Before I launch into a post about beer and boozy fun, I’d like to take this moment and thank the people who have served/still serve our country. While most of us see Memorial Day as a “YAY WE DON’T HAVE TO GO TO WORK LET’S PARTY” day, there are families out there visiting graves and cemeteries instead. Sobering thought, but I just had to get that out there. Both my grandpas fought in WWII and my dad was in the Navy, so, yeah. And two days ago, I followed a black-tinted car for about two miles, wondering why it needed a police escort. When I got close enough, I saw an American flag draped over the coffin. I don’t quite understand why some restaurants are hosting patio parties and beer specials on Monday. I’m going to leave those off the list. Spend Monday with your friends and families and enjoy all the freedoms you have.
Friday
Garden Cafe is hosting a film screening of Viva Les Amis in the outdoor patio area at 8 p.m. tonight. Les Amis Cafe was a 27-year-old local cafe that was ultimately replaced by Starbucks. The event is BYOB (and free snacks will be available), but you can still order off the menu from 6 to 8:30 p.m. For $4, this might not be such a bad deal. Buy tickets here. Sorry, kiddos. 18 older and up.
Continue reading "Bits & Bites: Things to Do and Chew on Memorial Day Weekend"
I would just like to take this time, again, to remind you all that D Magazine’s 100 Best Restaurants Party is taking place on Wednesday, May 22, at 3015 Trinity Groves. This is your once-in-a-lifetime chance of pieing Nancy in the face. Do ittttt.
Friday
Every year Addison upstages all the other suburbs and holds its own food festival, Taste Addison. I’m jealous that Carrollton doesn’t have one. But Addison isn’t too far, and 60 Addison restaurants + carnival games + music from Blue October means everyone’s bound to have a good time. Buy tickets online or at the door. It runs from Friday to Sunday.
Saturday
Guys, it’s still American Craft Beer Week. The fun hasn’t stopped. There’s the Lakewood Brewing Co.’s All-Cask Tour from noon to 3 p.m.
There’s also this list of other American Craft Beer Week events happening on Saturday. I’m sorry I lied and never updated it. Whoopsies…
Continue reading "Bits & Bites: Things to Do and Chew in Dallas This Weekend, May 17-19"
This morning Tim Rogers tweeted a link to this happy karaoke couple. I laughed so hard, I banged my head against my glass and spilled water over my phone. Then I kept watching. And laughing. Raya had to walk over to my desk and mop up my mess for me. That is all.
Friday
I don’t know if this dinner is sold out or not, but you can take your chances by calling. Your favorite underground urchin, David Anthony Temple, is hosting “The Great DATsby Dinner” tonight at 7 p.m. Private location. It’s $77 per person, and the menu has some crazy stuff in it, like wild boar and kangaroo. Check out the menu here.
Saturday
If you love dirt and Paul Quinn College Farm, volunteer from 9:30 a.m. until noon and help with planting, weeding, mulching, and all that other good stuff that helps grow healthy plants. The morning will end with a lovely picnic lunch out on the farm. From the Facebook event:
Continue reading "Bits & Bites: Things to Do and Chew in Dallas This Weekend, May 10-12"
3 Comments »Last night, I joined the nerds of radio world and watched the live cinecast of “Wait Wait…Don’t Tell Me!” I have to say, I think I’m completely and utterly in love with Mo Rocca. Is it just me or does he look like the dandier version of Ira Glass?
Alright, I’ll stop distracting you. Let’s get on with the weekend.
Friday
Pappas Bros. gets fancy schmancy with a fine wine tasting event tonight. The “Hidden Gems of Italy” wine tasting (comes with hors d’oeuvres) is going to be held at a private room from 6 to 8 p.m. Reserve your spot for $55 per guest. Call 214.366.2000.
This year’s TACA Lexus Party on the Green still takes place at Rosewood Mansion, but a new group of local celebrity chefs. I don’t know if there are tickets yet, but you can take your changes and call 214-520-3930 or email katherine.christy@taca-arts.org.
Saturday
Meet other like-minded eaters at this Vegan Bake Sale happening at the Beauty Bar from noon to 4 p.m. Desserts for everyone, and the money goes to Resource Center Dallas.
From what I can tell, Polo on the Lawn at the Prestonwood Polo Club is the biggest Kentucky Derby event happening this weekend, starting at 3 p.m. “As part of the festivities, Central 214 (Hotel Palomar Dallas) bartender Amber West is mixing up her take on the mint julep, The Equestrian, made with local Texas honey. From now through Saturday, folks can also stop by Central 214 for the cocktail and a portion of every one sold will go to Project Transformation!” Buy tickets here.
Continue reading "Bits & Bites: Things to Do and Chew in Dallas This Weekend, May 3-5"
2 Comments »
Lots of events going on this weekend. Check ‘em out.
Friday
George has already preached the gospel outta this, so I won’t chew your ears off more: the first-ever Texas Food Truckin’ Fest features lots of good truck food, live music, and plenty of things for families to do together. Should be fun.
Saturday
The Big Read Dallas is almost over, but that doesn’t mean we’re done talking about Fahrenheit 451. On Saturday, join other people who love books at Klyde Warren Park from 4 to 6 p.m for our read-in. Bring a book, grab some food from trucks on stand-by, and plop yourself down on the grass.
Sunday
Stephan Pyles is launching a ‘Sunday Supper’ from 5 to 9 p.m. every Sunday at Stampede 66 from here on out. “The 3-course, family-style menus will feature such classics as Honey Fried Chicken and Buttermilk Biscuits, Pork Chops with Cornbread Stuffing, Chicken and Dumplings and Shrimp and Grits – all prepared with Chef Pyles’ sophisticated twist.”
Bobby Flay is going to be at NorthPark at 2 p.m. to sign copies of his latest cookbook, Bobby Flay’s Barbecue. But while we’re on the subject of BBQ-focused cookbooks, let’s not forget that BBQ Snob, Daniel Vaughn, has his first book coming out pretty soon.
The ‘Texans for West’ benefit concert from 4 to 10 p.m. will “feature performances by Jonathan Tyler & the Northern Lights, a brief set of solo acoustic songs by Toadies lead singer Vaden Todd Lewis, The O’s, Somebody’s Darling and Goodnight Ned.” Tickets are $20, and one of the event partners is Goodfriend Beer Garden & Burger House. Does this mean there will be food? Most likely.
If you’re still looking for ways to help the Boston Marathon, this is one way to show your support: by participating in Le Cordon Bleu’s “Soup in Support” fundraiser tomorrow from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Here’s part of the press release:
5 Comments »The recent bombing at the Boston Marathon has left the country reeling and looking for ways to support the people of Boston. One local school, Le Cordon Bleu College of Culinary Arts (LCB) in Dallas is doing what they do best to give back to the victims and show support for their Boston campus – cooking.
As part of a nationwide LCB initiative called “Soup for Support”, students and staff will be selling homemade bowls of clam chowder, with a local touch. LCB Dallas will prepare chowder with a Tex-Mex twist that features Mexican chorizo, Andouille sausage and Poblano peppers. The soup will be available on Friday, April 26 from 9:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. at LCB Dallas’ Technique restaurant (11830 Webb Chapel Road, Suite 1200). Proceeds will benefit One Fund Boston, which provides financial support for victims.
I know, I know, I know. You sure do wish you could watch Youtube vids of Val Kilmer dressed as Mark Twain all day (Huckleberry Finn nerd that you are, or is it just me?), but there’s stuff you gotta do. Like actually work at work. Let me make this week a little easier on you. Here’s stuff you can do as soon as it hits 5 o’ clock. Shoot out that door and head on over to these events.
Tonight the Gottlich power couple is hosting a Second Floor Bistro wine dinner with four courses and five wines. What a way to end a Monday, eh? The reception starts at 7 p.m., with the dinner following shortly afterwards. The menu includes pan-seared scallops, kobe beef pot-au-feu with basil mash, rack of lamb served with green lentils, etc. For reservations, call 972.450.2978.
World Book Night in Downtown Dallas is hosted by The Big Read Dallas in Main Street Garden at 5 p.m. Read a favorite book or join the citywide conversation about Fahrenheit 451, while you indulge in a drink or two.
Slow Food Dallas, an organization that more people to need to know about, is organizing a discussion at Craft & Growler called “Why Local Beer Matters.” The discussion centers around local craft beer with a couple of heavy hitters in the business talking about their experience and expertise.
Continue reading "Check Out All These Food Events in Dallas This Week, April 22-26"
It’s hard to tear your eyes away from the news, but I guess we all need a distraction this weekend. It’s been a long and sobering week for all of us. Here at SideDish, our thoughts go out to West and Boston.
Friday
I know this event isn’t in Dallas, but if you feel compelled to go to West this weekend and help out, please do. Frisco’s 3 Stacks Smoke and Tap House is “partnering with the The Ultimate Smoker and Grill and Slavocek Sausage Company to provide food and beverage to victims, relief workers, emergency responders.” 20 volunteers are needed for each day this is happening (Friday, Saturday, and Sunday), so if you’re interested, I’d give 3 Stacks a call at 469-287-9035. Hot food will be available at GREG MAY CHEVROLET DEALERSHIP (225 TMW Parkway, West, Texas 76691) for those affected by the tragedy.
Saturday
The North Texas Taco Festival, organized by a few of my friends, is happening on the 2800 block of Main Street from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Should be lots o’ fun (music, taco contests, good people, etc.), so there’s every reason to go. Free entry, and there’s certainly a taco for everyone. Tons of taquerias will be there, and the choices are bound to be endless and excellent.
There’s a chocolate and wine class with Zach Townsend at Calais Winery at 1:30 p.m. Townsend is an expert on fine chocolate, and he’ll lead the 1.5 hour, $60 per person class through a discussion and tasting of five different wines. To register, go here. The chocolates that have been picked for this class include:
Continue reading "Bits & Bites: Things to Do and Chew in Dallas This Weekend, April 19-21"
Not all of us are rich like these guys. Some of us gotta make a living to eat, and some of us gotta eat to make a living. I think I fall somewhere in between both categories. If you’re like me and you like to stand in line for free gift cards and whatnot, you’ll probably appreciate these three events happening tomorrow:
Uno. At the grand opening of Salata in Uptown tomorrow, the salad bar chain is giving away Salata gift cards ranging from $5 to $50 to the first fifty customers who walks through that door. You can also get $5 salads and wraps with free soup all day. The fun starts tomorrow at 11 a.m. 3000 Blackburn St., 214-599-8507.
Dos. As part of the Irving Eco-Film Fest this year, i Fratelli Ristorante & Wine Bar will be showing two films about the green movement. Free admission with complimentary appetizers. The full menu is also available.
Jump for the love of free food. Continue reading "Free Food Alert! 3 Ways to Save Money on Thursday, April 18"
Happy Friday evening from over here in Taiwan. I just had some of the best pineapple cakes in the world. Friday Fun Fact Time: Taiwanese pineapple cakes (they resemble Fig Newtons, sort of) actually contain very little pineapple. The paste is mostly made from winter melon. Cool, huh?
If you’re in the mood for some Taiwanese baked goods, Desir Bakery in Plano has the best pineapple cakes in Dallas that I’ve tried thus far.
Friday, April 12
Maybe this billionaire kook who’s rebuilding the Titanic isn’t doing the smartest thing in the world, but let me direct you to other ways of commemorating the day of infamy. Hotel St. Germain is offering two Titanic dinners on April 12 and 13 at 7 p.m. in honor of the Titanic’s 101st anniversary. “Guests will enjoy an historic menu, White Star cocktails, and hor d’oeuvres served in a courtyard where dinner guests will each draw a numbered ticket which will correspond to a specific Titanic survivor. $95 per person.” Kind of morbid, but whatever floats your boat. (To make reservations, call 214.871.2516.)
Meddlesome Moth’s April Ale Week is about to come to an end, much to everyone’s sadness. But you can still catch some of its goodness at the rare cellar releases at 5, 6, 11, and midnight.
Continue reading "Bits & Bites: Things to Do and Chew in Dallas This Weekend, April 12-14"
Yeah, don’t come crawling to me with nothing to do. There are plenty of events, activities, and tummy rubs available this weekend. I say this with love: get off your lazy bum and hop to it. Shoo, fly, shoo!
Friday, April 5
Eh, nothing really going on (that I can find). Get some beauty rest before you head out on Saturday. Wait, never mind, I forgot about the Deep Ellum Arts Festival from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. Food from Buzzbrews, Fuzzy’s, and Mama Fayes will be there.
Saturday, April 6
I know, I know. Where did March go? That’s the same question I’ve been asking myself every day. April’s here, and that means the 2nd annual Big Texas Beer Fest is happening inside the Fair Park Automobile Building. There’ll be food trucks, food, free cheese samples, and – of course – beer. Lots of it. Buy tickets here.
Chef Jim “Sevy” Severson (of Sevy’s Grill) is leading a cooking class from 11:30 to 1 p.m. at the Dallas Farmers Market Resource Center. Seriously, you should go. He’s been doing these classes since 1993. I’m sure it’ll be funtertainment. To buy a $25 ticket, go here.
Promise of Peace Garden is having its 4th annual EcoFest from 10 to 2 p.m. “with live music by the Ackermans and friends on a solar powered stage.” It’s completely free, and you get to learn about gardening.
Continue reading "Bits & Bites: Things to Do and Chew in Dallas This Weekend, April 5-7"
So many things to do, so little time. Pick and choose wisely, my friends. This weekend is crazybusy. Drink plenty of water, call a cab, and watch where you’re walking. I once fell into a large crack in the middle of the road and almost died.
Friday
I guess you could start your St. Patty’s Day celebrations early and head over to Park Tavern and Mockingbird Taproom for some early drinking. OR you could save your stomach for Saturday.
Saturday
Raya has a created a huuuuge list of places to party for the Big Green Day. I would listen to her, if I were you.
I’ve also compiled a list of places to eat. Welcome to a weekend full of green food dye. G’luck.
Did I mention there are still tickets left to Savor Dallas? Well, there are still tickets left to Savor Dallas! I can’t believe the International Grand Tasting isn’t sold out yet; that event is the bombdiggity. You walk around and eat food from some of the best restaurants in town.
Sunday
Nurse your hangover. Or drink some more.
So the war on Kraft Macaroni and Cheese has started, which was bound to happen sooner or later, right? City of Ate has this video of two mommy bloggers trying to get Kraft to ban its use of yellow artificial food dyes. Interesting. Now I want to eat mac ‘n’ cheese from the box.
Friday
Wine tastes better with music. Always. Stoney’s Wine Lounge is hosting jazz harpist Cindy Horstman with Mike Medina on bass from 7:30 to 9 p.m. tonight.
Asador is celebrating its two-year anniversary with a special three-course dinner for $25. There’ll be complimentary wine and hors d’oeuvres passed, no cover charge, and music sung by Goga. For reservations, call 214-267-4815.
Saturday
It’s Green Spot’s five year anniversary, which means .99 CENT BREAKFAST TACOS. Liz and I kinda have a thing for breakfast tacos, so, yeah. We get excited. There are also a bunch of other things Green Spot is doing. Click here for the list.
Continue reading "Bits & Bites: Things to Do and Chew in Dallas This Weekend, March 8-10"
This has nothing to do with food, except, I guess Ang Lee eats food to survive. Right. Anyway, my mom loves Ang Lee because he’s 1) Taiwanese 2) Taiwanese and 3) he’s a Taiwanese man who’s successful. Remember how he took the Oscar for “Best Director” last Sunday? Well, Lee is apparently humble, too. Read this essay he wrote after his first Oscar win. It’ll make you love him even more.
Friday
Tonight Armadillo Ale Works is having its first beer release party for at the Oak St. Drafthouse at 5 p.m. in Denton. Go drink their Quakertown Stout and read this interview I did with ‘em.
Saturday
White Rock Local Market kicks off its season at the Lakeside Baptist Church on Garland Road at 8 a.m. It’s an “Everything” Market Day with food trucks, live music, arts and crafts, handmade clothing, and more. Should be a great way to spend time your morning with the family.
Continue reading "Bits & Bites: Things to Do and Chew in Dallas This Weekend, March 1-3"
Poetry. Food. Wine (BYOB). Good company. The Garden Cafe‘s doing the whole shebang on March 8 at 7:00 p.m. Good luck trying to get a seat. This one will sell out pretty fast. From the depths of my email inbox:
3 Comments »We have had a lot of requests for Poetry Night so we are bringing it back!
Friday, March 8th!
Bring your own wine, champagne, etc. Wine glasses will be furnished and there is no corkage fee.
7:00 pm Doors Open
7:45 pm Dinner Served
9:00 pm Poetry Readings1st course: Duck “Pico” with housemade sweet potato chip
2nd course: Wilted chard, cucumber, and red pepper relish
3rd course: Venison Backstrap – herb-blue-cheese, compound butter, and red wine reduction served with spaghetti squash and apple-raisin quinoa
4th course: Spiceman’s foraged and garden greens, Mozz Co.’s mozzarella, basil pesto, and marinated tomato
5th course: Sweet fried butternut squash, whipped mascarpone, and candied walnuts
$65.00 per person (tax + gratuity not included)
Make your reservations today by calling the Garden Cafe at 214-887-8330. Due to a limited capacity, if you do not cancel your reservation 48 hours prior to the dinner, your credit card will be charged.
Fun Friday Fact Time: On Wednesday, some crazy winemakers dropped four cases of 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon into Charleston Harbor. No big deal. They’re just trying to replicate the taste of wine that’s been found from shipwrecks.
Ramen, ramen, ramen! After I read about these pop-up ramen shops on craveDFW, my instinct was to hide this bit of news from you guys. I wanted all the ramen to myself. Alas, the web editor told me that this is my job. I must do it. So here I am. Justin Holt (Lucia) will be at the Tradewinds Social Club on Friday and Ten Bells Tavern on Saturday, after midnight, with $5 bowls of ramen.
Since it’s National Margarita Day, Central 214 is doing a lil’ somethin’ somethin’ just for y’all. Bartender Amber West is making $9 Avaritas (tarragon, thai chili, infused el Jimador, Mathilde XO), and you can get a chicken confit quesadilla + mini Avarita for $12.
NOSH on Oak Lawn is having a Middle Eastern cooking class at 10 a.m. It’s $85 for the class, lunch, and wine pairings. Call 214.528.9400 to reserve a spot.
Chef David Anthony Temple is back with another weird, but interesting email. He’s hosting a pre-Oscar night celebration at 7:30 p.m. in Deep Ellum, where he’ll be featuring clips and short films to go with his Django Unchained soul food gumbo, Les Mis salad, and wild boar and smoked boudin for Beasts of the Southern Wild. To RSVP, email dat@chefdat.com. Continue reading "Pop-Up Ramen Shops, Oscar-Watching Parties, and Other Things to Do and Chew in Dallas This Weekend, Feb. 22-24"
2 Comments »I know that I’m telling you about these events at the eleventh hour, but it’s President’s Day, and you’re not really doing anything anyways (unless you work at D). Here are two intelligent food events to help understand what you’re eating and why you’re eating it:
1. A Conversation with Dallas Chefs and Their Produce Partners
“The Dallas Metro Fresh Food Alliance will be talking with Chef Graham Dodds (Central 214) and Chef Patrick Stark (Sundown at Granada), who are both committed to featuring the best local produce on their menus. They will be joined by two of their local food vendors: Brandon Pollard (Texas Honeybee Guild) and Shane Lovell (FreshPoint), who will discuss the importance of developing and maintaining a healthy local food system.” (via Facebook)
Location: Studios 1019, 2278 Monitor St., Dallas, TX 75207
Time: 6:30 PM – 8:00 PM, Monday, February 18
Cost: Free
Continue reading "Learn Where Your Food Comes From: Two Events You Should Attend This Week"
1 Comment »Still need a place to crash on Sunday? Raya has a list of her six favorite Super Bowl watch parties in Dallas. Travis Awalt also has an amazing recipe for Sriracha buffalo wings, so you should be all set for good football watching (unless you don’t enjoy chicken wings like Nancy). If you still need a place to cater all your appetizer and entree needs, take the jump below and find a list of willing restaurants.
Friday
Nosh has fresh black winter truffles from Perigod, France this weekend. They come in apps, main courses, and other tasting menu selections. Won-deer-ful.
At 7 p.m., Ser is hosting a Masami kobe beef dinner with five courses and wine pairings. The event is priced at $150 per person, and you get to try some fantastic slices of Wagyu beef prepared by chef Anthony Van Camp. all 214-761-7470 to make a reservation.
Saturday
Lorenzo Polegri is a James Beard award-winning chef. Lorenzo Polegri comes from Italy. Lorenzo Polegri will also be in Dallas this weekend, serving really delicious food at the 2013 James Beard Foundation Dinner at My Private Chef (2901 Elm Street). Imagine seven courses of Estrucan dishes paired with Umbrian wines, and you’ve got yourself a good deal for $125 per person. (The cost also includes a copy of Polegri’s newest cookbook, The Etruscan Chef.) To reserve your spot, make reservations via email kaylee@chowandciao.com or via text 469.441.9394. Hurry! You can only get seats at 5:30 p.m.
What am I going to do? My biggest first world problem is that there isn’t a single cookie to be found in our office. It’s a tragedy, really. I’ve been eyeing these macarons from Swoon Pastries all morning.
Friday
Zest Fest already started today at 10 a.m., but you can still attend all weekend long. Spicy exhibitors will be showcasing their hot, hot products at the Irving Convention Center.
Saturday
Green Grocer’s opening celebration is happening all day long, from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Go to this local, gourmet grocery store for the homemade chicken stock and the vegan polenta lasagna. Sounds pretty amazing already.
Holy Grail Pub is hosting its second annual Chili Pa Looza from noon to 9 p.m. Choose from smoked brisket chili, Indian-spiced chicken, seven bean, and green chile pork shoulder chili.
Continue reading "Things to Do and Chew in Dallas This Weekend, January 25-27"
Businesses are still feeling sleepy after New Year’s, so not too many events going on this weekend. Let’s hope some of these will keep you guys occupied. Check ‘em out.
Friday
Smoky-voiced, local artist Goga is performing live at The Renaissance Hotel at 7 p.m. tonight. This charming man can sing everything from jazz to alternative, and Asador is offering food and drink specials all night to guests.
Sea Breeze Fish Market and Grill is celebrating with whole belly clams two ways this weekend. Get them on a New England clam roll ($16.99) or a whole belly fried clam plate ($24.99) up until Sunday.
Community Beer Co., a new brewery launching on Sunday at the Design District, is showing off its Community Lager from 5 to 7 p.m. at Craft & Growler.
Continue reading "Bits & Bites: Things to Do and Chew in Dallas This Weekend, January 18-20"