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Articles about Mixology is fancy for bartender

Worst Hangover Ever?

High Tide Cocktail at The Chesterfield. (Photography by Elizabeth Lavin)

I was talking with a friend of mine who recently spent an evening sampling cocktails at The Chesterfield. She was in a group of four gals and they decided to try one too many. Knowing her, it was more like four too many, but here is her dilemma.

“I don’t know if it is a factor of age [she’s 55!] or the fact that I ingested rum, vodka, gin, bourbon combined with various liqueurs, bitters, flowers, juices, and twists, but I couldn’t get out of bed the next day. I swear all totaled I had maybe 3 drinks. The mixologist deal is out of my league I guess. Do you pick one and stay with it or switch. Am I just too old for this trend?

I say pick one and stick with it and stick to one. But this subject brings up the obvious, time-wasting question: What alcohol combination resulted in the worst hangover of your life? Mine? Tequila Sunrise: the movie and the drink. Twenty years later I still shudder at the sound.

posted by Nancy Nichols | April 19th, 2012 10:58am | filed under Cult Cuisine, Mixology is fancy for bartender, Uncategorized, cocktails | 26 Comments »

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 »

TGI Friday’s World Bartender Championship Feat. Enrique Iglesias

Londoner Charlie "Chuck" Bailey has a dedicated following among the Friday's crowd, even on this side of the pond. (photos by Karley Osborn)

We sent intern Karley Osborn out to brave a bartending championship in Grapevine on a Sunday night. What a trooper.

Two nights ago, while the rest of you were crying in your living rooms over Meryl Streep’s Oscar speech, I was cheering alongside the corporate world of TGI Friday’s as flair bartenders from nine of the chain’s international restaurants competed to become the “Greatest Bartender in the World.” Er, more specifically, the greatest TGI Friday’s bartender in the world.

The Gaylord’s Glass Cactus was decked out for the event’s 21st year like any 21-year-old’s birthday party venue should be with inflatable noise clappers, flashing strobe lights, and party anthems that sounded out of place until the drinks started flowing. Fans, friends, and family of the nine competitors helped themselves to fancified bar fixings like portabella sliders and fried jalapeno peppers as the competition introductions began around 7:00 p.m.

Jump for some Enrique Iglesias action.
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posted by Carol Shih | February 28th, 2012 11:00am | filed under Beverages, Booze News, Contests, Mixology is fancy for bartender, beer | 7 Comments »

Sneak Peek at New Pop-Up Bar in Deep Ellum: Hid In 2612

Julian Pagan of the Cedars Social. The hair stylist room. Photography by Jason Acton.

I dropped in to get a quick look at Hid In 2612, Michael Martensen’s newest pop-up bar in Deep Ellum. It’s gorgeous and fun and full of groovy people. The space is divided into four or five differently decorated spaces and some of Dallas’ finest bartenders are taking shifts at the bar. Food is available from Cane Rosso next door. I didn’t have time for a drink but I plan to get back before their last night which is Saturday Friday, February 10. They open at 8PM.

Go. Drink. Report.

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posted by Nancy Nichols | February 9th, 2012 11:14am | filed under Bars, Drinking, Hippie revolutions, Michael Martensen for President, Mixology is fancy for bartender, Nightlife, make mine a double, youthful spontaneous restaurants | 5 Comments »

First-Take Bar Review: Sundown at Granada

Pull up a chair at Sundown's cozy bar. (photography by Jason Acton)

Sundown Tea (photography by Jason Acton)

The Concept: Sundown at Granada is the Granada Theater’s neighboring restaurant and bar with a long list of draft beers and hand-crafted cocktails. Although I’m sure you can grab a bite pre-show, I would be filled with panic watching a line get longer next door while shoveling down the last forkfulls of food and chugging the rest of a beer. This is a perfect spot, however, to discuss your favorite act post-performance and perhaps mingle with band members, who are sure to wander over for a bite.

Who’s There: Thirty-somethings interested in enjoying some quality time together. (Rather than 20-somethings hollering over their third round of Jager bombs.)

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posted by Raya Ramsey | January 10th, 2012 3:29pm | filed under Bars, Beverages, Brews News, Drinking, First Take, Mixology is fancy for bartender, Nightlife, Openings, Reviews, Tea, beer, cocktails | 6 Comments »

Chicken Scratch and The Foundry to Open in Oak Cliff

How long before Oak Cliff secedes from Dallas county to form their own little republic? Think how cool that would be for the business folk: the restaurateurs and funky food shops could make their own rules, they could charge a toll to enter and exit, and fine customers not wearing flannel.

Obviously either Tim Byres, Christopher Jeffers, or Chris Zielke (or all three!) would rule the roost. Today the triumvirate announced two more projects. The owners of Smoke and Bar Belmont took over the 3-acre plot of land that used to be Jack’s Backyard. (Fort Worth Avenue and Pittman St.) First up: Chicken Scratch, a family-friendly restaurant serving—wait for it—“cast-iron fried and wood-fired rotisserie chicken with wholesome handmade sides.” It’s “slow fast food.” (Wouldn’t it be fast slow food? I’ll leave that one for someone else like Jack Perkins.)

Next door to The Scratching Chicken, I mean Chicken Scratch, will be The Foundry. Sounds serious, right? Nope. The Foundry will be a bar offering simple drinks. (Drama! Do I sense a struggle between mixolgists v bartenders?) The drinks with be simple and strong. (I could say something about my ex-husband here but I’ll let it pass.) There will be beer—lots of drafts and bottles and microbrews plus “usual suspects.” Affordable! Live music! And, if they can swing it: the property will be able to “host food and merchandise trucks, drive-in movies, and other community themed events.”

The Foundry is scheduled in early January 2012 and Chicken Scratch “soon after.” (I still think they should have named it Petticoat Junction. Wouldn’t you eat chicken at the Shady Rest? Such a duh.)

Trending: “Scratch” in a restaurant name, fried chicken, and regular bartenders without pork pie hands and mutton chops.” Somebody get me a Realtor.

posted by Nancy Nichols | December 14th, 2011 9:47am | filed under Bad Names For Restaurants List, Bring it!, Cult Cuisine, Hippie revolutions, I'm a sucker for a man in flannel, Local/Slow Food, Mixology is fancy for bartender, Openings, Restaurant News, Rewritten Press Releases, Trending, beer, chickens, cocktails, oak cliff, youthful spontaneous restaurants | 12 Comments »

First-Take Bar Review: Tate’s Craft Cocktails

Tate's bartender makes a "Quila Smash," right. (photography by Jason Acton)

The Concept: Another place for bartenders to have love affairs with their carefully crafted cocktails. Classics inspire the menu. (A gimlet, the Aviation, and a “Beautiful Cigar Girl” grace the drink lineup.)

Who’s There: What appeared to be young business professionals (early 30s) packed the place to let loose on the bar’s second night of business (last Thursday). It was a relief to rub elbows with the grownup versions of the typical McKinney Avenue weekend crowd. Surprisingly, even though the mixologist’s concoctions were the obvious choice when ordering, we saw the usual suspects lined the bar. (Red wine, vodka soda, etc.) But once one person ordered something fancy, it spurred his neighbors to make more inspired selections.

When You Enter, Make a Beeline For: The big table by the door, if you’re bringing a crowd, or a seat at the bar. When specialty cocktails are the name of the game, always buddy up with a bartender. The space is small (like, Nonna small) so be prepared to stand.

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posted by Raya Ramsey | December 12th, 2011 11:11am | filed under Bars, Beverages, Mixology is fancy for bartender, Nightlife, Openings, cocktails | 6 Comments »

Sneak Peek: The Chesterfield Opens Ever So Softly on Main Street in Dallas

Bar Crew at The Chesterfield

The Chesterfield, the tony new bar backed by Ed Bailey and manned by Ed “Lucky ” Campbell,  opened somewhat softly on Friday night. It is in the old Doc Bell’s BBQ place on Main Street in downtown Dallas.  Sumptuous old couches have been moved in and the well-stocked bar ready to “celebrate the golden age of cocktails”  runs down one exposed brick wall of the oblong space. It’s urban sophistication in the glass and in the space.

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posted by Andrew Chalk | December 12th, 2011 9:00am | filed under Andrew Chalk, Bars, Mixology is fancy for bartender, appetizers, make mine a double | 8 Comments »

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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posted by Raya Ramsey | December 7th, 2011 12:30am | filed under Awards, Bars, Beverages, Chocolate, Christmas, Coffee, Drinking, Hanukkah, Holidays, Mixology is fancy for bartender, Nightlife, Wine & Spirits, cocktails, dessert | 13 Comments »

Eddie “Lucky” Campbell to Open The Chesterfield in Late 2011

Ed Bailey in happy meal days. Photo by Elizabeth Lavin.

Ed Bailey can’t do anything simple. The restaurateur once owned 64 McDonalds. He spent bazillions of dollars on several locations  decorating the interiors with Ralph Lauren wall fabrics, gold-framed oil paintings, and Austrian crystal chandeliers. Today, he operates multiple locations of Bailey’s Prime Plus Steakhouses and Patrizio’s. And he’s backing local barman Eddie “Lucky” Campbell in The Chesterfield at 1404 Main St. in downtown Dallas.

You know, Chesterfield. Like the cigarettes. The cigabutts that make you look cool like Don Draper. Bailey and Campbell are going way retro with The Chesterfield. It’s “modeled after the barrooms of the early 1900’s considered the Golden Age of Cocktails.”

There is nothing subtle about The Chesterfield. Catch this: “Guests will order cocktails from an 11 chapter menu, modeled after the first American cocktail manuals, arranged by style of drink – sours, fizzes, smashes, juleps, etc. Mixed into these chapters, guests can also expect cocktails smoked-to-order, in addition to modern chapters with seasonal and house specialties called classics re-crafted. The Chesterfield’s bar will be one of the most technically engineered in Dallas. Each bar station will have a freezer, refrigerated drawer, access to illuminated ice blocks, bottled house-made mixers, and a chilled produce bar top display. They will also feature one of the most extensive ice programs in the south, including ice chipped from blocks, cubed, flaked, made from molds and flavored.”

I can dig the ice deal. I’m very picky about my ice. So look for the aptly named Lucky and his ice chipper soon. Oh, and small plates by Executive Chef Michael Ehlert imported from DBGB Kitchen & Bar in New York. And yes, this location was once to be the collaborative effort of Lucky and local mixologist Michael (Cedars Social) Martensen. But it looks like Martensen was kicked to the curb. That’s just my take. Nobody’s talking.

posted by Nancy Nichols | November 28th, 2011 3:35pm | filed under AgriBusiness, Bring it!, Ice Etiquette, Mixology is fancy for bartender, make mine a double | 10 Comments »

Bar 828–A Fleeting Speakeasy in Oak Cliff

Changing the mural at Bar 828.

Arti Sharma, D Magazine intern and a grant writer for Promise House  the nonprofit that receives a portion of the proceeds from Bar 828, visited the popular pop-up bar last weekend and files this report.

Feel free to play some theme music.

Driving along the 800 block on the west side Davis Street, you may notice something particularly peculiar about the venue that sits on lot 828.  At first glance, you will see a tattered building that shells what may have been a forgotten afterthought, abandoned in the midst of what perhaps was meant to be an idea. You may not further heed its quaintness, and will write it off as an empty nest.  But you see, inside an oyster, sometimes there is a pearl.  And inside 828, is something just as precious and rare: Bar 828.

Pretty pictures of pretty pop-up bar below.

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posted by Nancy Nichols | October 26th, 2011 9:55am | filed under Celebrity Diners, Charity events, Go Rangers!, Hippie revolutions, Hot Links!, Michael Martensen for President, Mixology is fancy for bartender, Silly Reasons to Celebrate, Wine & Spirits, make mine a double, oak cliff, pop-up restaurant | 11 Comments »

First Dallas, er Oak Cliff, Guerrilla Bar to Open on Thursday

The highly motivate mixologist team of Michael Martensen and Ed “Lucky” Campbell are spearheading Bar 828, a guerrilla bar that will open at 828 Davis this Thursday, Friday, and Saturday (6PM) and continue on the same days for the next three weeks. The final evening will be October 29.  Yes, these guys are busy putting together their new bar, High and Rye, in downtown Dallas but they just can’t seem to stop themselves from doing more projects. “Yeah, that’s just kinda how we work,” Martensen said via phone from the patio at Manny’s in Uptown where he is watching the Rangers game. “We can’t believe nobody has ever done this. We are going to be the first guerrilla bar.”

Bartenders from all over Dallas will participate on a rotating basis. There will also be beer, wine, food trucks, and live music coordinated by JT Donaldson. A Portion of the proceeds will go to the Promise House who has been helping teens in North Texas since 1984. So head out to The OC, home of the secret-keeping restaurateurs, and catch Brian (Sfuzzi, Standard Pour ) McCullough on Thursday.

Jump for other bartenders who’ve already signed up for the party.

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posted by Nancy Nichols | October 10th, 2011 5:51pm | filed under Cult Cuisine, Drinking, Food Trucks, Hippie revolutions, How to Open a Restaurant 101, Mixology is fancy for bartender, beer, cocktails, party, pop-up restaurant | 29 Comments »

Oak Cliff Restaurateurs Keep Secrets About New Restaurants

So, I’m avoiding real work and searching for the scoop on Sissy’s Fried Chicken on Henderson. We all know the general rules of posting CO permits:  The name on the permit in the former Hector on Henderson spot could be the real name of a home cooking or “place holder” for a gay bar. We won’t know until somebody either calls me back or I get lucky on the internet. Owners change names all the time after they’ve applied for a permit.

Anywhoo, I’m digging away and get off task. Oh, look! I find a permit pulled for a restaurant at 624 642 W. Davis. I’m not telling you the name of the LLC because Teresa Gubbins will be all over it like hot on fried bubblegum. I contacted several HIGH PROFILE restaurant people in The OC for info. Oh yes, they all know who and what it is, but none of them are talking. Okay, guys. I’ll remember that the next time you send me a press release about your new bartender or your fall brunch menu. Hah! Two can play this game. Grrr.

posted by Nancy Nichols | October 6th, 2011 12:54pm | filed under Best Gay Hangout Restaurant Evah!, Buzz Killer!, Food Crime, Go Rangers!, I Went to College for This?, I'm a sucker for a man in flannel, Keep Dallas Douchey!, Mixology is fancy for bartender, Overprivileged chimps, Pre World Series Depression, Restaurant News, RudeDudes, Vote for me!, Welcome to Dallas. Now go home., make mine a double, questionable behavior, questionable judgment | 17 Comments »

New Downtown Cocktail Bar: Michael Martensen and Eddie “Lucky” Campbell Apply for Liquor Permit

So the permit sign in the window at 1404 Main Street reads “The Garden Bar,” but that’s not the real name. However, the address is the site of the soon-to-open bar manned by mixologists Michael Martensen and Eddie “Lucky” Campbell. The dynamic duo have held the space vacated by Dr. Bell’s BBQ for some time, but it looks like things inside are ramping up. These guys know how to keep a secret. None of my snitches are snitching. However, I thought I heard somebody “say” the name of the joint will contain the name of a brown liquor. Oh, let’s name it. Free round of cocktails to the person who makes the best guess!

posted by Nancy Nichols | September 16th, 2011 1:07pm | filed under Awards, Bars, Bring it!, Contests, Merguez Sausage Hunt, Mixology is fancy for bartender, cocktails, make mine a double | 20 Comments »

Somebody Chime In With Gin…or Vodka…or Rum Recipes

This just in from a very creative disher. Talk about throwing down the gauntlet:

I liked your post about Labor Day-themed cocktails yesterday and was wondering if anyone had ideas. I have come up with some names, but feel at a loss when it comes to actually concocting an interesting drink. Anyone want to come up with a drink to match the following names?

First-Monday Muddle

Grover Cleavland’s Compromise

The Pullman Strike

The Haymarket Affair

End of Summer Swizzler

Samuel Gompers Dream

Wobblies’ Wobbler

Yellow-Dog Contract

The New Deal

White Shoe Sayonara

Jimmy Hoffa Locator

C’mon people. It’s the Friday before a long weekend. Let’s procrastinate by designing some drinks in the comments section! I will personally concoct the best of the best and detail the expereince in words (and pictures if possible) on Tuesday.

posted by Sarah Reiss | September 2nd, 2011 11:53am | filed under Contests, I Went to College for This?, Mixology is fancy for bartender, Slow News Day, cocktails | 1 Comment »

Hotter Than Hell Margarita Meltdown—Now That’s What I Call Community Spirit

Alma’s execuchef Anastacia Quinones tipped us off to an event that she (rightly) assumed would be right up our alley. On Sept. 4, from 6 to 10 pm, the Bishop Arts District plays host to the Hotter than Hell Margarita Meltdown, a block-party-style competition for bragging rights to the best margarita in Dallas. Restaurants from all over town will be on hand mixing up their finest agave fare. Hacienda on Henderson, Neighborhood Services Tavern, and Alma will be mixing it up in honor of Henderson Ave. Maximo from North Dallas will be on-hand defending their title. Wild Salsa, Iron Cactus, and Ten Sports Grill make up the Downtown Dallas contingent. Bolsa, Smoke, Nova, Mesa, and Veracruz Cafe will show up representing Oak Cliff. Finally, Sfuzzi from Uptown/Las Colinas will shake it up bi-partisan-style.

Here’s how it’s going to go down:

All participants will be required to make 1 specialty margarita at least 50 times. All contestants will be judged by the public. A total of $1000 will be awarded. $500 for 1st place, $300 for 2nd, and $200 for 3rd place to the bartender with the most votes. Join us for $20 per person to taste and vote for your favorite margarita meltdown. You get a wrist band to taste each entry and a chip to vote for your favorite one.

Just be sure to save some money for cab fare. This one sounds like a humdinger.

To learn more, visit the Dallas Margarita Fest website.

posted by Sarah Reiss | August 23rd, 2011 12:06pm | filed under Contests, Drinking, Events, I Went to College for This?, Kosher, Labor Day, Mexican Revolution, Mixology is fancy for bartender, cocktails, mob scenes | 3 Comments »

Where Can I Buy Cinchona Bark in Dallas?

I’ve called them all. I am looking for cinchona bark. I’m going to make my own tonic water, but I can’t find the magic ingredient. HELP!

posted by Nancy Nichols | August 3rd, 2011 1:22pm | filed under Cooking, I Went to College for This?, Mixology is fancy for bartender, Recipes, cocktails | 11 Comments »

SideDish Word Ban: YUM!

Beginning today, July 15, 2011, I am banning the use of the word YUM from any post on SideDish. You can YUM away all you want in the comments, but I will do my best to keep it from appearing in an official report. I do my best to stay away from “foodie,” but have yet to find the perfect replacement. YUM, however, has many. HOWEVER, I reserve the right to use “yummers” or “yum” when  I am being sarcastic or quoting a person.

If you spot the word YUM in a post after today, you will win a prize. Carry on.

posted by Nancy Nichols | July 15th, 2011 1:14pm | filed under Food Crime, Food Writing, I Hate it When That Happens, Mistakes I made, Mixology is fancy for bartender, PR People, Politics of Food, Rants, Silly Reasons to Celebrate, Special Offers, Stupid terms for food, Yum is Dumb, questionable judgment | 9 Comments »

How To Smoke a Cocktail, Courtesy of Four Lounge’s Keith LaBonte

Recently, we sent ace intern James Bright out to Four Lounge to chat with Keith LaBonte about the current state of cocktails. What he returned with is both instructional and inspirational. Take it away, James…

For almost two weeks I’ve been waiting to try a peanut butter and jelly martini. I talked to virtually every person I came into contact with about my excitement and hopes regarding the drink. Thankfully, Four Lounge’s proprietor and molecular mixologist Keith LaBonte didn’t disappoint. The beverage is a perfect blend of light peanut butter sauce and vodka with a delicate jelly whip cream.
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posted by Sarah Reiss | July 6th, 2011 1:54pm | filed under Beverages, Mixology is fancy for bartender, cocktails | 11 Comments »

Sweating Prohibition-Era Bullets At The Cedars Social

The glasses aren't the only thing that's sweating. Ball and Chain (left) and Belleview (right) cocktails at The Cedars Social.

In her June review of The Cedars Social, Nancy described house mixologist Michael Martensen as someone who, “has spent the last eight years redefining cocktails as a culinary art, and his thoughtful, exhaustive drink menu at The Cedars Social celebrates almost 100 years of drinking… ‘It’s a cocktail den. It’s all about imbibing. We don’t have olives or Red Bull, and we don’t make dirty martinis. We need people to get out of their comfort zone.’”

Given that breaking out of my comfort zone is my favorite hobby, I called some pals to meet me for a cocktails-only visit last Friday afternoon/evening. There, at the corner of Lamar and Belleview, we lucked into some threadbare velour chairs in the bar area, ordered some cheese, and settled in for the long haul.

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posted by Sarah Reiss | June 27th, 2011 11:42am | filed under Alright already!, Beverages, Buzz Killer!, Hot Links!, Mistakes I made, Mixology is fancy for bartender, cocktails | 5 Comments »

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