Katy Trail Run for Yum

Last night I ran the Katy Trail 5K. It was fine, good race, etc. The real reason this run is so popular is the abundance of local restaurants that have booths set up in Reverchon Park, post-race. Jump if you want a (limited) recap.

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Shinsei Offers Manners Class For Your Child, Cocktail For You

Lynae Fearing and Tracy Rathbun, the ladies behind Shinsei, are offering a manners class for your child (6-12) on June 2^nd from 5pm to 7pm. The cost is $75 and the teacher is Mrs. McVeigh. She sounds like a fuddy duddy, right? (Yikes, is that rude?) But I looked on her website and she is smokin’ hot. (Can I say that?) Well, she could use a few lowlights in her hair. (Probably not socially correct.) Anywhoo, I did learn a lot from watching this TV interview on plastic surgery etiquette with Mrs. McVeigh. Talk about finding a niche. Please call 214-352-0005 or click here. Thank you.

Dallas Uncorked Teams with Bob’s for Winemaker Dinner

Call now, this will go fast. On June 26^, Bob’s Steak and Chop House (4300 Lemmon Ave) and Dallas Uncorked will co-host a wine dinner featuring wines from Napa Valley’s Peju Winery. Lisa Peju (pictured) will be on hand to discuss the wine. Mr. Sambol will serve a three-course dinner paired with the big, bold, and rich customers wines from California. The dinner will begin at 6:30PM with a wine reception. It’s an incredible deal at $85 per person (inclusive.) Reserve it here.

Registration For Hot Dog Eating Contest Is Closed

Or maybe it was from the time I originally posted, I’m not sure. According to the initial info I received from a PR person, the Nathan’s Famous International Hot Dog Eating Championship, Nathan’s and Sam’s Club were “looking to see if someone in the Dallas area can top that [last year’s record] in 2008…. we’re inviting everyone to try out”.  Apparently a lot of peeps got peeved when they could NOT register because the event was closed to new registrants. What. Ever. Do not get me started. Anywhoo, the show, and it will be a show, will go on from 11am to 1pm on Saturday, June 21 at Sam’s Club in Plano (1200 E. Spring Creek Parkway). They’re flying in “top eaters” Jason “The Erbivore” Erb and “Nasty Nathan” Biller for the event. If any of you managed a spot in the pig out, let me know. I’m gonna be there with a wide-angle lens and wearing my Nathan’s cap.

Where Tre Wilcox Will Be Tomorrow Night

I am fortunate enough to be attending Evening at the Lake tomorrow, courtesy of People Newspapers. Looks to be a fun night, and Tre Wilcox is not only the honorary chair, he and his culinary services are a part of the live auction. I’d put a bid in if not only to beat him down with questions about this. And for some of his tasty Southern cooking, natch.

Tillman’s Roadhouse To Host “Food and Juice” Pairing

This just in from execuchef Dan “More Flavor is Never a Bad Thing” Landsberg: On Tuesday, May 20^th, Tillman’s will host a wine dinner with Guy Davis and his limited production of Russian River Valley wines. Menu and pairings after the jump. Limited to 20 peeps. $90 per person.  214-942-0988 for reservations. (more…)

Mostaccioli with a side of Modano

Here’s a nice alternative to your typical fried-cheese-chomping/draft-beer-chugging sports bar for tonight’s Stars/Red Wings game. Riccardi’s in Uptown is hosting a watching party in its lounge featuring $5 wells, bellinis, and margaritas. Afterwards, celebrate the game one win with–in my opinion–some of the best veal cannelloni in town. Great. Now I’m hungry.

Perry’s Is One Crabby Place

The honorable Travis Henderson II, of Perry’s would like the SideDish Nation to know he is receiving his first shipment of soft shell crabs from Maryland this Thursday. He will serving only “primes” and doing them sautéed or deep sautéed.

National Hot Dog Eating Contest Coming To Plano

I love this event and I challenge any of you big mouths out there to participate in the upcoming Nathan’s Famous International Hot Dog Eating Championship that will take place at Sam’s Club in Plano on June 21 from 11:00am to 1:00pm. The competition has been happening in Coney Island since 1916 and last year’s champion, Joey Chestnut (what a great name), ate 66 dogs in 12 minutes. The pig out was televised on ESPN. I want a member of the SideDish/FrontBurner Nation to bring the Yellow Mustard Belt to Dallas. Let me hear from you if you are serious. In the meantime, sign up here. (Mrs. Joey Chestnut has such a great ring to it.)

UPDATE: This event is a qualifying round for the big event that takes place on July 4 in Coney Island.

Friday Fun in Fort Worth

Last weekend I had the pleasure of driving to Fort Worth to witness the marriage of our own Julie Blacklidge. The reception was held at LightCatcher Winery . The wine and the facility were perfect for a late spring event. Anywhoo, the drive made me wonder why I don’t head to Fort Worth more often. Especially to the Modern Art Museum where they host a wide variety of activities all the time. The Café Modern isn’t just a typical museum sandwich shop, it is manned by a real female chef, Dena Peterson. On the first Friday of each month, you can experience live music, cocktails, and dinner at Café Modern with a docent-led, twenty minute tour of the galleries. I say go. Call now: 817-840-2157.

Bijoux Will Host Two Wine Dinners in May

I admit it, I’ve never been to Bijoux Restaurant in Inwood Village. The announcement after the jump gives me two good reasons to go. (more…)

Mother’s Day Recommendations

Don’t forget to check our list of Mother’s Day dining options here.

Rum for the Roses at Windmill Lounge

The folks over at Windmill Lounge will open early (3PM) this Saturday to allow ample time for libations before the Kentucky Derby. There will be a hat parade, large screen TVs, and complimentary biscuits with ham and gravy. Mint Juleps for one and all.

The Black Crows Set to Play Taste of Addison

The town of Addison will be rocking next weekend when the Taste of (Bill) Addison opens the doors at 5:00PM Friday May 9. Check out the website for all of the activities. Highlights? Pinkalicious: The Musical, Flair Bartending Exhibition, and a Saturday night performance by The Black Crows. Good, clean, cheap fun. Hit it, boys.

Dining Options for Mother’s Day

OK, kids. Jump for the press releases I have received for special Mother’s Day dining. Sure I copied and pasted them. Sure it’s not an exhaustive list. But it’s a dang good start. As I get more, I’ll add them If you have a better idea, post it in under comments. On your mark, get set, make reservations.

Update: More added! (more…)

Mother’s Day Recommendations TK

TK stands for many things. It’s a symbol on the NYSE for a company that provides marine services for liquefied gas and it’s the name of a vulgar rap (not wrap) singer. More importantly, it’s a little dealie we use around our office a lot. Our pals at Media Bistro describe it thusly:

TK: A place marker used in drafts of an article to indicate missing information. It’s short for tokum, which is the intentional misspelling of “to come,” as in “more info to come.”

Timmy uses it all the time in his work. Like he’ll turn in something that reads like this: “Jessica Simpson was spotted at TK before she headed over to TK and TK with TK.” Once he turns his copy in, it moves over to a fact checker who fills in the TKs by doing the actual reporting on the story. Nice, eh? Anywhoo, I explain all of this because I am compiling a list of options for mommies who deserve a break and a good meal come May 11. The list is TK. Like tomorrow. Or whenever the interns get finished with Timmy’s copy. If you have a favorite, feel free to pass it along.

Dallas Wine and Food Festival Starts Tonight

To kick start the five-day Dallas Wine and Food Festival, the Angelika Film Center & Cafe is screening the merlot-bashing movie Sideways along with a gourmet meal served before the movie. The highlight of the evening will be Chef Richard Chamberlain’s menu paired with a Castle Rock Pinot Noir and Chateau Bonnet Bordeaux. For the full festival schedule, follow the jump. Saturday’s highlights include a seminar on wines under $15 from the Dallas Morning News Wine Competition founder Rebecca Murphy and a sampling of Rieslings moderated by Dallas’ two Master Sommeliers Drew Hendricks and Barbara Werley.

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Libertine Bar to Offer Beer Dinner

 Looking for a break from the usual wine dinner? No? I realize it’s a hard habit to break–there is nothing like the scents of red fruits, pine forest, and cherries in a Merlot brushing up against a hunk of lamb in your mouth. Hmm, I’m hungry for love. Anywhoo, the good folks at Libertine are raising the bar on beer dinners. They are hosting an Itailan-inpsired dinner on May 5^th and the menu sounds delish. The full five-course meal is below, but a tip the toque to this item: Gouda-stuffed chicken scallopini with Alfreddo sauce on herbed orzo and peas paired with St. Arnold Brown Ale . A deal at $40. 214-824-7900.
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Lawry’s is More Than Seasoned Salt

I’ll bet that most of you have never even heard of Lawry’s Seasoned Salt, a super-secret concoction mixed up in 1938 at the original Lawry’s in Beverly Hills. My mother always had a big shaker of the stuff right beside the stove along with a bottle of Liquid Smoke and Kitchen Bouquet. But you obviously know the restaurant, Lawry’s The Prime Rib, because it’s been in business here for at least 25 years. Now they’re more than prime rib. They have a chef, Matt Melton, and he is doing all kinds of fancy-pants stuff like wine dinners. On April 25, he is whipping up a five-course dinner and pairing the courses with California Cabernets. The price is $99 and you can make reservations by calling 972-503-6688 or nbrosseit@Lawrysonline.com with California Dinner in the subject line. And don’t forget to pass the salt.

Unique Wine Decanters at Oak Lawn Gallery

Stop by the Xavier Zamarippa Gallery on Oak Lawn this Saturday to check out some creative wine decanters made by local artists. David Gappa with Vetro Glass Blowing Studio in Grapevine and Dallas artist Xavier Zamarripa have collaborated to create hand-blown glass decanters accented with unusual treatments such as petrified wood and slabs of stone. You’ll get a second chance to peruse the decanters in Grapevine on April 26 at the Vetro Glassblowing Studio. This show will also feature glass-blowing demonstrations. Xavier Zamarripa Gallery is located at 100 Oak Lawn Avenue at the corner of E. Levee Street.  Vetro Glassblowing Studio is located at 701 South Main Street #103. Both events are free and start at 6 p.m.

I’m a Pillsbury Bake-Off Slacker

OK, I know the Pillsbury Bake-Off was held in Dallas this week and I know I am a reporter in the food business and I should have been there. I could not make myself go. But DMN’s Michael Granberry did and he reports that the winner took home $1 million for her recipe for double-delight peanut butter cookies. Note to chefs: she used SIX ingredients. Hmm.

Update: Whoopsie, so did “Our Own” TG, she’s a frisky little baker herself.

Sign Up for an Intimate Look at the Dallas Farmers Market

Most Dallas chefs know about Thursday nights at the Dallas Farmers Market. That’s when a lot of the local producers bring in their crops to sell during the regular weekend hours of the market (Saturday and Sunday from 7 AM- 6PM) and they offer bulk pricing. On Thursday, June 5, the good folks over at Slow Food Dallas have teamed up with the Dallas Farmers Market Friends to host a “Moonlight Market Tour” from 8PM-10PM. I can’t think of a better way to learn all of the ins and outs of the Dallas Farmers Market. (RSVP no later than June 1, 2008 to Claudine Martyn at claudinemartyn@hotmail.com ) Also, if you aren’t a member of either Slow Foods or Farmers Market Friends, please consider becoming one. The Dallas foodie scene needs you. Plus, it’s fun and tastes good. Which is more than I can say about this, which is only fun.

Acoustic Grooves at Bluff Dale Vineyards

You might think that because it’s Monday, I’d want to save posts about weekend events until, say, Thursday at noon. Well a visit to Bluff Dale Vineyards, between Stephenville and Granbury, takes a little more planning than your average jaunt to Uptown for entertainment. If you’re one that can linger on a Texas highway on a lazy Sunday afternoon, then steer your wheels southwest. Every Sunday you can claim a spot on the porch overlooking vineyards and Texas countryside, grab a bottle of wine (try the Texas White or the Texas Cream Sherry), and listen to some good music. This Sunday’s headliner is Acoustic Blend, tradional bluegrass and old country. Oh, and did I mention it’s free? 1-4 p.m. Click here for contact info and directions.

Party On at the Garden Café

This Thursday from 6-8 PM, the Garden Café is hosting “A Strictly-For-Fun Gathering of Smart-Mouthed Fiction Writers and One Lucky Guitar, Trading Stories, and Songs. Writers in the Round: On Fiction, Truth, and Three Chords.” Translated: a wine and cheese reception with Austin singer/songwriter Trish Murphy, Dallas-based authors Will Clarke, Harry Hunsicker, and Melanie Wells. Sounds like a great night for songs and stories. Details after the jump. (more…)

Italian Food Biggies Set to Appear at Central Market

Lidia Bastianich, restaurateur, wine maker, author, TV personality, and more and such and beyond, will be at Dallas’ Central Market on May 2 with her son, Joe Bastianich, who is also a restaurateur, wine maker, and author. The event? A boo and bottle signing. Plus, 50 winners (see details below) will be invited to an intimate Italian wine and cheese tasting with the dynamic Italian duo. Certainly you know Lidia as the chef/owner of four New York City restaurants – Felidia, Becco, Esca, and Del Posto, and her five best-selling cookbooks. Or maybe you watch her PBS series, Lidia’s Italy. Joe, who is cute as a pizza pie, has partnered with orange-clogged chef Mario Batali and has received the James Beard Foundation’s Outstanding Wine and Spirits Professional award. Joe is also featured frequently as a wine expert on NBC’s Today Show. Want to know more? Jump.

UPDATE: See below (more…)

Special Dinner at York Street

Sharon Hage is putting on one of her great wine dinners at York Street. Better call soon. On April 16^th, she has invited Dan Heim from Roessler Cellars in Sonoma to give a little talk about the wineries fine Pinot Noirs and Chardonnay. Each wine is crafted from a single vineyard in different regions of California. Expect a wide range of flavors from the bottle and the kitchen—there will be six courses paired with six wines. A bargain at $120 per person, plus tax and tip. The name you need to know? Fana, 214-826-0968. Dial. Now.

Dallas Farmers Market Cooking Classes Announced

It’s hard to believe that this spring marks the 17^th year of cooking classes at the Dallas Farmers Market, but that is the reality, folks. And you’d better sign up fast—the lineup for the program, sponsored by the Dallas Farmers Market Friends and the good ol’ AIWF, is stellar. Lead-off hitter will be Kent Rathbun, who is taking some time off now that Abacus is closed for remodeling. (Believe me when I say that “time off” to Kent is not like “time off” to us. This dude never stops.) Anywhoo, Kent cooks on April 26^th and is followed the following Saturday by Kevin Maxey from Craft. The classes are held every Saturday from 11:30 AM until 1:00 PM. After Kevin, the classes include Jason Weaver (French Room), Tom Fleming (Central 214), and Scott Romano from Charlie Palmer at the Joule. For information, please call 214-653-8088. Ask about their special price packages. (Hey, this is a great Mother’s Day gift.)

Jimmy’s is Jumping

Paul DiCarlo of Jimmy’s Food Store just returned from Vinitaly in Verona and he’s busting to tell Dallas winos all about all things Italian wine. On April 17, for only $19, you can meet Alfonso Gagliano, the U.S. brand manager for Sella & Mosca (Sardinia) and Teruzzi & Puthod wineries (Tuscany), and taste some fabulous wines and nosh from a large antipasti buffet. The gig runs from 6:30-7:45PM. E-mail Paul, paul@jimmysfoodstore.com, for reservations and have him put you on his e-mail newsletter list. Meanwhile, I await Dallas’ own wine blogger Alfonso Cevola’s report from Vinitaly. I checked his site, but he’s taken it off the hook while in Italy. But read what’s up. Sounds like he’s on quite an Italian wine adventure.

Trolling for Salmon?

You don’t have to, the fisherman off the coast of Alaska are doing it for you and Park Cities Prime is now serving wild Alaskan red troll salmon for a limited time. No, the trolling line isn’t red, the salmon is and it’s well-priced at $43. Call 214-691-7763 for availability.

Free Shrimp on Saturday

Well, sorta. The good folks at TJ’s Seafood Market in Preston Forest are joining forces with the good folks at Crush Wine Shop on Knox for a shrimp and wine tasting. For only $10 you can taste five wines (plus a full glass of your favorite) and sample some of the best shrimp in town. All wines offered for tasting will be 10% off the regular retail price.

Watch a Movie. Get a Cheap Drink.

Anyone with an AFI ticket, when thirsty, should head to the Fish Sushi Bar.Lounge, conveniently located across the street from the Magnolia Hotel. Moviegoers can enjoy $3 and $5 hot sakes, $2 draft beers, $3 wells, and $2 off wine until midnight Thursday–Saturday and until 11 pm on Sunday. Good films. Good times.

North Texas Wine Update: LightCatcher Releases 2007 Unoaked Chardonnay

LightCatcher Winery in Fort Worth is the place to be this weekend. This Sunday is the winery’s oh-so-relaxing Jazz Sunday (We gave it a Best of Big D nod in 2006). You can sit back on the patio, listen to The Rhett Butler Trio, order some tasty nosh, and  a bottle of the 2007 LightCatcher Chardonnay ($26). Winemaker Caris Turpen just released this bright gem last weekend. It’s unoaked, which means you won’t taste any buttery vanilla notes in this Chardonnay. I had the pleasure of sampling a bit straight from the tank and can say that you’ll love this wine with salads, fish, and anything with a hint of lemon. Click here for directions. Jazz Sunday is from 4-7 p.m. and is $10 per person.

Canary Café Offers Mid-Week Special

Full disclosure: Canary Café, in Addison, is one of the restaurants that I frequent when I eat on my own dime. I love the food, especially the fried catfish served with a grilled avocado half. Chef-owner Mansour Gorji is always in the kitchen and the simple dining room is full of regulars. He doesn’t know me; I get no special treatment. He treats everyone the same. I bring this up because I think one of the best little restaurants in town just got a little better: every Tuesday and Wednesday in April from 5-9:30 PM, Chef Gorji will offer a three-course dinner for $30 (tax & gratuity not included). Choices include an appetizer of hummus, gazpacho salad, and an entrée of pan-seared tilapia over puttanesca sauce or grilled pork chop. Plus, he’ll knock 25% off of his Mediterranean wine. I call that a bargain, (hit it, Freckle Face) one of the best I’ve ever had. 972-503-7080.

Green Thumbs Unite!

Dang, I just planted my herb garden last week, but I’m sure I did it all wrong. Again. Each year my basil grows tall and thin and tastes bitter while my parsley stays yellow and weepy. However, the lemon oregano cascades beautifully down the side of the planter box. I should probably figure out how to use it, eh? Anywhoo, I am going to take time out of my busy farming schedule to hit Central Market’s Herb Fest on Saturday, April 5, when the one, the only, and still very much alive Neil Sperry will be in the Dallas store to talk about planting and growing herbs. I’m so glad because this year I’ve decided to branch out and grow tomatoes, garlic, and peppers. Perhaps even a little of this which I hear can be pretty tricky to manage. Central Market’s Herb Fest runs April 4-6. BYOL.

Drink and Dine for a Good Cause

Dining Out in Dallas will host its annual fund raising event “Battle of the Chefs” on April 2 from 6:30 to 10:00 PM. And from the looks of the invitation, it looks like it will be a mosh pit of chefs competing for the best grub of the night. So far they have 40 chefs participating. Check it out here. Individual tickets are only $50 and all proceeds benefit the Texas Neurofibromatosis Foundation.

Aspen Is Just Around the Corner

Well, it’s actually in the mountains of Colorado but since Tim Rogers never reads SideDish I don’t have to worry about his heavy editing. Anywhoo, I’ve just made my plans for the annual Food & Wine Classic which takes place at the base of Ajax Mountain every June. This year it runs June 13-15^th and loads of folks from Dallas are going. But the biggest deal will be the Texas Outlaw Party that takes place at Kenichi on Friday the 13^th. That’s when you get to see all the national whoopteedoos try to get into our all-things-Texas party. Jacques Pepin and his daughter Claudine are always there. (They are both lovely people in spite of their fame.) Mario Batali and Drew Nieporent have attended. But this year I’m hoping to bump into the former Mrs. Salman Rushdie, Padma Lakshmi. I’d like to trade recipes for success with her. I don’t get her foodie deal. At all.

Benefit at The Meridian Room

The folks at Meridian Room are hosting a benefit for bartender David Allor, who was diagnosed with brain cancer late last year. The event takes place Saturday, April 5 with a suggested cover of $20. The evening’s festivities include a silent auction, live music (Speedtrucker, Murmur, Trey Johnson of Sorta, and others), and dirt cheap burgers and hot dogs on the back patio. Good cause for a great guy.

The Easter Bunny Is Almost Here

Still haven’t bought any Easter treats for this weekend? Well, as long as you pop into Celebrity Bakery for some iced bunny sugar cookies, cupcakes, or petit fours, your kids won’t be disappointed. (And we all know how you hate to disappoint your children.)

Spring Into Spring

Fingers crossed for good weather on the evening of April 17, when the Crescent Complex presents its second annual springtime festival, Crescent Spring Celebration, benefiting Big Thought. Tickets are $75 and entirely tax deductible. So it’s, like, a no-brainer. Read on for highlights of the soiree:
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Watch the Mavs at Brooklyn

Tonight’s a big game. Mavs. Lakers. Time for Jason Kidd to step up. Hoop it up at Brooklyn Jazz Cafe for a Mavs watching party at 7:30pm. Enjoy $2 wells, $1.75 drafts and $4 pitchers (domestic only– Hello, Lone Star!), and 1/2 price appetizers. Plus, 10 percent food discount for customers wearing Brooklyn apparel. Yeah. I don’t get that last one either.

Dinner And Down Under

The Grape execuchef/owner Brian C. Luscher is throwing a wine dinner party on March 30^th, and it’s a bargain at $45 per person. He will feature a 3-course menu which will be paired with wines from Australia distributed by the friendly folks at Grateful Palate Imports. Hopefully they’ll pour some of one of my favorites–Bitch Wine. It’s a hefty old broad made with 100% Grenache and an alcoholic content of 14.7. You can make reservations by calling 214-828-1981 or visiting the website. Oh, and just so you know, Luscher hosts a wine dinner the last Sunday of every month. (And I hear the Sunday brunch is a bitch too!)

Andrew Ormsby Goes All Argentinean On Us

The last time I saw Andrew Ormsby, he was sitting outside of a tent working a high society wedding that he was catering. I asked him how his business was going and he said very calmly, and I’m paraphrasing here, “Pretty good. I have 20 other events tonight.” He didn’t even mention his restaurant Tucker, a cozy spot with a great patio near downtown. Anywhoo, today comes word that Mr. O has just returned from the Masters of Food and Wine, South America festival in Mendoza, Argentina and he’s all inspired to recreate some of the magic he experienced. On April 19, he will team with wine importer, Stewart E. Elliott, Jr., of Bottled Poetry Imports for an Argentine asado in the courtyard of Tucker Restaurant. The evening will highlight a selection of dishes inspired by the feasts that Argentines enjoy in their traditional family asado, paired with a selection of wine and, according to Mr. O, “will reveal the flavors and qualities distinctive of Argentina in a five-course seated dinner featuring eight unique wines, and tell the story of why these men find Argentina both mystical and mesmerizing.” (I love a good food story.) Food Network celebuchef Andrew Shotts will create a speical dessert. All this excitement for only $130 per person. 214-389-1313 for reservations. Twenty parties in one night? That man is crazy.

Latour To Land in Dallas

Francophiles should head to Hotel St. Germain on April 7 for the Maison Louis Latour Wine Dinner. Louis Fabrice Latour, seventh-generation proprietor of the famous Burgundy winery, will be there to introduce each of the five wines paired with a meal from chef Chad Martin: Latour Simonet Ferre, Latour Chablis 2005, Latour Chassagne Montrachet 2005, Latour Santenay Rouge 2004, Latour Gevrey Chambertin 2005. If you can’t go to France, then France will come to you.

Rijsttafel? You Want Rijsttafel?

It may be too late to RSVP, but the Holland Club of Dallas is holding their annual rijsttafel tasting event tonight at the Holiday Inn in Richardson. The food will be prepared by the members, sort of a pot-luck rijsttafel. Stephen, you want to zoken? We’d all love to read a report. More on this tasty smorgasbord of goodies later. In the mean time, you can sample Dutch delights at Cafe Rembrandt.

Jimmy’s Annual Wine Sale

Yipeee! It’s time for Jimmy’s semi-annual 20% off wine special. They’ll open early (8:00 a.m. Saturday and also open on Sunday (wine sales after 12:00 p.m.) for this glorious event. Have you been eyeing a pricey Barolo? Now is the time to give it a try. Also on Saturday, Miss Christy will be pouring wines from Banfi from 12:00 until 3:00 p.m. 4901 Bryan at Fitzhugh. 214-823-6180. Be sure and tell Paul you want to be on their e-mail list.

Easter, New Orleans-style

If you love New Orleans—and Harry Connick Jr. thanks you for that—then make your reservations now for the Hotel St. Germain Easter brunch. Eggs Benedict, shrimp cocktail with remoulade, beef tenderloin, quiche, crepes, and oysters Rockefeller are just a few items on the buffet table, all enjoyed in the dining room overlooking the pretty garden. Cost is $55 per person.

Texas Wines At The Dallas Contemporary

The Texas Department of Agriculture and The Wine & Food Foundation of Texas will present “Set A Course For Texas Wines,” a tasting event that will spotlight the best of Texas wines, foods, and popular chefs on March 31 at Dallas Contemporary. Tickets are only $40 (available here) and all proceeds benefit The Wine & Food Foundation of Texas.

Easter at the Fairmont Hotel

Thank goodness Easter is coming up, or we might not have enough food events to blog about. Anyhoo, the Fairmont Hotel has two seatings that Sunday: 11 am and 1:30 pm. In addition to the spread, the hotel promises dazzling ice carvings, live piano music, and an Easter egg hunt for the kiddos. Check out the menu: (more…)

Springtime Sake

We’ve talked before about Sushisamba’s Sushi & Sake 101 classes. Sommelier Monica Samuels guides diners through a sake primer (production notes, food pairings, etc.) and then Sushisamba’s exec chef shows the class how to construct a sushi roll. The class is fun and great date night material. The March and April classes, however, offer a special sip: the chance to sample two special namazakes, unpasteurized sake that’s young and brash in flavor. Sounds like a nice springtime buzz.

Dinner, On the Rocks

Apparently we have a lot of scotch drinkers in Dallas. Lawry’s The Prime Rib is hosting a scotch dinner featuring five single-malt scotches and five courses from executive chef Matt Melton on Friday, March 28. But you won’t get in because it’s sold out. Never fear! They’ve added another, on Saturday, March 29. Thank goodness. Read on for the menu—and believe me when I tell you that you should go simply for the grilled halloumi cheese. I first had it at York Street on my 30th birthday (I refuse to say how long ago that was), and I still dream about it. (more…)