Articles about Savor dallas

What To Drink Now: Savor Dallas Reserve Tasting and International Grand Tasting

posted by Hayley Hamilton | March 18th, 2013 12:32pm | filed under Cheese, Chefs, Festivals, Savor dallas, Texas Spirits, Texas Wine, Wine & Spirits, Wine Pairing | 2 Comments »
Gallo Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon (left); Grand Tasting (right) photos by Louie Solomon

Gallo Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon (left); Grand Tasting (right) photos by Louie Solomon

Each year Savor Dallas continues to grow, bringing residents from all over North Texas together for a weekend of wine and food celebration. This year, in its ninth, Savor added evening events at Trinity Groves, the Perot Museum, and a special evening at the Dallas Arboretum, bringing Dallas Blooms and wines from all over the globe together.  However, the original tasting opportunities still remain the best, pairing some of the best chefs in the city together with wines and a plethora of spirits from all over the world at the big International Grand Tasting. This applies to the the special Reserve Wines tasting just before. I had a chance to attend both Saturday night as a guest of Savor Dallas.

Neyen Espiritu de Apalta - Colchagua Valley Red Blend (being poured from decanter)

Neyen Espiritu de Apalta – Colchagua Valley Red
Blend (being poured from decanter)

Held for the second year at the spacious Irving Convention Center, the Reserve Tasting started at 5 p.m. with representatives from Moet-Hennessy, Numanthia, Cheval des Andes, and The Puzzle from Newton. Diageo poured incredible Rutherford dust filled BV Georges de Latour Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon; Duckhorn offered its incredible Howell Mountain Cabernet;, and Wrath Wines poured a crisp and luscious, wax-capped San Saba Chardonnay. Some special spirits included a four-year aged Casa Sauza XA Limited Edition Gran Anejo Tequila. Comfortably spread out guests easily meandered from table-to-table, sipping and enjoying, while having the opportunity to talk about the wines with the representatives with ease.

Continue reading "What To Drink Now: Savor Dallas Reserve Tasting and International Grand Tasting"

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Savor Trinity Groves: Preview Taste

posted by Carol Shih | March 18th, 2013 10:35am | filed under ''Sections, Food, Savor dallas |
Entrance to 3015 at Trinity Groves

Entrance to 3015 at Trinity Groves (photos by Elizabeth Lavin)

This past Thursday, Savor Dallas launched an indulgent weekend of food gluttony with its first event at Trinity Groves, the new restaurant and retail incubator in West Dallas. (For the backstory, read Nancy’s report from last year.) The event was a small preview of the dozen or so planned restaurants that’ll be opening in Trinity Groves in the next few months. Some of them were hits, and others definitely misses. What are your thoughts, SideDishers? What were some of the highlights of your weekend? Did you sip/experience anything you wish could change next year?

Jump for a glance of all the Trinity Groves food to come.

Continue reading "Savor Trinity Groves: Preview Taste"

Chalk Talk: A Winos Guide To The Reserve Tasting at Savor Dallas 2012

posted by Andrew Chalk | March 19th, 2012 12:38pm | filed under Andrew Chalk, Savor dallas, Savor Dallas 2012, Wine & Spirits, Wine Pairing | 2 Comments »

Savor Dallas is one of the, if not the, biggest food and wine festivals of the year in the Dallas/Fort Worth area. The 2012 Savor Dallas takes place on March 30 & 31. They offer a slew of tasting events.  If you are a wine lover, then you must attend the best event of the festival: The Reserve Tasting. This year the event will take place on Saturday March 31 is at 5:30pm in the Irving Convention Center. Buy tickets now, a sellout is a certainty. Every single one of the approximately 50 wines in this tasting must retail for over $50 a bottle. However, some actually sell for a lot more.

Here’s my list of suggested highlights of the wines offered at the Reserve Tasting this year. I’ve  listed by normal tasting order. Comments may be totally out of order.

Continue reading "Chalk Talk: A Winos Guide To The Reserve Tasting at Savor Dallas 2012"

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Is Savor Dallas Moving to Irving?

posted by Nancy Nichols | October 6th, 2011 10:07am | filed under Go Rangers!, I Hate it When That Happens, Pre World Series Depression, questionable behavior, questionable judgment, Savor dallas, Uncategorized | 12 Comments »

I got a semi-frantic email from a semi-frantic restaurant owner. “Savor Dallas is moving to the Irving Convention Center this year. We got our invite to participate and apparently they are moving to broaden their appeal.” I went deep into Savor Dallas’ Facebook page and found this:

Savor Dallas announces the 8th Annual event will be held March 30-31, 2012, and expands regionally. Participants can enjoy wine, food, spirits and the arts in the Dallas Arts District, and the new Irving Convention Center at Las Colinas, 500 W. Las Colinas Blvd.

Hey, Jim White! What is up? Are you changing the name to Savor Dallas and Irving? Have you ever heard of a basketball tournament called “The Final Four?” Dude, give us the news.

UPPITY DATE:  Savor Dalling Irvas Dallas organizer, Jim White, responds below. He is on top of the whole situation. All good. Jump for it.

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Upcoming Opportunities to Sip Great Wine with Tasty Pairings

posted by Hayley Hamilton | March 14th, 2011 12:38pm | filed under Chef's tasting, Chefs, Events, food pairings, menus, Savor dallas, Wine & Spirits |

With the 7th annual Savor Dallas celebration this weekend there are lot of opportunities to taste great wine around town, with the largest being the International Grand Tasting for Savor Dallas Saturday night at the Sheraton Dallas Hotel where hundreds of wine makers, spirit producers and brew masters will join some of the best chefs in the city for a walk around tasting. 

Continue reading "Upcoming Opportunities to Sip Great Wine with Tasty Pairings"

Upcoming Wine Tastings Around Town, Including The 7th Annual Savor Dallas

posted by Hayley Hamilton | March 7th, 2011 4:18pm | filed under Celebrity Chefs, Savor dallas, Texas Wine, Wine & Spirits |

There are a few tasting events around town in the next week or so that look especially tempting for the wine lover’s palate, including one that we look forward to every year – Savor Dallas. 

There are a handful of tickets left for a tasting of 40 different Pinot Noirs from Central Coast, Oregon, Napa and Sonoma that Sigel’s  is hosting on March 15 from 5:30pm-8pm at The Park City Club.  This looks like an incredible tasting from some of the best Pinot producers in these regions, including Miner’s incredible Gary’s Vineyard and Rosella’s Pinot Noir, Patz & Hall Chenoweth, Archery Summit Premier Cuvee, Melville Carrie’s, Fess Parker Ashley’s.  Beautiful Pinot Noir for a great tasting price, $40.  Call 214-350-1271 for reservations.

March 24th Bailey’s Prime Plus on Park Lane will host a tasting of six wines, 3 white varietals and 3 reds, paired with a selection of cheeses to help demystify different tasting descriptors associated with wine.  Led by Wine Director and Sommelier LA Perkel the tasting will include 2008 Shafer Red Shoulder Ranch Chardonnay, one of my favorites from California, 2005 Long Meadow Ranch Cabernet Sauvignon from Napa, 2009 Schools Vollards Riesling Kabinett from Germany and more.  The tasting is $45 with reservations available at 214-750-8100.

Savor Dallas celebrates their 7th annual weekend event March 18th and 19th with tasting events around town, including the Arts District Stroll on Friday night through the Dallas Museum of Art, The Nasher Sculptor Center, The Meyerson Symphony Hall and The Winspear Opera House;  the Ultimate pARTy Friday night; wine seminars or a special cooking class with Stephan Pyles on Saturday afternoon; and the Grand Tasting Saturday night at the downtown Sheraton.  Tickets and information available here.

Couple of Good Food Gigs: Les Dames d’Escoffier Raiser Grazer and Savor Dallas’ Wine Panel Tasting Seminar

posted by Nancy Nichols | February 28th, 2011 2:35pm | filed under fundraiser, Savor dallas, Wine & Spirits | 1 Comment »

One. As I have said before, the silent auction at the annual Les Dames d’Escoffier Raiser Grazer event is the best around. If you love food and travel you can get some great bargains. The next RG is Sunday (March 6) from 5-8 at City Place (2711 North Haskell). Les Dames is a group of female food professionals devoted to raising money to provide scholarships to woman trying to break into the industry. This year an all-star line up of local chefs will provide food and wine. The evening is a steal at $50 a person. Tickets and information here.

Two. Savor Dallas is just around the corner. The dates March 18 and 19. One of the most popular events is the Savor Dallas Wine Panel Tasting Seminar which will take place on March 19 at 3:00PM. This year the interactive tasting will feature some of the great names in the Texas wine industry: Dr. Richard Becker, proprietor of Becker Vineyards in Fredericksburg, with his Cabernet Sauvignon, and Kim McPherson, from McPherson Cellars in Lubbock sampling his Viognier. Winemakers from all over the country will also be on hand. All of the details, including where to get tickets are below. Continue reading "Couple of Good Food Gigs: Les Dames d’Escoffier Raiser Grazer and Savor Dallas’ Wine Panel Tasting Seminar"

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What I’m Drinking Now: Savor Dallas

posted by Hayley Hamilton | March 9th, 2010 9:49pm | filed under Savor dallas, Wine & Spirits | 1 Comment »

I too had a wonderful experience at this year’s Savor Dallas.  Though there may have been some elements that had a different feel from years past, overall it was a great opportunity to try some of our local restaurants, drink fantastic wine and spirits, and for those that had not had an opportunity to experience the arts district, to get a peak inside in a fun environment (art, food and wine…the perfect pairings).

A few selections really stood out over the two days. 
I am always on the look out for great bubbly and the opportunity to compare two of my favorites side by side at the Wyly on Friday was fun. 

Ruinart Blanc de Blanc- From one of the oldest Champagne houses in France, the Blanc de Blanc is a classic.  100% Chardonnay grapes, the golden sunshine colored bubbly is fresh, fruit filled and refreshing, it begs to be drunk on a summer afternoon with lemon tarts or fresh chevre. 

Moet and Chandon Imperial- The first sniff reveals an intensely toasty aroma, this is a blend of the three traditional Champagne grapes of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier.  A hearty sparkler, and yet still light, approachable and delicate.  For me personally, the Moet was my choice.  My friend and bubbly loving enthusiast, Ellen Winspear, did not need to go beyond the Ruinart.  Continue reading "What I’m Drinking Now: Savor Dallas"

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Reader Reviews: Savor Dallas 2010

posted by Nancy Nichols | March 8th, 2010 9:26am | filed under Savor dallas | 13 Comments »

Did you savor Savor Dallas? What events did you like? I’d love to hear your observations. Go.

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Andrew Chalk Reports on Saturday Night at Savor Dallas 2010

posted by Nancy Nichols | March 8th, 2010 8:00am | filed under Andrew Chalk, Savor dallas | 3 Comments »

Yow. Zah. Andrew Chalk worked his little butt off at Savor Dallas on Saturday night. Below he files 7 video reports on the highlights of the evening.

The Reserve Tasting, where the best wines of the weekend were served, took place on Saturday night at Savor Dallas 2010. Here is a quick recap of some of the finer wines poured. I’m happy to report that there was a precious bucket of Champagne. The Krug Champagne mentioned at the beginning of this video was priced close to $200 in the go-go days of 2007. The recession has brought it down to a more approachable $130.

One of the best wineries in Texas, Becker Vineyards poured at both tastings on Saturday night.

Jump for more of Andrew Chalk’s joy. Continue reading "Andrew Chalk Reports on Saturday Night at Savor Dallas 2010"

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Andrew Chalk Reports Savor Dallas 2010: Real Ale Brewing Company

posted by Nancy Nichols | March 6th, 2010 2:43pm | filed under Andrew Chalk, Savor dallas |

The Real Ale Brewing Company is a microbrewery in Blanco, Texas.

Andrew Chalk Reports Savor Dallas 2010: Arts District Wine Stroll

posted by Nancy Nichols | March 6th, 2010 2:37pm | filed under Andrew Chalk, Savor dallas |


Andrew Chalk Reports Savor Dallas 2010: Scotch

posted by Nancy Nichols | March 6th, 2010 2:34pm | filed under Andrew Chalk, Savor dallas | 1 Comment »

Scotch has regional flavor variations just like wine. Ed Kukol talks about the island of Islay in Scotland.

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Andrew Chalk Reports on Savor Dallas 2010: Brooklyn Brewery

posted by Nancy Nichols | March 6th, 2010 2:25pm | filed under Andrew Chalk, Savor dallas | 1 Comment »

Paul was serving in the Winspear Opera House but explains that Brooklyn Brewery beers also pair with food.

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Andrew Chalk Reports on Savor Dallas 2010: Dripping Springs Vodka

posted by Nancy Nichols | March 6th, 2010 2:22pm | filed under Andrew Chalk, Savor dallas |

Gary Kelleher, Master Distiller at Dripping Springs vodka explains how he turns potatoes into vodka.

Andrew Chalk on Savor Dallas 2010: el Jimador Tequila and a Low Calorie Cocktail

posted by Nancy Nichols | March 6th, 2010 2:18pm | filed under Andrew Chalk, Savor dallas |

Andrew Chalk Reports on Savor Dallas 2010: Arts District Wine Stroll

posted by Nancy Nichols | March 6th, 2010 2:14pm | filed under Andrew Chalk, Savor dallas |



Friday night, Savor Dallas 2010 started with the Arts District Wine Stroll. Wines were poured at five locations in the Dallas Arts District. At the Nasher Sculpture Center, I ran into Barton O’Brien, owner of Napa winery O’Brien Estate. He will also be pouring at the Reserve Tasting on Saturday night.

Reader Reviews: Savor Dallas

posted by Nancy Nichols | March 5th, 2010 4:29pm | filed under Savor dallas | 13 Comments »

We’d love to hear your experiences at Savor Dallas. If you attend an event or seminar this weekend, leave a note below. Go. Eat. Drink. Report.

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6th Annual Savor Dallas Next Friday

posted by Hayley Hamilton | February 26th, 2010 4:48pm | filed under Celebrity Chefs, Chefs, Festivals, Savor dallas, Texas Wine, Wine & Spirits | 5 Comments »

When Jim White, and co-founder, Vicki Briley-White, started Savor Dallas in 2005 to showcase Dallas’ top chefs, restaurants and food, paired with some of the best local, national and international wines available, they likely had only hoped it would have grown to what it is today – one of the largest gatherings for foodies and wine lovers in the region. 

Each year it gets bigger and better, and 2010 looks as if it will not disappoint.   

Beginning Friday, March 5, the AT&T Performing Arts District welcomes Savor Dallas with the “Arts District Wine Stroll” starting at The Dallas Museum of Art through the Meyerson Symphony Center, Nasher Sculpture Center, The Winspear Opera House and the Wyly Theater.   From 5pm-7pm guests will stroll through each venue tasting and toasting wine from Cakebread, Grgich Hills Estate, Mumm Napa and Texas Winery Fall Creek Vineyard and distillery Dripping Springs Vodka, to name a few with snacks from the One Arts Plaza restaurants. Continue reading "6th Annual Savor Dallas Next Friday"

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Remembering Darryl Beeson

posted by Nancy Nichols | January 30th, 2010 12:20pm | filed under Celebrity Diners, Foodie People, R.I.P., Savor dallas | 32 Comments »
Darryl Beeson with Ravenswood founder Joel Peterson. (Jim White photos)

Darryl Beeson with Ravenswood founder Joel Peterson. (Jim White photos)

Many of us in and around the restaurant business have vivid stories to tell about Darryl Beeson. He was an easy going and friendly guy. Besides wine, he loved jokes. Almost every conversation started with one. Good or bad, you always laughed at Darryl’s jokes. Darryl Beeson died late yesterday after complications from a car accident. He was only 54. Details on Darryl’s funeral are still pending.

Savor Dallas co-founder Jim White had a long personal and professional history with Darryl. Below, Jim remembers Darryl Beeson.

UPDATE: Memorial service for Darryl Beeson is Friday February 5 at 3:30 p.m. at Restland in Dallas.

Darryl Beeson’s Class–and a class act.
by Jim White

The first time I ever met Darryl Beeson he seemed very professorial.  Maybe it was his tweed jacket, vest, bow tie, horn rimmed glasses and Adolphe Menjou mustache.  Or, perhaps it was his thorough awareness of “things” and his tendency to conduct “mini-seminars” on them.  He could talk about everything from sports and current events to broadcasting or social-scene gossip.  But it was his encyclopedic knowledge of wine that impressed me as I got to know him.  He was producing Jody Dean’s midday talk show in the winter of 1994 when I returned to Dallas to become KRLD’s morning news anchor.  I was also charged with developing a “Restaurant Show.”  Something operations director Michael Spears had been quite keen on while we were still in Chicago plotting our return to Big D.  Darryl was to be my producer for the program, slated to start in the spring of 1995.  I was quite intimidated by the prospect of hosting a program devoted to cooking and wine.  I did very little of the former, although I could hold my own with the latter.  But since Spears knew I had a love of these things and travel, cultivated by radio stints in San Francisco, numerous forays to Europe, and about a year of being in the dining circle of a Chicago restaurant critic, he insisted I could do it.  It was Darryl who helped smooth what seemed like a rocky road ahead to me.  And a damn steep learning curve–it was a daunting assignment just getting to know who the players were in the Dallas and Texas restaurant biz after several years out of town.

Continue reading "Remembering Darryl Beeson"

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