SideDish » Snow Days!

Splitting the Check in Restaurants: Why is it So Hard

Nancy Nichols — Tue, 15 Feb 2011 17:59:02 +0000

A gal sitting about four feet away from me is pissed off at restaurants. She frequently dines out with a pack of friends. They are continually frustrated by restaurants that refuse to split the bill for them. Case one: Her party of 11 at Trece. “We were told they would not split the check because they don’t have the software,” she says. “And to install the software it would cost $45,000.” Huh? Seriously? “It also happened to me at Charlie Palmer on New Year’s Eve,” she says. “They would do it four and four but not four transactions of two.”

In both cases they asked the waiter ahead of time. Why this ticks off my friend is that she doesn’t drink so when the bill gets divided by the table, she ends up paying more than her fair share.

Anybody else out there have this problem? Sounds like it’s a pain in the sass for both sides. Let’s discuss.

SideDish Twitter Winner: Rachel Rogers

Nancy Nichols — Thu, 10 Feb 2011 15:03:01 +0000

Rachel, a writer from Waco.

Congratulations to Rachel Rogers! When she clicked “follow” on SideDish’s Twitter page, she became our 2,500^th follower. Here is a little about Rachael: She lives in Waco and her profile says she is a junior in college.

Why do we already love her? She says, “According to a fortune cookie, I will become an accomplished writer.” Rachel, write something for SideDish. The rest of you get busy. @DSideDish. Opportunities abound.

Food Nerd News: Ancient Beer Found in Shipwreck! Let’s Name It!

Nancy Nichols — Wed, 09 Feb 2011 20:51:05 +0000

I’m sure if you’re a beer freak you read the news about the “five bottles of dark, foamy beer” found while divers were salvaging champagne from a19th century shipwreck near Finland’s Aland Islands. The beer is being studied and there are plans to brew the beer. I think we should have a contest to name the beer. Read the story and submit a name below. GO.

Food Feedback Friday

Nancy Nichols — Fri, 04 Feb 2011 17:17:27 +0000

I’m sure most of you have been hunkered down and eating at home, but we’d love to hear from those of you who have braved the weather to dine out If so, tell us the “wheres” and “whats” of you dining experiences. Here’s what you reported last week.

Somebody Help These Poor Boys: Sports Illustrated in Downtown Dallas

Nancy Nichols — Wed, 02 Feb 2011 19:24:02 +0000

This note comes from a group of Sports Illustrated writers staying at the Sheraton in downtown Dallas.

Nancy, can you suggest a place within walking distance of the Sheraton Downtown, for a get-together of about 12 people? Looking for something with a bit of a vibe but not too fancy or formal. Also, what would be your two can’t-miss restaurants for someone who’ll be in the area for three or four days?

Hit it, snow bunnies.

Nature Report: Local Birds Need Fresh Water Today

Nancy Nichols — Tue, 01 Feb 2011 17:25:44 +0000

My yellow-throated warbler, Spike, needs your help.

If your birdbath is frozen, please de-ice it and fill with fresh water. Repeat as it freezes. Your backyard birds will thank you.

Super Bowl and Food Events Canceled Today

Nancy Nichols — Tue, 01 Feb 2011 16:53:32 +0000

Holy cow, my inbox if jammed with urgent e-mails about canceled events. I’m not going to sit here all day and list them all, but here are a few related to dining events. If you have an food event you must cancel, send it my way.

Or maybe I will just sit here all day. Anybody else staying home? If you have a topic to discuss, send it to me and we can chew the fat so to speak. I have lots of it to chew.

Events Canceled:

Robert Kacher wine tasting at Sigel’s Greenville Avenue store has been canceled due to the inclement weather. Rescheduled for Thursday, February 10^th

GO TEXAN event with Agriculture Commissioner Todd Staples is cancelled due to the weather. Below is the news release on how to GO TEXAN at your Super Bowl party.

FORMER GREEN BAY PACKERS STAR AND SUPER BOWL CHAMP ENCOURAGES YOU TO GO TEXAN AT YOUR SUPER BOWL PARTY

Santana Dotson and Agriculture Commissioner Todd Staples remind shoppers to purchase Texas products for Super Bowl festivities, as Walmart, other grocers highlight Lone Star State products

AUSTIN – As Texas prepares to host the Super Bowl on February 6, Agriculture Commissioner Todd Staples and former Green Bay Packer and Super Bowl XXXI Champion Santana Dotson team up to encourage all football fans to GO TEXAN when shopping for their football viewing parties. From salsas and dips to wine and chips, the super game gets even better with super foods made in the Lone Star State.

“Football and Texas are an unbeatable team,” Commissioner Staples said. “While the Super Bowl serves as a showcase for football’s finest, Texas serves up some of the finest mealtime foods, snacks and beverages to make your party a winner. Look for the GO TEXAN mark when selecting your Super Bowl party needs at your local grocer, and you’ll score big with all your guests.”

Dotson, a former Green Bay Packer and Super Bowl Champion, now helps his father Alphonse, who also played in the NFL, and mother Martha, run their family-owned Certenberg Vineyards located in Voca, Texas. Dotson says Texas wine is becoming a popular addition to football viewing parties due to the fact that many varieties pair so nicely with favorite football game snacks.

“Texas is known for its variety of flavorful foods so we strive to offer quality wines to match,” Dotson said. “Think outside the usual beverage box on Super Bowl Sunday and impress your guests with a selection of Texas-made wines. You may even get more cheers than the game!”

Grocers across Texas will highlight GO TEXAN foods and beverages through in-store demonstrations and displays. Click here to see a listing of those grocers. Also, look for the GO TEXAN logo when shopping for your football party snacks.

Texas Wine and Food Make a Winning Team

Here are a few suggestions for pairing Texas wine with traditional game-day cuisine:

Nachos: Wine and cheese is a classic pairing and nacho cheese is no exception. Try a Chenin Blanc.

Chips and Salsa: A fresh, spicy salsa dip is even more of a winner with a Syrah.

Pretzels: For a new twist, try a Rosé.

Veggies and Dip: A crisp Sauvignon Blanc is the perfect match for crunchy vegetables.

Hot Wings: Riesling and Viognier are hits with tangy barbecue sauce.

Cheeseburger: Having the classic American sandwich with the classic American game? Then uncork another classic – a Cabernet.

Pizza: Sangiovese always delivers.

Texas Shrimp: Blanc du Bois is a perfect pairing with this treasure from the Gulf.

Barbecue: Match it up with a Tempranillo.