Payday loans
type=

Articles about hostess gifts

Dallas-Made Dirty Martini Mix, 1888, Turns Two

Loren Means files the following report on 1888, a dirty martini mix made in Dallas.

As a long-time lover of dirty martinis, Dallasite Kenneth Hamburger II found too many of them were unpredictable. While some hit the mark, others tasted more like ocean water. Sometimes they would vary drastically in the same evening even though they were ordered from and mixed by the same bartender. After Hamburger was laid off by Lamborghini in 2008, he decided to come up with a cure for the inconsistent dirty martini. His inspiration? Hah, it sounds so easy. Now.

Jump for it. (more…)

posted by Nancy Nichols | March 8th, 2012 2:43pm | filed under Drinking, Mixology is fancy for bartender, cocktails, hostess gifts | 6 Comments »

The Emporium Pop-Up Pie Shop Opens Saturday in Oak Cliff

Megan Wilkes and Mary Gauntt have a wish. They want to make Dallas a pie-friendly city. They have been testing pies, selling pies online, and creating a business plan for a real pie store called The Emporium. To get the feel for how their pies and plans will work, they to pop-up up this weekend in a century-old cottage at 314 N. Bishop. On Saturday (9AM-2PM) and Sunday (2PM-7PM), they will be selling pies: Drunken Nut (bourbon pecan with shortbread crust), Smooth Operator (French silk chocolate in a crispy pretzel crust), and a secret-ingredient Mardi Gras concoction. You can buy a whole pie or a slice and pair it with Cultivar Coffee.

Go. Eat. Report. You can find them across from Hunkys Hamburgers on Bishop Ave. at 8th St.)

Wanna see some pie porn?

(more…)

posted by Nancy Nichols | February 14th, 2012 9:30am | filed under Food Invasion, Local/Slow Food, Pie, Valentines Day, hostess gifts, oak cliff, pop-up restaurant |

Centennial Closes Seven Stores in DFW Area

Three bottles of Pinot Evil (@$9.99 each) in a box for under $20. Pairs perfectly with kale and barbecue. Not necessarily on the same menu.

Three bottles of Pinot Evil (@$9.99 each) in a box for under $20. Pairs perfectly with kale and barbecue. Not necessarily on the same menu.

In April 2011, Centennial Fine Wine and Spirits acquired 32 retail locations of Majestic Liquor Stores, Inc. This includes the  “Fat Dog Beverages” in East Texas and “Doc’s Liquors” in West Texas. Today comes word from Tony Miller Director of Marketing at Centennial:

“I wanted to let our most loyal customers know first that we have closed several of our store locations in the Metroplex.This was a difficult decision, but it will allow us to strategically grow and ultimately serve you better.  We hope you will find another location near you and continue shopping with us!”

Dear Tony, you can close the store at Highland Park Village but if you touch Fat Dog Beverages (home of Pinot Evil box wine) in East Texas, I will cut you.

Stores closed below: (more…)

posted by Nancy Nichols | February 10th, 2012 10:58am | filed under Drinking, hostess gifts | 11 Comments »

Bolsa Mercado’s Open House to Showcase Deep Ellum Brewery Beer. Oh, and Sharon Hage Will Create “Take Home Dinner For Two”

Bolsa Mercado is officially a talent hog. It’s great if you happen to be cool (rich?) enough to live in The “fabulous” OC. However, it sucks for those of us who have to walk half a mile through a huge chain grocery store to buy a carton of milk. Or beer.

Deep Ellum Brewery has just released their first (only?) production of “Love Runs Deep” Cherry Chocolate Double Brown Stout (deets below). Think you’ll find it at Tom Thumb? Nope. Bolsa Mercado bought the entire batch. Each 22-ounce bottle is individually numbered and made with red tart and dark sweet cherries and Organic/Fair Trade cocoa nibs. Expect to find all 300 of them on the shelves of Bolsa Mercado during their next Open House on February 11.

If you can’t wait until the 11th to get a food fix from The ‘Cado, head over on February 8. If you are lucky, you may be able to look past talented chef chefs Jeff Harris and Matt Balke and spot the rare, elusive chef Sharon Hage in the kitchen. She will be creating a “Take Home Dinner For Two.” Who knows, by then Bolsa Mercado may have Alan McClure creating Fudgesicles or Grant Achatz doing dishes. Could happen. Pigs fly in Oak Cliff.

(more…)

posted by Nancy Nichols | February 6th, 2012 10:24am | filed under Best Gay Hangout Restaurant Evah!, Brews News, Celebrity Chefs, Celebrity Diners, Chick Chefs Rule!, Chocolate, Cooking, Cult Cuisine, FTC Rules Approved Post, Groceries, Hippie revolutions, Local/Slow Food, Restaurant News, SideDish Bump!, Things To Do, Yu Darvish Loves Food, hostess gifts, oak cliff | 10 Comments »

Desiree + Camera: Photo Essay of Hypnotic Donuts in East Dallas

Hippie donuts will be served in a groovy setting.Photography by Desiree Espada.

SideDish photographer Desiree Espada roams the roads with her camera looking for good things to eat and shoot. Check out her photo essay of Bolsa Mercado. Then feast your eyes on what to expect when the Jerry Garcia of donut making, James St. Peter, opens Hypnotic Donuts on Sunday, January 29.

Glory be to the donut. (more…)

posted by Nancy Nichols | January 27th, 2012 10:34am | filed under Bacon, Baking, Breakfast, Cult Cuisine, Desiree Espada, Diets are stupid, Food Porn, Hippie revolutions, Is Eat Dallas Groovier Than Oak Cliff?, Local/Slow Food, Openings, Restaurant News, Sexy food, Silly Reasons to Celebrate, Take-out, Trending, donuts, food art, hostess gifts, youthful spontaneous restaurants | 12 Comments »

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.

posted by Nancy Nichols | December 12th, 2011 11:00am | filed under Boxing Day, Bring it!, Christmas, Cooking, Cult Cuisine, Dog Friendly, Hanukkah, Holidays, I'm about to get fired, Merguez Sausage Hunt, Nutjobs, Procrastination is part of the creative process, SideDish Bump!, Special Report, catering, hostess gifts, party, questionable judgment, sassy pants |

Bits & Bites: Things to Do and Chew in Dallas

Sigel’s Addison. Saturday, December 10 from 11AM to 3PM. Sigel’s Cheesemonger Teresa McGee and Brazos Valley Cheesmaker Marc Kuehl will be at Sigel’s-Addison to taste Marc’s award winning raw-milk cheeses. More below.

Slow Food Dallas and North Haven Gardens. This very cool partnership will present a   series of classes for novices and experienced gardeners. Mark you calendars. Here’s the linky dink.

Urban Acres. Holiday Market 2011. Need creative gift ideas?  Or just want something fun to do with friends and family this weekend? Please join us this Saturday, December 10th for a Holiday Artisan Marketplace at Urban Acres! We’ve invited our favorite local craft and food artisans to share their goods in our fun, community-based setting. Each artist will showcase handcrafted artwork or artisanal foods that we just know our Urban Acres friends will appreciate! Check out the vendors here!

Smoke Camp at Lockhart Smokehouse. Smoke like a pro after “Smoke Camp.”  The pitmasters at Lockhart Smokehouse will share some trade secrets such as: choosing the right meat, dry rub vs. wet rub practices, smoking techniques, proper trimming and carving, plus the art of “Burnt Ends.” Class includes dinner, cold beer, and a t-shirt. “Smoke Camp” will be held Tuesday, January 17 from 6:30-8-30pm.  Cost $75.  Space is limited, so call us to make your reservation early. 214-944-5521.

White Rock Market. The 3rd Annual Holiday Market takes place on Saturday, December 10 from 9AM to 3PM at Green Spot Market in East Dallas. (702 N. Buckner Blvd. 2140797-4989) Music, local food and handicraft vendors galore. It’s free. Venodors listed below.

Nosh. Black Winter Truffles from Perigord are now at NOSH. Fresh Capelini or Risotto with shaved Black Winter Truffles $25!

Details. (more…)

posted by Nancy Nichols | December 9th, 2011 10:00am | filed under BBQ, Baking, C-Ya C.J., Cheese, Copy/Paste Press Release, Events, Holidays, Hot Links!, Local/Slow Food, Poor World Series Performance Cost CJ Wilson $25 Million!, Restaurant News, hostess gifts | 2 Comments »

Lisa Garza Names Jeffery Hobbs “Leader of the Kitchen” at Sissy’s Fried Chicken

Lisa Garza juggles relationships to get Sissy's Fried Chicken open.

At this moment, Lisa Garza is doing a walk through of her new space on Henderson Ave. The former Hector’s on Henderson will soon be transformed into Sissy’s Fried Chicken. La Garza’s idea is to serve “low-country” food in honor of her Southern roots in a “Billy Reid” dining room. Tea-infused vodkas (trending!) and specialty cocktails (a must have) will be featured.

Although La Garza is all about sisterhood (“I am Sissy,” Garza says. “Sissy is southern slang for “sister” and I am developing every aspect.”) there will be no sissy in the kitchen. La G has plucked Jeffery Hobbs and named him “leader of the kitchen.”

Oh, it’s a tangled tale—an episode of As the Restaurant Turns. Here’s the synopsis: Lisa was married to Chef Gilbert Garza. Together they operated Suze Restaurant, the cozy spot on Midway and NW Highway. At some point, Jeffery Hobbs joined the happy couple to work on the kitchen team as chef and partner. Hobbs and Gilbert ran a great restaurant. Lisa concentrated on catering. Lisa was picked as a contestant on Next Food Network Star. The experience was devastating, as most former TV reality participants will admit is generally the case. The Garzas divorced and Lisa retreated for a couple of years. She emerged as a fancy caterer. Found a new guy. Got re-married and is now pregnant with new restaurant.

After eight years at Suze, Hobbs splits to partner with burgeoning bully restaurateur, Jack “Maple & Motor” Perkins. They’re consulting on taco joints. Then La G calls Hobbs and asks him to be the “leader of her kitchen.” According to La G, Gilbert has given his blessing to the deal. See, there can be happy endings. Or beginnings. Stay tuned.

posted by Nancy Nichols | December 8th, 2011 11:45am | filed under Celebrity Chefs, Cult Cuisine, Food On TV, History of Dallas Food, How to Open a Restaurant 101, I Went to College for This?, Nostalgia, Openings, Restaurant News, Second coming, hostess gifts, make mine a double, sassy pants, youthful spontaneous restaurants | 8 Comments »

Celebrate the Holidays With DFW Food

This holiday season I would like to devote some time and energy to supporting our hard-working small food businesses. We all know you can get great local products packaged together at Whole Foods and Central Market, but I’d like to create a post dedicated to those who need a little free advertising. Do you make a jelly, jam, chocolate, apron, coffee cake, ham, table linen, turkey, casserole, wine opener, olive oil, or brownie? Items you can purchase for gifts or to serve at a gathering.  If so, send me an email with your information and a picture if you have one. If not, drop a sample by the office and we will photograph it. Some examples of businesses I am referring to are Dude, Sweet Chocolate, Crumbzz, Mozzarella Company—products made in the DFW area or close by. Send your sales pitch and contact or ordering information along with address, phone number and website. We’ll do the rest.

posted by Nancy Nichols | November 30th, 2011 11:38am | filed under GO TEXAN, Groceries, Holidays, Local/Slow Food, SideDish Bump!, hostess gifts, restaurant business news |

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! (more…)

posted by Nancy Nichols | November 2nd, 2011 2:54pm | filed under AgriBusiness, Gifts, Groceries, hostess gifts | 1 Comment »

Dallas Bakeries Make Special Halloween Treats

I am getting loads of emails from local bakeries that are making all kinds of Halloween-themed goodies. I am starting this post and urge bakeries to post their treats in the comments section as I can’t possibly keep up with the onslaught. Mark this spot and continue to check back. Bakeries, let it roll.

posted by Nancy Nichols | October 11th, 2011 9:34am | filed under Go Rangers!, Holidays, cake, cookies, dessert, hostess gifts | 4 Comments »

It’s The Most Wonderful Time of the Year: Pumpkin Food in Dallas

Let's feast on pumpkin!

Oh, how I love anything made with pumpkin. Yesterday, I bought a dozen pumpkin bagels at Einstein’s. Starting today, I’m searching for anything made with pumpkin–desserts, soup, pancakes, bread, pasta—anything. If you see it or make it, let us know below.

posted by Nancy Nichols | September 29th, 2011 9:37am | filed under Breaking News, Bring it!, Cooking, Cult Cuisine, Frozen Yogurt, I Went to College for This?, Pre World Series Depression, Restaurant News, Slow News Day, cake, cupcakes, dessert, hostess gifts, ice cream | 21 Comments »

Fun or Foul: Alcohol Infused Whipped Cream

I have no words.

UPPITY DATE: This link from a adult beverage wholesaler.

posted by Nancy Nichols | September 13th, 2011 1:55pm | filed under Buzz Killer!, Crazy Technology, Groceries, I Went to College for This?, Junk Food, Newfangled condiments, Really?, Silly Reasons to Celebrate, Slow News Day, Stupid terms for food, Wasted Calorie, Yum is Dumb, cheap eats, dessert, hostess gifts, make mine a double, sassy pants, that's just wrong. | 9 Comments »

Week Three: 2011 KRLD Restaurant Week Server of the Week

Francisco at the French Room.

The 2011 KRLD Restaurant Week has come to an end but we have one last bit of business. Francisco at The French Room is our server of the week. Thanks to Laurie for submitting Francisco at The French Room’s picture and a small description of his service.

He was entertaining in a theatrical way, making the meal more memorable. When he poured some Champagne for my friend, he also topped off mine with a little flourish. When we asked to make some substitutions, Francisco was gracious about it, and all the orders came out correct. We felt taken care of by him and his assistant (not sure what that man’s title is). The only negative was that he was a wee bit condescending after we tried to give him the 4th course certificate. He scoffed, and said a little haughtily, “not here.”

Well, really Laurie. You should have ordered another bottle of Champagne. Life is short.

posted by Nancy Nichols | September 7th, 2011 9:06am | filed under Awards, Foodie People, KRLD RESTAURANT WEEK 2011, Restaurant News, Service, hostess gifts | 2 Comments »

JonfromTJs Visits Total Catch Market in Houston

Part of the Total Catch.(photo by Jon Alexis.)

Jon Alexis, know on every blog in the United States of America as jonfromtjs, handles the marketing for TJ’s Seafood Market, the successful fish market in Preston Forest. He is a conscientious student of seafood. Recently he learned about Total Catch Market, a project (and blog) run by PJ Stoops and Billy Tellez of Louisiana Foods. Their niche is selling by-catch fish, the innocent fishes caught by fishermen actually fishing for a higher profile fish. JonfromTJs was so moved when he heard about these guys, he jumped in his car and drove to Houston.  He sends a brief story about his experience along with cell phone pictures. I am going to run it below. Grammar police be warned: the copy is unedited only because I am low on time at the moment. Take it away jonfromtjs:

(more…)

posted by Nancy Nichols | September 1st, 2011 2:32pm | filed under Bureaucratic red tape, Foodie People, Free Stuff!, Groceries, I Went to College for This?, I'm a sucker for a man in flannel, catering, hostess gifts, make mine a double, pop-up restaurant, seafood | 11 Comments »

What Would Happen if Women Opened Restaurants With Male Body Parts as Themes

‘Scuse me while I saddle up my high horse. Am I the only woman who is concerned about the sudden surge in Breastaurants. I mean really 35 additional Twin Peaks? A bar opening in downtown called The Spread Eagle? Seriously boys? How would you like to take your daughter into one of the restaurant’s the gals in our office just conceptualized. We call them Peteries.

Hunky Town, Twin Pricks, Tooter’s, Pecker’s Hot Italian Sausage, Tube Steak Junction, Cake Balls to the Walls, Nuts and Butts, Quickies, Long Dong Silver, Tally Whacker’s, Love Mussels, Wee Willie’s, Twig and Berries.

Ladies, the floor is open.

posted by Nancy Nichols | August 23rd, 2011 2:12pm | filed under Bad Names For Restaurants List, Best Gay Hangout Restaurant Evah!, Bring it!, Cheap trick for comments, ChirpyChirpy, Dog Friendly, Drinking, Goats!, Hole in the wall, I Went to College for This?, I'm about to get fired, Keep Dallas Douchey!, Merguez Sausage Hunt, Murmur, Newfangled condiments, Not-so-skinny bitches, Nutjobs, Overprivileged chimps, Procrastination is part of the creative process, Rants, RudeDudes, Silly Reasons to Celebrate, Slow News Day, Spicy foods, Yum is Dumb, breastaurants, cupcakes, hostess gifts, questionable judgment, restaurant business news, youthful spontaneous restaurants | 53 Comments »

Opera-Free Shopping at Eatzi’s For One Week

Eatzi’s has decided to change their music for a few weeks. My ears are so happy. I have nothing against opera music, but when those sopranos hit the high notes while I’m wait for a roasted chicken to get quartered, my cochleas recoil. The opera music will return next week.

posted by Nancy Nichols | August 19th, 2011 9:56am | filed under Bad Names For Restaurants List, Breaking News, Dog Friendly, Groceries, Overprivileged chimps, Silly Reasons to Celebrate, hostess gifts | 5 Comments »

Wino News: Big Wine Sale at Sigel’s in Addsion

The Brad was first in line.

It’s a bummer to learn many restaurants can’t afford to pick up the wine they’ve ordered after it arrives at Sigel’s in Addison. In many cases (HAH!) a restaurant may not pick up the order because they’ve  changed their list or their wine-by-the glass selections. No matter the reason, Sigel’s has a huge inventory they need to clear before the next order of wine which will potentially not get picked up is on the way. It’s time for winos to rejoice. Starting today over 300 wines marked down. Complete list below. Go to 15003 Inwood Rd. No phone sales.

(more…)

posted by Nancy Nichols | August 18th, 2011 10:31am | filed under cheap wine, hostess gifts | 1 Comment »

Campo Modern Country Bistro to Open in Oak Cliff

Miguel Vicéns and John Paul Valverde owners of Coevál Studio, a firm that recently designed and built two Mexican restaurants in Fort Worth, is taking over the former La Carreta Argentine space on North Beckley in Oak Cliff. They will rework the space and open it as Campo Modern Country Bistro. This news comes from Steven Doyle of CraveDFW. He sends a hot link and a note:

I interviewed a design group that does restaurants and found out that Matt is their consulting chef and opening soon in Oak Cliff.  This isn’t his main restaurant that will open most likely first quarter 2012, but one he will consult on and have a presence indefinitely.

Matt is Matt McCallister. You know Matt. The execuchef at Stephan Pyles left his high profile gig to “Play” in kitchens around the world. Currently he is popping up in restaurants around town, like Café Momentum. He’s got  a chef’s fantasy job. If you’re not his Facebook friend, you are one uninformed Dallas diner.

posted by Nancy Nichols | August 17th, 2011 9:40am | filed under Bring it!, ChirpyChirpy, Cult Cuisine, Hot Links!, Openings, Restaurant News, hostess gifts | 1 Comment »

Food Writer Discovers What to do With an Oversized Zucchini

Really? He got paid to write this?

posted by Nancy Nichols | August 16th, 2011 4:42pm | filed under Gardening, Murmur, Procrastination is part of the creative process, Slow News Day, hostess gifts, menus | 3 Comments »

Past Entries »