Articles about Desiree Espada

Game Time: Guess Which Dallas Restaurant Makes This Pasta

posted by Carol Shih | January 15th, 2013 11:04am | filed under Desiree Espada, Free Stuff!, game, party | 51 Comments »

It’s cold outside, and nobody wants to go out. Let’s play a game, shall we? The person who correctly guesses where this pasta dish comes from will win a surprise prize, picked by yours truly. (Update: The restaurant has offered to give away a gift certificate.)

At the end of the week (Friday at noon), I’ll announce the origins of this photo and the winner will receive an email. Sound good? Good. Let the games begin.

Mystery pasta dish (photography by Desiree Espada)

Update on 1/18/13: This baked chicken Parmesan pasta comes from….[drum roll, please]… CiCi’s Pizza. Desiree shot this prototype/test idea that was made in a CiCi’s outside of Dallas. Tricky, I know. CiCi’s is currently developing three other pastas – carbonara, Italian meatball, and roasted garlic veggie – that they might launch. Some of you guys (like the Olive Garden guesser) came pretty close. I’m impressed. We’ll do this again, but not with a prototype. I promise not to be as mean next time.

51 Comments »

Deck Your Halls: Give the Gift of Tre

posted by Nancy Nichols | December 13th, 2012 9:01am | filed under 'Burbalicious, 12 Days of Food Gifts, Celebrity Chefs, Cooking Classes, Desiree Espada, Food Porn, Holidays, hostess gifts, Merguez Sausage Hunt, sexy things to do with your feet | 1 Comment »


O Come All Ye Faithful. (Photography by Desiree Espada)

Got somebody on your Christmas list that is hard to please. If they like cooking, I’ve got the perfect gift: Tre Wilcox.

The press release says it all: “Enjoy an intimate culinary experience straight from the personal home kitchen of Tre Wilcox - Executive Chef of Village Marquee Grill & Bar and two-time alum of Bravo TV’s Top Chef.” So it’s really more than just cooking. You will “learn great techniques,” “how-to instructions,” and eat a “4-course lunch prepared and served to you one-on-one.” You can even choose the wine. It’s all very naughty and nice don’t you think? Want to join in? Details below. Continue reading "Deck Your Halls: Give the Gift of Tre"

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Hypnotic Sushi Opens Next to Cyclone Anaya on Oak Lawn Ave.

posted by Carol Shih | November 5th, 2012 10:31am | filed under Desiree Espada, Openings/Closings, Restaurant News, sushi | 5 Comments »

A little birdy (cough, Desiree Espada) has spotted a new sushi restaurant, Hypnotic Sushi, at 3211 Oak Lawn, Ste. A. What’s interesting about this spot is its partnership with The Public Trust, a contemporary Dallas art gallery. Owner Harlan Hill commissioned owner/director of The Public Trust, Brian Gibb, to redesign the interior. Gibbs has overseen the installment of a Taro-kun large scale mural and several other works by Brent Ozaeta from two of his series.

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First Take Restaurant Review: Boulevardier in Oak Cliff

posted by Carol Shih | September 17th, 2012 3:08pm | filed under Desiree Espada, dessert, First Take, Food Porn, Neighborhood restaurants | 19 Comments »

Eddie Eakin is waiting to pour you a shot of Fernet Branca after you finish your bone marrow (left); roasted bone marrow (right) photos by Desiree Espada

I’m late jumping onto the Boulevardier-love bandwagon, but we all know Oak Cliff’s new French bistro is bound to stick around for a long, long time. So, no rush, right? When the boys from Ava (Randall Copeland and Nathan Tate) and Veritas (Brooks and Bradley Anderson) announced they were moving into Bishop Arts District together, the neighborhood could hardly wait. Half of Oak Cliff has probably visited Boulevardier already and seen what everyone’s been making a fuss about, but I thought it’d be nice to make the other half jealous with Desiree Espada’s handsome photos.

Jump. I command you. These photos are fabulous.

Continue reading "First Take Restaurant Review: Boulevardier in Oak Cliff"

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Bon Appétit Features Two DFW Eateries in its “Top 50 Best New Restaurants of 2012″

posted by Carol Shih | August 9th, 2012 10:50am | filed under cake, Desiree Espada, GO TEXAN, Kevin Marple | 2 Comments »

by Desiree Espada

Holy cow, Bon Appétit just named Oak and Woodshed Smokehouse as two of its Top 50 Best New Restaurants of 2012. Oak comes in at #29, and this is what the magazine has to say about it:

This swanky Design District spot is home to what might be Big D’s most talented restaurant trio: chef Jason Maddy, pastry chef Sarah Green, and bartender Abraham Bedell. Expect global flavors with definite Germanic leanings—think schnitzel, strudel, and spaetzle.

LOOK FOR

Grilled Bandera quail; quark spaetzle; Gianduja chocolate panna cotta

WE LOVE

A huge oak tree outside the restaurant inspired the name and decor, including wallpaper and a projected tree image that changes with the seasons.

by Kevin Marple

Woodshed Smokehouse, which TG reviewed for this month’s issue, was #46. Bon Appétit completely forgot to mention the ramen that TG so loves. How could they?

You’ll know chef Tim Love’s latest spot by the dozens of picnic tables fronting on Fort Worth’s beautiful Trinity River trails. The open-air, waterfront restaurant does Texas ‘cue two ways: “Traditional Q” and “New Q”, with nods to Mexico. The food is monumental; bring a small village to help you out.

LOOK FOR

16-hour smoked beef shin; chicken skin tacos

WE LOVE

Curious about what’s in the smoker? Just check the flag flying at the entrance.

Congrats to our two photographers, Desiree Espada and Kevin Hunter Marple, for their featured photos in the article! SideDish+ Desiree + Kevin = 4eva.

2 Comments »

‘Burbalicious: What I Ate in Sunnyvale

posted by Carol Shih | July 24th, 2012 8:20am | filed under 'Burbalicious, Burgers, Desiree Espada, Ethnic Food, Making Up Is Hard To Do, Travel | 14 Comments »

Lewis Cheng (left); Chicken lo mein (right) photos by Desiree Espada

In conjunction with July’s Best Suburbs issue, I’m traveling to 10 different ‘burbs in the DFW area for a semi-weird cross-city food tour. I’ll be documenting all my finds in these ‘Burbalicious posts that’ll be peppered throughout June and July. If you feel like your suburb deserves a shot at some SideDish love, email me and I’ll ask my Magic 8 ball if I should go. Last time, I went to Irving.

I didn’t think it was the brightest idea when Jason, the Web Editor, suggested that I find an ethnic restaurant in Sunnyvale, the whitest town in North Texas. Mary Dews, a previous counselor for the Dallas Tenants Association in the mid-1980s, filed a lawsuit against the city this year for perpetuating racial segregation and Sunnyvale’s maintenance of its all-white character. Memories of sitting across from skinheads in St. Petersburg’s subways suddenly came to mind when Jason told me to travel to Sunnyvale. It was one of the last suburbs on my list to visit. I dreaded the trip.

I figured it’d make big headlines if someone killed an Asian woman in Sunnyvale (or at least make it onto Frontburner), and Jason would inevitably feel terrible guilt for making me go there. That’s the worse that could happen, right? Yelp led me to a Wai Cafe, a restaurant that serves Chinese food and burgers. Entirely skeptical of this concept, Desiree and I drove 15 miles east of Dallas towards 3839 North Belt Line Road where we found the most fascinating Chinese restaurant I’ve ever had the pleasure of visiting… in the whitest town of North Texas.

Continue reading "‘Burbalicious: What I Ate in Sunnyvale"

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Bailey’s Prime Plus: New Management. New Menu. Avner Samuel Has Left the Building

posted by Andrew Chalk | June 15th, 2012 12:03pm | filed under Andrew Chalk, Desiree Espada, Steakhouses | 12 Comments »

Earlier this week, I attended a media event at Bailey’s Prime Plus flagship location at The Shops of Park Lane. (Ed’s Note: Last week we reported that the Fort Worth location is now closed.) The gathering was held to showcase the changes the restaurant has made since owner Ed Bailey hired Avner (Nosh, Snack) Samuel as a consultant. Samuel brought one of Nosh’s chef, Ryan Carbery, to Bailey’s and overhauled the steak-centric steakhouse into a lower price point New American restaurant. The contract between Bailey and Samuel is up. Avner has gone back to his own business, but Carbery is staying on as the full-time execuchef at Bailey’s.

SideDish has already reported that the chef and sommelier have left the building and that long-time Dallas restaurateur Avner Samuel has been brought in on a consulting contract to reshape the kitchen. There was a large turnover in the front of house staff and all of the kitchen staff except one has been let go. Bailey and company blame the lack of business on the recession-induced decision not to build the once-planned hotel and health club next door to the restaurant. The only strategy left was for them to change the food and the service.

Will they succeed? Jump for food photography by Desiree Espada….

Continue reading "Bailey’s Prime Plus: New Management. New Menu. Avner Samuel Has Left the Building"

12 Comments »

Seeds of Africa Dinner Hosted By Bolsa Mercado

posted by Carol Shih | May 18th, 2012 12:11pm | filed under Charity events, Chocolate, Coffee, Desiree Espada, Ethiopian, Ethnic Food | 1 Comment »

Founder Atti Worku (left); Chocolate pudding cake with coffee ice cream (right) photos by Desiree Espada

Last night, Bolsa Mercado transformed into a delightful backdrop, playing host to founder Atti Worku and her non-profit, Seeds of Africa - an organization that provides a nurturing, educational community for young children and young adults in Adama, Ethiopia. Chef Jeff Harris prepared a four-course menu to approximately 60 Seeds supporters as I, an invited guest, witnessed this NYC-based non-profit introduce itself to Dallas.

Jump for more Desiree Espada photos.

Continue reading "Seeds of Africa Dinner Hosted By Bolsa Mercado"

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Our Wonderful SideDish Photographer, Desiree Espada, Wins DMA 2012 Award

posted by Carol Shih | May 17th, 2012 11:26am | filed under Desiree Espada, food art | 6 Comments »

Still life objects (photo by Desiree Espada and Kasumi Chow)

Forgive me, forgive me. I am four days late with this news that I have known about for awhile. One of our SideDish photographers, Desiree Espada, is one of 10 recipients selected for the Dallas Museum of Art’s 2012 Awards to Artists. You have seen her work all over our blog (like here and here), but outside of SideDish, she also does some amazing collaborative work with her friend Kasumi Chow. The DMA recently announced on its website the winners, and the Observer picked up the story including some quotes from Desiree. I just have to share because I know Desiree is too humble to make a big deal out of this, but Nancy and I couldn’t be more proud!

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Desiree + Camera: Photo Essay of Piecurious

posted by Carol Shih | March 5th, 2012 11:02am | filed under Desiree Espada, donuts, Pie | 9 Comments »

Shepherds pie with butter bean mash garnished with thyme and candied pansies from Kate's mother's garden

Desiree Espada documents the food world through her lenses and writes this report:

Let me introduce you to Kate Nelson, an energetic and engaging twenty-something year old entrepreneur who is wise beyond her years. Kate is the owner and sole chef of Piecurious, a freelance pie company that caters to Meridian Room and individual clients. Kate is also the Kitchen Manager and designs donuts for the delicious new breakfast fad that is Hypnotic Donuts in east Dallas.

Jump for some amazing pie.

Continue reading "Desiree + Camera: Photo Essay of Piecurious"

9 Comments »

NOSH: Finally!

posted by Andrew Chalk | February 24th, 2012 9:00am | filed under Andrew Chalk, As the Restaurant Turns, Bacon, Desiree Espada, Restaurant News | 5 Comments »

Photography by Desiree Espada

I think I may be the last person in Dallas to dine at NOSH Euro Bistro. There was a wine dinner at Nosh in Dallas, and I was fortunate to have a media invite. That meant that I got to sit at the counter at the front of the kitchen. I had a cockpit seat into the pandemonium and work that is a meal of this size. Here is some of the action as the team served the diners (every seat sold, and a waiting list, BTW!):

Believe me, you’ll want to jump for some serious food photography by Desiree Espada. Continue reading "NOSH: Finally!"

5 Comments »

First-Take Restaurant Review: Bridge Bistro

posted by Carol Shih | January 31st, 2012 2:15pm | filed under bread, Desiree Espada, First Take, It's just lunch | 4 Comments »

Shrimp and crawfish enchiladas (photography by Desiree Espada)

What to Expect: “For a long time, I wanted to have a fun, casual neighborhood destination,” says Kay Agnew. The long-time restaurateur closed down Margaux’s after 22 years and opened Bridge Bistro with her daughter. Loyal diners can rest assured that their favorite dishes are still on the menu, and new diners will be pleased with more sandwich and salad options.

Jump for more beautiful photos by Desiree Espada.

Continue reading "First-Take Restaurant Review: Bridge Bistro"

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Desiree + Camera: Photo Essay of Hypnotic Donuts in East Dallas

posted by Nancy Nichols | January 27th, 2012 10:34am | filed under Bacon, Baking, Breakfast, Cult Cuisine, Desiree Espada, Diets are stupid, donuts, food art, Food Porn, Hippie revolutions, hostess gifts, Is Eat Dallas Groovier Than Oak Cliff?, Local/Slow Food, Openings/Closings, Restaurant News, Sexy food, Silly Reasons to Celebrate, Take-out, Trending, youthful spontaneous restaurants | 12 Comments »

Hippie donuts will be served in a groovy setting.Photography by Desiree Espada.

SideDish photographer Desiree Espada roams the roads with her camera looking for good things to eat and shoot. Check out her photo essay of Bolsa Mercado. Then feast your eyes on what to expect when the Jerry Garcia of donut making, James St. Peter, opens Hypnotic Donuts on Sunday, January 29.

Glory be to the donut. Continue reading "Desiree + Camera: Photo Essay of Hypnotic Donuts in East Dallas"

12 Comments »

Desiree + Camera: Photo Essay of Bolsa Mercado in Oak Cliff

posted by Nancy Nichols | December 19th, 2011 9:00am | filed under Desiree Espada, Food Porn | 3 Comments »

Interior of Bolsa Mercado. Photos by Desiree Espada)

Desiree Espada, our energetic young photographer, is taking her camera all over town to shoot all-things-food. Today she brings us Bolsa Mercado. From her eyes to yours.

Continue reading "Desiree + Camera: Photo Essay of Bolsa Mercado in Oak Cliff"

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