Quick question that I’m hoping you/your readers will have some ideas on. I just got back from a trip to China and ate dumplings basically every night I was there. Any thoughts on a place with good dumplings in Dallas?

I wanted to see if you or any of your wise followers could lead me in the right direction. A woman which whom I have recently started dating is coming in town this Memorial Day weekend and I wanted to spend some time at the pool. I live in the M-Streets and my house is “pool challenged”. Could you help me find a Hotel Pool that allows day-passes to the pool that also has a bar/ restaurant attached so we can enjoy the warm weather this weekend? Thanks to you and your followers in advance.

Two couples are driving from Austin to Dallas this Saturday, returning Monday. Three of the four of us grew up in Dallas. Typically, our visits are consumed with family obligations and aging parents. Not this weekend. We’re coming to play. And eat. And walk and visit museums.

We originally wanted to enjoy chef Pyles’ Fuego, but he’s not doing it this year, it seems. [Ed note: Pyles says Fuego is “catch as catch can” but this week he will release some firm dates.] One of us is a vegetarian. We’re into good food. We like locally sourced too. So far, our plan is Samar on Saturday night, and Si Tapas on Sunday night. I’m thinking Velvet Taco would make for one easy lunch. I like Dream Café for Sunday brunch, but where else should we consider? We like sitting outside. What other place should we try to fit in for lunch? Where should we go for desserts? Is Five Sixty good for a late night cognac? Thanks in advance for taking the time to answer.

Bring it! Let's get this city turned around! (image swiped from ABC)

Dear Mark,

I am addicted to Shark Tank. And because I am too lazy to jump through the hoops to get on the show and present my idea, I’m using the power of my pudgy fingers to reach you. Let’s pick and roll:

I walk on the set of Shark Tank. “Daymond John, you are so out,” I say. “Barbara, if I wanted to sell my cellulite-reducing sous-vide hot dog you’d be my best friend, but I’m keeping it to myself. You’re out.”

I watch the other sharks glance around, really scared at this point, and go for the kill. “Kevin, don’t even open that ugly mouth. You’re out. Robert, you can buy me dinner after the show but, for now, you are dead to me.”

Cameras swing: Close-up of Cuban. Music swells.

Mark. We live in the same city. We love the same teams. More importantly, we eat in the same restaurants. Last night, our city’s finest chef, Bruno Davaillon of the Rosewood Mansion on Turtle Creek, lost Best Chef in the Southwest at the James Beard Awards in New York City to a young chef in Austin who appeared on Top Chef. It has been 18 years since a Dallas chef won this title. We need a local version of Shark Tank geared towards Dallas restaurateurs. That way, you and I can work together to tighten up our game and turn it around. We have the talent, we need the exposure. And that exposure shouldn’t have to come from the Food Network or Bravo.

I propose we put together a panel of experts and ask  restaurateurs to pitch their ideas BEFORE they decide to sink their life savings into an upscale seafood and sushi restaurant in a bad location. Let’s kick the steak house wannabes to Fort Worth. Mark, I’m asking you to invest whatever it takes to help us bring the talent of the Dallas restaurant community to the international scene. In exchange, I offer you fifty percent of my idea. Oh, and you can keep the Mavs.

Looking forward to hearing from you,

Nancy

P.S. If this helps illustrate my talent: I promoted women’s basketball in Dallas before the Mavericks were a thought in your brain. Just ask Nancy Lieberman.

Hey Nancy! I know you help a lot of people find places so I was hoping your people could help me. I am a hopeless romantic. I have basically spoiled my girlfriend with flowers, special dinners, romantic trips and the like. I want to ask her to marry me and I want it to be perfect. Is there a restaurant in Dallas that specializes in marriage proposals? I may hire a violinist so we will need some privacy.

Well, this isn’t my area of expertise. Anyone out there with a thought? Or ten?

I’m looking for an anniversary-ish dinner. For us, not something super casual, but not super formal either. We are happy in the snappy bistro range, and can appreciate the full gamut of ethnicity. Excellent and unique cuisine, even edgy- all over fancy ambiance. Off the beaten path for the wine list is a plus-we appreciate the somm who doesn’t rely on Wine Spectator to guide them.

Do you know anywhere in Dallas that makes a good Philly cheesesteak? Gandolfo’s uses cream cheese, so I couldn’t even bring myself to try it, and the people who suggest Texadelphia have no idea what a Philly cheesesteak is supposed to be. Thanks!

A real Philly cheesesteak? The last two I ate in Philly (Max’s and Gino’s) were made with Cheese Whiz.

A few weeks ago, my boyfriend and I ate at Horne & Dekker. I ordered the braised short ribs with Gouda grits and buttery biscuits, which my boyfriend declared “the best meal in Dallas.” This Friday is his birthday, and I had originally planned to take him back there, but as you know, the restaurant has since closed. So, I’m looking for a great place that serves something similar (or the recipe from Horne & Dekker!).

Nancy, I have a constant craving for garlic rolls. I’m am six months pregnant and I think about garlic bread all of the time. I would like to know your favorite places but what I am really looking for is a recipe so I can make my own. Neither my husband or I are very good at cooking but how hard can garlic bread be if we don’t make the bread. Maybe you’re readers can help.

Hit it, yáll.

I am trying to recollect the name of a restaurant that was operating in the 1970’s and 80’s located on the Circle – it was rather exclusive (and if my memory serves me correctly – required reservations). Probably around 1979, family members took my nephew there for his high school graduation dinner – and recently we were sitting around discussing that event – and guess what?  Not a one of us could recall the name of the restaurant.

Southern Kitchen?

We are looking for a place that is uniquely Dallas for a rehearsal dinner. We need to be able to host 75-90 guests and would like to keep it under $20 per person (plus tax tip and booze) Tex-Mex is out. Our hotel for out of town guests is near Willow Bend Mall and the actual wedding venue is in downtown Dallas. Does the SideDish nation have any suggestions?

Patrizios used to have a side called Asparagus al Forno and it has probably been off the menu for 5 plus years, but I’ve been craving it recently. Now that I am better equipped in the kitchen, I wanted to attempt something similar. It was served in a gratin dish (hot) and covered in a creamy sauce with Parmesan, diced tomatoes, and mushrooms.  It was so tasty that I would dip the house bread in the leftover sauce. Would you (or your loyal Side Dishers) know how to obtain the recipe or something similar? I’m hoping someone else remembers it, too.

Eat this before you die. Photo courtesy of Crumbzz.

She’s a gay old gal who loves some cake with her coffee. Hear her plea:

Hi Nancy, I sent you an email last year and you suggested a certain coffee cake. I’m sorry I can’t remember where I bought it but it was yummy. Can you remember? I am having a house full of people during the holidays and like have several around and in my freezer.

Hmm. She likes to put people in her freezer? That’s kinda scary. Plus, she is relying on my memory? Right-o. Now go. (Actually I think it might have been Crumbzz. )

Nancy, I hope you can ask your readers help me. I used to love Il Sorrento in Dallas. Since they closed I haven’t been able to find a good decent marinara sauce in Dallas. I like baked pastas like ziti. Delivery would be good. I live near White Rock. Thanks.

Baked ziti? I’m still looking for the DiPalma’s recipe for chicken lasagna. Y’all hit it.

I have a restaurant quandary and need help! My daughter is turning 16, and we need to find a restaurant to have dinner for 15. She is casual and bohemian, does not go for fancy, just fun. I was hoping to come up with something offbeat like Middle Eastern with belly dancers but have no idea. Just looking for festive. If you have any fun ideas (Oaklawn, N. Dallas, downtown), I would be most grateful.