Articles about GoTexan

Dallas Chefs Take a Tour of Lemley’s Produce and Plant Farm

posted by Marley Dablo | June 11th, 2013 11:15am | filed under Farmers Markets, Foodie People, Gardening, Go local, Good Morning, Good Service, GoTexan, Local/Slow Food | 1 Comment »
L to R: Chef Brian Luscher, Yvaun Olsen of Chefs' Produce, Richard Torres of Chefs' Produce, and J.T. Lemley.

L to R: Chef Brian Luscher, Yvaun Olsen of Chefs’ Produce, Richard Torres of Chefs’ Produce, and J.T. Lemley.

Yesterday morning, Dallas chefs filed into a bus for a field trip to Lemley’s Produce and Plant Farm with Chefs’ Produce, a Texas-based wholesaler of produce. I got lucky and tagged along.

J.T. Lemley – a long-time farmer who still loves his work even though it’s taken a toll on his back– led us on a tour of his farm, which he’s been operating for 40 years now. Wearing blue jean overalls and a white cowboy hat, Lemley said he was happy to personally give chefs a look-around so that they were able to see the origin of their produce.

Stuart Rackham (Tradition Senior Living Executive Chef), Johnny Iglinsky (KidKraft) Erin Fahner (KidKraft Sous Chef), Jon Stevens (Stock and Barrel), Dan Landsberg and Andrew McDonald (Hotel ZaZa), Rosanne Dileo (The Libertine Bar), Pablo Uruena (The Lakes of Castle Hills), Anastacia Quinones (Komali), and Matt McCallister (FT33) were just some of the chefs who accepted his offer. Some brought their friends, waiters, or family members to enjoy the tour as well.

Continue reading "Dallas Chefs Take a Tour of Lemley’s Produce and Plant Farm"

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Into Shelley’s Belly: 13 Survival Foods You Need in Case There’s Ever an Apocalypse

posted by Matthew Shelley | June 11th, 2013 10:28am | filed under As the Restaurant Turns, Bring it!, Chocolate, Coffee, GoTexan, Health Food, Hippie revolutions, hold on to your effin hat, Into Shelley's Belly | 6 Comments »
Chia Seeds, Quinoa, Almonds, Rice (photography by Matthew Shelley)

Chia Seeds, Quinoa, Almonds, Rice (photography by Matthew Shelley)

With the weather getting wackier than a two-handed pirate, it’s high time we discuss the necessity of preparing your food supply in case the big one hits your town. Not to mention that the plausibility of zombie attacks grows every year with instances such as the bath salt addicts, bioengineered viruses displaced by a sloppy-mouthed intern, or just a run-of-the-mill airborne virus from the Amazon. Dustin Hoffman won’t care about you when that actually happens. We must also examine that rare and illustrious solar flare that could knock out the power grid, or the total destruction of the dollar leading to violent upheaval. Whatever the case may be, you could find yourself alone to defend and provide for your family with nothing more than a matchbook, some scissors, and a bunch of refrigerated perishables that won’t make it more than 72 hours before spoiling. We tossed and turned to create a list of the best rations to store, or just keep on hand in case disaster strikes. Oh, and I must also mention that a lot of these items are great nutritious staples to keep on hand for your day-to-day breathing and consuming. I care about you deep in my loins, and here is how I show it.

Jump for it.

Continue reading "Into Shelley’s Belly: 13 Survival Foods You Need in Case There’s Ever an Apocalypse"

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Chamberlain’s Celebrates its 20th Anniversary

posted by Carol Shih | June 10th, 2013 2:27pm | filed under Events, Good Deeds, Good Service, GoTexan | 6 Comments »

Restaurants come and go, but Chamberlain’s has been in Dallas for 20 years now. What a veteran. To celebrate its two decade anniversary, the restaurant is donating a portion of its sales to Ride 2 Recovery, a program that helps wounded vets. Check it out. This deal is only happening this week.

chamberlains

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Blue Mesa’s Texas Best Showcase Series Features Jeff Harris and Matt Balke of Bolsa and Bolsa Mercado

posted by Nancy Nichols | April 10th, 2013 12:44pm | filed under GoTexan |

This just in from Liz Baron, The Baroness of Blue Mesa:

The Texas Showcase features chefs from around Dallas who mirror Blue Mesa’s philosophy of great tasting food made with fresh, local ingredients. The chefs develop small plates of food that can be eaten as an appetizer or a great side dish.  In January 2013, the series kicked off with a Texas Artisan Cheese and Olive Oil menu from Jeffery Hobbs of The Porch.  Each chef in the series identifies a theme featuring a Texas product.  Jeff Harris and Matt Balke of Bolsa and Bolsa Mercado get creative with a goat themed menu in April.

The menu, listed below, is available at all Blue Mesa locations and runs through the end of April. Continue reading "Blue Mesa’s Texas Best Showcase Series Features Jeff Harris and Matt Balke of Bolsa and Bolsa Mercado"

FT33 To Host Master Sommelier Wine Dinner Series

posted by Nancy Nichols | October 22nd, 2012 10:57am | filed under 'Burbalicious, GoTexan, Restaurant News, Texas Sommelier Conference, Wine & Spirits, Wine Pairing | 1 Comment »

FT33 dining room photographed by Kevin Marple.

Matt McCallister is off to a brilliant start. This morning comes word that he is wasting no time in elevating the profile of his newly opened restaurant FT-33. They’ve announced three Monday night dinners featuring a wine pairing by a Master Sommelier from Texas. The cost is $125 per person, excluding tax and gratuity for a five-course menu with wine pairings. The talent, times, and dates are below. Continue reading "FT33 To Host Master Sommelier Wine Dinner Series"

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What Do You Remember About the Corner of Lovers and Greenville?

posted by Carol Shih | September 12th, 2012 3:47pm | filed under Blast to the Past, ChirpyChirpy, GoTexan, Groceries, Snacks | 36 Comments »

Before Central Market was built on the corner of Lovers and Greenville ten years ago, that spot was occupied by LouAnn’s nightclub, the “hub of the Dallas dining scene.” Performers like Lawrence Welk and Jimmy Reed use to bang up the stage with their music. Plenty of you, I’m sure, have stories to tell about this corner – stories that you may or may not remember, depending on how many Regal Beagles you had back in the day. So, to honor the 10th anniversary of Central Market, we’re asking you to tell your story in the comments down below.

Jump for the rest of the 10th anniversary celebration.

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Get Those Grocery Lists Ready: Trader Joe’s Opens in Plano Today

posted by Iris Zubair | September 7th, 2012 12:28pm | filed under Breaking News, cheep, Cheese, GoTexan, grand opening, Groceries, Health Food, Hippie revolutions, History of Dallas Food | 19 Comments »

Trader Joe's in Plano (photos by Melisa Oporto)

There is rarely a time when it is common to see a group of people congregated outside of a grocery store at the brink of dawn…that is unless a Trader Joe’s is opening in your neighborhood. Actually, it doesn’t necessarily even have to be in your neighborhood, as residents from Duncanville, Denison, Ellis, and Allen will attest while they stand in line at the opening of the new store in Plano.

There is an energy brewing amongst the excited patrons that feels celebratory and relieved at the same time. The store is decorated outside with balloons and employees can be seen inside setting up for the opening, dressed in their classic Hawaiin print shirts. Carts are lined up to perfection and ready, the grand opening banner is being put up, and it’s just a matter of hours before opening.

Jump for more. Continue reading "Get Those Grocery Lists Ready: Trader Joe’s Opens in Plano Today"

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Dallas-Area Farm to Market Report Weekend of August 18-19

posted by Nancy Nichols | August 16th, 2012 10:26am | filed under AgriBusiness, chickens, Farm to Market Report, Farmers Markets, GoTexan, Local/Slow Food | 1 Comment »

This week’s report was filed, in alphabetical order, by Lesley Mann Lynch. Go. Shop. Report.

Take advantage of the heat reprieve we’re getting this weekend (highs in the low 90s) and go roam your local famer’s market. Scattered showers are predicted, but don’t let that keep you indoors. Most of the markets are running at full speed rain or shine. August is the month that many local fruits are winding down, so run, don’t walk, to get your fill of the peaches and melons!

Celebration Farmers Market:

This week you should find fresh TX peaches, tomatoes, cucumbers, okra, squash, peppers, melons, corn on the cob, red beets and fresh-hulled peas, some organic tomatoes, cucumbers, eggplant, cookies, tamales, and Mozzarella Company cheeses, among other spoils. To go along with your vegetables, pick up almost any cut of pork that you can think of from Holleman Farms. This isn’t just any type of pork, it is Red Wattle Pork, a breed that produces extra lean meat. Sadly, Cita’s Salsa will be absent, but In A Pickle will be back with their famous bread and butter pickles and their other pickle varieties.

4515 W. Lovers Ln.

Saturday, 8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Continue reading "Dallas-Area Farm to Market Report Weekend of August 18-19"

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FireWheel Brewing Company in Rowlett Readies to Start Tours

posted by Nancy Nichols | August 10th, 2012 10:49am | filed under 'Burbalicious, beer, Brews News, Bring it!, Drinking, GoTexan |

The Brewer: Brad Perkinson wants to sell you a beer!

After Brad Perkinson was laid off from his corporate job, he did what any young, responsible man with degrees in Business and Finance would do, he decided to make beer. His FireWheel Brewing Company in Rowlett is already delivering brews to some of the top brew spots in town: The Common Table, Ginger Man, and Flying Saucer. Starting Saturday, August 25, Perkinson and company, which includes two dogs, will open the brewing for tastings and tours. For only $10 you’ll get a pint glass and three tastings of limited batches. The doors are open from 11AM to 3PM. I’d suggest you get there early and get a taste of their fine Texas Style Pale Ale.

Eat This Now: Peach Salad at Company Café on the Trail

posted by Nancy Nichols | August 9th, 2012 11:58am | filed under AgriBusiness, Go Rangers!, GO TEXAN, GoTexan, It's just lunch, Local/Slow Food |

Perfect lunch for tomorrow: The local peach, lettuce, and (J.T. Lemley) tomato salad with peach puree and olive oil at Company Cafe on the Trail.

Farm to Market Report: Weekend of August 4-5

posted by Erin Ahlfinger | August 2nd, 2012 10:15am | filed under Farm to Market Report, Farmers Markets, Go local, GoTexan, How About This Weather?, Texas Wine, Wine & Spirits | 1 Comment »

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.

Continue reading "Farm to Market Report: Weekend of August 4-5"

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Farm to Market Report: Weekend of July 21-22

posted by Erin Ahlfinger | July 19th, 2012 9:45am | filed under Farm to Market Report, Farmers Markets, Go local, GoTexan, Grilling, Uncategorized | 2 Comments »

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.

Jump for more markets. Continue reading "Farm to Market Report: Weekend of July 21-22"

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Coming Soon: Bolsa Food Market in Arlington?

posted by Nancy Nichols | July 12th, 2012 1:52pm | filed under Bad Names For Restaurants List, Best Gay Hangout Restaurant Evah!, Boxing Day, Bureaucratic red tape, C.J. Wilson Shops Here, Chef-driven gas stations, Cubicle Cuisine, Delusional behavior, Easy Mark, Expensive cheap eats, Food for simple Americans, GoTexan, Hippie revolutions, I want to be just like Michelle Obama, I Went to College for This?, I'm a rumor monger, I'm a sucker for a man in flannel, Nutjobs, oak cliff | 3 Comments »

Both Christophers, Zielke and Jeffers, of Bolsa Mercado confirm the shop opening up in Arlington has nothing to do with Bolsa Mercado in Bishop Arts. So, there you have it. Call anyway and ask them if it is true:  214-367-9367.

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Mozzarella Company Turns 30 on June 30

posted by Nancy Nichols | June 27th, 2012 6:53pm | filed under Cheese, GoTexan, Local/Slow Food, party | 6 Comments »

The always smiling Paula Lambert.

I know it’s really hip and cool to be an independent artisanal food producer these days. I’m not discounting the current movement, I’m just saying that for some of us it’s been going on all along. Paula Lambert started her little cheese factory in Deep Ellum in 1982 and before you could say farm-to-table-eat-drink-local-at-a-long-table-with-ecO-friendly-utensils-and-Matt-McCallister-is-my-best-friend four times it’s 2012. Her little company now produces an incredible variety of over 30 cheeses that are shipped all over the world. And Little Miss Paula? Does she sit back her tuffet counting her curds and whey? No way. She still sets up her demo tables at local markets and passes out samples to customers old and new.
To celebrate her achievement, the Mozzarella Company will offer a 30% discount on all retail cheeses purchased at their little storefront on Elm Street in Deep Ellum. This 30th anniversary celebration and discount offer will last for 30 days, beginning June 30. Congratulations to Paula and her fine dedicated staff.


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2012 Southwest Foodservice Expo Report: Nue, A New Texas Vodka

posted by Andrew Chalk | June 25th, 2012 12:40pm | filed under Andrew Chalk, Booze News, cocktails, GoTexan |

Former professional paintball players now make smooth vodka in Lewisville, Texas.

29th Annual Lone Star International Wine Competition Results: Texas Wines Rock

posted by Nancy Nichols | June 25th, 2012 11:10am | filed under GoTexan, Rewritten Press Releases, Texas Wine | 1 Comment »

Working noses.

The Texas Wine and Grape Growers Association (TWGAA) hosted the 2012 Lone Star International Wine Competition on June 4-5 at the Grapevine Convention Center. Co-Chairs, Michael Zerbach and Barbara Werley, and twenty-three judges from Texas and California judged 514 entries from all over the world. The Lone Star International Wine Competition is three competitions in one – Texas Competition, International Competition and Limited Production Competition.

Awards were given for Grand Star – Best of Show – in all three competitions in the Red Wine, White Wine, Fortified Wine, Late Harvest/ Dessert/Ice Wine, and Rose’/Blush Divisions. Eleven wines won Grand Star – Best of Show. Fifteen wines were honored with a Double Gold Award. Gold medals were given to 36 wines, Silver medals to 171 wines, and Bronze medals to 203 wines.

Texas wines won seven Grand Star – Best of Show – Awards, six Double Gold Awards, 20 Gold Medals, 114 Silver Medals, and 144 Bronze Medals. The winners were announced on Friday. DRINK TEXAS WINES!

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