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Articles about Travel

Somebody Help This Poor Girl: Dumplings In Dallas

She went to China. She ate dumplings. She’s hooked.

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?

posted by Nancy Nichols | May 22nd, 2012 9:01am | filed under Somebody Help, Travel | 8 Comments »

Checking in on Ranchman’s Café in Ponder, Texas

I just received an email from a reader. She asked if Ranchman’s Café in Ponder, Texas was still good. The small comfort food restaurant, which has been open since 1948, used to serve the best chicken fried steak and pies in the area. The kitchen used to pan-fry a thick T-bone steak. Now they use pounded patties. I haven’t been since October, 2009 when I wrote this post which includes a video of them making CFS. when I shot this video. Any of you been recently?

posted by Nancy Nichols | May 2nd, 2012 9:17am | filed under Nostalgia, Travel | 2 Comments »

Texting at The Table: A Necessary Evil? I Don’t Think So.

I just returned from a 16-day vacation. The food, scenery, and activities were superb, but the best part for me was going that long without technology. I admit the first five days were hard. My hand twitched nervously without a cell phone in it. My heart palpitated at the sight of my laptop. It was difficult to turn the on/off switch to off because my brain works on a dimmer. Finally, I forgot about the cell. Mainly because nobody around me had one. I went to meals and actually spoke with strangers. There is a noticeable difference in the dining experience without technology.

Upon arrival at Miami International Airport, I was stunned to find 92 percent of the people attempting to go through immigration, luggage retrieval, and customs while texting. I felt like I landed in a world of zombies. People ran their wheeled Tumi bags over my feet without noticing. They held up lines because they were distracted. I vowed not to go back to that.

Texting at the dinner table is not a new issue. I have a friend, oh we’ll call him Belevan, who texts in the car, in a movie, and at tables in fine restaurants. His defense is that he has to be available at all times. It’s a horrible emotional tornado that whips up when you text, Facebook, Tweet everything you do. I’m guilty. My job is time sensitive and dependent on instant information, but I am drawing the line now at the dinner table. There is nothing worse than talking to the top of someone’s head while they text in their lap.

It must drive restaurateurs nuts. Service people as well. It’s rude and disrespectful to the people you are eating with and the food you are eating. Anybody have a suggestion for how to stop the madness? Perhaps restaurants should add a phone usage charge to the bill.

posted by Nancy Nichols | March 14th, 2012 9:42am | filed under Food Crime, Hippie revolutions, Keep Dallas Douchey!, Overprivileged chimps, Rants, That is Just Wrong, Travel, flying solo | 20 Comments »

Random Notes: New Technology Creates Luxury At Hôtel Plaza Athénée In Paris

I get a lot of press releases. Many of them are misdirected messages about skin care products, fashion tips with subject lines like: Gear Up For National Bike Month. The letters of the delete button on my keyboard reads “d…te.” My ring finger was headed for “d…te” until the words in the subject line—luxury, Athénée, Paris—leaked through my tired brain. For perspective: the least expensive, off-season room at the Hôtel Plaza Athénée is around $1,400 bucks a night. With that, I copy and paste one of the new technologies they have added to their amenities. I want this so bad.

Serene Sleep – Guests can now bid troubled sleep and jetlag symptoms farewell with the NightCove Sleep Solution, available in the property’s Art Deco Suites and at the Dior Institut Spa. Developed by the Sleep Clinic at Hotel-Dieu hospital in Paris, this device is a unique bedside lamp that helps improve the quality of sleep by bathing guests in selected light wavelengths and sound frequencies that are specially adapted for the physiological needs of sleep. Click on “Sleep/Anti-jetlag/Nap” to stimulate melatonin with a red glow and the hush of waves, then greet the day with a “Wakening” of soft music and blue light similar to early daylight.

Sigh. “d…te.”

posted by Nancy Nichols | February 8th, 2012 9:23am | filed under Good Service, Travel | 2 Comments »

Somebody Help This Poor Girl: Paris, as in Texas

One of the most loyal Dishers in Dallas is heading to Paris, Texas tomorrow. She wants to know every place she can eat along the way or in town. Won’t you help her find some valuable calories?

posted by Nancy Nichols | January 16th, 2012 9:21am | filed under I Went to College for This?, Not-so-skinny bitches, Travel | 2 Comments »

World Series Dining: Ranger Fan Needs Tips on St. Louis Restaurants

That little boy in the picture is my nephew James. He is almost three. He loves the Texas Rangers and tells anyone who will listen that Michael Young is his best friend. (He kinda is!) James is psyched for tomorrow night’s World Series game in St. Louis between the Texas Rangers and the St. Louis Cardinals (7:05PM).

Another Disher is excited about the game. So pumped that he is flying to St. Louis for the Games 1 and 2 (Thurs.). He wants your help.

I’m headed to St. Louis for the games. Any suggestions on where to eat.

Knock it out.

posted by Nancy Nichols | October 18th, 2011 11:05am | filed under Bring it!, C.J. Wilson is on notice, Celebrity Diners, Cheap trick for comments, Go Rangers!, Pre World Series Depression, Shamless self promotion, Travel | 23 Comments »

Somebody Help This Poor Girl

This time, it’s personal. I need your help. I’m going to San Francisco this weekend. (This is my first time. I’ve already learned that it’s not cool to say San Fran.) I’m planning on running the Nike Women’s Marathon on Sunday. But I’m going to need some fuel. Where do you all suggest I go for some carbo-loading Saturday night? I posed the question on Twitter, and SFTravel suggested Acquerello, Pasta Pomodoro, or Firenze by Night. But I’m picky and don’t want a chain, nor do I want to spend a lot of money. I really just need a great plate of pasta. Any suggestions?

posted by Krista Nightengale | October 12th, 2011 11:00am | filed under Somebody Help, Travel, somebody help this poor girl out | 18 Comments »

Somebody Help This Poor Boy: Unidentified Parisian Treat

Two things about boys: they don’t ask for directions when they are lost and they don’t bother to find out the name of what they are eating until they want it again. Listen to this one:

I first encountered this tasty treat while walking past a street vendor in Paris. It is a custard tart of some kind, I have never figured out the actual name.The are available everywhere in Paris from bakeries to street vendors and SO tasty. Please help!

Well, he at least took a picture and said please. Okay, let’s get busy.

posted by Nancy Nichols | September 6th, 2011 9:16am | filed under Baking, Cult Cuisine, Dog Friendly, I Hate it When That Happens, Somebody Help, Travel | 6 Comments »

You Can’t Hide From SceneTap App

Just when I think I’m pretty hip to high tech I get a press release that blows my mind.

Here is a sample from one:

When tourists and travellers arrive in a new city, one of the first things they often look for is a place to grab a bite or get a good drink. Now, if they want to know where to find their favorite bar scene before they head out, they can turn to SceneTap, which shows the following in real time:

·         Number of people in the bar

·         Male-to-female ratio

·         Average age of patrons in the bar

·         Food and drink specials

SceneTap is a free app for iPhone, Android and the Web, and it gathers this information anonymously using facial detection cameras and “people-counting” technologies in participating bars.The app launched in Chicago in July and is expanding its network to a number of other major cities soon. More than 250 bars around the U.S. have signed up so far.

Here’s a stupid question. Is this a good thing or a bad thing?

posted by Nancy Nichols | August 23rd, 2011 9:30am | filed under Copy/Paste Press Release, Drinking, Keep Dallas Douchey!, Merguez Sausage Hunt, Murmur, Procrastination is part of the creative process, Really?, Travel, flying solo, questionable judgment | 2 Comments »

Somebody Help This Poor Girl: San Antonio

A Disher with a head for PR and a bod for PR writes:

Taking kids to sea world this weekend and staying at La Cantera. Do you guys have any great restaurants you would suggest we not miss while there??? I would like to take advantage of not sticking with summer diet this weekend.

posted by Nancy Nichols | August 2nd, 2011 9:10am | filed under Travel, somebody help this poor girl out | 25 Comments »

Let’s Discuss: Is Yelp Deleting Customer Comments to Sell Ads?

I know very little about Yelp. I see it when I am searching for restaurants but I have never stop to read the reviews. Anywhoo, several people emailed me this week with complaints and concerns about Yelp. One loyal Disher sends this post found on Cavilli Pizza’s Facebook page. (Cavilli, that will be $15 for the link.)

Fans, just wanted to let you know that YELP has been removing our 5 star reviews for our McKinney location, we have talked to them and they have told us we can’t do anything about it. YELP has been unfair and removed 24 reviews all of which were 4 and 5 stars. But they keep calling us to advertise, and told us it would get better if we advertised. It’s all about making money, what a shame they used to be a great site.

Ouch! Maybe their cyber technicians can detect comments left by the same person. I don’t know. However, this morning comes a note from another just-as-loyal Disher.

I think you’d better take a seat and get ready for this rumble. Oh, and if you know Jack Perkins of Maple & Motor, you might want to text him a link. Okay? Let’s go.

(more…)

posted by Nancy Nichols | July 20th, 2011 9:19am | filed under Bad critters, Bring it!, Celebrity Diners, Cult Cuisine, Food Fight!, Food Writing, Foodie People, Hippie revolutions, Hot Links!, I Went to College for This?, Nutjobs, Overprivileged chimps, Rants, Really?, Reviews, Slow News Day, Travel, Yum is Dumb, questionable judgment | 36 Comments »

In Flight Advice: Save Your Socks and Air-Cushion Your Wine

Vinnibag promises to keep your vintage safe, even in the baggage compartment.

‘Tis the season for bucolic forays into Napa, Sonoma, and Tuscany (who are we kidding, that kind of travel’s always in season). And while I don’t generally write about products, this one caught my eye. Even thought I employ Ziploc bags, bubble wrap, and a sophisticated layering of socks and brassieres, many’s the time I’ve stood at baggage claim praying that the wine/olive oil/rum I’d brought home hadn’t “seasoned” the inside of my suitcase. This simple prophylactic system puts one more layer of barrier between your vintage and your dainties. A note from their press release:

VinniBag is a versatile travel accessory that suspends items in an air cushion, providing protection against impact and leakage of wine and olive oil to antique tea cups while traveling or on the road. Both the sophisticated design and material of VinniBag easily tolerate significant changes in air pressure and temperature, thereby allowing for safe travel by air, car, rail, bike, backpack and much more. What sets this bag apart from the rest is that it is reusable, recyclable, and only $28.

So, while I’m confused by the distinction between “traveling” and “on the road,” and while I don’t usually travel “by backpack” (unless I’ve had one too many el diablos and it’s the only way of getting me out to the car), I can’t help but think this is one of those simple yet ingenious ideas that could save my socks once and for all.

posted by Sarah Reiss | June 29th, 2011 11:07am | filed under Copy/Paste Press Release, Crazy Technology, News for Twitchers!, Travel, Wine & Spirits, flying solo | 1 Comment »

What to Drink Now: Foley Estates Vineyard and Winery

William P. (Bill) Foley II has come a long way from his West Texas, Lonesome Dove, cattle ranching roots. The former head of Fidelity financial and current Chairman of the Fidelity Board of Directors wanted to create a legacy for his family and had a love for wine. In 1996 bought what is now Lincourt Winery in the Santa Ynez Valley of Santa Barbara County, California. From there he created Foley Estates Vineyard and Winery. Set on 480 acres, of which around 230 are planted with vineyards, Foley produces classic and highly regarded Burgundian style Chardonnay and Pinot Noir from their estate fruit in the Santa Rita Hills of Santa Barbara County. (more…)

posted by Hayley Hamilton | June 22nd, 2011 3:52pm | filed under Travel, Wine & Spirits | 1 Comment »

What to Drink Now: Santa Barbara County and the Santa Ynez Valley

Vineyards at Melville

The wineries in Santa Barbara County may not be as publicized as some of their friends up the road in Napa or Sonoma, though Sideways did help make towns like Solvang a destination instead of just a stop over.

Santa Barbra County wineries are producing stellar, high quality wine from local vineyards with a focus on Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Rhone varietals, especially smoky, spicy Syrah. Still a young region, it is not uncommon to see vineyards bookended by large cattle ranches instead of just seeing a spread of vineyard after vineyard, and the laid back attitude of Southern California permeates the air throughout the County. The oldest winery established in the area was aptly named Santa Barbara Winery located in the heart of downtown Santa Barbara, but some of the real stars of the region are coming out of the Santa Ynez Valley. I visited a handful recently that left me wanting more and anticipating my next trip to the region.

(more…)

posted by Hayley Hamilton | June 15th, 2011 1:44pm | filed under Travel, Wine & Spirits | 1 Comment »

Coquerel Family Wine Estates and Chef Dean Fearing Start Auction Napa Valley with a Texas Bang

Barbecued Shrimp Taco

Chef Dean Fearing with Clay Cockerell

The sun was setting just as dinner started in the picturesque Napa Valley vineyards Texas natives Brenda and Clay Cockerell with Chef Dean Fearing cooking up a Texas sized barbecue paired with Brenda and Clay’s Coquerel Family Wine.

With local folk/country Juliane Band playing favorites from Willie, Patsy and Loretta under a lantern lit white tent, cowboy boot wearing guests joined together to celebrate the start of the 31^st Annual Auction Napa Valley, Texas style.
(more…)

posted by Hayley Hamilton | June 7th, 2011 5:27pm | filed under Celebrity Chefs, Events, Travel, Uncategorized, Wine & Spirits, Wine Pairing | 1 Comment »

Video for el Bulli Fans

This short video just came across the wire, so to speak.

posted by Nancy Nichols | June 1st, 2011 4:29pm | filed under Celebrity Chefs, Travel | 4 Comments »

Newest Culinary Vision to Hit New York: Neurogastronomy

When Ferran Adrià closes El Bulli on July 31, culinary connoisseurs across the globe will mourn its death. But they won’t feel bad for long. Dr. Miguel Sánchez Romera, a Spanish neurologist and chef has a cure. In June, he will leave L’Esguard, outside Barcelona, to make his debut in the “kitchen” at Romera in New York. His vision: we eat with our brains not our stomach, hence: Neurogastronomy. Dr. Romera’s cuisine makes El Bulli sound like McDonald’s. Wall Street Journal writer Kathy McLaughlin, reports:

I was starving when we started, but by the end of the tasting, I was sated, stuffed even. Amazing, considering that I’d not eaten a single bite of food and consumed almost no calories. The chef’s entire presentation consisted of multicolored waters, served in tiny cordial stemware, warmed to just over body temperature and flavored with ingredients he’d bought at the farmer’s market.

Anywhoo, here is the whole story. Shall we look for pricey white plates filled with colorful food/water in Dallas, oh say, around never?

posted by Nancy Nichols | May 31st, 2011 9:11am | filed under Celebrity Chefs, Cult Cuisine, Dog Friendly, Restaurant News, Travel | 2 Comments »

Let’s Go To Spain!

Last night I stopped by Central Market on Lovers to check out the food samplings at Passport Espana! The store is very festive and there are goodies galore. It really made me want to get on a plane and eat my way across Spain.

Hark! This morning, an email with the subject line: Check out this trip to Spain.

Turns out the festivities at Central Market has inspired A Taste of Spain, a boutique travel agency specializing in private, authentic culinary tours of Spain, to create a special tour for CM customers. It’s called the Ultimate Foodie Tour of Spain and it takes place September 11-18, 2011. Check out the full itinerary. Here are some highlights.

From hands-on cooking classes to VIP wine tours to avant-garde meals in Michelin-starred restaurants, A Taste of Spain has created a spectacular itinerary with the participation of Spain’s best chefs, food purveyors, and wineries throughout Madrid, Rioja, Basque Country, and Catalonia. Among the highlights: dinner at the restaurants of Paco Roncero and Quim Marqués (pictured is coca de sardines from his Suquet de l’Armirall), two of the participating chefs during Passport Spain; a private visit to Caves Naveran to taste and learn the process of Cava, the Catalan sparkling wine; and lunch at a private sociedad gastronómica.

I am not getting paid for writing this or taking any freebies but I’m just saying, I am going on this trip. Anyone care to join me? Book your reservation. Questions? Email culinary@atasteofspain.com.

posted by Nancy Nichols | May 19th, 2011 9:00am | filed under Celebrity Chefs, Celebrity Diners, Cheese, Goats!, Overprivileged chimps, Shamless self promotion, Slow News Day, Travel, Unsolicited Treats | 3 Comments »

Craft Beer Week: How to Pour the Perfect Beer

National Craft Beer Week kicks off today. Sarah has listed several celebratory events taking place all over town. I will use this day as an opportunity to run a video I shot two years ago when I visited Duvel Moortgat, just outside of Brussels. Duvel rep Suzanne Van Den Broeck illustrates how to pour the perfect beer. Who’s thirsty.?