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More Tasting Around Town

Following up on Nancy’s  wine tastings and sales here are a few more opportunities.  Mark your calendar for:

August 15th at La Cave, their second “Cave Dweller” tasting from 11am-1pm. This complimentary tasting will feature New World summer style options, including wine from Chile, California, South Africa and more.  RSVP required by August 13.  214-747-9463.

Next week is busy at Veritas.  August 18th Veritas Wine Room , winner of the “Best of Big D Lawyers That Pour,” partners with Dallas Uncorked a French wine tasting fr0m Rhone, Loire, Chateauneuf-du-Pape and more.  Tickets through dallasuncorked.org.  August 19th they also welcome local crooner Ricki Derek.  What can be better than a beautiful bubble, or sensuous Cab enjoyed while listening to the soothing sounds of a well loved Dallas favorite.

Stephan Pyles continues with their fantastic summer patio happy hour, with the addition of an $8 Passion Chile Margarita, voted one of the top 10 cocktails in Dallas. This is in addition to specially priced Champagne and wine, and paired with complimentary flat breads.

There is a new online outlet for wine in Dallas, and they will deliver to your door with in 24 hours.  Vintage Wine is a new online outpost that ha a good selection and boasts temperature controlled delivery in “Dallas, TX” for a minimum $50 order of at least 3 wines (otherwise they will ship via Fed Ex.)  They also have a “knowledgeablestaff” that can help you with selections; not sure who the staff is though.  Love the option and support local ideas.  They are running a few specials as well, including Conundrum for $19.00 a bottle.

In addition to Sigel’s incredible wine sale, stop by the Fitzhugh location on August 19th from 6-8 for a Gin tasting of up to 20 different special and unique gins.  RSVP to Dimitrios,214-635-3162 for details on obtaining your Gin passport.

Chef Eric Shelton Announces Dallas Summer Musical’s Mamma Mia! Menu

Mamma Mia! opens August 18.

A few days ago, Nancy told you about her trip to the Music Hall to see Legally Blonde: The Musical and her fabulous Blonde-inspired pre-theatre meal (personal fave: bend-and-snap peas). Next Tuesday (August 18), Mamma Mia! begins its run at the Music Hall at Fair Park, and chef Eric Shelton’s menu for this production is after the jump. Here’s a hint: “Dancing Greeeeeens” are involved. Go here for tickets.

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Stay in Luxury This Summer for a Steal

August opens to some of the longest, hottest days of summer.  Would you love to get out of town, but know it is just not in the cards right now.  Would relaxation in the lap of luxury help get through the next month with ease?  Then a “staycation” may be just the ticket.

I hate that word, but love the idea of the Summer Escape at The Four Seasons in Las Colinas.  I am a huge fan of the Four Seasons (who isn’t,) and love the ability to stay there this summer for a great deal.  So much, I had to share. Through September8th the Four Seasons is offering a 2 night stay at $195 per night for 2 people, with 25% off activities and kids 12 and younger dine free.  The Four Seasons is one of the most beautiful properties in the area,  with the highest level of service and incredible quality.

With additional opportunities to play a round on the same TPC golf course where Tiger and Phil play, complimentary use of the Club’s fitness center, including everything from yoga and Pilates to cardio and weight training equipment and basketball courts. You could even try a game of squash.  I am partial to a day relaxing by their massive, lagoon style pool with a tasty beverage followed by a Ginseng facial and aromatherapy massage in the spa…but that is me.  Ask for Joe by the pool, he is fantastic.  If you have kiddo’s they can also enjoy some special treats.  Ask about them when booking your reservation. 

Dinner and wine at Café on the Green is a must (including a dessert wine flight that would put our friend, Don Winspear, over the edge)  More on that to come…

Get a Taste of The Mansion for $49

Our circulation director just told us that our February 2009 issue–the “Cheap Eats” issue–sold like crazy on the newsstand. No big surprise. Everyone wants a bargain these days. And now I just get word that the grand dame of fine Dallas dining is jumping on the bargain bandwagon. Yep, The Mansion is offering a three-course dinner for $49 Sunday-Wednesday. It includes your choice of starter, entree, and dessert. The recession has never tasted so good.

Free Zapp’s Potato Chips at Potbelly on Wednesday, June 3

First of all, can anyone believe it’s June? But whatever. I like free–and Potbelly Sandwiches is giving away Zapp’s potato chips at most locations between 11 am-2 pm on Wednesday, June 3. Why? Because it’s a promotion, silly. Apparently Potbelly searched far and wide for the perfect potato match to its sandwich goodness. So there you have it.

Picnic on the Plaza Lunch Deals Start May 18 at One Arts Plaza

I don’t know about you, but I’m kind of grumpy when I don’t get out for lunch. (Sad for my co-workers, yes.) And when I do get out, I sure don’t want to spend a lot. So this news makes me very happy: from 11 am-2 pm, starting May 18, One Arts Plaza is offering “Picnic on the Plaza” lunch deals for less than $9 on the patios of participating restaurants. This means cold fried chicken with pasta salad and a drink from Screen Door for $8, two pork tamales with rice and beans from Jorge’s for $8, or grilled chicken Caesar salad and a bottle of water from Dali for $8.95. Now, let’s just pray for sunshine and a cool breeze.

One Arts Plaza Is the Place to Be for Happy Hour

I dropped by Dali last night before attending a DSO concert. (Query: Is there such a thing as conductor’s elbow? Because that Van Zweden guy was brandishing that baton like he was going to kill the entire strings section.) Anyway, One Arts Plaza was hopping. Live music on Fedora’s patio. Dali was doing brisk service. Lots of liquored up revelers having a great time. It was the place to be. Now, I know why. One Arts is offering all types of happy hour specials with free valet service until 6 p.m. Want the complete list? Might as well jump.

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Looking For Something To Do This Weekend?

Kyle and Sarah have lots of ideas.

Hooch Alert: Sigel’s Closing Sale Almost Over

The Lemmon/Inwood location of Sigel’s has to shut its doors at the end of April (lost the lease) and everything in the store is 30 percent off. If you find yourself drinking heavily due to our crumbling economy, now’s the time to sink your money into something that really pays off: cheap quality liquor.

Weekend Delight: Steak and Crab Leg Prix-Fixe Dinner at Grill on the Alley

If you’re looking for a restaurant on date night and your lady likes to eat (like me), take her to The Grill on the Alley for a petite Prime filet, half-pound of Alaska king crab legs, and a loaded baked potato for $29.95 on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday nights after 4 pm. If prime rib is more your thang, the Slow-Roasted SundayPrime Rib Dinner is now available on Saturday, too, for $29.95.

No Sales Tax on Tax Day at Whole Foods

My taxes are definitely causing me problems. I hope I’m not alone here. But even lucky people who are getting refunds and not paying the government thousands of dollars they don’t have will appreciate this offer from Whole Foods. On Wednesday, April 15, all the Whole Foods locations will pay your sales tax for you. Yep, you won’t pay sales tax all day on ANYTHING. Food, clothes, Tom’s shoes, beer, wine, whatever. Very nice.

With that, we’re out. We have a half day today. Happy Easter, everyone, and happy eating.

Are You Single And A Gourmet?

Then Single Gourmet may be the way for you to play. Deets from Single Gourmet’s head swingle, Ed Bamberger:

Single Gourmet DFW, a social club for single professionals, is hosting a four-course Merryvale wine dinner at Sevy’s Grill in Dallas on Wed. Apr. 15.  Merryvale is a Napa Valley winery given international acclaim for wines of outstanding quality, and both the winemaker and vintner will be present to talk to us and answer our questions.  This event is open to nonmembers ages 30 (THROUGH…NOT “TO” 60s).  Reservation required; deadline Mon. Apr. 13.  Cost $89 and includes five wines (one with each course plus one at the reception), tax & gratuity, iced tea and coffee. Open to nonmembers, single professionals 30s THROUGH (NOT “to”) 60s.  Click here to reserve.

I’m so happy to still be a “to” and not a “through.”

Half Price Drinks on The Mansion Terrace

Here’s a deal perfect for springtime. Throughout April, enjoy half priced drink specials every Wednesday 6pm to closing on The Mansion’s terrace. DJ Face will spin tunes as well.

Thirst Quenching Discounts at La Cave

Francois Chandou sends the good word that La Cave Warehouse is offering 20 percent off select whites, rosés, and reds perfect for springtime sipping. The special offer is good through April 21. Check out the list of wines for sale and go stimulate that economy.

Araucana Easter Eggs from Flavors From Afar

Because SideDishers can’t just hunt everyday grocery store eggs for Easter, Flavors From Afar is taking orders for all-pastel, all-Araucana eggs from Fruth Farms in East Texas. (By the way, Araucana is a breed of Chilean chicken that lays blue eggs. Yes, I had to look it up.) Anyway, FFA owner Nancy Krabill boasts that these fancy eggs are “eggier” tasting with bright orange yolks and after one taste, you’ll be hooked. For $5.50 per dozen, they best be tasty. Order now because apparently they go fast.

Easter Dining Ideas: Hop To It

I’ve just added a bunch of restaurants to the Easter dining guide. Check it out and check it ofter.

Flights of Fancy Margaritas at Sala

Chef/owner Doug Brown’s new Tex-Mex joint in his old Amuse spot in the Cedars is pretty cool and the appetizers are mighty tasty. (Queso with chorizo and crispy, juicy taquitos = OMG get those in my mouth now) But what won my table over last night were Sala’s margarita flights. Much like wine and tequila flights (which the restaurant does as well), you can do a vertical tasting of three different frozen libations. We opted for the swirl flight and sipped on blood orange, passion fruit, and cactus pear versions. Best of all, flights are half price on Thursdays. It’s such a great idea, I have to wonder: Does anyone else in town offer margarita flights? And, if so, why aren’t I drinking there?

Easter Dining Ideas: Hop to It

Okay, Dishers, I am going to start a thread here for Easter dining options. Check back often. Restaurateurs, post your specials below or click on my e-mail below and send me the details. (I can’t find a credit to run with the cartoon to the left, but I couldn’t resist posting it.)

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BlackFinn’s Now Open In Arlington Highlands

PARTY. March 20th from 9 – 11 p.m! BlackFinn’s in Arlington Highlands. Where is that? Here. (more…)

Victory Tavern Hosts Stone Brewery Beer Dinner

From the Beer-Is-The-New-Wine Department: Victory Tavern execuchef Jim Oetting, is teaming up with the folks at Stone Brewery and hosting a three-course beer dinner for only $50 per person. 214-432-1900.

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Sevy’s on Sunday Night

Miss Amy Severson, a former SideDish contributor, now has her own blog, The Dallas Cook Book. Glad for her; sad for us. However, today she sends a message:

The economy won’t stop us from offering you the best in food and service, so we at Sevy’s are introducing our “Sunday Value Menu”.  Every Sunday evening (5:00 – 9:00) we will feature an additional menu; with three courses available you can choose the two items you prefer for $24.95 per person.  Entree choices include: Sevy’s Smoke House Beef Tenderloin Filet, Stuffed Pork Rib Chop, Fresh Antlantic Salmon Fillet, Angel Hair Pasta with Shrimp, and our Rosemary Free Range Chicken.

You want bargains; you get bargains.

New Breakfast Duos at Starbucks

Over on ShopTalk, our resident Starbucks expert Katie McNew has some scoop about the coffee chain we love to hate to love. (Or something like that.)

Free Culinary Lessons from Rosewood Crescent Hotel

We say “free,” but the fine folks from Rosewood refer to their 2009 Culinary series as “complimentary.” Either way, each month team Rosewood CC will host a cooking demonstration by a member of their culinary team. Jump for joy and the details.

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Can Somebody Help This Poor Girl: King Cake Edition

Just back from lunch, and this girl asked a questions I’ve been wondering myself:

Where can I find some authentic King Cake in Dallas?! I want one that has a trinket inside (usually the Baby Jesus)!! Please help! I know La Madeleine has some but I’ve never tried theirs!! Is it good?

Yes Dishers, she likes exclamation points, but to me, it just shows a sweet enthusiasm for Fat Tuesday. Can we help her? I’ve tried Whole Food’s King Cake, and it was delish. Not sure about the baby Jesus though.

TJ’s Wants To Make Lent A Little Easier

I’m not Catholic. I don’t participate in Lent. But if I did, I would probably be one of those people who gives up pears, or something else I don’t normally eat.

But! If you are participating, TJ’s wants to make it easy on you. During Lent (Feb 25–April 11), they’re going to have all kinds of fish already prepared and ready to go out the door. Salmon, trout, orange roughy, etc., with extra orders made on Fridays.

TJ’s also has a King Creole Cajun Feast for Mardi Gras revelers. Crawfish etouffee, gumbo, dirty rice, salad, bread and butter for $19.95 per person. I am so hungry.

Jump for the full menu and details.

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