Who Wants to Meet at the Blue Collar Bar for Some Meatballs?

Yep. It’s almost quittin’ time and I just got a press release/menu in my hands from the Blue Collar Bar over on Henderson Avenue. This new neighborhood bar and grill blends “crafty comfort food with working-man fare.” What does that little slice of PR speak mean? Sloppy Joes featuring hand-pulled flank steak, meatball poppers, a fried bologna sandwich, blue plate specials such as Salisbury steak and cast-iron fried chicken, and some deep fried goodness I can’t wait to pop in my mouth: fried cheese balls featuring smoked cheddar and mascarpone breaded in Panko. Or if you just want to drink, try a Jack Hammered Headshot or Blue Collar Teamster Texas Tea. Doors are now open and the official grand opening party is next Thursday at 7pm.

Quick Hit: Neighborhood Services

Last night I attended the kick-off party for the 2009 Kim Dawson Attitude Award Fashion Show and Luncheon at Allie-Coosh in Snider Plaza. All the great gals from Attitudes and Attire were there along with the marketing staff of (my favorite) sister pub, D Beauty. After a healthy dose of Girl Power, I was starving. Guess what restaurant is on the way to Casa Nichols? Neighborhood Services. So I popped in for a quick bite.

Three words: fried little asparagus.

That’s all I’m gonna say. Except, I’ve finally figured out how to link the menus. (I think,) Here goes:

The Bar (pdf)

The Menu (pdf)

The Wine List (pdf)

Fried little asparagus. OMG. Whoops.

Brothers Fried Chicken is Closed

Teresa Gubbins sends word that Brothers Fried Chicken closed last week. Where do I get my hangover cure fried chicken and jalapenos? Aargh.

Grady Spears’ New Restaurant to Open Soon

The chuckwagon chef cooked a mean chicken-fried steak this past Saturday at the grand opening of Plano’s Legacy Books. He was there to break in the bookseller’s fancy show kitchen, sign copies of his new cookbook, and let the crowd in on a little news: His new namesake restaurant–Grady’s–should be up and running soon near TCU but won’t make its official debut until January. The food? “Basic food cooked really well,” he said. Well duh. That’s what the man does. Spears also said this will probably be his last restaurant in Fort Worth. “I’m itching to get back to Alpine,” he shared.

Neighborhood Services: The Menu

Murmur. Somehow I have managed to delete this post and I can’t get it up. Still working on it.

Neighborhood Services is Open For Business. Don’t Tell Anyone.

I passed by Nick Badovinus’ new spot, Neighborhood Services, yesterday and noticed a big hole in the street in front surrounded by a ring of orange cones. Hmm, looked like a major plumbing problem. I called Nick. Yes indeed there was a problem but it was at the adjoining business and it’s all been fixed. And, yes indeed, Neighborhood Services is open for business. They had a soft opening over the weekend and had to close on Tuesday to let the plumbers work. Badovinus is trying to keep it quiet-he wants to work out the kinks, so don’t tell too many people. The restaurant’s number is 214-350-5027. Go. Eat. Report.

Somebody Help This Poor Girl: Cheese Please

I ate so much cheese during my recent trip to Italy that if you cut me I would bleed burrata. See this ball to the left? I bought it at an open market in Siena and I ate the whole thing in one sitting, prompting my traveling buddies to remark, “From the truck to Nancy’s butt.” Nice people, I know. Anywhoo,  I am so happy to know that Dallas is going crazy for cheese and cheese stores are going crazy for Dallas. A reader wants some wine with hers:

My husband I have been reading about the recent openings of cheese shops around the metroplex, and we’re intrigued.  We want to check one out this weekend, and I was wondering if you had any recommendations or faves.  One that served beer and wine would be best.

I am heading over to Molto Formaggio in Preston Forest to check out their selection of cheeses. Of course, you must go to Ms. Paula’s in Deep Ellum. Scardello’s Artisan Cheese in Oak Lawn just opened last Thursday and they have a nice selection of small vineyard wines. Go. Eat. Report.

Alberto Lombardi Opens Ristorante Cibus

Alberto Lombardi’s newest restaurant in NorthPark, Cibus, is actually two restaurants in one. On one side, you’ll find sandwishes, salads, antipasto, and house-made gelato or sorbet at Caffe Cibus. On the other, you will find the elegant, upscale Ristorante Cibus. Either place you’ll find foods of the Emilia Romagna region of Northern Italy where Alberto grew up in the small town of Forli. We’re talking “crescenza-filled focaccia, a wide selection of antipasti, a half-dozen varieties of pizza; entrée salads; wild mushroom or shrimp risotto; pastas including cappellitti with roast veal, savoy cabbage and sugo d’arrosto; pappardelle with duck ragu and orange zest; fiochetti of Gorgonzola with fontina and leek fondue and truffle oil and entrees like semolina dusted lemon sole; grilled Scottish salmon and seared ahi tuna.”

The early buzz is that the food is delicious and the gelato is “the real deal.” Check it out and report back. 214-692-0001. BTW, it’s pronounced “chee-boos”. And I won’t comment on those oragnge chandeliers until I see them in person. BUT they do remind me of the white ones at Pescabar See below. (more…)

Central Market Gets a New Cafe and Guacamole Bar

And our own sweet Katie McNew was at the preview party last night. Here is her report.

Gina Campisi? Gina Campisi? Can You Read Me?

Sorry, I’m still suffering a little jet lag and I inadvertantly deleted a post about Gina Campisi’s soon-to-open restaurant, Fedora. A reader, who had dined at Jorge’s, the Mexican spot next door to Fedora in One Arts Plaza, asked when Fedora was going to open. I’m asking the Dish Nation to a) report on what you know about Fedora’s and b) report on your experiences at Jorge’s. Confused? Good, at least we’re on the same page.A nice man on the phone just told me that Fedora will have a soft opening “maybe tomorrow” and if not “then probably Monday.”

Petra Now Open at Shops at Starwood

You know, I like to make fun of Frisco–in my mind it is practically Oklahoma–but I’m sure the fine folks up there take offense to that–namely my sister. That said, the town has many highpoints, including my all-time favorite clothing store, Sussie’s. (BTW, Sussie’s is having a party today to kick off the in-store shoe boutique, Pumps. There will be bellinis until 6 pm.) Well, there are a few quality restaurants up there as well, and another one just opened this week: Petra Essence of Mexico, which started in McKinney, which is another happening little burb, I might add. Anyhoo, Petra is very excited to be opening in Frisco, judging from the four exclamation points on the web site. Here’s the official word: (more…)

Nick Badovinus Speaks: Opening on October 24

Or maybe October 26th. He’s not sure but Neighborhood Services, his spot on West Lovers, is close to go. He gives a quick update:

“The flatbread is insane. The ricotta crab puffs, ridiculous! The team of people that I’m working with are blowing my mind. We are two days into our training for the foh [front of house] and the crew in the kitchen. They are kicking ass! BTW the space feels dynamite. Still on target for the weekend of the 24th.. We may take a day or two to breathe in deeply, exhale and crank up service the following Mon/Tuesday.”

There you have it. Update: Phone number is 214-350-5027.

New Steak House to Open

Know what I love about “our own” Teresa Gubbins? She loves Law & Order, she looks like Angie Harmon (left), and she knows how to work the phones. Have you ever watched her dial? She is crazy fast. All of those years at the DMN taught her how to be a reporter and report she does. Yes, it’s unlucky for me that she reports daily for Pegasus News but monthly, she writes dining reviews for D. (Sorry, Mr. Orren, I think I get her best stuff.) Anywhoo, Lois, I mean Teresa, reports that a new steak house, Tre Amici, is getting ready to open in the old Rick Stein’s (hi, Rick!) spot on the Dallas Tollway. Wow, I’m glad to know that some people are still sniffing glue. You can read Teresa’s story for the hard facts but I’d like to hear your thoughts on why we need another steakhouse. Okay, so it has an “Italian flare,” it is going to be expensive. (They should have named it Dow Jones.) Listen to what the owner, Judd Fruia, said: “Basically, it’s a cool concept,” he says. “With so many steakhouses in Dallas, the last thing we wanted to do was open another.” So open an Italian restaurant with a steak flair, that we could use. Nation, we need to help this man listen to his inner-voice. Go.

Breaking News: Orange Cup Fever Hits Frisco

Here comes a story from Frisco where, according to my source, there is an outbreak of Orange Cup fever. Sounds like most of the cases have been contained to the Stonebriar Center. After ingesting a “nutritious and organic frozen yogurt treat with new, fresh toppings, and cool downloads,” several patrons went crazy by hooking up their iPods to the store’s iPod docking stations and participating in “a pay-it-forward exclusive recycling program.” OMG, this is serious. Thankfully, they are suggesting a cure: an “Orange is Green strategy.” So many colors; so little time. Anybody who ventures north, send word.

Restaurant Openings and Closings and Stuff and Such and Beyond Rings

I apologize for my erratic behavior today but I am taking pain killers. Not the really good stuff, just some wimpy ones. However, they kind of sneak up on you when you try to tpye–see what I mean–type. I’m sure Adam is going to walk over to my cube and snatch my keyboard before the end of the day–we can’t have a member of the D staff on any mind-altering substances while at work. But before that happens, I thought I’d tell you what the large white-crested crane that just landed on my BlackBerry told me:

“Hey, did you know that Sammy’s BBQ in Preston Center closed last week and that Gordo’s opened in Preston Center? And Cremona’s reopened in that old fish place near the Quandrangle?”

No, Shermie, I did not. But thanks for calling.

Wings to Land in Fort Worth–TOMORROW!

As I have said before, I do not get the wings thing. They are not only a pile of greasy chicken flesh coated with sugar-laden sauces, they are/were an awful band. (I’m sure Linda would agree with me on the chicken thang.) Anywhoo, I know there are plenty of you who love, love, love chicken wings. So you will be happy when I regurgitate this press release to you. Ready? It’s called Buffalo Wings & Rings. (Hold me back.) Go, if you must:

MEDIA ALERT****

10/7/08 - Fort Worth, TX

The best Buffalo-style chicken wings anywhere are arriving TOMORROW in Fort Worth!

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The Germans Are Coming to Colleyville

Guten Morgen meine freunde!! Lassen sie uns etwas deutsche speise essen! You guys didn’t know I typed German didjah? I do, thanks to this. And starting Thursday, you can shop all-things German at GermanDeli in Colleyville. Grand opening is Thursday from noon-7, ditto for Friday, and Saturday 11:00-7PM and–hold all of my calls–Sunday the Colleyville Heritage High School Drum Line will wow guests at 12:30pm. Plus:

Samplings of German food
Prizes and lots of fun, kid games,
Grilled bratwurst on a crusty roll (only $2 each)
and grilled Kosher hot dogs ($1 each)
The Alpine Village Band will perform all 4 days
From 5pm to 8pm (Thursday and Friday)
From 1pm - 4:30pm (Saturday and Sunday)

The store is located at 5100 Hwy. 122. The phone is 817-354-8101. Gehen sie jetzt, you brats!

Sneak Peek: Neighborhood Services Restaurant

So I’m cruising down W Lovers this morning and I see chef Nick Badovinus standing in front his soon-to-open restaurant, Neighborhood Services. Yow. Zah. Opening a restaurant sure takes its toll on a body–Badovinus has aged ten years. Lordly, he looks at least 21. Anywhoo, he was crazy busy but he took me on a quick walk through and I snapped a couple of pictures. The crew is about “90 percent finished” and the final details are coming into place. The light fixtures are up, the bar is in, and the carpenters were installing the high-backed, sexy black booths while I was there. Badovinus is talking two weeks until opening, but watch SideDish for details.

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Mini-Review: Victor Tango’s

Last night I decided to meet a couple of my friends for a quickie at the newest hot spot, Victor Tango’s. We decided to stay and eat. Glad we did–we found lots of good bites. Guess who we saw? Our fashion editor Stephanie Quadri (left) and her hunk-of-burning-love husband, Albert. Cocktails? You betcha. The menu sez: “Victor Tango’s is dedicated to the precise rendering of vintage and modern cocktails using freshly squeezed juices, local herbs, and fresh vegetables.” And my Passionfruit Gimlet was pretty and delish: Texas thyme, Tito’s vodka, fresh passionfruit and pineapple juice, very girly. However, the bon vivant scotch drinker in our G-5 was muy turned off by the server who, when asked what kind of single malts they served, answered, “all the beers are listed on the menu.” Luckily she came back to the table with the correct answer: Oban.

Chef David McMillan is working hard to come up with new foodie taste sensations: some of them were over-the-top fab, others just so-so. Loved the little lamb ribs smothered in a chipotle glaze (left), the warm goat cheese dip with tiny roasted tomatoes, sweet potato chips with a spicy red chili mayo. I loved the hanger steak with blue butter but my grumpy friend, not so much. He wanted more blue butter and a “crispier finish to the meat.” My mom loved the crispy skate seasoned with brown butter and a served with a tad of celery root puree while her BFFITWFW raved over the mini carne asado tacos and the lobster sliders. The ground Prime beef burger it superb but the French fries need some love–they weren’t as firm as the experts at our table like them to be and they had a funny aftertaste. Something in the grease? Dunno.

The vibe is groovy, casual, yet sophisticated. Prices are right on: cocktails are $8 while the plates run from $6 to $16. Jump for photos. (more…)

Patrizio’s Contributes Occupancy and Synergy to Cedar Hill

Hey people, a little blue bird with molting feathers tells me Cedar Hill is getting an “urban development” called a “village.” That should make you hungry. Anywhoo, it’s “some where down there” on Belt Line and it’s called Uptown Village. So far they have Matt’s Rancho Martinez and a Razzoo’s, not to mention a Maui Wowi smoothie place. Coming in November? A third location of Patrizio’s. Is this a great city or what? Thanks, Honey Bun. You’re always 101 pounds of fun.

Thanks to Chef Stephan Pyles, 2100 Ross has 92% Occupancy and Synergies with Arts District

Yesterday, Eats Blog contributor Joyce Saenz Harris Beyond Stuff and More wrote that her three-syllable-named colleague Sheryl Jean reported that the leasing team of CB Richard, the world’s largest commercial real estate services firm (in terms of 2007 revenue), announced that Stephan “With-An-A”‘ Pyles, one of Dallas’ premier chefs, is opening a new restaurant called Samar. This is a curious development in the restaurant business–commercial real estate people announcing restaurant openings without including the restaurant-covering media. Guess they need all the good news they can get these days.

(photography by Kevin Hunter “Gatherer Miss” Marple)

I’m not taking anything away from these folks–I’m happy to see Pyles stimulating the downtown economy and appetites. I guess I just craved a little bit more information about the soul of the place. Like maybe something about the food? Oh wait, it says right here: “International Tapas menu with views of downtown skyscrapers.” Jump for hard news. (Grammar police, be damned.) (more…)

Anybody Been to The Boardroom?

I drove by The Thrill of Victory Park the other night and noticed The Boardwalk, a new sports-y looking bar. I made a few inquiries.

Hey, what’s The Boardroom:

The Boardroom is a stylish, sophisticated spin on the classic sports bar concept that combines contemporary American fare with beer and wine, fun cocktails, great service and entertaining atmosphere.

Who runs it?

The Dolce Group is an LA-based hospitality management team that operates concepts in Atlanta, Huntsville, Los Angeles, and Reno that include Bella, Dolce Enoteca, Geisha House, Ketchup, Les Deux, Rare 120, and Ten Pin Alley. Partner in The Dolce Group, Lonnie Moore says, “We have always been drawn to the spirit and energy in Dallas and felt the Victory Park location for The Boardroom was the perfect fit for this particular concept of an upscale bar & grill.”

Wow. Spirit and energy, eh? How are you going to keep up with that?

There are over 20 high definition plasma televisions throughout The Boardroom, ranging in size from 42 inches to 63 inches, along with 115″ projector screens behind the bar. Patrons can choose to watch everything from college football to professional basketball, international soccer games, and boxing matches live from Las Vegas. Each seat in The Boardroom comes with a personal sound system that can be used to listen to an audio feed from the television of a patron’s choice.

Will you be serving upscale Italian food?

The Boardroom’s extensive menu offers something for everyone including standouts like: Corn Dog Surf and Turf, The Happy Thanksgiving Sandwich, Italian Steakhouse Pizza, Bacon Wrapped Scallops, Rum and Coca-Cola Glaze Ribs, and a White Chocolate and Raspberry Milk Shake with fresh-baked chocolate chip cookies.

Cookies and cocktails. Let’s go.

Woodlands Grill in Allen Opens Today

Yes, Dishers. This post is about a restaurant opening way up north in Allen. But after attending their media preview last week, I can tell you that people in the Plano/Allen/McKinney area are happy to have a new dinner spot. It’s Woodlands Grill at Watters Creek (a cute new mixed-use development just off 75 in Allen), brought to you by the folks at Food, Friends, and Co. (who own the Woodlands Grill on Forest and the Cozymel’s chain). Anyhow, if you find yourself famished after a day of bargain hunting at Allen Premium Outlets and decide to check Woodlands out, I strongly suggest you sample their to-die-for spinach pesto pasta (campanelle pasta, Parmesan, pecans, marinated tomatoes) and get an order of sweet potato fries. Yum.

Review: Pescabar

Lordy, you Dishers love Alberto Lombardi. So do I. However, I was not impressed with his newest creation, Pescabar in West Village. So, quit blowing up my e-mail if you haven’t eaten there. I don’t care how long you’ve known him or how good his other places are. Go. Eat. Report. That’s the drill. The audience is listening.

(photography by the incomparable Kevin Hunter Marple)

The New Pyramid Bar and Restaurant Makes O.J.’s Face Look Fat

I’m sorry, I can’t help myself. A kind PR pro with all the good intentions in the world sent me “sneak peek” photos of the refurbished Pyramid Bar and Restaurant in the Fairmont Hotel. I couldn’t help but notice the two TV images of a fat-faced O.J. Simpson blaring from the bar. It’s a lovely room, but I have to ask the obvious question: Folks, does every bar have to have a TV? Can’t we just order a martini, sit next to each other, and watch the news on our BlackBerrys? TVs are so 2007.