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Wine, Women and Shoes

Can a wine loving, shoe devotee, community focused, girlie girl ask for anything more?  November 7th at the Women’s Museum in Fair Park the 5th annual Wine, Women and Shoes event will take place, combing wine tasting and stunning fashions to benefit the Dallas Women’s Museum to empower women of all ages within our community. 
The evening will feature tastings from BR Cohn, Coquerel Family Wine Estate, Adi, King Estate, Peju, Eagle Eye and more, along with a fashion show featuring Judy Ninman Designs  matched with vintage and couture shoes. 

Men are invited too.  This year’s event includes a new Men’s Lounge, featuring a scotch tasting, cigar rolling and shoe shines.  More info available here.

Do Love French Food, French Wine, and French Culture?

Then you must check out French Affaires in Dallas. They hold all kinds of French-inspired events all over town. On November 1, they are hosting a French wine and cheese pairing at Molto Fromaggio in Highland Park. On November 8, they will be at The Cultured Cup to “tour Provence its signature flavors and foods.” All the info you need is here. Berets optional.

The Princeton Tigertones to Perform at Hector’s on Henderson

Hector Garcia has booked The Princeton Tigertones, an cappella male choral group from Princeton University, for two shows at Hector’s on Henderson. The Tigertones formed in 1946 and have over 30 recordings. They “encourage harmony, spontaneity, and brotherhood.” This past summer they toured Europe for six weeks. Their nine tours abroad have taken them to Europe, Egypt, Israel, Greece, Japan, Jamaica and many other exotic locations. The first dinner and show (6:00 p.m.) on November 1 is sold out, but owner Hector is adding a 9:00 p.m. show. Limited seating. Call 214-821-0432. Details below. Jump. (more…)

Wine Dinner Wednesday: Thursday Edition

Sorry I’m a day late. Below you will find a list of upcoming wine dinners from Urban Crust, La Buena Vida Vineyards, Abacus, Sevy’s Grill, The Grape,  two at  Stephan Pyles,and Pappas Bros.

October 22, 2009
La Buena Vida Vineyards. “A Night in Tuscany Italian Wine Dinner.”
Escape all of your worries and join La Buena Vida Vineyards Thursday, October 22nd from 6-8PM as we venture into the Old World of Italy. Be the first to taste our newest feature wines from Italy while having them perfectly paired to traditional, savory Italian dishes, from Tomato Mozzarella to Italian Penne Pasta. Experience Italy right here in Grapevine as guest speaker for the evening Dean Underdahl, wine connoisseur, takes you to all the major wine regions of Italy. Don’t miss out on this special night and make your reservations today by calling 817-481-WINE (9463). Details below.

Oct 26
Urban Crust. Tour Of Italy Wine Tasting. Join Urban Crust’s World Master Chef, Salvatore Gisellu, and wine expert Alfonso Cevola for our very first wine tasting. We’re really excited to have Chef Salvatore in the kitchen with creative freedom.  He’ll be able to showcase unique Italian food that pairs with the wines Alfonso selects.  Jump for details.

October 26
Abacus. Antinori Wine Dinner with Alessia Antinori. Full menu and pairings below.

October 26
Sevy’s Grill. Join us on Monday, October 26th at 6:30 p.m. for a taste of our
“California Dreaming” inspired menu.  Four courses plus reception, $59.95 per person (plus tax and gratuity), seating is limited and reservations required (no OpenTable reservations, please). Contact (214) 265-7389 or SevysCatering@aol.com to save your spot! Menu detailed below the jump.

October 28th
The Grape. The Grape hosts a “Wines from Deutschland” wine dinner on Wednesday, October 28th.  Hand-selected boutique wines from Germany to include Riesling, Pinot Noir and Eiswein. Chef/owner Brian C. Luscher will compliment the highlighted wines with a 3-course German- inspired menu. The popular a la carte menu will also be offered that evening. Special guest and industry expert Steve Mansir of Republic Beverage hosts this special event. More info below.

October 30
Bailey’s Prime Plus at Park Lane. Four-Course Wine Dinner featuring the wines of B.R. Cohn. Executive Chef Israel Voirin and Sommelier Jeff Ivy present an exciting wine pairing dinner. Full menu and pairings below.

November 8th
Stephan Pyles. A Decade Of Dining. 10th Anniversary Of Stephan Pyles Celebrity Chef Dinner
Stunning Dinner and Auction Funds $15,000 Stephan Pyles Culinary Scholarship. Five celebrity chefs from throughout the state including Chef Pyles will present a spectacular five-course wine dinner along with a live auction to fund one of the nation’s largest culinary scholarships.  Five-course menu, chef line-up, and details below.

November 9th
Stephan Pyles. Stephan Pyles will host a special five-course dinner paired with Truchard wines in the restaurant’s private dining room on Monday, November 9.  Truchard Vinyards is a small, family-owned winery that has been producing exceptional wines in the Carneros region of Napa Valley for over 30 years.  Tony and Jo Ann Truchard will join Chef Pyles to educate diners on the wine and food pairings.

November 13
Pappas Bros. Steakhouse. Bubbles bring in the holidays! Our last tasting of the year celebrates all things sparkling, so join us as we get ready for the 2009 holiday season. This “sparkling” tasting, on November 13th, $45 per person plus tax and gratuity, begins at 6:00 p.m. Reservations are required. Call 214.366.2000 or visit pappasbrosdallas.com. Jump for more info.
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Restaurant Bits and Bites

From the copy and paste press release department.

Hi Nancy. Would it surprise you to know that if we all ate out just one more time a week, we’d pump $118 million [ed. note: billion] back into the economy over the course of a year?  We learned that, and a lot of other surprising info about the connection between the restaurant industry and the overall economy – which led our agency down the path of creating a video that we’re just crazy enough to think might encourage a few folks to change their perspective on eating out. We’re calling it Eat Out for a Change.  Here’s a link to the video.

Côtes du Coeur Society. The Trinity River Chef Showdown on Thursday, October 29 6:30 – 9:00 PM at the Milestone Culinary Arts (4531 McKinney Avenue) Join us for great food, wine and a friendly cooking competition between the celebrated Chefs of Dallas and Tarrant Counties! Featuring Chef Richard Chamberlain as Master of Ceremonies and a surprise panel of judges. Chefs of Dallas: David McMillan and George Brown vs. Chefs Tarrant: Brian Olenjack and Jon Bonnell. Wine generously provided by Grailey’s Fine Wine benefiting the American Heart Association. Here is a link to tickets and more information.

Fish City Grill. Did you know that October 25th is National Pasta Day? To honor that delicious, versatile dish, and to help out our local food banks during a time when the depressed economy has greatly affected their donations, Fish City Grill is partnering with the North Texas and Tarrant County Food Banks to give back to the community in celebration of National Pasta Day! October 25th through October 31st, at participating Fish City Grills and Half Shells locations, customers bringing in a donation of mac & cheese, pasta, or pasta sauce will receive $3.00 off of their purchase of the new Shrimp Mac ‘n Cheese or any of the new Hearty Item Menu offerings. So while helping to fill local food bank pantries, participants can fill their bellies at the same time!

Stone Crabs at TJ’s. Sweet, Succulent Claws Avail Every Weekend In Season. Florida Stone Crab Claws are one of the most delicious treats from the sea. The large claws are closer in size to a lobster claw than a crab. And the meat?  Oh the meat!  So sweet, so sumptuous, so fresh.
Stone Crab Claw fans know that you dip the crab in a special mustard sauce that we at TJ’s carry all year round (creatively called “TJ’s Special Mustard Sauce”, 3.99/cup). SUPPLIES ARE LIMITED Never trust a “fresh” seafood market that doesn’t run out of things (think about it), so guarante your orders by Wednesday for Saturday pick up. After Wednesday, Stone Crab Claws are first come/first serve (you can still call ahead after Wednesday to reserve from what we have.) Stone Crab Claws are Market Price…we expect them to be apprx 19.50/lb this weekend. Depending on availability the price could drop deeper into the season. 214-691-2369.

The Cultured Cup in The Plaza at Preston will be featuring work from local potter Ginny Marsh.  Ginny specializes in handmade Wabi Sabi style pottery, a form of pottery that draws from the traditions of the Japanese tea ceremony.  They will be demonstrating how to make matcha (Japanese powdered green tea used in the Japanese tea ceremony) in some of her bowls and she will be available to talk about the process of making them and present them in beautiful wood boxes. Saturday and Sunday (Oct. 24-25) from 1-5 p.m.

Gordon Biersch Brewery Restaurant. Set to open its doors to the second Texas location on November 9 at Park Lane and Central Expressway – 8060 Park Lane Suite 125 Dallas, TX 75231. The restaurant will feature an on-site brewery that adheres to the 500-year old German purity law Reinheitsgebot (Rine-HEIGHTS-ge-boat), which states that beers are made from only four ingredients—barley, hops, water and yeast.  Gordon Biersch will offer the definitive culinary experience with its universally inspired, but uniquely American, menu and award winning signature, hand-crafted beers.  A patron can enjoy a Märzen Barbecue Burger while sipping a crisp lager that has been brewed on site or engage in a cocktail from the full service bar while noshing on a Grilled Chilean Sea Bass. Jump for more.

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Restaurant News: Bits and Bites

The latest from the copy and past press release department.

Aurora Will Have Winter Truffles This Weekend. Black Burgundy &and white Alba truffles will be served at Aurora this Thursday, Friday, and Saturday (October 22nd, 23rd and 24th) Call 214-528-9400 or auroradallas@sbcglobal.net.

The James Beard Foundation Annual Auction: Open For Bidding. If you are a member of the JBF, you already know about the annual culinary auction. If you don’t check it out here and think about signing up. Last year there were plenty of big deals to be had for little bids.

Lombardi Family Restaurants To Support “America Scores”From October 19th through November 1st, Lombardi Family Restaurants will offer an extra special dessert at five of their locations with all of the proceeds benefiting America SCORES Dallas. This exciting dessert will wow any chocolate lover with Gianduia and Dark Chocolate Mousse topped with Fresh Cream and Raspberries for just $7.Vivian and Alberto Lombardi want to personally invite you to visit Café Toulouse, Taverna Pizzeria Dallas, Ristorante Cibus/NorthPark, Penne Pomodoro/Snider Plaza and Penne Pomodoro Lakewood and support America SCORES Dallas by ordering this luscious confection. Jump for details. (more…)

Restaurant News: Bits and Bites

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

Boudreaux’s Cajun Kitchen. Birthday Bash. October 12-18, 2009. Come join us and celebrate our One Year Anniversary! Zydeco Band. Friday & Saturday 7:30-10:30. Giveaways include Cowboys game in New Orleans, catered Party for 20 people, and other great prizes! Drawing Sunday, October 18, 2009 at 3:00pm. At our Richardson Location on the Southeast Corner of Campbell & N. Central Expressway. Go-Cajun.com. 972-437-6800.

The Great Culinary Escape at Milestone Culinary Arts Center. November 5th. Guests will love this savory escape for all the senses and knowing that 100% of the evening’s proceeds directly benefit the programs and services of CONTACT Crisis Line. The centerpiece of The Great Culinary Escape will be the selection of global epicurean delights paired with interesting spirits that will be showcased in the unique setting of Chef Sharon Van Meter’s Milestone Culinary Arts Center.  Details below the jump.

The Côtes du Coeur Society.The Trinity River Chef Showdown on Thursday, October 29
6:30 – 9:00 PM at the Milestone Culinary Arts (4531 McKinney Avenue) Join us for great food, wine and a friendly cooking competition between the celebrated Chefs of Dallas and Tarrant Counties! Featuring Chef Richard Chamberlain as Master of Ceremonies and a surprise panel of judges. Chefs of Dallas: David McMillan and George Brown vs. Chefs Tarrant: Brian Olenjack and Jon Bonnell. Wine generously provided by Grailey’s Fine Wine benefiting the American Heart Association.

Scotch WhiskyTasting and Festival. Sigel’s Elite (5757 Greenville Ave) on Wednesday October 21, 6-8:00 p.m.

One Arts Plaza.  Arts District festivities this weekend–each OAP restaurant will introduce a signature cocktail for the event. Cocktails listed after the jump.

Hotel St Germain. Annual tarot card dinners. Join us at and honor the tradition of All Souls Eve with a romantic and evocative evening in our main dining room on October 30th or 31st. The entire property will be hauntingly decorated in grand New Orleans Halloween style. Guests will savor an elegant multi-course gourmet meal in our acclaimed dining room and have their cards read by an authentic Tarot Card reader in the flickering firelight of our library.$95 per person. Seatings are available beginning at 6:30pm each evening. Details after the jump. (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?

Wine Dinner Wednesday: Monday Edition

This week/month you will find lovely wine dinners at Maximo, Lawry’s, Sangria, Chamberlain’s Steak and Chop House, Pappas Bros. Steakhouse, Coast, Dali Wine Bar, Victory Tavern City Grille, and Nana.

Jump for list and details. (more…)

Restaurant News: Bites and Bites

From the copy and paste press release department: Some fabulous things to eat and drink.

Barking Rocks News Flash. Friday night, October 16th we will be listening to Beatlegras.  They are accomplished musicians that blend Beatles music and bluegrass style in a way that Ringo would totally dig. Doors open at 7:00 for a little socializing (wine drinking) and the show will begin about 8:00. Rumor has it that Rhett is coming to sit in on a song or two. We only sell about 100 tickets so it will be very intimate.  Secure your $15 seat by dropping by the winery (preferred) or calling 817-579-0007.

Whole Foods Market/Highland Park. Match craft beer with great food. Wednesday, October 14, 2-4:00 p.m. (4100 Lomo Alto & Lemmon) Garrett Oliver, Brewmaster of Brooklyn Brewery, author and international beer guru, will be at the store to answer all of your beer and brewing questions. Garrett will be cooking and pairing four of his brews with delicious foods as well.

Rahr and Sons Brewery and the Greyhound Adoption League of Texas.  Wrap up Greyhound Awareness Month Saturday, Oct 17 1:00-3:00pm with an afternoon beer tasting. Cost is $5 per person which includes a souvenir pint glass and 3 full beer tastings.  A portion of the proceeds benefit The Greyhound Adoption League of Texas.Click here for more information or call 972-503-GALT.  Rahr and Sons Brewery is located at 701 Galveston Avenue in Fort Worth.

Five Sixty by Wolfang Puck. New New Happy Hour Concept. “Sip and See” takes on a whole new meaning with the launch of Five Sixty by Wolfgang Puck’s happy hour on Monday, October 12.Dallas’ restaurant with a view will serve beverages and bites at happy hour prices on weekday evenings. Monday through Friday, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., Five Sixty will offer a changing food menu of various “chef’s choice” items in the restaurant’s bar and lounge atop Reunion Tower. Drink offerings will include a list of five choices comprised of beer, wine and cocktails. This is a happy hour designed to keep guests smiling with each of the five tapas-sized plates and five varying drink options priced at $5.60 each.

It’s A Grind Coffee House. Fairgoers receive 10 percent off soothing tea drinks (”Soothies”) with fair ticket stub or photo of consumption of greasy goodness. To receive the discount all customers must do is show their State Fair of Texas ticket stub or a photo of them consuming deep-fried delicacies (photos will be added to the It’s A Grind Facebook page). “Soothies” are made with real fruit puree and green tea, which has been shown in studies to help aid in digestion. They are available in three flavors: Mango Mania, Strawberry Banana and Wildberry. Fairgoers can simply ride the DART rail system Green Line from the Fair Park to the Baylor Medical station (It’s A Grind’s Dallas’ location) to get their “Soothie” to help ease the pain!”

Sevy’s Scotch Club. On our beautiful covered patio, from 5:00-7:00 pm on Monday, October 19th. We will feature five great single malts with specially selected food pairings for each.  $44.95 per person, plus tax and gratuity.  Reservations required, seating is limited.  Contact Jimmy, Stefaan, or Amy M. at SevysCatering@aol.com, or 214-265-7389.

Dallas Institute’s “Au Courant”: The French Experience Featuring Dr. Elizabeth New

This just in:

The Dallas Institute’s “Au Courant” membership group (45 years and under) will conduct the first in a series highlighting the global bounty of our local scene. First up: the French, who do many things, including art, architecture, literature, fashion, the Paris Metro, technology, and of course food and wine.

Accompanied by rich visual images, Dr. Elizabeth New of “French Affaires” will discuss various facets of French food, culture, and what makes French cuisine unique. Benjamin Calais of Calais Winery in the Deep Ellum neighborhood will highlight the French culture of wine and talk about his wine offerings here in Dallas. We’ll top off the evening with a wine and cheese tasting. Your parting souvenir will be a resource list of authentic French food and wine experiences in the Dallas area so you can continue the “Local-Global” theme after our French soiree at The Dallas Institute! 6:00-7:30 p.m., Monday, Oct. 19. Admission: Members $25; Nonmembers $35; Member Teachers $10. RSVP by calling Caitlin Hinton at 214 981-8822 or by registering online. The Dallas Institute of Humanities and Culture is located at 2719 Routh St., Dallas, 75201.

Soba Making Demonstration at Tei-An in Dallas

This just in:

Akira Inoue, the master of Teiichi Sakurai (chef /owner of Tei-An) will be demonstrating how to make soba-buckwheat noodles at Tei-An.

Mr. Inoue teaches the art of making soba at Tsukiji Soba Academy, the school he founded in Tokyo. He will travel to New York-Dallas-Los Angeles to introduce the art of making soba.

Mr. Inoue will make “Shin Soba” or “fresh soba”, which is made with flour from newly harvested buckwheat. Shin Soba is a rare treat as it’s available only twice a year, and highly prized by the Japanese for its certain aroma and sweetness.

Mr. Inoue would like to show you the art of making soba.

The demonstration will take place on Tuesday, October 20th at 7:00 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. at Tei-An.  You can order Shin Soba hot or cold from the menu after the demonstration.

Please join us to witness a great master at his craft.

For reservations or more information, please call 214-220-2828 or e-mail teian@tx.rr.com

Slocum Street Style: Let’s Party!

Yesterday I spent a couple of hours driving around the Design District, or Lower Oak Lawn if you will. It’s already a groovy area but the plans for the future are really exciting. The Lionstone Group and PegasusAblon have formed a partnership to develop the  Dallas Design District which  includes both the Dallas Design Center and The Decorative Center. Plans include multifamily residences, a dozen restaurants, and retail establishments. No chains allowed only local businesses. (Restaurateur Shannon Wynne has already started construction on The Moth and Al Biernat has been spotted shopping real estate.) I am seriously considering moving there.

Anywhoo, I bring this up because D Home and Slocum Street Antiques and Design Association have teamed up and they are throwing a big shindig on Thursday, October 8 from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Jim “Savor Dallas” White has lined up eight restaurants to serve food. (Fedora Restaurant and Lounge, The Grill on the Alley, Go Fish Ocean Club, Hibashi Teppan Grill & Sushi Bar, Jorge’s, The Kitchen Table at Sheraton Hotel Dallas, Lavendou Bistro Provencal, and Paciugo Gelato.) The event is free and benefits the Design Industries Foundation Fighting AIDS. If you’re really nice, I’ll show you my potential new digs at The Alexan on Oak Lawn.

Somebody Help This Poor Girl: Birthday Bash

She is in a jam and doesn’t give us much to go on, but here is her plea:

I am in desperate need of some suggestions for a birthday dinner on Saturday and was hoping you could help. Needs to be a fun atmosphere, and good food. Preferably something unique.

Wine Dinner Wednesday: Monday Morning Edition

Here are a few upcoming wine dinners.

Steve Field’s in Plano. Thursday, October 15th. Langetwins Wine Dinner Sponsored by Single Gourmet. $99/nonmembers, includes 2 glasses of wine with three-course dinner, coffee & iced tea, tax & gratuity. Reception: 6:45 p.m. Dinner: 7:30 p.m. For more information, e-mail info@singlegourmetdfw.com or call 972-732-8000. Reservations REQUIRED using this link. Full menu listed below.

Circolo Del Vino at Jimmy’s.  The Italy America Chamber of Commerce, British American Business Council of DFW, the Finnish American Business Guild, and the German American Chamber of Commerce have teamed up to present “Wine Without Borders” on Wednesday, October 14th. Our favorite Italian wine guy, Alfonso Cevola of Glazer’s, will be your host and he will give you a lesson on how to expand your wine horizons and discover new grapes varietals. 6:15 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. 765-414 4285. More details below.

Jimmy’s Food Store. Jimmy’s welcomes Giovannella Stianti Mascheroni of Castello di Volpaia. Click on this link to learn about the family and history of this famous Tuscan winery and how the Estate was a wedding present to Giovannella and her husband. She also launched a cooking school in 2000 to educate visitors about Tuscan cooking and hospitality and to keep the traditions of the regions cuisine alive. Volpaia also has one of the most famous wine consultants in Italy, Riccardo Cotarella. Details below.

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Andrew Chalk Loves Choucroute Garni à l’Alsacienne. He Found it at Lavendou.

Fall is not only in the air, the foods of fall are rolling out on local menus. Andrew Chalk was so excited when he received a newsletter from Lavendou, he copied and pasted it and sent it along to you. Why? I’ll let him tell you.

I think Choucroute is a defining dish of Alsace. Impossible to find here most of the year and I’m really pleased to see them doing this. Go with a big appetite, it’s very filling.

Fête de la Choucroute!!
Choucroute Garni à l’Alsacienne is one of the classic dishes of France. The Alsace region of Northeastern France is renowned for its cuisine. Choucroute means Sauerkraut in French, but unlike German Sauerkraut, the cabbage is cooked in wine with potatoes, onions, carrots and spices and then topped with an array of smoked meats, bacon and different types of sausages. This is truly a hearty feast fit for a king! We will feature this classic French dish beginning on Friday, 2 October through Saturday, 31 October 2009. To accompany this feast we will feature Alsace wines from various producers and our favorite beers, Kronenbourg 1664 and Stella Artois from Belgium. You may order the Choucroute on its’ own or we will have a 3-Course Alsace Degustation Menu for only $34.95 with Tarte Flambée and imported Mirabelle plum tart. 972-248-1911.

Restaurant News: Bits and Bites

From the copy and paste press release department:

Cibus. Interactive Cocktail Class on Thursday, October 22, 2009 (6:30-7:30pm). Join Mixologist Marina Catania to “shake the martinis”at Cibus Café in Northpark Passed Appetizers. $20 per person. 214-692-0001.

Aurora. “Truffles.” October Cooking Class on Saturday, October 24th at 10:00 am
4-course lunch with wine pairings for $125 per person. 214-528-9400.

Celebration Restaurant. Dinner with Dialogue Series. The first dinner is October 5th. The subject is “Sustainability-The ability to meet our present needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet theirs. The Bruntland Commission.” Check the rest of the calendar here. Dinner 6-7 p.m.; Speakers 7-7:30; dialogue 7:30-? Reservations: 214-351-5681 or edlowe@celebrationrestaurant.com.

RA SUSHI.  A sake and sushi social on Monday, October 12. Learn sushi rolling and sake paring basics while you treat yourself to a selection of RA’s fresh sushi, appetizers and fine sakes. For $30, guests will enjoy a sushi rolling lesson and four courses paired with sake.  Space is limited, and reservations are required. 469-467-7400 to make a reservation.

French American Chamber of Commerce and Goody Goody Wine & Spirits.  Beaujolais Wine Festival Kick-off Party on Thursday, October 22, 2009. (Registration & Networking Reception – 5:30 p.m. Wine Tasting – 6:15 p.m.) The wine tasting will include (4) Crus du Beaujolais and (4) Bordeaux wines and hors d’oeuvres
Crus du Beaujolais Selection:
Domaine Bernard Santé, Juliénas 2007, Domaine Bernard Santé, Moulin à Vent 2006, Domaine Christian Bernard, Fleurie 2007, Domaine de la Roche St. Martin, Brouilly 2007

Bordeaux Selection:
Château Palihas, Bordeaux 2005, Château Larrivaux, Haut-Médoc 2005, Vieux Château Palon, St. Emilion 2005, Château les Graves de Julien, Bordeaux 2005

Milestone Culinary Arts Center. 4531 McKinney Avenue. 214-526-3942.

New State Fair Chow: Stuffed BBQ Wings

Just found out that the sweet folk at Thai-rrific — great Thai food in Northwest Dallas — are serving their popular stuffed chicken wings at the State Fair this year for the first time. For the fair, they’re serving a barbeque variation, stuffing the wings with beef, potato, onion, and noodles and then smoking them. You can find them at Smoky John’s BBQ booth.

Kent Rathbun Does Something Texan at His “Texas Grown” Restaurant

The last time I was at Rathbun’s Blue Plate Kitchen, the lengthy wine list had only two wines from Texas. I don’t know if the list has been updated, but Mr. Rathbun is hosting a Texan wine dinner on Monday, October 19th with Dr. Richard and Bunny Becker of Becker Vineyards. Great menu with great wine. Jump for the full description and details. (more…)

Petroni Vineyards Dinner at The Grape Tonight

Note from SideDish reader Brian Luscher who happens to be the chef/onwer of The Grape:

We have had some last minute cancellations have come in and now have a few openings for this exclusive 5-course wine paired dinner featuring Petroni Vineyards.  Mr. Petroni and son Marco will be in attendance. This will be an intimate event with only a small number of guests in our private wine room. 7:00pm. Cost is  $135 per guest. 214-828-1981.

I call that an ad for your win dinner, Luscher. Send more gift certificates.

The Côtes du Coeur Society Will Party at One Arts Plaza

There is still time to join in the fun and support the American Heart Association tomorrow night as the Côtes du Coeur Society hosts an evening of great food and drink from the restaurants at One Arts and live music. Tickets are $20 in advance and $30 at the door. Click here or call 214-712-1345 (6:00 – 8:00 p.m. 1722 Routh Street).

Report From: Fair Food and Wine Event at the Texas State Fair

Texas Watermelon Queen

Last night, I attended the Fair Food and Wine event, sponsored by Texas Monthly. There were corn dogs on the invitation, so naturally, I had my heart set on eating a corn dog, and trying a few other fried things too. No such luck. There was food, but it was only food that is being sold in the General Store Food and Fiber Pavilion during the fair (all Texas made products, of course). We met a few nice people and got a free Western photo, which was probably better than fried butter, after all (aww).

This is Texas Watermelon Queen Mollie Bennett. She was totally cute and gave us samples of watermelon salsa that was delish. The recipe is here. Jump to find out who else we met.

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Re: Greek Food Festival in Dallas Starts on Friday

Once again, SideDishers have proved to be a tough—and, dare I say, slightly over-critical—crowd. I read the comments about the Greek Food Festival. I mean, it’s not like Holy Trinity is a restaurant, people! It’s a church! The food and pastry is made by volunteers who toil away for weeks in preparation for this, the biggest church fundraiser of the year. I suggest that you try to feed thousands of people at a time, and see how well you do. IJS. The festival is meant to be a celebration of Greek culture and food–not the most amazing culinary experience of your life. Is the fenekia as good as my my nouna’s? No. Is the baklava as good as mine? Of course not. (Then again, neither my nouna nor I has attempted to make thousands of pastries. I bet even ours would suffer in those kinds of quantities.) But will you have a good time–either on a date, with friends, or with your kids? Most certainly. Perhaps your “reviews” are best reserved for a real dining establishment.

P.S. Yes, I’ve been known to attend Holy Trinity from time to time. But I’m not coming to the defense of my people for personal reasons. I’m defending the hundreds of volunteers who are just trying to serve their community and do a good thing for the church. How can you find fault with that?

Wine Dinner (And Stuff and Such and Beyond) Wednesday

I apologize for the blatant copy and paste of information below, but I had an emergency surgery on my eye yesterday for a torn retina and I only have a day or two to suck sympathy out of you and my co-workers. PLUS, I have to get ready for this afternoon’s SideDish CheeseHead’s CELEBRATION OF  TEXAS CHEESE AND WINE EVENT at Celebration. The weather is going to be fabulous and we’ll be out on the patio. I’ll be the one with the cheesehead hat and the black eye patch!

Back to business:

Maquire’s. Has a new “Chef’s Seasonal Tasting Menu.” Three courses for $30; four courses for $37. Upgrade to wine pairing is $40 or $49. Details below. 972.818.0068

TJ’s Seafood. They don’t want you to get bored with seafood so they have new recipes, ideas, and sauces and marinades.  Fish Taco Sauce – so many of you have come in making fish tacos we decided to get a great fish taco sauce.  Fish Tacos are a fun (and kid friendly) way to get the family eating healthy fish. Tilapia is great and cost effective. Honey & Jalapeno Grill Glaze – perfect on salmon, swordfish, sea bass or anything else on the grill. If you can’t stand the heat, get away from the grill….this one is a little spicy! Japanese-Style House Marinade – if you like the Citrus Wasabi & Honey Ginger House Marinades, you’ll love this one. Lots of soy, sesame oil, ginger and cilantro.  Justs marinate shrimp, scallops and tuna for 20-30 min before grill or saute.

Cibus Ristorante. Has Bocce in the Park brought to you by NorthPark Center and The Italian Club of Dallas. Sunday, September 27th from noon to 4pm in CenterPark at NorthPark. Join us for a fun-filled afternoon for the entire family. Learn to play Bocce Ball if you never have or join the pros from the Italian Club for a lively game. Cibus will be grilling in the garden as well as offering selections from their regular menu plus refreshing cocktails and specialty coffee drinks. 214-692-0001.

Rathbun’s Blue Plate Kitchen. Will host first beer dinner with Rahr & Sons Brewery.
Rathbun’s Blue Plate Kitchen will debut its first ever beer dinner hosted by world-renowned Rahr & Sons Brewery, Fort Worth’s German award-winning brewery. Melissa “Mel” Simmons, Rahr & Sons Brewery Representative, will introduce their most famous beers accompanied with Rathbun’s extraordinary plates. For the first time at Rathbun’s Blue Plate Kitchen, guests will experience their very own “Oktoberfest” tradition in their seats. The dinner menu and beer pairings detailed below. Wednesday, September 30, 2009.

The 500, Inc.’s WineFest 2009. The 500, Inc. announces the spectacular 7th Annual WineFest featuring an exciting selection of wine and delicious cuisine from over 20 of the area’s top eateries, a large silent auction, live music and the pleasurable company of friends and family in the hundreds. WineFest 2009 will be held on Saturday, October 24 from 6:30pm – 10pm at the Cavanaugh Flight Museum in Addison.  Advance tickets are $35 per person before October 23 and may be purchased online at www.winefest500.com.  Tickets at the door cost $40.  Proceeds of the event benefit the beneficiaries of The 500, Inc., a volunteer organization that has donated over $12 million to more than 35 local arts organizations over the past 40 years.  For more information about The 500, Inc., call 214.565.0200 or visit www.the500inc.org. Details below. (more…)