Articles about Go local

Sylvan | Thirty Announces its Newest Restaurant Tenant: The Trough

trough

photo by Desiree Espada

Remarkable news just hit my inbox. Sylvan | Thirty, the West Dallas mixed-use development that finally broke ground on March 21, is getting a new restaurant tenant. It’s going to be called The Trough.

I know what you all are thinking, because it’s exactly what I’m thinking. “Trough? What the heck is a trough?! Why would someone ever name their restaurant after an animal feeder?”

Good 2 Go Tacos and ACME F&B owners, Colleen O’Hare and Jeana Johnson, are all about sourcing from local farms, whole animal allocation, and bringing simple and fresh ingredients to the table. “We want our guests to experience how ‘real food’ is supposed to taste like, but we want to do it with a funky twist,” says Johnson. They plan to open a restaurant that has two full-service bars with several intimate dining rooms and seating options. Plan B Design group will be creating imaginative rooms that range from the upscale to rustic. “Basically, we want everybody to feel comfortable. We want everyone to feel at home, no matter if they’re wearing jeans or a designer dress that costs $500.”

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Joel Salatin Rocked Urban Acres’ Steward’s Dinner

Mr. Salatin signing a book

Mr. Salatin signing a book

On Tuesday night, Urban Acres partnered with Joel Salatin (the monumentally celebrated sustainable farmer and author from Virginia) and some pretty awesome local chefs to present a Steward’s Dinner at Four Cornery Brewery. We entered through the makeshift barn doors and an immediate wave of camaraderie passed over us. Everyone there was passionate about food. The Brewery – with its wide open warehouse space, bright metallic brewing containers, and beer posters adorning the walls – was filled with many attractive, clean faces. I don’t know if it’s because these people eat so well or maybe Urban Acres has a Handsome Clause in its member selection, but the room was brimming with good breeders. It seemed as though we were all on some magical food team together and couldn’t wait to share our encouragement and passion for sustainable living practices.

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Plano Farmers Market Debuts on April 20 at Fairview Farms

Heyyyy, suburb area north of Dallas. You’re getting kinda cool these days. New restaurants are opening, and you already have the Coppell Farmers Market, which – let’s be honest – is one of the best farmers markets in DFW. (I could be biased.) Anyways, now that Plano is opening its own farmers market, I’m easily becoming a mega fan of yours.

I think we owe it to Kari Gates, the Collin County Farmers Market chairman, who organized this whole shebang. According to Pegasus News, Gates worked diligently to get Plano’s city council members on board with her plan “that would allow the market to operate while protecting the health of our customers.” Thanks to Gates, small businesses and farmers will get a chance to show the Collin County world what they have to offer. Fairview Farms at 3314 N. Central Expressway, which is one of the original markets in North Texas, will be the site of 40 different vendors on grand opening day.

“The focus of the market is on Texas-grown produce and meats together with locally made products centered around a family and community center where folks can learn about green and healthy living,” Gates said (in the press release). “We’re also looking for sponsorships from corporate partners and local businesses to help make this endeavor successful’” she added.

The CCFM plans to have pony rides, face painting, musical entertainment, and a bounce house on market days. Fun for the whole family.

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2012 Holiday Gift Guide: Celebrate With Gifts That Give Back

Every year on SideDish, we like to devote our energy to supporting small local food businesses here in DFW. For 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 Gifts That Give Back 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.

Granola From Impact Foods

Ben Hurt and Blaine Iler of Impact Foods are doing a little extra something this holiday. It’s pretty incredible. “This year, give the gift of making an impact with our friends at Impact Foods. The local granola company feeds a child for every bag they sell – but this year they are doubling the impact you can make. During the month of December, Impact Foods will be feeding two children for every bag sold. Impact granola can be purchased at Whole Foods, Eatzi’s, Urban Acres, Oak Lawn Coffee as well as online at Artizone and Abe’s Market.”

If you haven’t read these boys’ story and journey, read Iris’ interview with them here.

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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).”

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Gina’s Organic Kitchen Delivers Healthy Food Right to Your Door

Asparagus mushroom tofu quiche (from ginasok.com)

About nine years ago, Gina Paterno Villalobos was diagnosed with high-risk breast cancer. To combat the disease, she completely changed her diet and turned to organic whole foods. She witnessed amazing results.

After training at the Kushi Institute Center for Natural Healing and getting certified at the Natural Gourmet Institute for Food & Health, Villalobos is now known as The Organic Coach in Whole Foods circles. This week, she opened Gina’s Organic Kitchen, which delivers to your home or office food that is both tasty and healthy. The best thing about it? Her food truck used to be an old SWAT ambulance.

“This is a way of being able to impact more people and make more of a difference in people’s lives,” says Villalobos. She puts it very simply: “All people have to do is order and eat.” Right now, she’s delivering to the Preston Hollow, Uptown, and Knox-Henderson areas, but plans for expansion are underway. Guests can also pick-up food or sit down at Gina’s commissary kitchen at 10870 Plano Road in Dallas to eat. Villalobos hopes to have a storefront and dine-in location open early 2013.

“I think Dallas is ready for healthy,” Villalobos says.

So, there you have it, Dallas mommies. Dinner just got easier. There’s no need to cook when you have Gina’s Organic Kitchen around. For first time customers, Villalobos suggests trying the springy sweet pea soup, wheatberry delight, miso-glazed wild salmon, or blueberry pecan baked tart.

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Into Shelley’s Belly: The BBQ Chicken Pizza at Serious Pizza

The Big Meat pizza (left); Serious interior (right) photos by Matthew Shelley

After I finished putting together my mother’s almond milk bubble bath, I left her a note to tell her I’d be skipping out on her chili lasagna with bologna sugar cube wraps. She’s a bit of an artisan when it comes to dining combinations, but tonight was going to be my night. I had to break free from form and let loose the hair that I couldn’t grow because of a microwave accident I suffered in my late teens. My friend Jason has a second cousin who knows a guy that works at the post office, and he said that he overheard a couple of his customers raving about this new mecca of hipster grunge called Serious Pizza. It sounds like just the place for me to launch my shamisen one man band and show the world my brand of cool, while also absorbing a little of theirs.

Jump and get more serious.

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Farm to Market Report: Weekend of September 29-30

Does anyone else get excited when there are five Saturdays in one month? There’s something special about an additional weekend to be out and about, and I can’t think of a better way to spend this weekend than shopping for some delicious food for the coming week. I am trying to get in the habit of using my fresh ingredients on Sunday evenings to prepare meals for the week. Once Monday evening rolls around, all I want to do is watch Law and Order marathons, and the last thing on my mind is cooking. Does this ring a bell? It looks like rain this weekend, but hopefully that means temperatures will cool off and shopping outside will be more enjoyable.

Celebration Farmers Market: There are two Saturdays left in Celebration’s regular season, so go while you can. Having difficulty eating gluten-free? The Market store will be offering samples of locally made gluten free cheese breads, sold frozen. Flavors include jalapeno, bacon, sundried tomato, cheddar cheese, and basil.

4515 W. Lovers Ln.
Saturday, 8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

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Barn Aid 2012: Le Tour de Farms

There are very, very few events that would make me clean my bike and fight with the air pump machine, but Eden’s Garden CSA Farm has one on Sunday, October 14 that’s making me reconsider. Barn Aid 2012: Le Tour de Farms mixes everything that’s good (healthy eating, exercise, grocery shopping, and philanthropy) into a single afternoon of fun and bike riding. Here’s how it works: You check in to Lake Highlands Community Garden at 1 p.m. Then, over the course of the afternoon, you either bike or drive your way through 32 miles of roads. On the way, you’ll be making pit stops at places like Urban League’s Community Garden at Parkland on Elam and the We Over Me Farm at Paul Quinn College, where you can harvest produce and pick up some organic veggies. Once you reach your destination at Eden’s Garden CSA Farm, sit down to a community-style, three-course meal prepared by the bearded chefs of Dallas (Mark Wootton of Garden Cafe, Graham Dodds of Central 214, and Chad Houser of Café Momentum). Pretty simple, right? But I’m not done. At dusk, doors open to the public, and everyone’s invited to watch a free screening of Urban Roots and listen to Lorynn the Redhead play angst-ridden folk music.

To attend, buy your tickets here. If you’ve read this post all the way down to this sentence, and you’re still on the ticket-buying fence… well, consider this: A portion of your money is going to the Youth Village Resources of Dallas’ gardening program. Charles Plummer, the guy who teaches teenage boys at the Youth Village how to grow organic crops, will put that money to good use. He might even make more of his compost tea with it.

Q&A With Top Chef Contestant and Giving Through Growing Ambassador Candice Kumai

Candice Kumai serving serving "Sexy Swiss Chard," a tantalizing dish jazzed up with pumpkin seeds and lemon juice. (photos by Kate Herman)

Eight years ago, Candice Kumai was a contestant on the premiere season of Bravo’s Top Chef. Today, she’s the author of two books, “Pretty Delicious: Lean and Lovely Recipes for a Healthy, Happy New You” and “Cook Yourself Sexy: Easy Delicious Recipes for the Hottest, Most Confident You,” which is coming out next month. She’s been featured in countless magazines and TV spots, but now her latest gig is traveling as the Woodbridge by Robert Mondavi as the National Ambassador for the “Giving Through Growing” project. In partnership with American Community Gardening Association, the project grants $8,000 to five community gardens across the country to supply local food banks with fresh produce. Lucky for us, one of the selected is the Live Oak Community Garden, right in East Dallas.

Last night, at DUO All Things Culinary, Kumai celebrated the newly created Woodbridge Giving Garden in Dallas and made a swiss chard dish using produce straight from the Live Oak Community Garden. I sat down with her to discuss why Giving Through Growing is so important to her.

Jump.

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Looking for a Healthy(ish) Cupcake? The Tiny Cake Shop in Keller Has Gluten Free Options

The Tiny Cake Shop's gourmet cupcake (via tinycakeshopcupcakes.com)

Randi and Taylor Tatsch opened the Tiny Cake Shop in Keller back in June 2012, but they’re setting their official grand opening for September 11 through 22. Every day the Shop offers 10 daily cupcakes flavors baked from scratch + a monthly seasonal flavor + a daily gluten free flavored cupcake (made from gluten free oat and brown rice flour).

Jump for the flavor profiles.

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Rocking Callaloo With Tom Spicer of FM 1410 in Dallas

Just when you feel like you are up to your eyeballs in Dallas douchebags, you get an email from Tom Spicer and somehow this city takes on more depth. Tom Spicer is a forager, a poet, a cook, and a nutjob. Today he’s selling amaranth greens used in creating callaloo, a delicious Caribbean soup especially when the pretty weeds are stewed in coconut juice. (Yes, there are variations in the spelling of the dish. I am using epicurious.com‘s version which is our style. Tom, of course, has his own. Hit it, Tirebiter.

Do not Dred Calaloo~

by Spiceman

From Kingston Town to Kat Mandu
there’s an edible green that’s good to stew
and this Jamaican spinach is sooo delicious too
So when nothing ventured means nothing gained
cook these nice greens but make sure they’re strained
then add some fresh lemon juice so their flavor’s contained
Amaranth greens in colors from green and red to a variegated hue
will capture your imagination, your heart, and make your happy tummy too
ok, there you have it… it’s the best I can do, say hello to my Jamaican friend, Rasta Calaloo

yous truly

Rast Spice

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Farm to Market Report: Weekend of August 11-12

Whether you’re a regular market-goer, or you’ve never ventured outside the produce section at Tom Thumb in your life, it’s a great week to hit the markets. The USDA has designated August 5–12 National Farmers Market Week in order to raise awareness of the country’s nearly 8,000 markets, the asset they provide to every community, and the key role they play in supporting local food systems. I’ll raise a glass of lemonade to that.

Coppell Farmers Market: Salsa is high demand in the summer time, and you’ll have a variety to choose from. Jill Holden of Sundance Farms, Pat Gaines with Hiram Farms, and professional chefs Victoria and Robby Hooker, of Two Chefs will all have their special recipes this weekend. If you prefer to make your own, there should be plenty of Jalapenos for the purchasing.

793 S. Coppell Rd.
Saturday, 8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Jump for more farm fresh goodness.

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Farm to Market Report: Weekend of August 4-5

August is here, and it’s brought with it the possibility of burning your hands on your steering wheel and warm water from the cold water tap. Ah, life in North Texas. About the only living thing that loves this heat is okra. You’ll find okra on just about every produce table at every market in town. If you’re not an okra fan, fear not. The variety at individual markets has suffered a bit, but you can still get every locally grown summer fruit and veggie you’d like. You just have to know where to go, and when to get there.

Celebration Farmers Market: Reeves Farm, Josh Heddin Farm, and Joy Farm will all be here Saturday. The list of available produce includes tomatoes (smaller varieties that are less heat sensitive as well as some unusual heirloom varieties), cucumbers, okra, squash, peppers, melons, corn on the cob, red beets and fresh hulled peas, some organic tomatoes, cucumbers, and white and black eggplant. As usual, Holleman Farms will have pastured eggs and whole chickens, as well as the ever-popular Red Wattle pork. Evidently, chickens get lazy with the laying in the heat. With hens laying fewer eggs, you’ll have to be up when the rooster crows if you want any. Come early! They’ll go fast.

Jump to locate your favorite local produce and artisan foods.

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Artizone Starts Downtown Pick-Up Service on August 2

Here’s more reason for you to never leave the wonderful, full-blasting A/C in your car: Artizone, the online market where you can by local goods and get them delivered to your door, is starting a free downtown pick-up service every Thursday from 4:30 to 7 p.m., and you don’t even have to turn off your engine.

A concierge service makes it easier for you to pull up, show your ID, and get your trunk filled.

The pick-up service takes place at 555 Ross Ave. behind the Spaghetti Warehouse starting on August 2. There’ll be a chill party with Artizone people from 5 to 7 p.m. that night with free drinks, giveaways, and free food from some of your favorite local vendors (Kaurina’s Kulfi, La Duni, Scardello, Noble Coyote Coffee Roasters).

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Farm to Market Report: Weekend of July 28-29

The heat is on in North Texas, and no one knows it better than local farmers and growers. Berries are becoming scarce, while certain herbs (such as cilantro) are dwindling or have vanished. Peaches and tomatoes are still around, but if you have your heart set on them, come to the market early. Even grocers who usually have a good variety of local produce have to look outside North Texas this time of year to maintain a selection. This means that farmers markets are your best source for produce that is truly local and grown naturally: outside, in the dirt. Most markets have a limit on the number of miles produce can be trucked or shipped and still be called “local,” so you know you’re getting the freshest produce grown right here at home, and that you’re truly supporting local small businesses when they need it most. Take heart, lovers of local lettuce. Summer produce such as cucumbers, squash, melons, okra, onions, and peppers are still readily available and waiting for you at local markets all over the metroplex. If you’ve suffered a recent disappointment upon discovering your favorite veggies have vanished from under the market tents, here are two great charts, provided by the Dallas Farmers Market and The McKinney Farmers Market, that will tell you how long you have to hold out until they return, and what you may find to sub in that’s available now. Without further ado, here’s the list of what’s tasty around town this weekend.

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Farm to Market Report: Weekend of July 21-22

Root beer floats, cooking demonstrations, and classes on everything from pickling to catching rain water await you at local markets this weekend. 

Celebration Farmers Market: Holleman Farms will return from vacation this week with Red Wattle pork, as well as their standard offerings of fresh eggs and whole chickens. Jerry from Joy Farm will have tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers, and of course, Texas peaches. Get them while you still can. If you notice any of your favorite regular vendors are missing, stop inside the market store. Many of them leave their products for sale when they can’t make it to the farmers market.

4515 W. Lovers Ln.
Saturday, 8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Grapevine Farmers Market will be getting some interesting melons in for the weekend. Look for Pecos cantaloupe, locally grown Israeli melon, and orange flesh honeydew. Market Organizer Jack Morehead advises that this year’s Texas peach season started early, and will finish early. Freestone peaches will be here this weekend but not for much longer. Freestone peaches separate from the pit easily. You’re less like likely to tear the meat, which makes them great for grilling, entertaining, or anything you might want a nice presentation for.

325 S. Main Street
Thursday – Saturday,  8:00 am – 4:00 p.m.

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Farm to Market Report: Weekend of July 14-15

Celebration Farmers Market: I have good news and bad news from Celebration this week. There were some inquiries as to whether Holleman Farms made it last week at all, or would ever make it with the Red Wattle pork. The good news is that they did make it out with the pork last week and it was extremely popular, so it will return. The bad news is that if you loved it, and want more, you’ll have to wait. They’ve left town on vacation and won’t be at the market at all. They’ll be back next weekend with the Red Wattle pork, and all the farm fresh chicken and eggs that they usually have. Do not despair. Jerry from Joy Farms will have all his usual produce and herbs, including pepinex seedless cucumbers, fresh basil, tomatoes, fireball peppers, and squash. Mozzarella Company will have fresh and pecan smoked mozzarella cheese to soothe your porkless soul.

4515 W. Lovers Ln.
Saturday, 8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Frisco Farmers Market: Mary B Cakes will be out with her fantastically moist loaf breads including my beloved bread pudding loaf – available for a limited time. After having tried nearly all of them (and then running five miles to stave off the guilt), I came to realize that what I like about her loaf breads is that with the exception of the chocolate flavor, they’re not too sweet to have for breakfast. Even the Madagascar vanilla makes a nice compliment to a bowl of fresh fruit which can be easily obtained from D-Bar farms. Strawberries are still in and melons are plentiful enough to cause concern that one might roll over on their table and squash squash. Buy a melon and save a squash, or just buy squash, slice them, and toss them into a skillet with some butter over medium heat until the middles are translucent and the edges are slightly brown. Dust lightly with sea salt and enjoy as a side item with dinner. Not only is that the easiest side item you’ll ever make, it’s a much better fate for a squash.

6048 Frisco Square Blvd.
Saturday, 8:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

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Farm to Market Report: Weekend of July 7-8

The Independence Day festivities continue at some of the markets around town this weekend.

Celebration Farmers Market: The pork saga at Celebration Farmers Market continues: Holleman Farms missed the market last week due to car trouble, but their transportation woes have ended. The Red Wattle bacon, ribs, roasts, chops, and several types of sausage will be in this week as well as pastured chicken and eggs. In A Pickle will return with their sweet and spicy dill pickles and fresh jams. Peach chocolate jam makes its debut at the market (and maybe anywhere) this week for those who love a little adventure with breakfast. Jerry from Joy Farms will have more small batch organic produce and herbs including fireball jalapenos and lime basil.

4515 W. Lovers Ln.
Saturday, 8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Coppell Farmers Market: Good Spices has added a Sweet and Sour Lime seasoning to their lineup, as well as Sweet Chili Southwestern flavored almonds. July is here, and with it comes a new cake ball flavor of the month from Aray of Cakes. This month’s pina colada cake ball is rum and vanilla cake with coconut flakes, dipped in a vanilla icing and topped with coconut shavings. I love coconut enough that you won’t catch me complaining that the “pina” part of the equation is missing.

All the usual farmers will be out this weekend, though they’ll have some unusual produce. Highlights include poblano peppers, bi-color beets, burgundy okra, yellow zucchini (it’s sweeter than the common green zucchini), and long eggplant.

793 S. Coppell Rd.
Saturday, 8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

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Farm to Market Report: Weekend of June 30-July 1

St. Michael’s Farmers Market: New this week! Look out, Park Cities and Preston Hollow residents. You already have the fabulous Celebration Market, and beginning Saturday, a new stop for local produce and artisan foods (decisions, decisions).  St. Michael’s will look to specialize in sustainable, natural and organically grown produce from smaller farms like Rae Lili Farm in Cooper, Texas. They’ll have some of the more obscure produce such as Swiss chard and mini-cabbages. They’ll also have fresh eggs. EMA baking company will be there with some awesome homemade biscotti under the brand name Martin’s Biscotti. They’re one of my favorite vendors from the White Rock Local Market, which is only open twice a month. Now you can get their amazing curry coconut biscotti on a weekly basis.

8011 Douglas Ave.
Saturday, 8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Celebration Farmers Market: The pork plan didn’t pan out for last weekend but Holleman Farms is (really) going to debut their Red Wattle pork this weekend. Red Wattle are native to Texas and are one of the leanest species of hog.  I know, I know. You’re doubtful after last week’s disappointment, but Fourth of July is Wednesday and they’ve promised us ribs, roasts, chops and bacon at the very least. The Celebration Farmers Market pork forecast also calls for a 50 percent chance of sausage. Joy Farm will have two kinds of cucumbers and cherry tomatoes, and as well as indigo rose tomatoes.

4515 W. Lovers Ln.
Saturday, 8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Jump for more locally grown goodness.

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