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Articles about Christmas

New Year’s Eve and Day Dining in Dallas


Look for a place to celebrate the end of 2011? Or perhaps you’re more optimistic and plan to ring in 2012. Either way, we’ve got an alphabetical list to help you plan your merry way. They’re all down below. See you there.

Ed. Note 12.28.11: Check out our updated list.
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Yes, Reservations: A Guide to Holiday Dining in Dallas and Fort Worth

My family dined out for Thanksgiving, and we were all very grateful to succumb to a tryptophan-induced coma without having to bother with a sink full of dishes. Restaurants: an truly amazing invention. Some of them will be open to feed you and yours for Christmas. Jump for the list. (more…)

“Honey, You Get the Pie.” Buying Holiday Pie in Dallas

Every year, I get the same command: “Honey, you get the pie.” Last year, I failed miserably. I asked you where to go.  Here is what you suggested. I got an early start on 2011 by tasting my way through your list of suggestions.I set out on my pie trek, using your suggestions as a guide post.  I found my pie nirvana at Little Aprons BakeryRead more about my gluttonous adventures through Little Aprons, Central Market, Normas, and more.

Little Aprons' cherry pie

SideDish contributor Daniel Walker also helped. He wrote about apple pie: “The Place at Perry’s brown-bag apple pie is quite possibly the greatest pie to have ever graced my lips.” More recently, Daniel told us about Scrumbscious Pie in Mesquite where he found fresh baked pies and “pie shakes.”

Yesterday, I got the command. The pie is my job. I’m wavering on which route to go. Am I missing something? Please help me–and potentially yourself–by tossing in your thoughts.

Dallas Food Gift Guide: Celebrate the Holidays With Food Made in DFW

This holiday season I would like to devote some time and energy to supporting local small food businesses. This post is 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, casserole, wine opener, olive oil, brownie or any other groovy food item, send me an email with your information and a picture if you have one. Only products made in the DFW area or close by. The list will be updated daily.

Jump for for the joy of the season. (more…)

Somebody Help This Poor Girl: Recipe for “Real Texas” Pecan Pie

She’s not from Texas and wants to impress her husband’s family.

Hi! I need some advice on what makes a pecan pie a real Texas pie. I’m from Newark and I married a Dallas boy. This is my first Christmas cooking for his family. They are fifth generation Texans. Feeling the pressure. Also do you say pecaaan with a long a or pecown?

Good lord, woman. You sure ask a lot of questions for a gal from New Jersey. Hit her, I mean it, y’all.

My Go-To Holiday Pot-Luck Party Recipe: The Astro-Weenie Christmas Tree

My Astro-Weenie Christmas Tree contribution to D Magazine's holiday party.Circa 2008.

Three years ago, I introduced you to Charles Phoenix, the “Ambassador of Americana.” More importantly, I introduced you to his “recipe” for the Astro-Weenie Christmas Tree. (I made several for the D Magazine holiday party in 2008.  Co-workers still stalk me for my secret herbal ingredient.)

Well, thanks to SideDish, Phoenix’s  career and has catapulted over hosting grade school field trips and roller skating parties to doing national TV spots with Martha Stewart and commenting on NPR. (Rawlins in drag?) I think it’s time to bring back the Astro-Weenie recipe. Remember, as they say in England, you can always make one suitable for vegetarians. Mind your head.

16 Dallas Holiday Cocktails You Must Try Now

Autumn Leaves at Victor Tangos (photography by Matthew Shelley)

I spent the last week researching bars serving up holiday cocktails in Big D. Then photographer Matthew Shelley and I made our way around town to give them a look and a taste. Here’s our toast to our new favorite holiday-inspired cocktails. Cheers.

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International Holiday Festivals Taking Place in North Texas

Photo from Lightcatcher Winery's Toys for Tots Celtic Christmas.

This link will take you to the DFW International Community Alliance website. There you will find a list of international holiday celebrations taking place in the area. Choose a unique event or two and expand your horizons this season. Experience Venezuelan Christmas Carols or sample food at the Indonesian Christmas Celebration. Not Jewish? Take your family to see A Chanukah Musical Story. You can drive around and look at Christmas lights any time.

Tweet Where You Eat: TwEAT Your Mav’s Celebration!

Okay @DSideDish TwEATers, are you lining up for the parade. Tweet details of food and drink, or any other details, to @DSideDish and we will retweet. Have fun.

Hey, Procrastinators! Christmas Day Is Just a Few Days Away; Make Your Brunch Reservations Now.

Fast & furious–that’s how we roll this time of year, especially when it comes to posting holiday menus.

(As always, restaurants not listed are welcome to post their menus in the comments box.)

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Dallas Christmas Eve Menus—Three Days and Counting

I don’t know about you, but by the time Christmas Eve rolls around, I’ve had about all I can stand of my own kitchen. In my camp? Then make reservations now before they evaporate like so much holiday cheer.

(As always, restaurants not listed are invited to add their Christmas Eve menus to the comments section.)

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Sparkling Tipples for The Holidays in Dallas

The holiday period (including New Year’s Eve!) is traditionally a time for celebrating with sparkling wine. While the first sparkling wine that comes to mind may be Champagne there are plenty of other types of sparkling wine. Some are produced by the same methods as Champagne but others are not and are worthy and less expensive. Below I have put together some alternatives to Champagne from a batch of bottles that have been sent to D Headquarters for review.  I’ve included approximate  prices.  The opinions are mine. Go.

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Christmas Eve Dinner in Dallas? No Worries; We Make Choosing Painless.

I don’t know about you, but by the time Christmas Eve rolls around, I’ve had about all I can stand of my own kitchen. In my camp? Then make reservations now before they evaporate like so much holiday cheer.

(As always, restaurants not listed are invited to add their Christmas Eve menus to the comments section.)

jump for the Christmas Eve menus… (more…)

Make Your Dinner Reservations for Christmas Day

Fast & furious–that’s how we roll this time of year, especially when it comes to posting holiday menus.

(As always, restaurants not listed are welcome to post their menus in the comments box.)

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La Madeleine May Be Ubiquitous, But Come Dec. 23 That Might Make The Chain My Best Friend

OK, sure, they’re everywhere. But ubiquity doesn’t disqualify La Madeleine from easing my burden this holiday season. The chain’s patisserie (French bakery) is turning out a broad enough variety of Viennoisere (Viennese yummies) and assorted hostess/office/family-worthy gifts to solve every potential holiday dilemma I tend to encounter.

jump to find out how… (more…)

Celebrity Bakery Christmas Cookies

celebrity christmas cookies

Make the perfect belly, er, stocking, stuffer.

After the Wrapping Paper Stops Flying You’ll Be Hungry, Right? Make Sure You Have a Christmas Day Reservation in Place.

Fast & furious–that’s how we roll this time of year, especially when it comes to posting holiday menus. Earlier today we gave you Christmas Eve menus; you knew more Christmas Day menus wouldn’t be far behind.

(As always, restaurants not listed are welcome to post their menus in the comments box.)

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Need Christmas Eve Plans? Make Reservations Now, While There’s Still Time.

I don’t know about you, but by the time Christmas Eve rolls around, I’ve had about all I can stand of my own kitchen. In my camp? Then  make reservations now before they evaporate like so much holiday cheer.

(As always, restaurants not listed are invited to add their Christmas Eve menus to the comments section.)

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Try the Pumpkin Vanilla Martini at The Second Floor

Pumpkin Vanilla Martini

I went to The Second Floor a couple of weeks ago to test out the newest cocktail on the Molecular Mixology list: the Pumpkin Vanilla Martini. I’d like to start this little recap off with my conclusion: I think The Second Floor is a little gem lost among the Oceanaire and The Grill on the Alley giants at the Galleria. I’m no food snob, but I do love to eat, I am a little finicky, and I can tell you I enjoyed everything served. The martini was beyond delicious. The pumpkin concoction was served with a sprinkling of cinnamon for spice, a dollop of frozen Godiva white chocolate liqueur (which is created in front of you at the bar), and a side of candied cranberries. An invitation to try a smattering of dishes was welcome, and everything from the flatbread to the house-made potato gnocchi was tasty. Jump for details.

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No Need to Stress Over Christmas Dinner; Dallas Restaurants Are Here to Serve

Christmas is only two and a half weeks away, folks. And as much as we love the twinkling lights, we hate spending the whole afternoon in the kitchen.

You too?

Then do what we do and make a reservation instead of a reduction. Here are some great Christmas Brunch and Christmas Dinner options (with more to follow in the coming weeks):

(Restaurants: If we haven’t covered you yet, feel free to paste your menu into the comments section.)

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