coffee all over town and showing up for work buzzed like a meth addict, Todd is now back to speaking simple English and being civil to his co-workers. Read his story here. I promise you a contact caffeine high.
Agree or disagree below.
4 Comments »Maple & Motor in Dallas Offers Car Service on Monday and Tuesday Nights
The Dude of burgers.
Maple & Motor owner Jack Perkins has a fond spot in his heart for the gone-but-never-forgotten Prince of Hamburgers on Lemmon. Starting next Monday night, Perkins will offer “back-in car service” after 5PM. Perkins will reserve spaces for those of you who would like to dine in the luxury of your car. Just back in and blink your lights. Monday and Tuesday nights only, weather permitting.
Hypnotic Donuts to Open First Real Shop in East Dallas
Hey, East Dallas. You are really getting your game on. Today comes word that James St. Peter, Mr. Hypnotic Donuts, has quit his day job to be a full time donut dude. His exotic concoctions will be available in January 2012 at his new digs at 9007 Garland Rd. Listen:
Hyppies, as patrons are known as, will enjoy a casual in-store experience with seating at the donut and coffee bar, or lounging on the sofas and living room chairs. Standard chairs and tables will be placed throughout the space as well. In following St. Peter’s Hyppie mantra, Hypnotic Donuts will upcycle/recycle as much as possible, expect to see reclaimed furniture and décor from local vintage, resale, thrift and charity stores. To further utilize local talent, local artist have been commissioned to paint a mural of well-known hippies throughout history giving customers the joy of sharing a Hypnotic experience with their favorite hippies. Also, coffee will be supplied by locally owned and award winning Oak Cliff Coffee Roasters and will be brewed by the French press method.
Yo, groovy secret-keeping dudes in The OC. Watch your back. East Dallas is moving up.
4 Comments »Anthony Bourdain Kicks Some Serious Sass in Dallas
Anthony Bourdain on stage at the Majestic Theater in Dallas. (photo by Elizabeth Lavin)
Last night, Anthony Bourdain fans packed the Majestic Theater. Baseball be damned, the worshipers of All-Things-Anthony showed up to lay themselves at the cowboy-booted feet of their hero.
Tony walked onto the stage at 8:10 and greeted the audience: “I am a whore. I am in every way compromised, jaded, bought and paid for, including my nice f—ing jacket.”
For the next hour and 45 minutes, the crowd hung on his every word. He was loose, casual, at ease, good-natured, straight forward, no bull. He was exactly the guy you see on TV, except, in person, you could see just how fine he wears boot-cut jeans.
After the show, we got to hang out with Tony and watch him sign books and greet his fans. Hundreds of folks bought books and stood in line to get his autograph. He walked into the VIP room and he very calmly said, “Look, I’m here and I’m not leaving until every book is signed, every picture is taken. I’m not in a hurry, so grab some food, have a drink, relax.”
I plan to write a longer report, but my day job calls. In the meantime, I’ll post the pictures that Tony most graciously allowed our photographer, Elizabeth Lavin, to shoot. Oh, and John “Jimmy Sears” Tesar was there. I mean everywhere. If you notice him in every shot, it is because he tried to get in every shot. At one point I thought he was going to start signing copies of Bourdain’s Medium Raw. He could have. That’s how he serves his burgers.
On to the show.
Continue reading "Anthony Bourdain Kicks Some Serious Sass in Dallas"
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This Little Piggy Went Downtown
Oh yeah, it's for real.
We’re suckers for any press release that contains the following sentences:
It seems a couple well-intentioned entrepreneurs have teamed up with J&D’s Foods to create a little something they’re calling baconlube—the world’s first bacon-flavored, water-based, American-made, personal lubricant.
Billing itself as the “gold standard of meat-flavored massage oils” (natch) baconlube, they say, is like the McRib of sex: it’s delicious, makes men crazy, is here for a limited time, and is in short supply.
If you’re thinking “stocking stuffer!” (let’s stay on track here), we’re right behind you. But the boys only made 3,000 bottles of this pork-flavored nectar. It hit the interwebs yesterday at www.baconlube.com. How much, you ask, for a product that promises such a satisfying holiday season? Only $11.99.
you know you want more. jump for it… Continue reading "This Little Piggy Went Downtown"
13 Comments »