D

Tei-An at One Arts Plaza in Dallas: The Buttstory

From the ever-curious mind of SideDish reporter, Andrew Chalk:

Recent reports and videos on the making of soba noodles omitted the most curious fixture at Tei-An. No, not the rooftop patio (at least, as yet), the doors to the bathroom stalls. You step into a cubicle that appears to have a glass panel in the door. So much for privacy! However, when you close the door, the glass panel turns opaque–at least, from the inside. I assumed (hoped) the effect was two way, and (thankfully) no crowd gathered outside. This is a talk-inspiring design feature for a restaurant

I first heard of this type of glass being used in the changing rooms at high-end clothing stores. Apparently, it is made with a Piezoelectric crystal formed on the sheet. I wonder what happens when the electricity fails?

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?

Dallas Restaurants: What Do We Need?

What kind of restaurant would Major Tony Nelson and Jeannie do in Dallas?

I was having a conversation with a “highly educated” person the other night and he said, “Dallas really needs a great burger place.” I was stunned. When I asked him what places he liked, he reeled off spots—Chips, Goff’s, Neighborhood Services—that were in his neighborhood. I asked him if he ever went out of his way to discover or try new places and he admitted that he didn’t really. He has now been downgraded to “somewhat intelligent.”  I mean talk about closed minded. (They don’t even melt the cheese at Goff’s.)

The inside-the-loop-outside-the-loop foodie argument drives me nuts. There is great food all over this area if you are willing to drive. But if you had one restaurant wish, what would you like to see in Dallas? I know what I want, it’s a fleet of these, STAT. Your turn.

Thanks to SideDish Readers, Matches in Restaurants are Making a Comeback!

Yow. Zah. Remember last week when we reminisced about free matches in Dallas restaurants? Today, Kirk sends this link to a feature story in the New York Times.   Next Monday I will have more photos of old Dallas matches. Continue on, dear trendsetters. And say thanks to Kirk for sharing.

Remembering Free Matches in Dallas Restaurants, Part 2

Thanks to Anne Bentley for sharing her collection.

Somebody Help This Poor Girl: Cooking Class Birthday Party

This could be fun or a disaster. Y’all help her decide.

Do you know who might be doing in-home cooking classes/birthday parties?

Best German Restaurant in America: Bavarian Grill in Plano

That is what the press release from Inga Bowyer, president of Germandeli.com in Colleyville says. Let’s get the details.

Over 400 German restaurants, located throughout the United States participated in this first year of the search for the “Best German Restaurant in America.” Bavarian Grill, located in Plano, Texas, garnered almost one third of all the validated votes cast during the two-month online voting period. They also received the majority of positive judging forms from “undercover judges,” and the restaurant scored well with teams of expert judges who dined incognito at the highest scoring German restaurants. Health Department inspections were also reviewed to confirm a consistent “A” rating for the restaurant.

The goal of the annual competition, according to Inga Bowyer, president of GermanDeli.com, is to recognize German restaurants that serve up a truly ethnic experience. According to Bowyer, Bavarian Grill’s classic German entrees like schnitzel, sauerbraten, bratwurst, and roasted ham hock are complimented by a selection of over 50 different imported German beers.

Das ist alle! Lassen Sie uns essen!

UPDATE: We will be celebrating this Wednesday, October 14 at 7 pm with a victory party where we’ll be presented a plaque by Inga Bowyer, President of GermanDeli.com.  We’d love for you, and any Side Dish readers, to join us for the celebration!

Vacherin Mont d’Or Cheese Coming to Molto Formaggio in Dallas

This just in from Michael Perlmeter of Molto Formaggio:

Just thought I would let you know that we have found a supplier for Vacherin Mont d’Or for the holidays.  Molto Formaggio is supposed to receive 36 (1 pound) pieces the week of November 9th and 48 pieces the week of December 7.

This is the Swiss version, that is “barely” pasteurized, so as to keep the flavor in keeping with the European version of the cheese.  The price for the Vacherin Mont d’Or is $39.50, and customers can reserve (while quantities are available) for either November or December delivery.

This is one of the greatest cheeses produced in the world, and is only available 3 months out of the year.  Each cheese will come in its’ own box and will be wrapped in spruce bark.

On your mark, get set, dial: Preston Royal  214-361-9191; Highland Park Village   214-526-0700.

Somebody Help This Poor Girl: Birthday Bash

She is in a jam and doesn’t give us much to go on, but here is her plea:

I am in desperate need of some suggestions for a birthday dinner on Saturday and was hoping you could help. Needs to be a fun atmosphere, and good food. Preferably something unique.

Guessing Games: Chicken Fried Steak From Ranchman’s Café in Ponder Texas

Okay, I win this round. Maybe if I’d given you guys a few more clues (or a freakin’ map), you might have guessed Ranchman’s Café as the restaurant that serves the chicken fried steak pictured below. (Anywhoo, congrats to Shelbyg75 for being commenter #67.)

Ranchman’s Café has been a figure on what remains of the Texas Blackland Prairie around Ponder (east of Denton) since 1948. (Or 14 years after Bonnie and Clyde attempted to rob the Ponder State Bank just down the street.) The spirit of long-time owner and founder Grace “Pete” Jackson lives on under the ownership of Dave Ross who worked as a cook for Pete in the 70s while he attended UNT.

I discovered Ranchman’s in 1970 when I was a freshman at UNT (them NTSU). My friends and I used to rent horses in Denton, ride across the land, and tie our fillies to the railing at the old post office across the street from Ranchman’s. We feasted on hand-cut steaks that Pete chicken-fried in a pan and homemade pie and napped under the big pecan tree down the road.

Fast forward to last Sunday when my mom, her friend Ann, and I drove up for a nostalgic dinner. The place looks the same: the linoleum on the original tables has been worn down to the wood. Instead of pan-fried T-bones, the kitchen tenderizes round steak, dips it in flour, and milk tosses it in a deep fryer. Almost everything on the side is fried: green tomatoes, squash, and most of the vegetables-of-the-day. Ranchman’s Café make Blythe Beck’s naughty food look like spa cuisine. Enough reading, watch the video for a tour of the restaurant and a chicken fried steak cooking demonstration. Reservations: 940-479-2221 (pre-order baked potatoes.)

Former Dallas Restaurant Critics: Mary Brown Malouf

Mary Brown Malouf at my high school graduation.

I’ve been at my post here at D Magazine for 13 years. Sometime I wonder how many calories I have eaten; other times I wonder how many of those calories were actually worth ingesting. Restaurant reviewers eat more low-to-medium quality food than spectacular meals.

Anywhoo, in the post below, I mentioned Michael Hiller. He used to be a critic at the DMN. Over the years, I’ve seen lots of “critics” come and go. Anyone remember Betty Cook? Suzanne Hough (R.I.P)? Dave Faries? (Oh, he’s still here.) Or Mary Brown Malouf?

Mary was a real biyatch when she wrote dining reviews for the Dallas Observer. When she came to work at D in the late 90s, we became good friends. But Mary ditched D and Dallas and she’s now the Food and Travel editor at Salt Lake City Magazine. I just looked on their site and found a classic Mary Brown Malouf rant.  Gosh, I’m all nostalgic. Call me, Bill.

How about you? Who do you miss? Who do you love? Who do you hate?

This May Sound a Bit Cheesy, but …

On Wednesday afternoon my good friend and colleague, Nancy Nichols, called me and said “Get over here right away, I need to see you. I am making you the Big Cheese!”

I’m thinking: Promotion!

Nancy was thinking: Cheese!

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Wine Dinner (And Stuff and Such and Beyond) Wednesday

I apologize for the blatant copy and paste of information below, but I had an emergency surgery on my eye yesterday for a torn retina and I only have a day or two to suck sympathy out of you and my co-workers. PLUS, I have to get ready for this afternoon’s SideDish CheeseHead’s CELEBRATION OF  TEXAS CHEESE AND WINE EVENT at Celebration. The weather is going to be fabulous and we’ll be out on the patio. I’ll be the one with the cheesehead hat and the black eye patch!

Back to business:

Maquire’s. Has a new “Chef’s Seasonal Tasting Menu.” Three courses for $30; four courses for $37. Upgrade to wine pairing is $40 or $49. Details below. 972.818.0068

TJ’s Seafood. They don’t want you to get bored with seafood so they have new recipes, ideas, and sauces and marinades.  Fish Taco Sauce – so many of you have come in making fish tacos we decided to get a great fish taco sauce.  Fish Tacos are a fun (and kid friendly) way to get the family eating healthy fish. Tilapia is great and cost effective. Honey & Jalapeno Grill Glaze – perfect on salmon, swordfish, sea bass or anything else on the grill. If you can’t stand the heat, get away from the grill….this one is a little spicy! Japanese-Style House Marinade – if you like the Citrus Wasabi & Honey Ginger House Marinades, you’ll love this one. Lots of soy, sesame oil, ginger and cilantro.  Justs marinate shrimp, scallops and tuna for 20-30 min before grill or saute.

Cibus Ristorante. Has Bocce in the Park brought to you by NorthPark Center and The Italian Club of Dallas. Sunday, September 27th from noon to 4pm in CenterPark at NorthPark. Join us for a fun-filled afternoon for the entire family. Learn to play Bocce Ball if you never have or join the pros from the Italian Club for a lively game. Cibus will be grilling in the garden as well as offering selections from their regular menu plus refreshing cocktails and specialty coffee drinks. 214-692-0001.

Rathbun’s Blue Plate Kitchen. Will host first beer dinner with Rahr & Sons Brewery.
Rathbun’s Blue Plate Kitchen will debut its first ever beer dinner hosted by world-renowned Rahr & Sons Brewery, Fort Worth’s German award-winning brewery. Melissa “Mel” Simmons, Rahr & Sons Brewery Representative, will introduce their most famous beers accompanied with Rathbun’s extraordinary plates. For the first time at Rathbun’s Blue Plate Kitchen, guests will experience their very own “Oktoberfest” tradition in their seats. The dinner menu and beer pairings detailed below. Wednesday, September 30, 2009.

The 500, Inc.’s WineFest 2009. The 500, Inc. announces the spectacular 7th Annual WineFest featuring an exciting selection of wine and delicious cuisine from over 20 of the area’s top eateries, a large silent auction, live music and the pleasurable company of friends and family in the hundreds. WineFest 2009 will be held on Saturday, October 24 from 6:30pm – 10pm at the Cavanaugh Flight Museum in Addison.  Advance tickets are $35 per person before October 23 and may be purchased online at www.winefest500.com.  Tickets at the door cost $40.  Proceeds of the event benefit the beneficiaries of The 500, Inc., a volunteer organization that has donated over $12 million to more than 35 local arts organizations over the past 40 years.  For more information about The 500, Inc., call 214.565.0200 or visit www.the500inc.org. Details below. (more…)

Restaurant News: Bits and Bites

From the copy and paste press release department.

York Street. Please join us Thursday, October 8th (7:30 p.m.) for an evening with one of Paso Robles, California’s finest wineries. Dinner with Tablas Creek. Six wines and seven courses will  featuring the Esprit de Beaucastel wines and two winery-only selections, both the Grenache Blanc and the Grenache Noir. $125 per person, exclusive of tax and tip. Call 214-826-0968.

Central 214. Tomorrow night Central 214 chef Blythe Beck’s reality TV show, “The Naughty Kitchen with Chef Blythe Beck,” debuts on Oxygen. If you don’t want to watch at home, the restaurant is hosting watching parties where you can “mingle with the star of the new Oxygen reality show, Central 214’s own Executive Chef Blythe Beck*, Megan, Kerri, and the rest of the colorful cast as they view each episode as it airs. You’ll “heart” the Tuesday drink and food specials Blythe is cooking up, featuring dishes from the show.” *Reservations not required. Please call for more info or to confirm when Chef Blythe Beck will appear at the weekly parties. 214-443-9339. Tuesdays, Sept 22 – Nov. 24. 9:00 p.m. (Arrive early for best seating.)

Central Market and New Beginning Center. Launching a “non-event”– Dine In to End Domestic Violence™– that “focuses on selling meals for two prepared by Central Market and delivering them to homes or offices, on Tuesday October 6.  Purchasers will have the option of four entrees, which include Beef Stroganoff, Pecan Crusted Chicken, Grilled Salmon, and Vegetable Lasagna. All orders must be received by 5 p.m. Friday, October 2 to guarantee delivery the following Tuesday and are priced at $75 per meal unit.” In partnership with Central Market, WFAA-TV/Channel 8, and BBVA Compass, Dine In to End Domestic Violence™ was created “after seeing a rapid decline in event revenue for live and silent auction types of events, so the agency focused on what would generate awareness while still engaging donors.  The concept is to make it really easy for really busy people who might not otherwise wish to attend a large function.” More details below.    (more…)

Greek Food Festival in Dallas Starts on Friday

This upcoming weekend, September 25-27, is the 53rd Greek Food Festival in Dallas. There will be “thousands upon thousands” of Greek pastries, overflowing cups of coffee (a new addition this year), and “heaping plates of gyros and grilled souvlaki.” And dancing, lots of dancing, music, and goodies to buy. Click here for more info or jump for details. (more…)

Ruth Reichl Book Signing at Williams Sonoma Northpark in Dallas

Hey Ruth, I’ll come to your Gourmet Today book signing at Williams Sonoma in Northpark on Wednesday, September 23 at 3:00 p.m. if you will come to SideDish’s Celebration of Texas Wine and Cheese from 5:00 to 7:00pm the same day. You will get to meet fellow author Paula Lambert of the award-winning Mozzarella Company and the folks from Latte Da and Lucky Layla. All three local cheese makers just picked up multiple awards at the 25th Annual American Cheese Society Competition. You will also get to sample some fine red wine from Kiepersol Estates in East Texas. It’s all happening at Celebration Restaurant on West Lovers in Dallas. Have your handlers arrange it. Gourmet magazine needs to taste this cheese and drink this wine. ( I Twittered this post to Reichl.)

Bailey’s Prime Plus Opened Last Night. Leslie Brenner is First Customer in the Door.

Continuing her search for world-class dining in Dallas, DMN dining critic Leslie “Catch a Falling Star” Brenner (finally) found a baked potato at a local steak restaurant. After visiting the Cedar Hill location of Bailey’s Prime, La Brenner was more than disappointed to find only baked sweet potatoes on the menu. Owner Ed Bailey obviously paid attention to Brenner—last night the new Bailey’s Prime Plus on Park Lane near Northpark made its debut and right there on the menu was a big ‘ol baker with all of the trimmings. “Leslie was the first one through the door,” said Misty, a made up name for a hostess at Bailey’s. “She demanded a center booth, a baked potato, and a map of the world.” Extra! Extra! Read all about it.

Hot Dogs in Dallas: Zinsky’s Delicatessen

Makeshift Maxwell Street Polish at Zinsky's.

We present another She said/he said hot dog review, starring Nancy Nichols and Evan Grant.

SHE SAID: I asked InsideCorner’s Evan Grant to go with me to taste hot dogs because he likes hot dogs as much as I do. And Evan and I usually agree on food. However, what we don’t agree on is what constitutes a good hot dog joint. When I started my quest for a hot dog, I set out to find little independent shops that sold mostly only hot dogs. Then I made the mistake of asking Evan to join me in my search. He’s a deli-lover and he likes restaurants with his hot dogs. He wants tables and side dishes and waitresses.

After we hit Eddie’s Deli, Evan insisted that we go to Zisky’s Delicatessen in Preston Royal.  “It’s not a hot dog place,” I argued. “It’s a restaurant that serves a bunch of stuff and offers hot dogs.” Evan was his usual stubborn self. “Nancy, if you want to taste the best hot dog you have to include hot dogs in restaurants,” he sneered. “Besides I’ve been to Zinsky’s and their dogs are great.”

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Hot Dogs in Dallas: Eddie’s Deli

Okay folks, I am filing this dining experience under “Weirdest of All Times.” InsideCorner’s Evan Grant and I set out the other day to check out Eddie’s Deli located on the southeast corner of Northwest Highway and Abrams. As you can see, it’s not much to look at from the outside, or the inside for that matter. As we walked toward the place, we detected the strong smell of mothballs. When Evan opened the door, we were flooded with fumes. As we stood looking over the menu, our eyes started to water and my throat tightened up.

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7-Eleven Introduces Frutti, the Next Frozen Beverage

Move over SLURPEE®, here comes FRUTTI®, a new smoothie making machine. The invention was developed by Global Smoothie Supply, a Dallas-based company run by David Tiller, husband of local PR gal Martha Tiller. The first self-serve GSS unit was installed at the 7-Eleven store on Northwest Highway at Hillcrest. Tillers, I think you can plan your retirement party now. Just pick a flavor, add a little rum, and send out the invitations.

Celebrating Texas Cheese With the Winners of the American Cheese Society Competition

Art by Bob Dob.

In early August, I reported on the Dallas area cheesemakers who won big time national awards at the 25th Annual American Cheese Society Competition in Austin. I’ll wait while you read the post…

…Okay, so now you know Latte Da, Lucky Layla, and Mozzarella Company made our region proud. In a follow-up post, I printed a 2,500 word document detailing the complete list of winners and judges. At the bottom of the lengthy post,  I typed: IF YOU ARE STILL WITH ME, YOU ARE AN OFFICIAL SIDEDISH CHEESEHEAD AND IF YOU SEND ME AN EMAIL YOU WILL BE INVITED TO A VERY SPECIAL CHEESE EVENT. [EDITOR'S NOTE: Please use this form rather than sending an email.]

Three of you, drum roll please: Worzel (shocker, I know), Meaders, and Douglas replied. They are now official SideDish CheeseHeads. But here is the even better news: I am putting together a small FREE event to celebrate Texas cheese and Texas wine. It will be in late September. So let’s start a list below so I can get an idea of how big to blow this out. Lists, I love lists. Go. Sign up. Be a SideDish CheeseHead. We will make Wisconsin blush with envy.

How Bad Do You Miss Chef John Tesar?

Come on, admit it. You said you didn’t love, love, love John Tesar but deep down inside, I know you did. Well, if you are willing to drive to The Woodlands, starting next Tuesday (Sept. 1) you can see him at Tesar’s, A Modern Steak & Seafood. Deets below. (more…)

Chamberlain’s Steak and Chop House in Dallas Adds a Piano Lounge

This good news just in: Chamberlain’s Steak and Chop House has added a new Piano Lounge with “plush leather couches, over-stuffed chairs, cozy atmosphere & plasma televisions.” Oh, no. They lost me at plasma televisions. That isn’t one bit sexy. Well, maybe you turn your back on the tube can face the music. Anywhoo, jump for the entertainment line-up. (more…)

Plattershooting: Dallas Restaurant News, Notes, and Pokin’ Fun

Menchie’s Frozen Yogurt will open in Highland Park Village this Saturday, August 29th. Menchie’s “fro-yo” is a self-serve concept. I’ve heard unconfirmed reports that Menchie’s will offer “Teresa’s Topping,” a special mix of nuts, nibs, and blueberries. (KIDDING) Do expect “special promotions, coupons, and freebies on Saturday. 214-252-0003.

The XVIII Annual Caesar Salad Competition is around the corner: Sunday, August 30, 2009, 4:30 pm to 8:30 pm at the Sheraton Dallas Hotel, 400 North Olive Street to be more precise. “This is your opportunity for an evening of sensational salads, wonderful wine, tantalizing bites, and a chance to vote for the best Caesar salad.”  Members: $65.00. Non-Members: $75.00. Tables of 10: $600.00. Deets here.

Sambuca Restaurant, “known for live music, eclectic cuisine and a rockin’ atmosphere,” will open its newest location Thursday, September 3, 2009 at the Shops at Legacy.

Bailey’s Prime Plus is “pleased to announce the appointment of Chris Rowberry as General Manager of their new 12,000 sq. ft. restaurant in the exciting new Park Lane development at North Central Expressway and Park Lane. Rowberry joins Bailey’s Prime Plus after nearly four years as General Manager of Chamberlain’s Steak and Chop House in Addison, Texas.”

Vin Classic Wines will present a complimentary wine tasting on both Friday and  Saturday  (September 4th and  5th) from Noon until 7:00 p.m. The featured wines are: Steele Pinot Blanc 2006 Santa Barbara County Selene Sauvignon Blanc 2007 Carneros Steele Cabernet Franc 2007 Lake County Snowden “The Ranch” Cabernet Sauvignon 2006 Napa Valley. (5717 Legacy Drive #120. Plano. 469-467-4520)

“In celebration of the Dallas Cowboys upcoming season, RA Sushi Bar Restaurant has come up with the “Cowboys Roll,” which will be available from September 13 through the entire football season.  Guests can also receive $2 off the roll if they present a same-day game day ticket stub.”

According to Eatsblog reporter, Kim Pearce, her Sig-O “likes his Bings to ping with crispness.”

Texas Sommelier Conference: Fisher Vineyards

Andrew Chalk is a wine-loving maniac. I asked him to help me cover last weekend’s activities and he did a fine job. He is still reporting! Here is a quick video he produced on an interesting Chardonnay made by Fisher Vineyards (Napa Valley), one of the 100 wines poured at the grand tasting. Note: special cameo appearance.