More Info on Bijoux Founders’ New Project

As we previously reported here, Bijoux’s Scott and Gina Gottlich are working on a new restaurant at the Westin Galleria. Now we know the name: The Second Floor, named for the restaurant’s location. Said restaurant is supposedly opening in June. All we know about the food at this point is it is described as “sophisticated, yet contemporary,” and the chef will be J. Chastain, who has worked as a sous for Dean Fearing at the Mansion and as exec sous at Stephan Pyles. More info as it comes…TGIF everyone.

Free Iced Coffee Day May 15

I haven’t tried Dunkin’ Donuts iced coffee yet, but I have a feeling I would like it. I like coffee, and I like milk and ice, and they’ve got all kinds of flavored ones, too (toasted almond, vanilla spice, coconut, berry berry). On Thursday, they’re giving away a free 16 oz. iced coffee to every person who walks in the door from 10am–10pm. Seems like a pretty reason to stop by, doncha think? Grab me a ackkkk Rachael Ray just started speaking to me while I was trying to find the kind of donut to mention!! Make it stop!!

Craft Chef Is Leaving Us For Peaches and Sunshine

Park Cities People blogger JB Hayes broke the news this Friday that Craft’s Exec Chef Kevin Maxey is leaving town. Maxey is heading to Atlanta, where he is going to open Craft Atlanta in the Mansion on Peachtree. Taking his place will be Anthony Zapolla, current sous chef at Craft Dallas. Good luck to Maxey, who was always very sweet and helpful when dealing with annoying press types like myself.

Apparently, lucky Tony is running around France hanging out with his former boss, Alain Ducasse, before taking over for Maxey in the kitchen. Jealous.

Where are You Headed For Mother’s Day?

If you still need a place to eat on Sunday, look here for suggestions. Hopefully, though, you’ve got the resy all taken care of. If so, we want to know where you’re taking your lovely mama. Or, if you’re cooking for mom, what are you making? My mom is coming in from KC, and we’re going to the Mansion for brunch. Yes, it is fancy, but she’s worth it. And I can’t afford it on my own. Stacey is having breakfast at her in-laws (she’s hoping for pancakes and mimosas), Stephen was planning to go to Kitchen 1924 but must go to a cousin’s graduation instead, Todd is going to either Texas Land and Cattle Co or the Char-Co Broiler (”I come from country peasant stock. My mom and stepdad don’t like to spend a lot of money on food,” he explains), I can’t find Jennifer (but I’ll bet she’s going somewhere good) and Nancy is in West Virginia, so…we can only guess what she’ll be having.

Cheap Lunch at Whole Foods

We love Whole Foods. But we all know it’s not the cheapest lunch in town. Today when we made our bi-weekly trip to WF for fat-free ginger cookies, though, there was a man with a grill and many condiments set up on the patio. Apparently on Wednesdays, from 11–2, you can get a hamburger, chips, and a drink for $5.99. Even better? Tuesdays are shrimp quesadilla days. Insert tummy rumble here.

Oh–this is the Highland Park locale, not sure if others are offering similar deals…

Waters Drinks Wine

Roger Waters, of Pink Floyd fame, is in town to play a gig at tonight at Superpages.com Center. (What. Ever.) According to one of my super-sleuth, he dined at Al Biernat’s yesterday where Waters ordered his usual–a $1,400 bottle of Mouton Rothschild wine. Interesting, isn’t it?

OrangeCup. Go Getcha Some.

For all the lovely folks who are just itching to complain in the comments section about us writing about food that is delivered to our offices: Today is another one of those times. Save your finger strength, because even if I had to pay for OrangeCup, I would blog about it. This stuff is darn tasty. Even Nancy said she loved it, and we all know she’s got an extremely highly developed palate.

Yes, the OrangeCup peeps did just bring us by 36 cups of yogurt, complete with toppings. But here’s what else is good: It’s a local company, started by two UT grads (hence the Orange, I’m guessing), and their first shop just opened up in NorthPark Center. They offer three kinds: tangy Natural, citrusy Zum, and berry-y Acai Berry. The favorite in our office was definitely Natural, with Acai coming in second. The yogurt is all-natural, it’s fat-free, and low-cal. Toppings include all kind of fruit, coconut, granola, peanuts, and my favorite, Fruity Pebbles.

Next up is a store in Stonebriar Mall, with many locations to follow. On Saturday, local musician Brad Thompson will be performing from 2–4pm at their NorthPark location. Everyone, go try it and tell me what you think on Monday.

Get Your Cosmo On at Social

I know there are quite a few of you who are excited for the Sex and the City: The Movie. So just admit it already! There’s no shame in that game. Social at Hotel Lumen has even created a happy hour special just for you, and they’re calling it “Sex and the Park Cities.” On Wednesdays this month, from 5–10pm, belly up to the bar for half-price Cosmopolitans. If you’ve seen the commercials for the movie, you know the ladies are drinking these martinis again (they stopped because “everyone else was drinking them.” I think that means us, but oh well), so get in the proper SATC spirit by downing a couple yourself.

Sushi and Sunshine Poolside at Fuse

When I think of eating something by the pool, I usually re-think it and stick with a margarita. Or! A Coors Light. But the folks at Fuse want us to think sushi. They are offering half-price appetizers, sushi, and cheap (relatively) drinks during happy hour on their fun and breezy pool deck all summer long. Brisket potstickers? Check. Spicy tuna rolls? Check check. Dirty martinis? (!) Big check. And on the plus side, there’s no reason to wear a bathing suit, since you’ll be eating at a restaurant, and all. And beers are $3. Cha-ching! Jump for the details.

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Your Next Good Deed? Shopping at Whole Foods

 We love Whole Foods (especially the fat-free ginger cookies and the cheese samples. And the roasted chicken. And the chicken salad. And…we’ll stop there). We usually go to the store on Lemmon Avenue because of it’s proximity to D Mag HQ. However, on May 7, we will have to venture to the Preston and Forest locale for Community Giving Day. This time, five percent of the day’s sales will benefit Attitudes & Attire, a great organization that helps women gain confidence and become self-sufficient. From 6–7pm, bring in an accessory donation and get a $10 gift card to the Whole Foods Spa. Jump for all the details.

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Just In: Texas Crop Report

If you really want to stay on top of the eat local and regional movement, make the jump and read the Crop Conditions Report compiled by Robert Burns at Texas A&M University. Pay attention Dishers, this is important stuff. (more…)

Bijoux Founders to Open Project in Westin Galleria Dallas

Word comes that Scott and Gina Gottlich, of the ultra-fancy and fabulous Bijoux restaurant, will be opening up a new restaurant in the Westin Galleria Dallas. No word on the concept, or really any info at all about the place, but it is scheduled to open sometime this year. Follow the jump for the press release.

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RE: Top Chef

Okay, not be Queen Redundant of Redundancy, but to our handicapping Disher I say: word. I’ll be so happy when Lisa, Nikki, Mark, and Antonia are gone. Especially Lisa and Nikki. I mean, seriously. Now that we’re on to week eight, it really is game-on time. (My picks: Stephanie, Dale, Richard, and Andrew—despite his uber tweakiness.)

Top Chef: The Game: Mid-Season Recap

Remember this, when we decided to make Top Chef:Chicago into a fun game? It’s halfway through the season, and the same Disher who invented the game sends the mid-season review:

Just watched Wednesday night’s ep on the DVR last night and though that we should do an almost-mid-season review of the handicapping. This shouldn’t be too tough, since the players are few in number. I have the picks as such:

Me:                        Richard, Dale, Stephanie, and Andrew (4 for 4 so far)

You:                       Richard, Antonia, Nikki, and Manuel (3 for 4)

Donna:                 Antonia, Jennifer, Richard, & Stephanie (4 for 4)

Logan:                   Richard, Stephanie, Mark, Ryan (3 for 4)

Todd J.:                Richard, Stephanie, Dale, and Spike (4 for 4)

RB:                         Dale, Richard, Jennifer, Antonia (3 for 4)

I find a couple things interesting. First, everybody has Richard Blais in their group, and thus far he’s got to be in the clubhouse with the lead, but it’s only Friday (literally and figuratively) and there are 36 holes yet to play.

Second, nobody had more than one of the early round losers.

Third, I’ve been very impressed with this group compared with Season 3. After about the second or third episode, each of the chefs seems to feel that they have to bring it every week; last season, there were a lot of folks who seemed to just want to coast in the middle and then try to turn it on in the playoffs.

Last, I think that there are a bunch who are just hanging on by a thread: Mark, Antonia, Nikki, and Bad Attitude Lisa. If there were a group challenge coming up with all 4 of them on the same group, I could see the judges cutting the entire group just to be rid of them. Except that the show probably has a 16-episode contract and that would totally screw up the production schedule.

What’s Up With Snooty Foodie?

A few weeks ago, a friend alerted me to the website Snooty Foodie, and I’ve totally forgotten to blog about it. It’s a Dallas-based site with recommendations instead of reviews, meaning all the restaurants they list are restaurants they like. Abacus, Aurora, Fearing’s, Jasper’s, Local, they’re all on there. Click on the name, and an extensive explanation of the restaurant itself, a chef profile, hours, locations, a photo gallery (!), and a fork rating system pop up. You can also make a reservation through opentable.com here, and they have a “Snooty News” section where different food events are listed.

Dishers, what do you think of this? And who is behind this site? I’m impressed with the amount of information available. Thoughts please.

Spring It In At Sevy’s

Last week might not have been the best week for the lovely folks at Sevy’s, for reasons discussed here. But we’re still feeling the love for the restaurant over here on SideDish. Another reason? Their four-course Spring Food and Wine dinner, happening next Tuesday. For $60 you’ll get smoked duck over fresh pea and mint orzo, veal tenderloin with morel mushrooms, and more. And wine, of course. Jump for details.

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Taverna Has a Brunch of Good Stuff

Warning: this isn’t ground-breaking analysis here (and apologies for this post’s title). But, I thought it worth mentioning how much I enjoyed my brunch at Taverna yesterday. My husband and I were sans toddler and dressed-uppish from Mass, and, although we frequent Ozona, we were feeling a little more spiffy than the hungover masses we would rub shoulders with at the bloody Mary bar. Taverna’s bottomless mimosas—much stronger than on my last visit—and Eggs Al Forno all ‘Olio Tartufato (two fried eggs laid neatly on bruschetta, plated with breakfast potatoes and a side of ham subbed for sausage, all drizzled with truffle oil) fit the bill. I left feeling tipsy and pleasingly full. What more could you ask for before noon on a Sunday?

Crawfish Boil: A Report

On Saturday, Jessica, Elizabeth and I headed down to Victory Park for the 2nd annual Crawfish Boil. The weather was perfect for being outside and JJ in particular was excited to eat some crawfish. The party was kind of a bust. For some reason people didn’t come out for it (was it the $10 cover since it was free last year?), and we waited about 45 minutes for our crawfish, which were dumped into a canoe and then scooped out by waiting customers like us (Which was the reason it was all running out so quickly–people were taking two and three styrofoam containers overflowing with the things. Really people!). When we finally got them (see picture), the afternoon got much better. We sat in the shade, drank beers, and got our fingers dirty. This got us talking about where else we can go to do this same thing next weekend? Dodie’s? Aw Shucks? Advice please.

This is Crazy

There isn’t anything local about this bit of news. I’m sorry for that. However, my mom just sent me this link and it scared the crap out of me just to look at it. Would anyone actually do this? (And what if you have to go to the bathroom?)

My New Favorite Pickles

I’m really digging the epicurean finds at the new West Village shop Gardens. It’s the kind of trendy gardening store I like: low on compost, big on food you don’t have to harvest yourself. I especially love the selection of Rick’s Picks pickled veggies: okra in smoked paprika, beets with rosemary, and, my fave, pickle spears scented with cumin. Next to try? Soy-wasabi brined green beans. Mmmm… soy.

Tre Wilcox Keepin’ Busy in Pebble Beach

Former Top Chef contestant and Abacus chef Tre Wilcox is a busy man these days.  A report from foodie blog Eater LA finds Wilcox in Pebble Beach cookin’ it up at the first annual Pebble Beach Food and Wine Festival (recognize that shirt? Ya, I thought so), held last weekend in Cali. Other chefs in attendance: Thomas Keller, Ming Tsai, Todd English, and many more.

Thursday Night Special of the Day

Word comes that Social, the restaurant at the Hotel Lumen, is offering half-priced bottles of wine on Thursday nights. From 5-10pm, we can all sip for less. Sounds good to me, especially because we are always looking for happy hour specials around here, before getting frustrated and driving to the Monk (again).

On a sidenote: I’ve never been to Social, and I’m wondering if it’s overrun with college students, given its location across from SMU. Anyone?

Library Bar Gets a Makeover

The Warwick Melrose Library Bar is one of my favorite spots in the city. I’m a sucker for old-school hotel bars, and there aren’t that many left  (I’m still mourning the loss of Beau Nash). So I was surprised to learn that the LB had undergone a makeover. Looks like the colors have been updated and refreshed, but as far as I can tell, the cozy, clubby feeling is intact. The re-opening is set for April 1, so let’s all meet for a cocktail to discuss. Check out new pics after the jump.

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Friday Night Flights at Nana

This Friday night, I’ll be busy with Fashion at the Park activities, but if I wasn’t, I would be at Nana. Normally, I wouldn’t think of Nana as a happy hour spot, but even I can afford this deal: On the last Friday of every month, the Bar at Nana is offering a $15 deal that gets you samples of four different wines and accompanying food. Vincent McGrath, the wine director, will even explain what you’re drinking. Sounds fun, and you can’t beat the view. This Friday, wines from Ronan will be served. Call 214- 761-7470 if you’re interested.

New Spring Menu at the Mansion

Now that it’s spring, I guess I’m going to start blogging again! And, the Rosewood Mansion on Turtle Creek is introducing new menus. They’ve got cocktails perfect for the patio like the ginger-ita, Texas sangria, and Blazing Turtle (!). Inside at the wonderful restaurant, chef Tesar is making all kinds of new things, such as soup of spring garlic, burgundy snails, and lemon chlorophyll creme fraiche and leek and curry-infused baby turbot with lime orzotto, green apple and madras curry nage (not sure what nage is. Anyone?)

Since I’m always broke, this event sounds good to me: Two times this spring, the hotel will be serving free cocktails on the patio. Let’s all meet on April 7 for Moet Champagne cocktails. (Note: this is only from 6pm-7pm, so we will have to drink quickly.) Check the website for other events.

Rambutan, Anyone?

A reader wants to know where she can find rambutan fruit in Dallas. She sent me this link, which she happened upon by reading Tastespotting.com, aka her “food porn.” (The food shots are so beautiful, it is a little naughty.) Can anyone help this sweet addict?

Searching for Rijsttafel in Dallas…

Nancy’s posts from Amsterdam got me thinking about Rijsttafels. It’s an Indonesian meal of rice, accompanied by LOTS of side dishes—I’m talking dozens. You might have heard it referred to as a “rice table”. Think Indonesian tapas, and you’re fairly close. I remember everything from peanuts, pickles, curried meats, to a lot more that I had no clue about.

It was one of my favorite meals, but I’ve yet to find something similar here in town. I searched like mad when I first got back, and now a few years later, I still can’t find an Indonesian restaurant.  Anyone?

Chef David Gilbert Needs an Intern

Memo to culinary students and other aspiring chefs: Chef David Gilbert, formerly of the defunct Luqa Restaurant (but don’t hold it against him, some of his food was amazing) and the Beverly Hilton, among others, is looking for an intern to help him with the opening of his new restaurant, Meyerson’s. Meyerson’s is going to be a big deal, folks. It’s opening in the Uptown Rosewood Court Tower at the corner of Pearl Street and Cedar Springs, scheduled for this summer (across from the Ritz). Click here to apply. Deadline is May 1.

O, Villa-O

This week I have managed to tear myself away from the television long enough to check out two new restaurants: Rise No. 1, and, last night, Villa-O, the much-talked about all-organic pastaria. It’s in the old Samba Room space, so it’s no. 1 asset is the patio, which is the most fantastic perch for people-watching. The weather was nice last night, so we ate dinner outside and watched the show. (more…)

Top Chef: The Game

I was very excited for “Top Chef: Chicago” last night on Bravo, and I was a little disappointed in the first ep. I love that show, but none of the chefs really grabbed my attention right out of the gate. I was so happy to see Anthony Bourdain as one of the guest judges, but he really held back last night, IMO, and Rocco? Really? Anyway, a creative Disher sends along the TC game idea he and his wife came up with, as well as observations from last night:

Immediately following the first episode of the season, we pick the 4 chefs that we think will make it to the end. Loser has to do the dishes on the night of the season finale, winner gets to cook. It’s not exactly high-stakes poker, but it’s fun.

Last season I had Hung and Casey on my list (Tre and Lia let me down, but I realize my picks were terribly homer) and she had CJ (don’t remember who her other 3 were that failed). But I thought it might be fun to open the competition up to all SideDishers. My Season 4 picks: Richard, Dale, Stephanie, and Andrew.

And an observation: Season 3 seemed to be characterized by a bunch of chefs who were playing not-to-lose up until the pack tightened around 6 or 7 contestants, and by then it was too late for some of them to really bring the goods at the end. Season 4 seems to have started off with the chefs holding back much less.

Okay, I’ll play: My four are Richard, Antonia, Nikki, and Manuel.

Dine in the Dark for a Good Cause

I recently saw something similar on “Rock of Love,” but I’m willing to bet the Dining in the Dark event, benefiting the Foundation Fighting Blindness, will be a MUCH classier evening (sorry, Bret). Held at the Fairmont Hotel on March 27, the dinner will be literally served in the dark, by blind waiters. This sounds pretty amazing to me. Jump for all the details.

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RE: Fearing’s Named One of NY Times 10 “Intriguing Restaurants Outside of New York”

This is the week: the New York Times’ Frank Bruni discusses Fearing’s, and why it’s one of his “10 Intriguing Restaurants Outside of New York.” Read it here. He calls the buffalo tenderloin and the rib-eye “fantastic,” and the barbequed shrimp soft taco “terrific,” though he wasn’t seated in the area of the restaurant he specified, which did “irk” him a bit. Be sure to listen to Frank Bruni’s conversation with his friend in Dallas named “Barbara” (also check out the gorgeous photos of the restaurant). They saw a woman in a leopard choker (!) at the bar, and Bruni says if he had “a lot more money and I were a lot better looking I could have a good time in that bar.” Good stuff.

Easter, InterContinental Style

Still looking for Easter Sunday brunch plans? If you love a bountiful buffet and live jazz, head to the InterContinental Dallas Hotel. The festive feast includes salads; seafood such as shrimp and crab claws; sushi; hot entrees such as peppered beef tenderloin, roasted leg of lamb, and bone-in ham; sauteed shrimp station; and omelet station. Kids can visit with the Easter Bunny, and they get their own buffet table with chicken nuggets, pancakes, egg baskets, and Easter cupcakes. I’m getting full just typing this.

Poutine, eh?

I just returned from a week in Canada (Banff and then Lake Louise) and had the good fortune to sample a regional dish known as poutine. Food Lover’s Companion defines it thusly: “The ultimate in French-Canadian junk food, poutine is a melange of warm french fries, topped with fresh cheese curds, then smothered with gravy.” I would just describe it as salty goodness. Any Canadian expats know of a local joint to get a poutine fix?

Best Iced Tea?

I love me some iced tea. Specifically, the unsweetened variety. Most of the time I’ll just take it plain with lemon, lime, or some fresh mint. The flavored stuff just doesn’t come off well. It either tastes synthetic, or overpowers the leaf. However, a recent visit to Salum changed all that. They do it right, with just a little spice that I couldn’t quite place. Go try it for yourself, and if you can place it (and replicate it), please pass it on—I’d love to make that at home.

And for the sweet tea lovers, I do get a hankering about once a year. Where do I go? Chicken Express. (The flying chicken logo is what makes it good.)

Where have you had a good (or bad) Iced Tea experience? Comment away.

Say Cheese

Sweet Paula Lambert! The Mozzarella Company’s Hoja Santa Goat Cheese was chosen as a finalist for the third annual Gallo Family Vineyards Gold Medal Awards. The winners will be announced in New York in April. Hoja Santa is a fresh goat cheese wrapped in large, aromatic hoja santa leaves, which impart the delicate flavors of sassafras, anise, and mint. Find it at Central Market Plano or the factory in Deep Ellum (of course). It is also served at Cliff Café at the Belmont Hotel, Local, and Stephan Pyles.

Re: Hola Closed?

Sadly, the answer is yes.

The esteemed Teresa Gubbins at Pegasus got the skinny from owner Ildefonso Jimenez:

“We did not have a lease anymore, and I’ve been paying month to month,” he says. “We were trying to re-negotiate but it’s really gotten hard there, especially in the last six months. The city took away the right to park on Monticello and the landlord has not been able to help us, so right now, we’re trying to regroup and possibly find another location.”

This breaks my heart. I, like commenter Maggie, loved that patio, and I actually had a few great dates there. The chorizo was fabulous…and the croquettes…this stinks.

Hola Closed?

This might be old news, but I couldn’t find it on Pegasus or Eats, so don’t skewer me if we already knew this.

Two D staffers tried to go to Hola a weekend or two ago and found it shuttered. I drove past this weekend, and it was dark…just tried to call, and got a fax machine…say it isn’t so…

Weekend Report

Friday night, a few of us headed over to take part in Savor Dallas‘ Wine Stroll. My friend Tom works for Ste. Michelle winery, and he was set up at the Nasher, so that’s where we stayed most of the time. The guys from Wolfgang Puck catering were kept very busy grilling up mini cheeseburgers for guests, since in turns out, people are like vultures when it comes to free stuff. I know this isn’t a huge surprise, but my gawd people, do you really need to grab 5 burgers at once while elbowing six people out of the way? (They were tasty though, once we got one). Around 7, things started slowing down, but people kept coming up to Tom and shoving their glasses in his face. No “Could I get one more taste?” much less a “please,” it’s really unbelievable how people just forget their manners.

Jump for more on the night and my weekend eating. It’s not that exciting, so if anybody went somewhere good, please share.

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Re: Easter at ZaZa

Sadly, it seems not everyone reads what I write on SideDish (I know!) A sweet Disher sends this report:

I just called to make reservations since the menu is awesome and bottomless mimosas?  I’m in…

She was all confused when Easter was and snobbily announced they will have a set menu that has not yet been established.  I mentioned to her that it was published already online and she’s like well, it’s incorrect as they have not set it yet and told us here.

I’m sure this is just a lack of communication on someone’s part. I feel a meeting coming on at Dragonfly today.

Sidenote: They should just let chef Grant Morgan answer the phones. He’s so nice. And not hard on the eyes, um, at all. Oh, yes, he can cook pretty well too.

Opening Night (Sorta) at Villa-O

Last night a few of us braved the elements to check out Villa-O, the new organic Italian restaurant where the Samba Room was once located. As I learned when I blogged about it before, the restaurant has actually been open for a couple weeks now, so calling it opening night isn’t really accurate, but anyway. There was quite a crowd despite the weather. The grabbed all the food we could, but there were only a few passed apps (isn’t that always the way it goes), but the sausage pizza was fantastic and the turkey meatballs on sticks were pretty good too. It’s a little bit like eating on a yacht, with lots of polished wood, navy and white pillows, and framed nautical flags hanging over booths. Definitely wouldn’t call it cozy–sleek is a better adjective. I ran into some friends who were having dinner last night for the second time (already?), and they raved about the food. I’m anxious for the weather to warm up enough to see if the patio will be as popular as Samba Room’s, but the money’s on yes.

Easter at ZaZa

We all know where I’ll be, but here’s another brunch that sounds amazing (hello, bottomless mimosas!). Dragonfly at Hotel ZaZa is doing a four-courser for $45. Highlights (IMO) include root vegetable gnocchi and a fried eggs and bacon french toast stack. Follow the jump for full menu.

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Re: Tonight, Tonight

Do not leave your house. I repeat: do not leave your house. The weather is n-a-s-t-y. Sorry, Villa-O. This wintery mix is going to rain on your parade. I’d love to try your pasta—but only if I can indulge while curled up in front of the fire in my PJs.

Organic Yogurt Shop Open on Henderson

Natsumi, an organic yogurt and gelato shop, is now open–kind of–in the Shops on Henderson (these are the shops across from the Capitol Pub, to give drinkers a reference point).  Stephanie Quadri has been two times, with varying results. Once, they were giving away the yogurt for free, and she got the plain kind, which she loves. They didn’t have any toppings. The second time she went, they were out of yogurt (?), but she sampled a few kinds of gelato, and said the chocolate was pretty good, but the yogurt is still the way to go. It tastes like Pinkberry, for those who have visited those stores in other cities, and it’s the second Pinkberry-ish shop to open up in the past year (Berry Berry being the other).

Has anyone else tried it? Though it really does NOT sound good today. I’m shivering as I write this. Think sunny thoughts. Think sunny thoughts. 

A Royal Getaway

Royal Chef Darren McGrady, who served the royal family for 15 years, is taking a lucky group to England July 31–August 4. Among the many treats on this trip: lunch at Harrods and a tour of the food hall; afternoon tea at the Ritz; a tour of Borough Market; a dinner cruise on the Thames; visits to Kensington Palace, Windsor Castle, and Buckingham Palace; and a cooking class in which McGrady makes a royal dinner. For more information, visit his web site or Southlake Travel.

Re: Yummy Yumi

Just to clarify: just because you send us free food does not mean we will promote your business. If we like it, we’ll tell people. If we don’t, we’ll also tell people. We’re honest like that. Send at your own risk.

Opening Night at Fireside Pies on Inwood

No, I wasn’t there (Tristan has learned his lesson about inviting me to his openings, apparently). But Stephanie was, and she sends this report:

Went to Fireside last night. It was different than others. No patio - due to restrictions. Bar at one end and oven/kitchen at other. Very open space and rustic/homey finish-out. Almost a Porch and Fireside combined. All booths except for row of table/booths. Brick wall on one side, with mirror running along the wall. TV’s in both corners of the restaurant. Opening night was a big hit. Senior Kitchen Manager, Greg Katz was a busy man and the food was as tasty as ever. Lots of families dining there, including Kent and Tracy Rathbun with their two little ones, Casey Thompson was with them too. Daryl Johnston was there with two other men and two kids. One lady said to Tristan on the way out: “Thank you for opening. I came by last week. We have been waiting for you to open. Welcome to the neighborhood.” Apparently they had lots of people stopping by the last couple of weeks hoping it was open. We left at 10 and people were still coming in.

I love Fireside, and I’m hoping this new location makes it easier to get into the one on Henderson. I’m also hoping they find a way to remove the calories from the triple ‘roni, but that probably won’t happen, either.

More Fabulous Easter Brunches

Personally, I’ll be eating Easter dinner at my mom’s house in Kansas. This will surely be delicious and full of Eveans family stalwarts such as green bean casserole and brisket.

Charlie Palmer at the Joule and Nana are both offering Easter brunches that might–might–beat mom’s. Palmer is opening up all day on Sunday with menu additions such as braised Colorado lamb shank and caramelized brown sugar carrot cake. Nana is offering a four-course brunch for $85 ($45 for kiddos) that includes items like Berkshire pork chops and apple fettuccini and glazed red fruits with liquid white chocolate ganache.

And for $85, my mother just called and said she would be happy to make you brunch, so that’s another option.

Sunday Best

After all you good little boys and girls go to church on Easter Sunday, head to La Duni for a three-course brunch. Reservations are required for a table between 9 am and 3 pm, and the $29.75 price tag includes a mimosa. We think JC would approve. (At least this JC does.)

Where Hillary Clinton Ate Today

This belongs on our site (sigh, Eric!), but is posted here instead.