Articles about Gifts
Father’s Day Gifts For Dad….Wine and Spirits Style
Dad loves the traditional tie, grill accessories, Home Depot gift card or simply enjoying a home cooked meal with his kids, however….a nice bottle of wine or great bottle of scotch could also make dad a very happy man on his special day. Show him you love him with one of these ideas, many just becoming available in Dallas now. A few gift selections were sent for editorial consideration.
My dad is a tequila lover….pretty much any kind of tequila he will drink, whether he is sipping it slow or shooting it fast, a good tequila is hard to beat. The nice thing is, especially in Dallas, our liquor stores are stocked with bottles of great silver or aged tequila like Herradura Seleccion Suprema Tequila Extra Anejo, Casa Noble Crytstal Tequila, and my favorite Reposado tequila from Milagro. Milagro Select Barrel Reposado Tequila is triple distilled in small batched from 100% estate grown blue agave and then aged 10 months in French oak barrels creating a smooth spirit filled with notes of cinnamon, orange peel and vanilla. A delicious tequila to sip on its own, maybe adding just a cube of ice or a touch of water to help round out the flavor. The presentation is beautiful as well, perfect for gifting, as the bottle contains a glass agave plant inside, emphasizing the pure agave flavor contained in the spirit. Retail price on the Reposado is around $55. Continue reading "Father’s Day Gifts For Dad….Wine and Spirits Style"
Giveaway: Two Tickets to Central Market’s Cooking Class with Matt and Ted Lee on Tuesday, May 14
The Lee Bros. (from countryliving.com)
Everyone keeps telling me how cute and adorable the Lee brothers really are, so part of me wants to keep these two free tickets to Central Market’s cooking class for myself. Matt and Ted Lee, the hosts of The Cooking Channel’s Unique Eats, are also the authors of their new cookbook, The Lee Bros. Charleston Kitchen. Did I mention that you get a free copy of the cookbook along with the two tickets? Yeah, let me stress that again: two tickets to see the Lee brothers + a free cookbook. Happy Friday, y’all.
The class is on Tuesday, May 14, from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. at the Central Market on Lovers Lane. I’m thinking these tickets might be a great surprise for a mom (or anyone, really) who loves to cook. Whatdyathink? I’m closing this contest off at 5 p.m. today. People who are interested in this $160 value should fill out the form below.
The winner, who I’ll email at 5, will get two tickets put on will call at Central Market.
Jump for it NOW. Continue reading "Giveaway: Two Tickets to Central Market’s Cooking Class with Matt and Ted Lee on Tuesday, May 14"
3 Comments »Giveaway: A Pair of Tickets to Savor the Arboretum This Sunday, March 17
photography by Elizabeth Lavin
Alright, folks. Savor Dallas is happening this weekend (Thursday through Sunday) and the lineup/schedule/whatever you call it looks ahhhmazing. This year, they’ve added a few new events: Savor Trinity Groves, Wine Stroll at the Perot, and Savor the Arboretum. This is, of course, in addition to the usual Wine Panel Tasting Seminar, Global Wine and Cheese Celebration, Reserve Tasting (sold out), and International Grand Tasting (always fun).
If you haven’t bought tickets yet, I’d do so, like, NOW. Tickets are running out every second. Somewhere, someone else is pressing the “Buy Tickets” button and creating a slimmer chance for you to have the best. weekend. of. your. life.
The Dallas Arboretum is being extremely generous by giving away a pair of tickets to its Savor the Arboretum event on Sunday, March 17, from 6 to 8 p.m. They’re calling it an “upscale St. Patrick’s Day celebration.” I guess it is, since everything there is sorta green.
Delight in the breathtaking beauty of spring as you stroll through the garden sampling premium wines, beers and spirits. You will also enjoy delectable food samplings from some of Dallas’s finest kitchens. You will receive your own crystal tasting glass as a memento of this wonderful evening in the garden. Proceeds from this evening will go to support the Education Department at the Dallas Arboretum.
Each ticket to Savor the Arboretum is actually worth $65, so a pair is valued at $130. Wowza. The Arboretum is saving you quite a sum of money. You interested? Tell us your favorite wine memory of all time in the comments below. (Credit goes to Liz for coming up with this prompt.) I’ll choose a winner on Thursday, March 14 at 5 p.m.
What To Drink Now: Wine That Is Guaranteed To Impress
Whether you are shopping for your in-laws, your boss, your sweetie, or giving yourself a great holiday prize, these will pack an impressive punch and please any palate. Here are a few of my favorite wines ideal for pairing with everything from the holiday ham to crown roast to a gorgeous beef tenderloin. A few selections were sent for editorial consideration.
Raise a hat to winemakers who hail from our great state, though may not make their delicious juice with in Texas. Like Dallasites Craig and Ambassador Kathryn Hall of Hall Wines in Napa Valley. Year in and Year out their Cabernet Sauvignon consistently delivers great taste, style and elegance with just the right balance of fruit with leather and cedar notes. Another winery from Dallas residents Dr. Clay and Brenda Cockerell continues to grow their portfolio, creating interesting, balanced and beautiful wines from Calistoga, CA in their Coquerel Family Wines portfolio. They recently introduced a plum and spice filled Merlot and steely Chardonnay into the portfolio, already containing Bordeaux style Sauvignon Blanc, Petite Sirah and Verdelho. Texas natives Adam and Dianna Lee, owners and winemakers for Siduri in Sonoma Valley continue to rake in the ratings as each bottle of their varietally correct Pinot Noir from fruit sourced throughout California and Oregon packs an incredible punch of fruit forward and balanced flavor. On a recent visit to Willamette Valley a visit to Alexana, the sister winery to Napa Valley’s Revana and owned by Houston based cardiologist Dr. Revana proved to be one of the high points of the trip, tasting earthy, layered and mineral rich Pinot Noir from Oregon’s Dundee Hills. I expected nothing less as Dr. Revana’s Napa Cabs are also some of the best around. Continue reading "What To Drink Now: Wine That Is Guaranteed To Impress"
2012 Holiday Gift Guide: Celebrate With Jams and Pickles Made in DFW
Every year on SideDish, we like to devote our energy to supporting small local food businesses here in DFW. For the twelve days, we’ll be highlighting jams, jellies, pies, classes, wines, coffees, teas, and basically any food product made locally on Dallas (or close to it) soil. Today is Everything-That-Comes-In-A-Jar Day. If you’ve got a product that you want included, send me an email with your information and a picture. This list will often be updated, so don’t fret about deadlines. We’re here to serve you guys.
from JJ&B
JJ&B by Kathy Neumuller
If you haven’t tried Kathy’s jellies, jams, and butters, your life is incomplete. I say this with perfect seriousness. My favorite is the toasted pecan pepper jam. You should get that one.
Kathy has a little reminder for you guys: “In addition to individual jars of jam and gift packs (3 jars, any mix of flavors, for $25), we have a gift crate which sells for $35 (photo attached), and we do custom gift baskets (a sample photo attached – contents vary by order).”
Continue reading "2012 Holiday Gift Guide: Celebrate With Jams and Pickles Made in DFW"
4 Comments »What To Drink and Buy Now: Gifts for the Wine, Food, and Spirits Lover
Looking for a few unique gifts for the person on your list who has everything? Consider one of these beautiful ideas that will please even the most finicky friends.
Earlier this year famed photographer Annie Leibovitz lent her talents to The Macallan’s Masters of Photography Series to create unique, limited production single cask whiskies now being released by The Macallan. There are four photographs capturing Scottish actor Kevin McKidd sips The Macallan, probably thoughtfully remembering his time as a young man when he worked at the distillery. 1000 bottles will be sold through December, costing about $2500 a bottle, a beautiful gift for the scotch lover and collector in your life. Continue reading "What To Drink and Buy Now: Gifts for the Wine, Food, and Spirits Lover"
Upcoming Opportunties to Taste and Buy
We are in full holiday mode, so give yourself a little holiday merriment with a taste or two when you’re purchasing gifts for your loved ones. Here are a few ideas to taste this weekend and next.
Tonight from 5p-8p at Sigel’s on Greenville they will host an engraving event featuring Johnny Walker, Grey Goose and Jack Daniels bottles available for personalization, and special selections are on sale also. Also all weekend at the Greenville location of Sigel’s ALL WINE is on sale for 20% off…all wine…everything from Miner to Neyers, to Chateau Montelena to Chateau Cheval Blanc. Only at the Greenville location and only for this weekend. If you can’t make it to the engraving event tonight it will also happen tomorrow at the Fitzhugh location from 5p-8p. Continue reading "Upcoming Opportunties to Taste and Buy"
What To Drink and Buy Now: Gifts That Give Back
Isn’t it great when you can give a gift that will both delight the recipient and give back to some great causes? Here are a few ideas that are sure to do just that, some of which were sent for editorial consideration.
Fonseca Bin 27 Limited Edition Artisit Series for Waterkeeper Alliance. Fonseca Bin 27 Reserve Ruby Port was first created over a century ago and is today known as a leader in utilizing sustainable practices throughout the process of making their port. Their partnership with Waterkeeper Alliance, an organization dedicated to preserving clean waterways, and cleaning them up, for safe waters to drink, fish and swim in. This year’s artist series label features Portuguese graphic artist Sebastião Rodrigues (1929-1997) who focused on traditional graphic depictions in his work. The image is of a fisherman on the Douro River, a key port of trade for port for centuries. The bottle is available through December. Fonseca will donate $15,000 to Waterkeeper Alliance to help maintain clean waterways throughout the world. Continue reading "What To Drink and Buy Now: Gifts That Give Back"
Call For Local Foods
This holiday season we would like to support our local food businesses. Carol and I are compiling a Local Food Gift Guide for SideDish. The post will be dedicated to spotlighting those who make food-related items one can purchase for gifts or serve at a gathering. If you make jelly, jam, chocolate, aprons, coffee cake, ham, table linen, turkey, casseroles, wine openers, olive oil, brownies or any other groovy food item, send Carol an email (carol.shih@dmagazine.com) with your information and a picture if you have one. Only products made in the DFW area or close by.
Giveaway: A Pair of Tickets to the Beaujolais & Beyond Wine Festival on November 30
Happy Back-To-Work Day for all of you! To alleviate your sadness, we’re giving away two pairs of tickets to the 29th annual Beaujolais & Beyond Wine Festival on November 30, which takes place inside the Irving Convention Center at 7 p.m. It’s a festival celebrating French and American vintages with cancans, caricatures, French music, and mimes. Eat (small bites from places like Boulevardier and Cadot, just to name a few). Drink (wines from Bourdeaux and Rhone Valley). And make merry on a Friday night, like all you vinos know how to do.
To enter this giveaway, tell us your favorite French wine in the comments below. We’ll pick a winner on Wednesday at noon, and that lucky person’s name will be placed at will call.
Jump to find out more.
SideDish Giveaway: $100 Theodent Toothpaste Made From Chocolate
Theodent toothpaste (photo by Carol Shih)
This post is brought to you by SideDish, where we care about your dental hygiene. – Liz Johnstone
Sometimes Jason, the Web Editor, gets weird packages. One time he received this horrible Monarch butterfly book that I’m sure he’s never read. Yesterday, in the mail, Jason received two tubes of (what he likes to call) “toothpaste from the Gods.” The brand is Theodent. If you study Theodent’s website carefully, you’ll notice that the black box of toothpaste is priced at $10, which is not-too-outrageously priced. But the white box of toothpaste, called Theodent 300, is worth $99.99. We all know that those nines are mere trickery. This toothpaste costs a one hundred dollars. In total, both tubes are worth $110.
Jason’s a Crest kind-of-guy, so he doesn’t really need toothpastes made from diamonds and topped with real gold caps. That is why we are giving these toothpastes away! The box claims that Theodent toothpastes use a “non-toxic revolutionary new additive to toothpaste” that’s found in a “compound that occurs naturally in chocolate.” Whatever this compound is, I hope it tastes like chocolate made by an emperor’s baby soft hands.
So here’s the fun part: To enter the giveaway, tell us the most ridiculous thing you’ve ever spent $100 on. I will pick one random winner from the comments below and send that winner an email. The contest officially closes on Wednesday, September 25, at 4 p.m.
Jump and read Krista Nightengale’s review of the toothpaste.
Continue reading "SideDish Giveaway: $100 Theodent Toothpaste Made From Chocolate"
35 Comments »What to Drink Now: Dad’s Day Wine
Still looking for the perfect prize to tell dad how much you love him?
Select Sigel’s locations have a plethora of stunning Cabernet Sauvignon on sale today through the 16th that would show any dad how much you care. The selection is amazing! From 99 point Colgin and Harlan to silky, lush 98 point Eisele from Araujo Estate in Napa, to favorite go-to wines from Joseph Phelps, Cade, Lail and Shafer. Email Jasper Russo (jrusso@sigels.com) or Randy McLaughlin (rmclaughlin@sigels.com) to confirm availability at your favorite Sigel’s location.
If dad likes something a little more unusual, consider a varietal or a region that is not as mainstream, but definitely delicious. A few selections were sent for editorial consideration.
Col Solare, perched in Washington’s Red Mountain region produces their extraordinary Cabernet based blend using grapes from throughout Columbia Valley. Their latest release, the 2008, is filled with intense aromas of ripe, black fruit with dusty earthiness, tobacco and leather with a full body and long, velvety finish.
Washington State is also known for producing incredible Merlot and Northstar is one of the wineries in the area that does it best. Their 2008 Walla Walla Merlot shows how elegant and expressive Merlot can be with layers of spice, chocolate, caramel and ripe red berries on the palate with subtle hints of earthiness. Delicious with roast lamb and grilled meats. Continue reading "What to Drink Now: Dad’s Day Wine"
1 Comment »What To Drink Now: Dad’s Day
Father’s Day is this Sunday so if you haven’t decided on the perfect gift to show your dad how special he is, give him what you know he will love – spirits. And there are many unique options that are sure to please even the most distinguished palate. Here are a few ideas to consider.
The Macallan Single Malt Scotch will please any dad, whether it be the 10 year or 30 year, dad will know you care. The ideal way to enjoy any aged Macallan is either neat or over ice, but the scotch is so good you don’t want it to get watered down. Now you can enjoy your 18 year with a single sphere of ice, similar to the ice Macallan’s ice ball machine creates for their scotch….this one won’t cost you $1000 though. You can find Tovolo Sphere Ice Molds at Sur la table for just over $10, pair with a bottle of Macallan and dad is set.
I am completely in love with the 1888 from Brugal, aged first in American oak barrels then in Sherry casks, creating a spicy, caramel and toffee filled rum delicious served neat or with a few ice cubes. If your dad is a scotch lover, especially a Macallan sherry cask lover, they are sure to enjoy the 1888.
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4 Comments »What To Drink and Buy Now: Newton Vineyard and the Puzzle Tray
Newton's The Puzzle Tray available at The Nest
Last week, winemaker Chris Millard of Newton Vineyard visited Dallas with artists Stephanie Tharp and Bruce Tharp, PhD., the husband-and-wife team behind the stunning eco-chic Puzzle Tray (just introduced by the winery and currently sold at The Nest). The idea behind this piece, which is as functional as it is beautiful, came several years ago when Newton started to partner with various artists who believe and work with the same principles of sustainability, ecology, and functionality as they do. Continue reading "What To Drink and Buy Now: Newton Vineyard and the Puzzle Tray"
1 Comment »Where to Get a Taste of Mardi Gras in Dallas
Atchafalaya with crawfish étouffée from the Alligator Cafe. Photography by Kevin Hunter Marple.
Cajun food is soul food. There’s nothing better than chowing down on a bowl of gumbo or crawfish etouffee that makes your insides feel warm and gooey – which is exactly how I spent Mardi Gras in New Orleans last year. I ate fried oyster po’ boys and laughed at all the drunk people. I scarfed down beignets at 2 am sitting next to a table of old grandmas wearing inappropriate clothing for their age. And mine, for that matter. Since you can’t get the whole Mardi Gras experience here in Dallas (and let’s face it, who doesn’t like watching debauchery sometimes?), here’s where you should go to get a taste:
Jump for some Cajun cravings
Continue reading "Where to Get a Taste of Mardi Gras in Dallas"
Central Market Debuts New Online Store: 20+ Tasty Gift Boxes, Available 24/7
When I contacted Central Market this morning for an update on their Preston Royal store, I was told there was a press release going out today. It just arrived. Since I have to work at my real job this afternoon, I’m going to copy and paste it.
Wondering how to send a sweet gift – without going to the store? Know a college student hungry for snacks before finals or have a homesick Texan who needs a pick-me-up? Looking for unique ideas for holiday gift giving? Get ready to ship delicious treats from Central Market – just by shopping on the web!
Oh My God! Continue reading "Central Market Debuts New Online Store: 20+ Tasty Gift Boxes, Available 24/7"
1 Comment »Nine Things To Know About Dallas’ Best Bartender, Danny Versfelt
The best bartender in Dallas. Photo by Courtney Egelston.
When D named this year’s best bartender in Dallas, we didn’t judge based on who could mix up a drink the fastest or who amazed us with Tom Cruise in Cocktail style tricks. We said Danny Versfelt was the best in town because he’s the kind of guy who will get to know you, beyond just what you’re drinking. Since Danny V. gets to know so many of you, we thought you ought to know some things about him, beyond just how well he prepares your drink.
Where you’ll find him
Al Biernat’s on Oak Lawn. He’ll be behind the bar every Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday night starting at 4 p.m. and Wednesday during the day. Picture what you think a friendly Irish Catholic guy with some 25 years of Dallas bartending experience would look like and that’s him. Or just look at his photo.
His bartending mantra is…
That the bartender is the host of the party. Someone told it to him in his second year of bartending and it’s stuck in his head ever since. As the host, he’s got to make sure everyone feels welcome and satisfied. He circulates, making conversation and filling glasses, not for patrons, but for guests.
He’s got more to say.
Continue reading "Nine Things To Know About Dallas’ Best Bartender, Danny Versfelt"
10 Comments »Feed the Hungry While Spoiling Yourself Rotten
From now through next Friday (March 11) the North Texas Food Bank will be receiving 25 percent of purchases made with The A-List’s “Spoiled for Good” Program. In a fundraising partnership between the two entities, NTFB will receive a quarter of the proceeds when A-Listers purchase discounted gift certificates at foodie and spa citywide. Snatch up certificates for Arcodoro & Pomodoro, Sake Balm, Lavendou, Chill Bubble Tea, Al Biernat’s, Rex’s Fresh Seafood, La Fiorentina, Learning Express, Daddy Jack’s, Skin SpaMed, and more as the week progresses. Gift certificates will be good for 6 months, so there’s no rush to use them tomorrow.
Given that the NTFB serves 307 agencies in 13 North Texas counties (and that 94 cents of each dollar raised goes directly towards hunger relief) the second-hand benefits will be felt all over this part of the state.
For more info about the program or to purchase gift certificates, visit Spoiled for Good and start putting your self-indulgence dollars toward the greater good.
Holiday Gifts Part 4 – Personalized Spirits from Sigel’s
If you have a spirits fan that you still need a holiday gift for head over to Sigel’s today and tomorrow for some personalized gifts. Mainly on Thursday at the Greenville location for etched bottles of Knob Creek Bourbon. This is a favorite and one we pour often at home – pick it up for a deal and with a special etched personalization from 6-8pm. Full details from Sigel’s below.
1 Comment »Gentleman Jack Rare Tennessee Whiskey
Tasting and Bottle Engraving
Wednesday, December 22nd, 5pm – 8pm
Sigel’s - Uptown (3209 N. Fitzhugh)
“Personalize your Gift this year”
Holiday Special – $27.99 , Reg. 31.99Knob Creek Bourbon
Custom Bottle Engraving
Thursday, December 23rd, 6pm – 8pm
Sigel’s - (57578 Greenville Ave.)
“make your gift unique with a custom engraving”
Holiday Special – $29.99, Reg. 33.99Grey Goose Vodka
Tasting & Bottle Engraving
Thursday, December 23rd, 1pm – 4pm
Sigel’s - Addison ( 15003 Inwood Rd.)
“Custom engrave your holiday message”
Holiday Special – $28.99, Reg. 33.99
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