D

Jimmy’s Wine Store in Dallas: Open This Sunday

Paul DiCarlo of Jimmy’s says he had received enough holiday items to warrant opening the foodie temple this Sunday. The shelves are stocked with torrone, tre Marie panetone, pan-forte, dais panetone, Sicilian cannoli shells, and stuff and such and beyond. And wine. Two great Italian (duh) wines on closeout: Placido Chianti Classico Riserva ‘04 DOCG (was $17.99 now $7.99) and Placido Rosso di Montalcin0 ‘05 (was $18.99 now $8.99). Back in the meat department, Prime tenderloin is $15.99 a pound (uncut and sold “as is”). Sunday from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. 4901 Bryan at Fitzhugh. 214-823-6180.

What I’m Drinking Now: Affordable

 I started my holiday shopping a little early with a splurge, leaving  little in the bank for the libation I love so much.  Looking for options that will save a few bucks, while still satisfying the taste buds is sometimes difficult.  Here are a few ideas if you too are in the same predicament. 
(more…)

Andrew Chalk: Charlie Palmer Talks About Making Wine at His Private Vineyard

Surrounded by Dean Fearing, Kent Rathbun, and Sharon Hage, chef Charlie Palmer talks with Andrew Chalk about making Pinot Noir at his house. (Nice gig, eh?)

What I’m Drinking Now: Winderlea

On our recent trip to Oregon we found a new gem in the Dundee hills of Willamette Valley that I fell completely in love with for the quality of the wine, the sustainable practices, and how cool the tasting room was!

Winderlea Vineyard and Winery was created in 2006 by Donna Morris and Bill Sweat as an adventure, pursuit of passion and definitely second career.  The elegance and sensuality of Pinot Noir became their passion in the 1990’s as they worked successful financial careers in Boston, Massachusetts.  Traveling to France and enjoying some of the world’s best Burgundies was the foundation of their pursuit to start a new life making artisanal, craftsman style, small production wine in the part of the country most often equated to Burgundy.  (more…)

Wine, Women and Shoes

Can a wine loving, shoe devotee, community focused, girlie girl ask for anything more?  November 7th at the Women’s Museum in Fair Park the 5th annual Wine, Women and Shoes event will take place, combing wine tasting and stunning fashions to benefit the Dallas Women’s Museum to empower women of all ages within our community. 
The evening will feature tastings from BR Cohn, Coquerel Family Wine Estate, Adi, King Estate, Peju, Eagle Eye and more, along with a fashion show featuring Judy Ninman Designs  matched with vintage and couture shoes. 

Men are invited too.  This year’s event includes a new Men’s Lounge, featuring a scotch tasting, cigar rolling and shoe shines.  More info available here.

Wine Dinner Wednesday

This week’s wine dinners include offerings from Bailey’s Prime Plus, Cafe on the Green, Ferrari’s Flight, Adelmo’s, Nana, two from Stephan Pyles, and Pappas Bros Steakhouse.

October 30
Bailey’s Prime Plus at Park Lane. Four-Course Wine Dinner featuring the wines of B.R. Cohn. Executive Chef Israel Voirin and Sommelier Jeff Ivy present an exciting wine pairing dinner. Full menu and pairings below.

Sunday, November 1
Cafe on the Green. Halloween Sunday Brunch. Let the kiddos dress in costume for one more day, and enjoy a great holiday brunch at Cafe on the Green!  You’ll have a spooky good time!  Kids under 12 that come dressed in costume dine for free! Menu and details below.

Monday, November 2
Ferrari’s Flight Neighborhood Oven. California Dreaming on November 2 at Ferrari’s Flight Neighborhood Oven at 7:00 PM. Chef Stefano Secchi will showcase a tasting that will feature 8 California wines with Thanksgiving side dishes. The cost is a mere $15.00 (per person) and will include cooking instruction from Chef Stefano on side dishes. Menu and details below.

Friday, November 6
Adelmo’s. Aldelmo’s is having a Wine dinner on Friday, Nov. 6 at 6:30. It features 5 wines and 5 courses for $50.00, plus tax and gratuity. Take a look at the menu.

Friday, November 6
Nana. Friday Night Flight. The first Friday of every month, Nana at Hilton Anatole hosts a wine and food flight trio for only $20 (excluding tax and gratuity), a gourmet tasting of haute cuisine paired with choice wines.  For the month of November, the restaurant will highlight Cabernet Sauvignon, the premier red wine grape around the world, from Stephen Vincent, Obsidian Ridge and Cannonball wineries.  November’s Friday Night Flight is on November 6 between 6pm – 8pm.  Reservations are highly recommended by calling 214.761.7470. Menu and details below.

November 8th
Stephan Pyles. A Decade Of Dining. 10th Anniversary Of Stephan Pyles Celebrity Chef Dinner
Stunning Dinner and Auction Funds $15,000 Stephan Pyles Culinary Scholarship. Five celebrity chefs from throughout the state including Chef Pyles will present a spectacular five-course wine dinner along with a live auction to fund one of the nation’s largest culinary scholarships.  Five-course menu, chef line-up, and details below.

November 9th
Stephan Pyles. Stephan Pyles will host a special five-course dinner paired with Truchard wines in the restaurant’s private dining room on Monday, November 9.  Truchard Vinyards is a small, family-owned winery that has been producing exceptional wines in the Carneros region of Napa Valley for over 30 years.  Tony and Jo Ann Truchard will join Chef Pyles to educate diners on the wine and food pairings.

November 13
Pappas Bros. Steakhouse. Bubbles bring in the holidays! Our last tasting of the year celebrates all things sparkling, so join us as we get ready for the 2009 holiday season. This “sparkling” tasting, on November 13th, $45 per person plus tax and gratuity, begins at 6:00 p.m. Reservations are required. Call 214.366.2000 or visit pappasbrosdallas.com. Jump for more info. (more…)

Wine Dinner Wednesday: Thursday Edition

Sorry I’m a day late. Below you will find a list of upcoming wine dinners from Urban Crust, La Buena Vida Vineyards, Abacus, Sevy’s Grill, The Grape,  two at  Stephan Pyles,and Pappas Bros.

October 22, 2009
La Buena Vida Vineyards. “A Night in Tuscany Italian Wine Dinner.”
Escape all of your worries and join La Buena Vida Vineyards Thursday, October 22nd from 6-8PM as we venture into the Old World of Italy. Be the first to taste our newest feature wines from Italy while having them perfectly paired to traditional, savory Italian dishes, from Tomato Mozzarella to Italian Penne Pasta. Experience Italy right here in Grapevine as guest speaker for the evening Dean Underdahl, wine connoisseur, takes you to all the major wine regions of Italy. Don’t miss out on this special night and make your reservations today by calling 817-481-WINE (9463). Details below.

Oct 26
Urban Crust. Tour Of Italy Wine Tasting. Join Urban Crust’s World Master Chef, Salvatore Gisellu, and wine expert Alfonso Cevola for our very first wine tasting. We’re really excited to have Chef Salvatore in the kitchen with creative freedom.  He’ll be able to showcase unique Italian food that pairs with the wines Alfonso selects.  Jump for details.

October 26
Abacus. Antinori Wine Dinner with Alessia Antinori. Full menu and pairings below.

October 26
Sevy’s Grill. Join us on Monday, October 26th at 6:30 p.m. for a taste of our
“California Dreaming” inspired menu.  Four courses plus reception, $59.95 per person (plus tax and gratuity), seating is limited and reservations required (no OpenTable reservations, please). Contact (214) 265-7389 or SevysCatering@aol.com to save your spot! Menu detailed below the jump.

October 28th
The Grape. The Grape hosts a “Wines from Deutschland” wine dinner on Wednesday, October 28th.  Hand-selected boutique wines from Germany to include Riesling, Pinot Noir and Eiswein. Chef/owner Brian C. Luscher will compliment the highlighted wines with a 3-course German- inspired menu. The popular a la carte menu will also be offered that evening. Special guest and industry expert Steve Mansir of Republic Beverage hosts this special event. More info below.

October 30
Bailey’s Prime Plus at Park Lane. Four-Course Wine Dinner featuring the wines of B.R. Cohn. Executive Chef Israel Voirin and Sommelier Jeff Ivy present an exciting wine pairing dinner. Full menu and pairings below.

November 8th
Stephan Pyles. A Decade Of Dining. 10th Anniversary Of Stephan Pyles Celebrity Chef Dinner
Stunning Dinner and Auction Funds $15,000 Stephan Pyles Culinary Scholarship. Five celebrity chefs from throughout the state including Chef Pyles will present a spectacular five-course wine dinner along with a live auction to fund one of the nation’s largest culinary scholarships.  Five-course menu, chef line-up, and details below.

November 9th
Stephan Pyles. Stephan Pyles will host a special five-course dinner paired with Truchard wines in the restaurant’s private dining room on Monday, November 9.  Truchard Vinyards is a small, family-owned winery that has been producing exceptional wines in the Carneros region of Napa Valley for over 30 years.  Tony and Jo Ann Truchard will join Chef Pyles to educate diners on the wine and food pairings.

November 13
Pappas Bros. Steakhouse. Bubbles bring in the holidays! Our last tasting of the year celebrates all things sparkling, so join us as we get ready for the 2009 holiday season. This “sparkling” tasting, on November 13th, $45 per person plus tax and gratuity, begins at 6:00 p.m. Reservations are required. Call 214.366.2000 or visit pappasbrosdallas.com. Jump for more info.
(more…)

Oklahoma Red vs. Texas Orange

If  you are a die hard Texas fan, or think the Sooners can do no wrong, start your morning showing your UT or OU pride via your cocktail.  Two of breakfast’s favorite libations will get you in the game day spirit.  Here are a few ideas to spike up your morning prior to kick off. (more…)

What I’m Drinking Now: Del Rio

The Southern Part of Oregon is an amazing part of the country.  Provence like climate conditions, nestled in the heart of a very organic, sustainable, local oriented part of the US. 

Within this region the Del Rio Vineyard grows great grapes, creating intense, earthy, spicy and hearty Syrah and Viognier, much like those produced in the Rhone region of France, as well as Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Sauvignon Blanc. 

The Del Rio vineyard produces quality Del Rio wine, and sells what they don’t use to some of the best wineries in the state.  Here are a few ideas if you are in the mood for a tasty red, perfect for sipping on our fast approaching fall nights.  Try them with Rouge Creamery  award winning Rouge River Blue Cheese, or their Rosemary Cheddar to have a full Oregon experience.

Rockblock Del Rio Syrah:  Willamette’s Domain Serene winery creates Rockblock wine for their non-estate varietals, and named to emphasize the difficult terrain and growing conditions they look for to create their distinct Syrahs.  This one is a consistent favorite.  Smoky and spicy filled with Bing cherry, chocolate, leather and plum jam flavors, and quite satisfying with a Manchego, Prosciutto, Arugula and fig panini.  (more…)

Kim McPherson on the 2009 Texas Wine Grape Harvest

Alfonso Cevola has a short video of nice guy and wine maker, Kim McPherson.

The Macallan Highland Single Malt Scotch Whiskey…It Is So Good

Jay Liddell is a Scotch man, which works out well as he is one of three brand ambassadors in the United States for The Macallan Scotch.  His counter parts reside in New York and LA, but The Macallan has placed Jay in Dallas, as this is the area they consider to be best for celebrating current The Macallan aficionados, and to grow future supporters of this premium single malt scotch.  I had an opportunity to sit down with Jay recently to get an insiders perspective on why The Macallan is so special. 

First thing to get out of the way is why The Macallan is referred to as “The Macallan.”  Simply said, would you refer to who some call the greatest rock band of all time as “Beatles?” Of course not.  And since  The Macallan is the world’s most precious whiskey, you of course refer to it the same way. 

This is not just a company belief,  in 2007 a 1926 vintage bottle of The Macallan was auctioned off at Christie’s Auction House for a final bid of $54,000, making it one of the most expensive single bottles of liquor ever sold.
This year they are preparing to release an acclaimed 57 year aged single malt (only the second release ever) in hand crafted Lalique crystal, with a price tag around $15,000 a bottle. 

For those of us in a different tax bracket looking for a single malt with depth, character and intense flavor the 15 year Fine Oak Highland Single Malt, or the 18 year Sherry Oak Highland Single Malt are solid bets.  (more…)

Wine Dinner Wednesday: Monday Edition

This week/month you will find lovely wine dinners at Maximo, Lawry’s, Sangria, Chamberlain’s Steak and Chop House, Pappas Bros. Steakhouse, Coast, Dali Wine Bar, Victory Tavern City Grille, and Nana.

Jump for list and details. (more…)

Restaurant News: Bites and Bites

From the copy and paste press release department: Some fabulous things to eat and drink.

Barking Rocks News Flash. Friday night, October 16th we will be listening to Beatlegras.  They are accomplished musicians that blend Beatles music and bluegrass style in a way that Ringo would totally dig. Doors open at 7:00 for a little socializing (wine drinking) and the show will begin about 8:00. Rumor has it that Rhett is coming to sit in on a song or two. We only sell about 100 tickets so it will be very intimate.  Secure your $15 seat by dropping by the winery (preferred) or calling 817-579-0007.

Whole Foods Market/Highland Park. Match craft beer with great food. Wednesday, October 14, 2-4:00 p.m. (4100 Lomo Alto & Lemmon) Garrett Oliver, Brewmaster of Brooklyn Brewery, author and international beer guru, will be at the store to answer all of your beer and brewing questions. Garrett will be cooking and pairing four of his brews with delicious foods as well.

Rahr and Sons Brewery and the Greyhound Adoption League of Texas.  Wrap up Greyhound Awareness Month Saturday, Oct 17 1:00-3:00pm with an afternoon beer tasting. Cost is $5 per person which includes a souvenir pint glass and 3 full beer tastings.  A portion of the proceeds benefit The Greyhound Adoption League of Texas.Click here for more information or call 972-503-GALT.  Rahr and Sons Brewery is located at 701 Galveston Avenue in Fort Worth.

Five Sixty by Wolfang Puck. New New Happy Hour Concept. “Sip and See” takes on a whole new meaning with the launch of Five Sixty by Wolfgang Puck’s happy hour on Monday, October 12.Dallas’ restaurant with a view will serve beverages and bites at happy hour prices on weekday evenings. Monday through Friday, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., Five Sixty will offer a changing food menu of various “chef’s choice” items in the restaurant’s bar and lounge atop Reunion Tower. Drink offerings will include a list of five choices comprised of beer, wine and cocktails. This is a happy hour designed to keep guests smiling with each of the five tapas-sized plates and five varying drink options priced at $5.60 each.

It’s A Grind Coffee House. Fairgoers receive 10 percent off soothing tea drinks (”Soothies”) with fair ticket stub or photo of consumption of greasy goodness. To receive the discount all customers must do is show their State Fair of Texas ticket stub or a photo of them consuming deep-fried delicacies (photos will be added to the It’s A Grind Facebook page). “Soothies” are made with real fruit puree and green tea, which has been shown in studies to help aid in digestion. They are available in three flavors: Mango Mania, Strawberry Banana and Wildberry. Fairgoers can simply ride the DART rail system Green Line from the Fair Park to the Baylor Medical station (It’s A Grind’s Dallas’ location) to get their “Soothie” to help ease the pain!”

Sevy’s Scotch Club. On our beautiful covered patio, from 5:00-7:00 pm on Monday, October 19th. We will feature five great single malts with specially selected food pairings for each.  $44.95 per person, plus tax and gratuity.  Reservations required, seating is limited.  Contact Jimmy, Stefaan, or Amy M. at SevysCatering@aol.com, or 214-265-7389.

Dallas Institute’s “Au Courant”: The French Experience Featuring Dr. Elizabeth New

This just in:

The Dallas Institute’s “Au Courant” membership group (45 years and under) will conduct the first in a series highlighting the global bounty of our local scene. First up: the French, who do many things, including art, architecture, literature, fashion, the Paris Metro, technology, and of course food and wine.

Accompanied by rich visual images, Dr. Elizabeth New of “French Affaires” will discuss various facets of French food, culture, and what makes French cuisine unique. Benjamin Calais of Calais Winery in the Deep Ellum neighborhood will highlight the French culture of wine and talk about his wine offerings here in Dallas. We’ll top off the evening with a wine and cheese tasting. Your parting souvenir will be a resource list of authentic French food and wine experiences in the Dallas area so you can continue the “Local-Global” theme after our French soiree at The Dallas Institute! 6:00-7:30 p.m., Monday, Oct. 19. Admission: Members $25; Nonmembers $35; Member Teachers $10. RSVP by calling Caitlin Hinton at 214 981-8822 or by registering online. The Dallas Institute of Humanities and Culture is located at 2719 Routh St., Dallas, 75201.

Fall Cocktails To Get You In the Halloween Spirit!

I love Halloween…trick or treating…horror movies…dressing up…and of course tempting cocktails.  How could one not love a holiday that celebrates all that is magical, mysterious and bewitching. 

If you too are a fan here are a few ideas from our friends at SKYY Vodka, (ri)1 Whiskey, and one from Kara Newman, author of Spice & Ice: 70 Tongue-Tingling Cocktails for NAVAN Natural Vanilla Liqueur to enjoy we approach All Hallows Eve. 

They are scary good, and that is nothing to be frightened of. 

Jack-O-Lantern
 2 oz. SKYY Infusions Citrus
1 oz. Mango Nectar or Juice
0.5 oz. Orange Juice
0.5 oz. Fresh Sour*
 Combine all of the ingredients in a cocktail shaker with ice.  Shake vigorously and pour into a goblet glass and garnish with a slice of orange and a mint leaf laid flat on top.  *Combine 0.25 oz fresh lime juice and 0.75 oz simple syrup. (more…)

It’s Apple Season and Time for an Abuela

Just because I can’t drink for 10 more weeks (still very pregnant) doesn’t mean I am not looking forward to the moment I can be sipping some spirits. Now that crisp apples are in season, I have been dreaming about an Abuela — tequila, freshly-pressed apple juice, a dash of simple syrup, garnished with a slice of tart green apple. Years ago, I interviewed Monica Greene at the long-since closed Ciudad, and she raved about this cocktail she named for her grandmother–her Abuela. I know it might sound a little odd, but it is the best use of alcohol and apple juice outside of the traditional hard cider. Jump for a few additional tequila and apple juice recipes from Herradura.

(more…)

What I’m Still Drinking: Kiepersol Estates Semillon

She shoots. We score.

I’ve written about my love affair with Kiepersol Estates Semillon 2007 before. It’s a nice soft wine with undertones of pineapple, mango, and grapefruit (Hi, Leslie!). Last month, D photographer Elizabeth “Spider Monkey” Lavin and I headed out to Kiepersol and spent the day picking grapes and watching the crew as they began to process the 2009 wines. If you haven’t been to the tasting room at Kiepersol which is just south of Tyler, you should go now–October is Texas Wine Month–and sip some wine  on the back porch. Better yet, you can read the travel feature I just completed with the details of the property’s bed and breakfast, upscale steak restaurant, and the best stocked bar between Dallas and Houston. It’s a great place to get away for a couple of days. Especially if you love good food and wine.

What I Am Drinking Now: Walla Walla

The Walla Walla  region lies in both Oregon and Washington State.  The Oregon side mey be best known for producing those big, sweet and delicious yellow onions that you could almost eat like an apple they are so tender, tasty good. 

The Walla Walla region of Washington is fast becoming a favorite among those that love special, small production wine from boutique, family owned wineries popping up throughout the remote landscape. 

Nestled near the Columbia River, the region is magnetic and welcoming to locals and visitors alike.  The wine, like its surrounding, is alluring and interesting, with bold flavor profiles.  Unlike the regions just to their south (like Oregon’s Willamette Valley) they focus their wine making efforts on Bordeaux style grapes, like dense Cabernet Sauvignon, clean and crisp Semillon and Sauvignon Blanc (without all that citrus found in many New World options) and incredible Merlot.  Why is their wine so good? 

Contributing factors like mineral rich, volcanic soil from one of the largest basaltic lava flows in the world, combined with remnants of glacier outbursts and flooding that occurred 15,000 years ago throughout the region.  Intense soil equals concentrated flavorful wine.   Dedication to quality over quanity, and maintaining sustainability when possible speaks to why the region, and wine, are so special.   (more…)

Wine Dinner Wednesday: Monday Morning Edition

Here are a few upcoming wine dinners.

Steve Field’s in Plano. Thursday, October 15th. Langetwins Wine Dinner Sponsored by Single Gourmet. $99/nonmembers, includes 2 glasses of wine with three-course dinner, coffee & iced tea, tax & gratuity. Reception: 6:45 p.m. Dinner: 7:30 p.m. For more information, e-mail info@singlegourmetdfw.com or call 972-732-8000. Reservations REQUIRED using this link. Full menu listed below.

Circolo Del Vino at Jimmy’s.  The Italy America Chamber of Commerce, British American Business Council of DFW, the Finnish American Business Guild, and the German American Chamber of Commerce have teamed up to present “Wine Without Borders” on Wednesday, October 14th. Our favorite Italian wine guy, Alfonso Cevola of Glazer’s, will be your host and he will give you a lesson on how to expand your wine horizons and discover new grapes varietals. 6:15 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. 765-414 4285. More details below.

Jimmy’s Food Store. Jimmy’s welcomes Giovannella Stianti Mascheroni of Castello di Volpaia. Click on this link to learn about the family and history of this famous Tuscan winery and how the Estate was a wedding present to Giovannella and her husband. She also launched a cooking school in 2000 to educate visitors about Tuscan cooking and hospitality and to keep the traditions of the regions cuisine alive. Volpaia also has one of the most famous wine consultants in Italy, Riccardo Cotarella. Details below.

(more…)

Andrew Chalk Loves Choucroute Garni à l’Alsacienne. He Found it at Lavendou.

Fall is not only in the air, the foods of fall are rolling out on local menus. Andrew Chalk was so excited when he received a newsletter from Lavendou, he copied and pasted it and sent it along to you. Why? I’ll let him tell you.

I think Choucroute is a defining dish of Alsace. Impossible to find here most of the year and I’m really pleased to see them doing this. Go with a big appetite, it’s very filling.

Fête de la Choucroute!!
Choucroute Garni à l’Alsacienne is one of the classic dishes of France. The Alsace region of Northeastern France is renowned for its cuisine. Choucroute means Sauerkraut in French, but unlike German Sauerkraut, the cabbage is cooked in wine with potatoes, onions, carrots and spices and then topped with an array of smoked meats, bacon and different types of sausages. This is truly a hearty feast fit for a king! We will feature this classic French dish beginning on Friday, 2 October through Saturday, 31 October 2009. To accompany this feast we will feature Alsace wines from various producers and our favorite beers, Kronenbourg 1664 and Stella Artois from Belgium. You may order the Choucroute on its’ own or we will have a 3-Course Alsace Degustation Menu for only $34.95 with Tarte Flambée and imported Mirabelle plum tart. 972-248-1911.

Restaurant News: Bits and Bites

From the copy and paste press release department:

Cibus. Interactive Cocktail Class on Thursday, October 22, 2009 (6:30-7:30pm). Join Mixologist Marina Catania to “shake the martinis”at Cibus Café in Northpark Passed Appetizers. $20 per person. 214-692-0001.

Aurora. “Truffles.” October Cooking Class on Saturday, October 24th at 10:00 am
4-course lunch with wine pairings for $125 per person. 214-528-9400.

Celebration Restaurant. Dinner with Dialogue Series. The first dinner is October 5th. The subject is “Sustainability-The ability to meet our present needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet theirs. The Bruntland Commission.” Check the rest of the calendar here. Dinner 6-7 p.m.; Speakers 7-7:30; dialogue 7:30-? Reservations: 214-351-5681 or edlowe@celebrationrestaurant.com.

RA SUSHI.  A sake and sushi social on Monday, October 12. Learn sushi rolling and sake paring basics while you treat yourself to a selection of RA’s fresh sushi, appetizers and fine sakes. For $30, guests will enjoy a sushi rolling lesson and four courses paired with sake.  Space is limited, and reservations are required. 469-467-7400 to make a reservation.

French American Chamber of Commerce and Goody Goody Wine & Spirits.  Beaujolais Wine Festival Kick-off Party on Thursday, October 22, 2009. (Registration & Networking Reception – 5:30 p.m. Wine Tasting – 6:15 p.m.) The wine tasting will include (4) Crus du Beaujolais and (4) Bordeaux wines and hors d’oeuvres
Crus du Beaujolais Selection:
Domaine Bernard Santé, Juliénas 2007, Domaine Bernard Santé, Moulin à Vent 2006, Domaine Christian Bernard, Fleurie 2007, Domaine de la Roche St. Martin, Brouilly 2007

Bordeaux Selection:
Château Palihas, Bordeaux 2005, Château Larrivaux, Haut-Médoc 2005, Vieux Château Palon, St. Emilion 2005, Château les Graves de Julien, Bordeaux 2005

Milestone Culinary Arts Center. 4531 McKinney Avenue. 214-526-3942.

Around the World in 80 Sips

The W Hotel is hosting a tasty event October 8th featuring wine from Argentina, Australia, California, Chile, France, Greece, Portugal, Spain and more.  80+ wines will be poured for tasting in the W’s Great Room as they partner with Bottlenotes for this spectacular sipping event from 6pm-9pm.  Early bird tickets are available now!

The Beauty of Burrata

I visited Ferrari’s Italian Villa the other night to enjoy dinner with featured Chef, Stefano Secchi and his fantastic parents and Ferrari’s owners, Francesco and Jane.

Stefano had been shopping at Jimmy’s when our paths crossed as I was on the way to enjoy a Saturday ritual of visiting Tom Spicer’s market on Fitzhugh.  That was the day to stop by Jimmy’s, as they had just gotten in a fresh selection of glorious Burrata, arriving fresh from Italy.

(more…)

Kent Rathbun Does Something Texan at His “Texas Grown” Restaurant

The last time I was at Rathbun’s Blue Plate Kitchen, the lengthy wine list had only two wines from Texas. I don’t know if the list has been updated, but Mr. Rathbun is hosting a Texan wine dinner on Monday, October 19th with Dr. Richard and Bunny Becker of Becker Vineyards. Great menu with great wine. Jump for the full description and details. (more…)

Petroni Vineyards Dinner at The Grape Tonight

Note from SideDish reader Brian Luscher who happens to be the chef/onwer of The Grape:

We have had some last minute cancellations have come in and now have a few openings for this exclusive 5-course wine paired dinner featuring Petroni Vineyards.  Mr. Petroni and son Marco will be in attendance. This will be an intimate event with only a small number of guests in our private wine room. 7:00pm. Cost is  $135 per guest. 214-828-1981.

I call that an ad for your win dinner, Luscher. Send more gift certificates.