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Mico Rodriguez is Out of the Screen Door

That is what Teresa is Twittering. Chef David McMillan is still in the kitchen. Will Robert Columbo step in? Developing.

New Chef Announced at Oceanaire Seafood Room in Dallas

Welcome new execuchef Aaron Valimont to The Oceanaire Seafood Room in Dallas. His resume:

Chef Valimont began his culinary career in Tacoma at The Lobster Shop, later working under Executive Chef Will MacNamara at Seattle’s Washington Athletic Club before taking his knives to the TPC Snoqualmie Ridge Golf Club.  He then trained under Food and Wine “Best New Chef” Gordon Naccarato, opening The Pacific Grill in Seattle first as Sous Chef and ultimately being promoted to Pacific Grill’s Executive Chef.

His quote:

“Each day is a culinary adventure as we create our menu with the fresh seafood the market provides while emphasizing the simplicity of seasonal preparations, regionally inspired dishes and generous portion sizes,” Chef Valimont said. “In addition, our seasoned wine stewards will help select the wine that best compliments our guest’s meal.”

Go in peace.

Former Oceanaire chef Chad Kelly will be the lead chef at Shannon Wynne’s new restaurant The Moth.

Restaurant Review: Park Restaurant on Henderson Avenue in Dallas

Marc’s famous mussels by Kevin Hunter Marple.

Are you crazy about chef Marc Cassel’s mussels? Do you love Spam on your pizza? Is bocce a cheese, a font, or a game? Extra, extra, read all about it.

Teresa Gubbins Closes Another Restaurant

This time it is Papou’s Greek Kitchen. The Teegster reports that Papou’s Greek Kitchen and Taverna, Pete Zotos’ Greek restaurant that shared a building with Legal Grounds in Lakewood, has “left the building.” Zotos encourages his loyal customers to visit his other spot, St. Pete’s Dancing Marlin, where he has added chicken-fried tuna to the menu.

Rumormonger Eric Celeste Says The Tipperary Inn in Dallas is Making a Comeback

He sends this rumor report of a rumor.

Il Frateli v City of Coppell

From the copy and paste press release department:

Huge Fine for Holding a Sign? Coppell Official’s Harassment Causes Layoffs.

i Fratelli Pizza feels “chilling effect” through unprovoked vendetta

COPPELL, TX   Did a Coppell City official lean on a code enforcement officer to fine the manager of a locally owned i Fratelli Pizza $2,000.00 because there was a lone employee holding a sign in front of the store? (more…)

Andrew Chalk: Charlie Palmer Talks About Making Wine at His Private Vineyard

Surrounded by Dean Fearing, Kent Rathbun, and Sharon Hage, chef Charlie Palmer talks with Andrew Chalk about making Pinot Noir at his house. (Nice gig, eh?)

Andrew Chalk Report: Celebrity Chef Soiree Last Night at Charlie Palmer at the Joule in Dallas

Scott Romano does a much better job of describing them in this video than I could. Excuse the poor technical quality – it was shot under battlefield conditions.

Last night celebrity chef Charlie Palmer was in town week to meet with his staff, chat with his public, and throw a little tasting party for area chefs. I spotted Dean Fearing, Kent Rathbun, Sharon Hage, and time love sampling appetizers at the bar long after the customers had cleared. Executive chef Scott Romano set out a spread that included peppered filet mignon with Armagnac sauce, pepper-seared mahi mahi, bacon-wrapped quail legs, shrimp mousse lobster corn dogs (lobster corn dogs?), and more. However, for me, the most exciting food was the large selection of charcuterie and salumi made in-house. Dishers, these samples were not contrived to please our local chefs, the food is currently on both the bar and restaurant menu.

DISCLAIMER: This event was provided by the restaurant and I was not anonymous. However, I personally took out a mortgage on my house to cover the valet parking charges.–Andrew Chalk

New Mansion Chef Bruno Davaillon Dishes on Dallas

He’s heeerrrreee…new Rosewood Mansion on Turtle Creek restaurant chef Bruno Davaillon is officially in ‘da house. We got to ask him a few questions this afternoon after he finished serving lunch to the Hunts. (All in a day’s work.) He’s French, he’s got a great accent, and most importantly, he’s got Dallas’ first Michelin star. Jump for it.

(more…)

Lola is Closed: Reports of The Last Supper

Sadly, Lola served its last meal on Saturday night. If you were there, we’d love to hear about your meal. Otherwise, let’s take a moment to “sign their yearbook” as it were. Leave details of your favorite meal or memory of Lola in the comments. This is a great loss for the Dallas dining scene. Van Roberts, you and chef David Uygur and crew created real magic together.

First Taste at the Rosewood Mansion on Turtle Creek With New Chef Bruno Davaillon

Technically the fanfare will not begin until later this week, but we just couldn’t wait. We knew chef Bruno Davaillon was headed to the   kitchen at the Rosewood Mansion on Turtle Creek in early November and, given the silence, we figured he must be here testing new recipes. So we took our chances and headed over to the Mansion for dinner. Oh, yes he was there and so were some of  his new dishes such as seared Day Boat scallop with cauliflower three ways (puree, “salad,” and lightly roasted); king crab and butternut squash bisque with glazed chestnuts and crispy spring roll; bison tenderloin “au poivre” with autumn vegetables; roasted veal tournedos with crispy sweetbread, fig chutney, and chanterelle mushroom; Maine lobster salad with avocado, tomato confit, and caviar cream; and Mansion shrimp cocktail with horseradish panna cotta and spicy tomato syrup. We can only speak for the first two; actually, chef Davaillon was serving only the bisque tonight, but when we confessed we had come in for a advance taste, he offered the scallops as well.Jump for more of Davaillon’s creations. (more…)

Making Soba Noodles at Tei-An at One Arts Plaza in Dallas

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Last week Andrew “Baby Face” Chalk attended the soba noodle making session held at Tei-An. The event was a big deal— Akila Inouye, Master Chef of Tsukiji Soba Academy in Tokyo, visited Tei-An restaurant at One Arts Plaza to give a demonstration of the technique of making soba noodles. Inouye’s brief U.S. tour only included New York, Los Angeles, and Dallas. Why Dallas? Tei-An owner Teiichi Sakurai is a student of the master. Here for your viewing enjoyment is Soba Noodles: The Movie.

Do Love French Food, French Wine, and French Culture?

Then you must check out French Affaires in Dallas. They hold all kinds of French-inspired events all over town. On November 1, they are hosting a French wine and cheese pairing at Molto Fromaggio in Highland Park. On November 8, they will be at The Cultured Cup to “tour Provence its signature flavors and foods.” All the info you need is here. Berets optional.

Somebody Help This Poor Man: Turkish Food in Dallas

He has time but he needs your help:

Our organization Friendship Force of Dallas is going on an exchange trip to Turkey next year.  We are looking for a Turkish restaurant that can accommodate a group of 50-60 people for a meeting next July.  Can you provide me with a list of restaurants in the Dallas area that have a Turkish ethnic atmosphere and food?  I appreciate any assistance you can provide.

Hit it and get it.

Jack’s Porch Restaurant Opens in Southlake With a Lawsuit

A couple of months ago, a Disher in Colleyville asked me if I knew where Jack’s Porch was opening in her area. I did what most reputable reporters do, I Googled. I did find job listings for a Jack’s Porch but no address. Then I forgot about it. This morning a Disher with a head for the law and a bod for Law & Order sends word that Jack of Jack’s Porch is Jack Layman, the former manager of Rockfish in Southlake, and he has been slapped with a lawsuit for violating his employment contract. Layman quit his job at Rockfish and opened Jack’s Porch across the street with a Rockfish-rip-off menu. Rockfish is claiming Layman has violated his employment contract which prohibits him from working at another restaurant within 10 miles.

Dish Will Bring Fresh and Delicious Simple Cuisine To Dallas

That’s what the PR peeps promise. Dish, an “alfresco dining and premier nightlife destination” will open in the Illume on November 5th. You will recognize some of the folks behind the scenes: Tim McEneny (obar, LIFT, Dragonfly at Hotel ZaZa, and partner and concept chef Doug Brown, from Beyond the Box)and Shawn Horne (Five Sixty, Star Canyon, Aquaknox, The Green Room, Abacus, Ferre, and Kitchen 1924). Executive chef Brian Sommers (Jaspers and Rick’s Chophouse) headlines the kitchen. Jump for more. (more…)

The Princeton Tigertones to Perform at Hector’s on Henderson

Hector Garcia has booked The Princeton Tigertones, an cappella male choral group from Princeton University, for two shows at Hector’s on Henderson. The Tigertones formed in 1946 and have over 30 recordings. They “encourage harmony, spontaneity, and brotherhood.” This past summer they toured Europe for six weeks. Their nine tours abroad have taken them to Europe, Egypt, Israel, Greece, Japan, Jamaica and many other exotic locations. The first dinner and show (6:00 p.m.) on November 1 is sold out, but owner Hector is adding a 9:00 p.m. show. Limited seating. Call 214-821-0432. Details below. Jump. (more…)

Dinner and Dancing: Where do You Tango in Dallas?

I used to love to eat dinner and dance at the Chaparral Club in Dallas. It’s gone but a few place remain. There is good music at Kirby’s in Southlake and I think you can dance in the lounge at Bailey’s Prime Plus near NorthPark. Any other favorites out there?

Mini-Review: Chicken House in Dallas

Today, with a renewed attitude to drive across town to discover food, I hit Chicken House in East Dallas to buy a big butt bucket load of fried chicken for my hard-working cube mates.  Chicken House is the semi-new name for the joint formerly known as Brothers Fried Chicken.

The speaker in the drive-through is in desperate need of repair. The crackling high-pitched screech cooked my cochlea and fried my synapses. Somehow I managed to order a 10-piece family pack, sides of okra and cole slaw, and a fried pie. As I waited by the window, I asked the nice lady, Naomi, if the recipe was the same as Brothers. She said it was—I didn’t actually hear her, but luckily I’m a great reader of lips.

Anywhoo, imagine my co-workers surprise when I walked in with a free lunch! Well, the whole deal was only $19.45 and it made even the skinny people happy. Vegetarians, not so much.

Here is my take: The chicken pieces were huge and the crust was crunchy and crispy. (No extra salt was needed. I drizzled jalapeno juice on mine.) Cole slaw was not great—too much mayo. Fries reminded me of my ex-husband—they were soft and wimpy. Fried okra were State Fair quality—nothing but crispy little balls of probably frozen okra. But Naomi was nice and the chicken was worth the drive. Co-workers, let me hear from you. (909 Fitzhugh @ Gaston. 214-370-0800)

The Celebrity Chef Tour Comes to Dallas This Thursday

From the copy and paste press release department:

The Celebrity Chef Tour benefiting the James Beard Foundation is coming to Dallas on Thursday, October 29, 2009 at 7 pm for a fun night of culinary celebration.  Bravo Television ‘Top Chef’ Winner Hosea Rosenberg and Host Chef Chris Vogeli of III Forks Restaurant will team up to cook a multi-course meal. Tickets are $175 per person and can be reserved by calling (720) 201-1853 or by visiting www.celebritycheftour.com.

The chefs plan to incorporate their styles by balancing Rosenberg’s quest for the best seafood with Vogeli’s love for premium meat and game.

Says Chef Rosenberg, “I loved my cooking experience at the James Beard House and I look forward to bringing that same spirit and energy to Dallas.” Says Chef Vogeli, “I’ve seen Hosea’s talent on ‘Top Chef’ and i look forward to collaborating with him in my kitchen.” Jump for more. (more…)

Ch-ch-ch-ch-Changes at Tre Amici Prime Steakhouse & Seafood in Dallas

Tre Amici management has been turned upside down.

Tre Amici is closing in on their one-year anniversary and it doesn’t look like any of the original team is still on board. A quick glance at the new website does not list any of the opening cast. We know that Judd Fruia is long gone, but I can’t find original chef Tim Soufan or partners Jay Lombardo and Charlie Turano anywhere. Even pianist W.T. Greer has been replaced by Adrian King. I just received a press release proclaiming “4 Star Rated Tre Amici Prime Steakhouse And Seafood Savors New Culinary Team And Menu Items.”

Here is the update. The chef de cuisine is Chris Hughes, GM is Ken Branstetter, the manager is Vito Calo, and the bar manager is Danny Clopp. Ken says, “My goal at Tre Amici is to create a warm, welcoming environment for our guests and take a very good menu and make it a great steakhouse menu.” Ken has had management roles at Ounce Prime Steakhouse and Three Forks. Chris Hughes was a sous chef at BLT Steakhouse. Vito Calo, a Bari, Italy native, brings ten years of experience in the Dallas dining scene to Tre Amici including management at Mi Piaci, Riccardi’s, and Ounce Prime Steakhouse. The press release lists Danny Clopp as the “titled the finest bartender in the world and Texas by work associates.” Hmm. I wonder if my work associates would be so kind?

UPDATE: According to their PR rep: Tim Soufan left in July to pursue a variety of food and beverage consulting opportunities. She also adds: “There has been a name change over time–the restaurant is titled Tre Amici Prime Steakhouse & Seafood.”

Update on Chapman Chile Kitchen in Dallas

I stopped by Shed 2 at the Dallas Farmers Market on Saturday to catch up with Fran Chapman. She was there with the other specialty food vendors selling 32-ounce containers of Chapman’s bison chili (mild, spicy, and 50/50) and their stuffed jalapenos. Things are picking up for the Chapman—Randal still runs the store on Carroll Ave. near Munger Place and Fran works the DFM on the weekends. They plan to ramp up production for the Farmers Market and hope to sell to other local outlets as well. (Attention Central Market, Whole Foods, and locavore restaurants—local bison chili is now available.) Between running a restaurant and the stand at the DFM, Fran and Randal have four kids. Saturday they all came down to help Fran shut down the stand.

Alberto Lombardi Takes Taverna Pizzeria & Risotteria to Las Colinas

A Great White Pelican just swooped past the office and whispered: “Alberto Lombardi is opening a Taverna Pizzeria & Risotteria in the Las Colinas Village Center.” Birds make the best sources. (And  I saw a lovely flock of white pelicans near Kaufman on Sunday.)

Kent Rathbun Wants to Take Dallas “Past Austin.” Pray For Him!

From a co-worker:

Last night at the Kent Rathbun party for the upcoming March of Dimes “gala”–where he’s offering one of the chef-package auction gifts–Rathbun told the crowd:

“Two weeks ago, I was at the Paws Up resort in Wyoming, [He said Wyoming, but Google says Paws Up is in Montana] where I met a woman from the Napa Valley wine commission. [I discovered a Napa Valley Vintners group via Google, but no 'wine commission.'] We discussed how the Super Bowl was coming to Dallas in 2011, and how we’re gonna have a big year next year in Dallas because of it. She said that she’s got 100 Napa Valley wineries coming to Dallas for a conference next year, and so she wants to do a big March of Dimes event here around the Super Bowl. It’s not a done deal by any means yet, but we have our foot in the door. It’s something that would take us right past Austin, Texas! I’m gonna work on this. Say a prayer.”

How about “March of Wines?”

New Videos Encourage Diners to Dine Out and Save the Economy

A couple of days ago I posted this video that encourages you to dine out and save the economy. Today, Mark (Maguire’s, Maximo) Maguire, president of the Texas Restaurant Association sends you this video.