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Society Bakery Sells Whoopie Pies; The WP Trend Is On

New holiday whoopie pies at Society Bakery.

Last week, Nancy told us about whoopie pies at Tart Bakery and and Maple & Motor Burgers and Beer. One more, and whoopies were a trend, she said. Well, here’s our third: Society Bakery is selling them, and they brought us some to try. In the box: chocolate mint (gourmet Thin Mint, they say), brown sugar, bread pudding, and spice. The pies are saucer-sized and make a great cupcake alternative, IMO. My favorite was the brown sugar. Loved the maple whoopie filling, which is like vanilla frosting but much less sweet. The cake-to-frosting ratio will also likely be appealing to pepole who get overwhelmed with mile-high frosted cupcakes.

If these look good to you and you want a sample, stop by Society tomorrow night from 6–8 for their joint open house with the Corner Market. They will be giving away samples of these new flavors as well as some of their other goodies.

Pinkberry Dallas Opens With Chocolate Yogurt and Champagne

Pinkberry owner Adam Saxton smiles pretty and eats yogurt.

Last night was the grand opening party of Pinkberry Dallas, the frozen yogurt store that started the tart frozen yogurt craze in 2005. Back then, you couldn’t open up an In Touch without seeing a photo of Leo DiCaprio or Lindsay Lohan chowing down on the stuff, and rumor had it that lines were so long you had to wait an hour for a taste of the Swirly Goodness (not our term: that’s what Pinkberry press release calls it). We didn’t see any celebs last night (does Lucy Wrubel count?), but there was a searchlight, and there was a line out the door for the yogurt, so there. Our location, at Preston and Royal next to Barnes and Noble and the Merge clothing store, is the first in the U.S. outside of New York and California. The party was also the debut of Chocolate Pinkberry, and for now, we’re the only city that has it (woot!). It was explained to me that the chocolate comes from Mexico and is very expensive, because it’s tough to find chocolate that would mix with their yogurt and taste good. I thought the chocolate flavor was fine, but I like Pinkberry (and others like it) because of the tang, and chocolate doesn’t have it. I’m sticking with the original. Jump for photos and more info.

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Comfort Food In Dallas: What Comforts You

I am getting a little uncomfortable with the direction comfort food is taking. Can I blame it on the Gen Y population? Sure, why not. They don’t read SideDish. Gen Y’ers are more Britney than Julia.

While the overall trend in dining today is to eat sloooowly, the Gen Y’ers I know are more content to snack quickly. What happened to the good old days of turning on The Thorn Birds (before you knew Richard Chamberlain was gay), grabbing a spoon and a half gallon of ice cream, and eating the whole thing? Once, after I got turned down for what I thought was my dream job, I went back to my apartment, made a three-layer German chocolate cake, and ate every last crumb. Did I feel better? You betcha.

What is comfort food? At home it is one thing, but now restaurants are trying to comfort us in public. Take Kent Rathbun. (beat, beat…) He has gourmet comfort food. He isn’t alone; there are lots of folks making their mortgage payments by selling upscale mac and cheese. Isn’t gourmet comfort food an oxymoron? If you agree, then WTF is healthy comfort food? A lie? You betcha.

I was curious to see if there were any distinctive differences between generations when it came to constant cravings. I didn’t have to Google far to find this little salty tidbit. Jump with me. (more…)

Make This Now: Pan Con Tomate

Even thought our intern Sarah got  beat up and severely “kirked” in the comments section of her review of Si Tapas & Spanish Cuisine yesterday, she’s back  this morning with another slice from her life in Spain.

When I lived in Spain, my favorite breakfast was Pan con Tomate. (In the north it is referred to as Pan a la Catalana.) I’ve eaten versions here in Dallas at Cava where it is served as part of an appetizer combo and at Chic from Barcelona where the tomato mixture is piled on top of grilled vegetables. But I prefer to make the easy breakfast version at home. Jump for the recipe. (more…)

Yes, Sprinkles Cupcakes Were Delivered Again

I think Sprinkles might be afraid of Nancy, though, because now the deliveries are addressed to me. Good move. Sadly, I’ve been doing the Blueprint Cleanse for the last couple of days—more on that on this very web site, so stay tuned—so I didn’t partake. I did, however, take a very informal poll. These pink-topped treats are a new flavor, raspberry, but by all accounts the inside tasted like a blueberry muffin–or so said my taste-testers. Specifically I was told it tasted like a blueberry muffin but only when you got a bite of actual blueberry. Anyway, I got many thumbs up, although they declared the raspberry icing a tad sweet. I’m just going to take everyone’s word for it, because while they were dissecting and sharing said cupcakes, I was slicing a cucumber. For real.

Yogilicious To Become Yumilicious

Got a call from Winston over at Yogilicious the other day. He wanted to let us know that Yogilicious, one of my favorite spots for fro-yo in town (love that taro and plain swirl), is changing it’s name. It will become Yumilicious. He said this would not take a place for a couple months, but since they are planning on expanding, he thought this name would be a better fit (apparently they are concerned that “Yogilicious” sounded too much like the names of other frozen yogurt stores).

They are set to be opening up Yogi/Yumilicious at the Village at Allen tomorrow. First 100 customers get a free t-shirt. What name will it have on it? Guess we’ll have to wait and see…

Re: Is Frozen Yogurt the New Coffee?

Not to steal thunder from the lovely, talented, and yogurt-loving Sarah, but I weighed in on this craze for D Beauty. It was nuts back then–I mean, how many frozen yogurt shops can one city support?–and it has since only gotten nuttier. The truth is they all taste pretty much the same (which supports the same-mix theory), although I do think Orange Cup has a leg up in the taste department. But, of course, you can’t serve yourself or add your own toppings there, which I have to believe is part of the allure. (Not for me, because I prefer a controlled portion.) While the frozen-yogurt selection is limited at Natsumi, I had another one of my best cups there during my taste-a-thon. Will these frozen yogurt shops eventually go the way of TCBY? Jury’s still out.

Not Your Average Bar Food: Pineapple Sushi at Le Bar du Plaza Athenee

I’m sorry I can’t show you some fancier stuff from Plaza Athenee, but nothing is more embarrassing than whipping out your digital camera in Alain Ducasse, even if it’s just breakfast. (Even if I could get a reservation, I certainly couldn’t afford to eat there.) The silver tray of pastries brought tears to my eyes, but all I have to show for it is a handy little brochure with pretty illustrations explaining what I ate and a recipe for homemade Nutella. But I digress. I just wanted to show you this little ditty, which they brought to us in the bar: pineapple sushi. Homemade pina colada marshmallows–the spungiest little things you ever put in your mouth–were topped with ultra-thin slices of fresh pineapple, served with a side of pina colada reduction and shaved coconut. It was unlike anything I had ever tasted, and because we were one of only two tables at the bar–it doesn’t get hopping until late night–I didn’t feel too dumb snapping this photo.

The Snack With a View: Croque Madame at Chez Francis

Welcome to the next installment of Paris food porn: the croque madame at Chez Francis, where avenues Montaigne and George V meet, right near the Seine. I call it a snack with a view because the patio overlooks the Eiffel Tower; in fact, we were on our way there when we stopped to eat, and this brasserie was a solid recommendation from the concierge at Plaza Athenee, who knew we wanted something light but didn’t want to spend a lot. I’m sure for most I don’t need to explain what a croque madame is, but for the novice foodie, it is the sibling sammy to the croque monsieur, a popular hot ham-and-cheese snack. The madame comes with a fried egg on top–I just love the way the sunlight glistens on the yolk–and because this one’s open-faced, it’s a lot like a lunchtime version of eggs Benedict. Chez Francis, however, is a lot more than just a spot for a snack. On the white-tableclothed side of the patio, local patrons were partaking in beautiful platters of shellfish–a house specialty.

Central Market Removes Pistachios From Shelves

Ding, dang. I love pistachios and I am pistachio-ed off at the recent voluntary recall of the salty nuts. Just received word from Aimee Deputy, the shopping sheriff at Central Market:

Due to the recent FDA recommendation that consumers should avoid eating pistachio products,  Central Market H-E-B is voluntarily removing any product containing pistachio nuts from our stores until further FDA verification has been received.

Central Market H-E-B has elected to remove these products strictly as a precautionary measure, even though we have received numerous affidavits from various vendors stating their products do not contain ingredients from the FDA-identified Salmonella source.

Central Market H-E-B is removing these products as part of our ongoing commitment to food safety and the safety of our customers.

Murmur.

Look for the Grumpy Gourmet

He will be joining us here soon.

DFW Airport to Offer Healthy Dining Options for Frequent Fliers

In the corporate restaurant business, restaurants with hundreds of locations are considered especially heinous. An elite crowd, known as brand creators, attempt to serve healthier cuisine. These are their stories:

DFW Airport is about to get a slew of new restaurants for consumers “trending toward healthier eating habits.”

1) Cereality.  A cereal bar and café with Cereologists™ who assist customers as they create their own cereal. Now you can do what your mom never allowed:  mix Cap’n Crunch with Frosted Flakes and cover them with malted milk balls and banana flavored milk. (Those gals in the picture must have pop rocks in their cereal!)
2) UFood Grill. Considered by someone, as “the next generation of fast food, combining flavorful, high quality and nutritious food with an appealing atmosphere, accessible pricing, and quick, convenient service.” Think: Fired-up Burgers™, artisan sandwiches, UBowls™, grilled entrees, and specialty salads. Got to be great—UFood was recently named “2009 Best New Concession” in the Food & Beverage category by Airport Revenue News. George Foreman sends all of his friends there.
3) Blimpie. You know it, now fly with a hot or cold sub, to Panini, or fresh salad.
4) Urban Taco. Yes, that Urban Taco. Markus Pineyro and Chef Fernando Huerta will open their first airport location. (Folks, do me a favor. Eat these tacos before you board the plane.)

Locations? Cereality™ Cereal Bar & Café and Blimpie® will be in Terminal C, Gate C6. UFood Grill℠ in Terminal B, Gate B8, and Urban Taco in Terminal C, Gate C22. They are all scheduled to open the week of March 9th. Flight attendants, please prepare your doors and cross check.

Tuesday Afternoon Question: What’s Your Favorite Girl Scout Cookie?

My order of Girl Scout Cookies isn’t here yet, but I found a stash of Samoas downstairs and had to grab one. This is my favorite GSC, though I do enjoy Thin Mints and Tagalongs too. What about you?

New Breakfast Item in Dallas Schools

Pancake Pods: “Grab-and-go pancake sandwiches with real strawberry filling. These delicious pancake sandwiches are a fun, no-mess breakfast option that kids love to eat and parents can feel good about because they are low fat and do not contain trans fat or high fructose corn syrup.” Parents? What do you think?

Enstrom’s Almond Toffee

It’s likely that the best toffee you’ve ever had, isn’t that much better than the worst. I thought the same when I heard the Splendid Table talking about Enstrom’s Almond Toffee. But after needing a gift that I could send to relatives around the country, I remembered how much they gushed about how Enstrom’s use only the purest ingredients (Colorado butter, pure Hawaiian cane sugar, and so on.)

So, I ordered a few boxes for family and one for myself. Now, three days after receiving the 2lb box of toffee, it’s 1lb lighter and likely won’t make it to Christmas.

Too late to order for the holidays? Who cares. It’s the best toffee I’ve ever had—and yes, it’s that much better.

Eat This Now: Valdosta Pecans

This morning a bag of Valdosta Pecans with cranberries, black pepper, and orange zest made by Sahale Snacks showed up in the office. OMG, they are insansely good (insane is the word of the day). I have no idea where to buy them. Perhaps you do.

UPDATE: Whole Foods in Preston Forest Shopping Center carries the whole line of Sahale Snacks. Also Central Market.

D Magazine Christmas Party

Last night we threw a potluck Christmas party in the office. My offer to bring the pot was rejected so I made my soon-to-be-famous mini-weenie-and-veggie tree (left). If you would like the recipe or instructions on how to create flowers from radishes (good name for a book), just shoot me an e-mail. I’ll get back to you before next Christmas for sure.

Want Me to Read Your Fortune?

They say everything is bigger in Texas. Well, the latest cookie to make its debut in North Texas is taking that statement quite literally. SUMO Cookies just opened its first retail location in Lewisville and this sweet treat is nothing like the one that comes with your Chinese take-out. These oversized fortune cookies weigh in at almost a pound. You heard me. A pound. They’re baked fresh and customers can insert their own personal message. (They also have a Lil’ Sumo if you’re feeling overwhelmed) They’ve created a triple mint Sumo and peppermint Sumo for the holiday season. And don’t stress about the calories–we all know it doesn’t count this time of year. I think founder Janice Paris says it best

 “Our feeling is that you should never trust a skinny cookie, especially at the holidays. Texas is home to big hair, big trucks and big ideas, so it’s only appropriate that giant fortune cookies are also made in Texas.” 

What a Pear! What a Dog!

Folks, you can file this post under Procrastination is Part of the Creative Process. I am on deadline and supposed to be writing. Instead, I am running around my house taking pictures of my dog, Lulu, with a couple of French butter pears. If you write for a living, you already understand. BUT, in my defense, I have to tell you that last night I picked up a bag of these luscious pears at Central Market and I have already eaten three (another form of procrastination). It’s smack dab in the middle of pear season and these babies are worth a trip. Okay, then. Later, I have a load of laundry waiting.

Spain By Way of Central Market

The other day, former D Empire employee cum Central Marketer Aimee Deputy stopped by the office to drop off some Spanish goodies that I later (clumsily) assembled into an antipasto plate at home (see pic at left). The  savories included (clockwise from top) Paletta Iberico boneless ham ($119.99/lb.), Garrotxa cheese, Fermin Iberico Bellotta boneless ham ($179.99/lb.), quince paste or membrillo, Manchego cheese, baguette, and Marcona almonds in the middle. It was all delicious, and I enjoyed layering the items to achieve the perfect bite of salty, nutty, meaty, sweet. Of course a hearty glass of Spanish rosé made for a nice accompaniment. Olé!

Pokey O’s Tallies 1 Million Ice Cream Sammies

Nothing like an ice cream sandwich—make that a $1 ice cream sandwich—to put some cheer into this drizzly day. The good folks at Pokey O’s are projecting to sell their millionth cookie-and-ice-cream treat today and are offering the $1 deal for all sandwiches sold  (limit five per customer). Also, if you happen to be the lucky person who buys No. 1,000,000, you get a $400 voucher on Southwest Airlines.

Do We Really Need Scented Organic Water?

Maybe I am just getting crabby in my old age but when I opened a press release announcing Herbal Water, “the only nationally available USDA Certified Organic flavored water is now available at more than 500 Safeway Stores”, I wanted to go back to bed. Seriously, are you going to get bamboozled by every “organic” scam? Help me here: Isn’t “organic water” redundant? Here, straight from the you-can-make-this-stuff-up department:

Herbal Water blends hand-selected, organically grown herbs with purified water and nothing else – no preservatives, colors, artificial ingredients, sweeteners or calories – to create a refreshing taste and an enchanting aroma.

Herbal Water is a healthy alternative to beverages that contain calories and artificial flavors,” says Ayala Laufer-Cahana, trained pediatrician, accomplished artist, and company founder. “As more people demand healthy and organic beverages, we are delighted that our line of Herbal Water will be available to them at Safeway stores.” Recently, Herbal Water was recognized by Delicious Magazine as a “delicious flavored water (that is) a great sugar-free alternative to soda…this water is smooth and refreshing.”

Oh, that’s enough. Delicious or not. I have work to do. (Somebody comb that woman’s hair, please.)

Yogurtland Makes Dallas Debut

Remember when TCBY was the place to go for frozen yogurt? Well, it’s 2008 and there’s a new player in town, appropriately named Yogurtland. With the store’s grand opening this past weekend in Carrollton, Dallasites were finally able to taste what all the fuss is about.

With 16 rotating flavors including pistachio, peach tart and New York cheesecake, all dispensed from wall-mounted machines and priced at a reasonable 30 cents per ounce, Yogurtland puts the power in the hands of its patrons letting them decide just how much is enough. The store offers 33 different fruit and candy toppings, as well as yogurt frappes and smoothies. For the health conscious, there’s ”no sugar added” yogurt, as well as shaved ice for those not in the mood for yogurt. Update: Yogurtland just informed us they no longer offer frappes, smoothies or shaved ice.

The dream of Yogurtland was to take the “kid in a candy shop” concept and maximize it. So does that mean we can revert to our childhood ways of smothering ridiculous amounts of toppings over our frozen yogurt without ever feeling guilty? Sweet.

Shooters for Sweet Tooths

This idea is genius. I mean, shots—of frosting? The article didn’t mention whether the Dallas Sprinkles location was selling these little beauties, so I called ‘em up and the nice lady said that, yes, you can buy any of the flavors available (usually six or so daily) for 75 cents. That’s gotta be cheaper than this. Cheers!

Say Cheese

This is not going to be good for my waistline. Opening just down (up? whatever) the street from our office, in Highland Park Village, is the second location of artisanal cheese shop Molto Formaggio. (First is in Preston Royal, which is dangerously close to my house. I am doomed.) Anyone been?