Payday loans
Cialis
type=

Articles about SideDish Bump!

Guess the Name of This Dallas Restaurant

We had so much fun the first time we played this game. Let’s play it again. Can you guess the name of this restaurant?

posted by Nancy Nichols | May 18th, 2012 3:25pm | filed under Best Gay Hangout Restaurant Evah!, Cheap trick for comments, Contests, Cult Cuisine, How About This Weather?, How to Open a Restaurant 101, I Went to College for This?, I'm about to get fired, Making Up Is Hard To Do, Merguez Sausage Hunt, My Happy Pills Are Working, Nutjobs, Overprivileged chimps, Peripatetic chefs, Procrastination is part of the creative process, Restaurant News, SideDish Bump!, game, hold on to your effin hat, questionable judgment | 20 Comments »

John Tesar to Open Spoon Bar & Kitchen in Preston Center, Take Two

Pregnant With Paperwork: John Tesar has a lease.

John Tesar will not be stopped. The former (fill-in-the-blank) chef has inked a deal to take over the former La Tramontana space on Westchester in Preston Center. In January, Tesar announced he would be opening Spoon Bar & Kitchen in another space. However, the landlord killed the deal and Tesar moved his operation down the street.  Tesar has a signed lease, architect, and contractor and is scheduled to begin later this week.

Spoon will seat 68 and feature a 15-seat bar with a built-in raw bar and small plate menu. Tesar will be center stage in an open kitchen whipping up “three unique dining experiences”:  an a la carte menu that will change weekly; two nightly tasting menus (one from the land and the other from the sea); and a private chef’s table for 10. Cooking classes! Wine maker dinners! Eight seats almost in the kitchen! He plans to open fall 2012. Bring it, Tesar! Let’s Spoon! According to JT’s PR machine: Spoon is “ranked number seven on Eater National’s “25 Most Awaited Restaurant Openings of 2012.”

posted by Nancy Nichols | April 23rd, 2012 1:34pm | filed under Breaking News, Celebrity Chefs, Cooking Classes, Hippie revolutions, My Happy Pills Are Working, Openings, Peripatetic chefs, Restaurant News, Second coming, SideDish Bump!, The Brad, restaurant business news, seafood, youthful spontaneous restaurants | 5 Comments »

Central Market Announces “Passport France” Festival May 9 – 22

Two weeks in Provence coming soon.

Get ready for Central Market’s yearly culinary salute to foreign food. In 2010, we celebrated Argentina (Hi, Francis!). Last year we pigged out on Spain (Hola, Paco!). This year they are throwing a two-week soiree for France, specifically the southern region of Provence, which will begin on May 9 and run through May 22.

Here’s a little poop I learned: Zee hottest ticket will be a seat in the outdoor tent where the kick-off event, “A Taste of Provence,” will feature a sampling of dishes prepared by Chef Patrice Olivon! C’est magnifique! You know Olivon, oui? He’s the cute French dude who won Iron Chef hosts “Dinner is Served,” a lovely show on PBS. It is set for Wednesday, May 9, and begins at 6 p.m.

The menu includes some personal favorites from his childhood (served family-style at long tables), which will be paired with French wines (shocker!). Think: Pissaladiere (thick, pizza-like dish popular in Nice and Marseilles); tomates farcies (tomatoes stuffed with beef, rice & herbs); cod with aioli; roasted lamb with ratatouille; and warm seasonal fruit cooked in red wine served over vanilla ice cream (really?). So frugal Francophiles, get a cheap trip ($35 per person) to Provence, if only for one evening.  Tickets can be booked by clicking here or by visiting the Cooking School reservation site for Dallas.

Sancerre! Profiteroles! A truffle in every pot! Vamos, I mean, nous permettre d’aller!

(Below, I will copy and paste an actual MEDIA-ONLY release so you can get an insider’s look on how real food writing works. I will pair it with commentary from a professional media person.

(more…)

posted by Nancy Nichols | April 16th, 2012 9:00am | filed under AgriBusiness, Breaking News, Celebrity Chefs, Celebrity Diners, Cooking Classes, Copy/Paste Press Release, Cult Cuisine, Delusional behavior, Food Writing, Foodie People, Merguez Sausage Hunt, Really stupid joke, Rewritten Press Releases, SideDish Bump!, Silly Reasons to Celebrate, party | 5 Comments »

Men Will Be Boys: Jason Joseph Wins the “Name a Pizza for Mike Napoli” Contest at Cane Rosso

Big Cheeses: Evan Grant, Jay Jerrier, Eric Nadel.

Tuesday night, pizza lover and baseball writer, Evan Grant, and pizza maker and baseball lover, Jay Jerrier held the finals of the “Name a Pizza for Mike Napoli” contest at Cane Rosso. Four of the five finalists showed up to sample their until-then-never-tasted pizza recipes. Jerrier went to great lengths to make the pies. “We don’t make an Alfredo sauce, so I had to create one for Jason Joseph’s “Angel Tears” entry,” Jerrier said.

I slinked in at the end of the evening to try the pies and I’ve got to hand it to all who were picked in the finals. It was a tough decision. My favorite was Doug Fusella’s “The Cane Rosso Napoli Experience” with Jimmy’s sausage, meatballs, sopressata, spinach, and jalapenos. But Grant and Jerrier picked Joseph’s “Angel Tears,” a pie of Italian sausage, salami, sweet onion, jalapenos, roasted garlic, spinach, Roma tomatoes, and mozzarella dusted with Romano. Jump for all of the recipes and the rationale behind the ingredients below. AND PHOTOS!

(more…)

posted by Nancy Nichols | February 9th, 2012 9:00am | filed under Awards, Bacon, Cheese, Cult Cuisine, Go Rangers!, I Went to College for This?, Making Up Is Hard To Do, SideDish Bump!, Yu Darvish Loves Food, pizza |

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 »

Mind Your Head: Incoming Taco Restaurant, Taco Republic, in Richardson

Ron Guest, the nice man who gave us Café San Miguel on Henderson Ave. (R.I.P.), is back in business in Richardson. Natch Teresa “GubbShoe” Gubbins is all over the story like truffle oil on fries. Gubbshoe writes Guest’s new spot, Taco Republic, is “an intriguing new spin on gringo tacos.” Expect catfish tacos, “smoky brisket with chipotle barbecue sauce topped with fried onion rings,” and other “whimsical” tacos. Always on alert for the underdog vegetarian diner, Gubbshoe assures us all they don’t have to worry. Quotes and more details here.  Taco Republic in located in the space formerly known as La Paloma at Central and Spring Valley. (Next up: Taco Republican. Now, there’s a concept.)

posted by Nancy Nichols | January 10th, 2012 10:39am | filed under Cult Cuisine, Food Invasion, Hot Links!, Openings, Restaurant News, SideDish Bump!, Tacos | 1 Comment »

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 |

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 |

Somebody Help This Poor Boy: Bolsa Mercado

Yesterday, I was having a nice chinwag with the bad boy of Bolsa, Chris Zielke. I asked him what he’s going to sell at his soon-to-open Bolsa Mercado. He admitted he was still looking for stuff to stock on his shelves. He’s been scouting local producers and come up with quite a bit but he needs help finding more. The focus is on organic, sustainable products but Zielke says, “I want samples of everything that is made locally.”

Do you make cookies, chocolate, jams, jellies, salsa, pickles, eggs, jerky, sauce, dressing, chips, spiced nuts (insert joke here), granola, spice mix, sorbet/ice cream/gelato, olive oil, anything that is shelf stable. (No pastry, bread, or meat.) If so, this could be the push you need to get your stuff to market. Send an email to contact@bolsadallas.com with as much info on your product as possible (photos, website, contact number, story, etc). (Chris, is the check in the mail?)

posted by Nancy Nichols | November 8th, 2011 9:00am | filed under Bring it!, Groceries, I Went to College for This?, Local/Slow Food, SideDish Bump!, Slow News Day, Sponsored Post, Uncategorized, cookies, oak cliff | 1 Comment »

Stone Crab Season is Here

If you come here often, you know the ubiquitous jonfromtjs.  His comments are found on every food blog and social media outlet in Dallas. His real name is Jon Alexis. His real job is marketing his family’s seafood and catering shop TJ’s Seafood Market. I’ve known Jon’s parents, Pete and Caren, since the early 1700s.  I’ve witnessed Jon’s profile and knowledge of business mature. Jon’s sends many enthusiastic announcements about the promotions at TJs. This one caught my attention.

Florida Stone Crabs – a trip to Miami without leaving your home. Stone crabs are sweet, mild, and delicious. Dip in TJ’s Creamy Mustard Sauce for an authentic experience. Prices are in flux – right now LARGE claws are 31.99/lb.

Thanks for that, Jon. Oh, and I love the video. It cracks me up.

posted by Nancy Nichols | November 2nd, 2011 10:35am | filed under Cult Cuisine, Foodie People, Foodie Video, Kosher, SideDish Bump!, catering, seafood, sexy things to do with your feet | 2 Comments »

Anthony Bourdain in Dallas on Thursday: No Reservations Offers No Media Access

Several months ago, I received a press release announcing the date and details for Anthony Bourdain’s show at the Majestic Theater. I posted the information on SideDish and we included the event the October D Magazine events listings.

In the middle of September, I received an email from one of the PR peeps handling Bourdain’s tour. She asked:

We are putting together press requests for Anthony today to see what he has time for scheduling wise. Would you be interested in a possible interview leading up to the show? If so, what would be your deadline for the interview in order for it to run before the show? Of course, the more coverage we receive from any one particular outlet will be given priority.

I said sure. She asked if the interview would be in the November issue and I said no we are a monthly magazine and that issue has already gone to the printers. I’d be happy to post it on the blog.

Gmail silence.

My humble offerings were not good enough. No interview. Today same PR peep says no media/photography access to the event. So, Tony. Have a nice show. I’m sorry we can’t cover it. If anyone out there would like to buy the excellent tickets I bought for the show, shoot me an email. I’m taking reservations.

UPPITY DATE: Readers says Scott Reitz at Observer posted interview this morning. Fully expected as they are media sponsor of event.

UPPITY DATE: Just received a note from Bourdain. He apologized for the confusion and invited me to be a special guest on his show. Tony and I will perform a medley of John Denver tunes. Need tickets? Email me.

UPPITY DATE: Anthony Bourdain sent me a note saying he doesn’t employ handlers or PR people. He has no involvement in how local promoters deal with media credentials.

posted by Nancy Nichols | October 24th, 2011 2:20pm | filed under Celebrity Chefs, Events, Go Rangers!, Overprivileged chimps, SideDish Bump! | 19 Comments »

Casting Call: Producers Seeking Charismatic Foodie For Dating Show

I almost sent this email straight to Steven Doyle because I think he should audition. Then I thought maybe somebody else might like a chance. This call comes from Nick Corporon, Casting Associate with Pilgrim Studios.

We’re currently casting a TV show to appear on a major cable network.  Any way you can help us get the word out, would be greatly appreciated.  And if you personally know anyone who would be great, please pass this along!

Go long. I’m throwing.

Are you a chef, restaurateur, foodie or gourmet who is ready to find the love of his life? Pilgrim Studios is looking for a single, attractive and charming culinary enthusiast to be our featured bachelor on a new, unscripted show for a major cable network.

Jump for it.(Doyle, I get 20 percent)

(more…)

posted by Nancy Nichols | October 20th, 2011 11:00am | filed under Celebrity Diners, Copy/Paste Press Release, Food On TV, Go Rangers!, SideDish Bump!, Steven Doyle | 7 Comments »

Artizone Dinner at Spiceman’s Fm 1410 Benefits The Family Place

Tom Spicer.

This dinner event may be too groovy for words, but I’ll give it a shot. Our favorite forager Tom “Spiceman” Spicer is teaming up with Chef David Anthony Temple (aka underground chefDAT) and Artizone.com to present “Dinner in the Garden.” The event, benefitting the Family Place, takes place on Sunday, October 30 at 5PM. The food, paired with wine, will come from Artizone supported local farms and vendors or, if you speak DATspice: “Chef DAT will compose a one of a kind dinner concerto in 5 movements, to be performed in Spiceman’s urban garden with an orchestra of wines to match.” Oh, yeah. Get down on it for $100 per person. Tickets here . Phone answered here: 214-325-4642.

BYOA

posted by Nancy Nichols | October 18th, 2011 11:37am | filed under Charity events, Chef's tasting, Cult Cuisine, GO TEXAN, Go Rangers!, Hippie revolutions, Local/Slow Food, Nutjobs, SideDish Bump!, party, pop-up restaurant |

Leslie Brenner on KERA’s Think With Krys Boyd

La Brenner will be on KERA’s Think with Krys Boyd at noon today. 90.1. Be there or be somewhere else. We’ll talk about what La B has to say.

posted by Nancy Nichols | September 13th, 2011 9:52am | filed under Restaurant News, SideDish Bump! | 1 Comment »

Special Report: First Customer at Dough Spends $62 for Lunch. Sends Pictures and Report

Jon Battle looking victorious outside of Dough on opening day.

Ladies and gentlemen, and I use those terms loosely, meet Jon Battle. He pestered me for months about the opening of Dough in Dallas. He’s a FANatic fan of their pizza. Well, the persistent Mr. Battle was the first official Dallas customer to enter Dough Pizzeria Napoletana when they opened this morning. He took a bunch of nice pictures which I have entered below the jump. (more…)

posted by Nancy Nichols | August 16th, 2011 1:42pm | filed under Bring it!, Celebrity Diners, ChirpyChirpy, Cult Cuisine, Openings, Restaurant News, SideDish Bump!, Special Report, Yum is Dumb, pizza | 21 Comments »

John Tesar Milks a Cow and Wins $10,000 on Extreme Chef

Chef John Tesar sheds his doucheyness and becomes Extreme Chef winner. He can run 10 miles and cook in a corn field.

Last night John Tesar played a 53-year old geezer chef on a thrilling episode of Food Network’s Extreme Chef. He faced two younger chefs: Joe, a douchey New York dude who was once a private chef for Donald Trump; and Greg, a Portland chef who couldn’t cut it in medical school so he quit and went to the CIA.

Tesar was confident from the start. “I run 10 miles a day,” Tesar gloated. After that, he works all day and night. The competition took place on a 60-acre farm in Malibu Canyon and the premise had the chefs running all over the place to source ingredients.

HEARTY BREAKFAST was the segment. To obtain eggs, the chefs had to conquer a “crop-stical course” made of bales of hay formed into various tunnels and towers. Tesar, a virtual Jack LaLane, was first to the eggs (he picked duck!) and he won the first competition soundly with his ginger and duck egg French toast. (I think there was a fruit salad and some whiskey involved, but I can’t read my notes, and I refuse to rerun the show.) It only matters that when the Simon Cowell wannabe (and lookalike) host announced Tesar as the winner, Tesar took a modest Zen-like bow. Tesar is now the master of “the unconventional use of an egg.”

No, it’s not over. There are still 45 minutes left in the show. Here we go.

(more…)

posted by Nancy Nichols | August 5th, 2011 2:48pm | filed under Awards, Breakfast, Celebrity Chefs, Contests, Cooking, Food Crime, Food Fight!, Food On TV, Hippie revolutions, I Went to College for This?, Nature Break, Nutjobs, Really stupid joke, SideDish Bump!, Silly Reasons to Celebrate, Slow News Day, What The Pho?, Yum is Dumb, cookoff, questionable judgment | 11 Comments »

Special Report: Soft Opening at RedFork in Dallas

The foodie who never sleeps.

You have to get up pretty early in the morning (or stay up all night) to beat SuperChef follower Steven Doyle to the table of a new restaurant. Last night, he was a guest at a super secret soft opening dinner at RedFork. Give his report on cravedfw a nice SideDish Bump.

posted by Nancy Nichols | June 17th, 2011 12:47pm | filed under Celebrity Chefs, Celebrity Diners, Goats!, SideDish Bump!, Steven Doyle, cocktails | 3 Comments »