The Design District Has a New Taco Stop

When we got notice of a new taco shop opening, we immediately considered our lunch plans solidified. Taco Stop, the new taco stand that opened this Monday in the Design District (1900 Irving), has a lot going for it with respect to Observer employees. For one, it serves tacos, which…

How to Open a Bottle of Wine with Your Shoe

I know you’ve been there. It’s late on a Tuesday and your boss has just handed you your ass on your last project. You’re tired. You’re stressed. You need a drink. And despite having a few bottles of wine on hand you don’t have a corkscrew to open any of…

Gloria’s is Expanding to Houston. MILF Alert?

The first bit of news here is that Gloria’s is expanding its Salvadorian food empire yet again. The restaurant’s website confirms they are scheduled to open their first place in Houston this spring, which would make 14 altogether, including one in Austin. The second bit of news is that, according…

Mason Bar is Open in State Thomas

The first time you look up at Mason Bar, located at 2701 Guillot St., you might not even realize what you’re seeing. In what looks like an old, abandoned brownstone from the outside, Mason, led by underground Chef David Anthony Temple (yeah, DAT one) is open and comfortable on the…

Central Market’s Chocolate Festival: A Guide

Central Market’s annual chocolate festival starts today and lasts through February 14. Some of the best chocolatiers from around the world will make appearances over the next few days and, as always, there are some interesting back stories. If you can fight through the crowds, don’t take lightly the opportunity…

At Cane Rosso, Tryouts for a Mike Napoli Pizza

Yes, it’s another post about Il Cane Rosso. Yes, I’m conflicted about the amount of real estate devoted to the Deep Ellum pizza maker. But this time it’s about a badass catcher, so it’s a must. Dallas Morning News sports writer Evan Grant recently bellied up to the pizza bar…

Rush Patisserie’s Croissant Deals Brunch Another Blow

Back in August, I posted about the perils of brunch and proclaimed breakfast the superior morning meal. I’d just had a croissant at Zaguan Bakery and thought the black coffee and newspaper culture of the breakfast crowd was infinitely more appealing than the mimosa-drenched brunch set. The croissant I had…

How To Order Sushi Like A Champ At Yutaka

When I stumbled into Yutaka on Friday night without a reservation and was told I’d have to wait an hour to sit at the sushi bar, I wasn’t disappointed. I left my name at the stand and walked two doors down to Sharaku, the Izakaya owned by the same folks…

Oak in the Design District is Open for Lunch

The new Oak at 1628 Oak Lawn in the Design District, which was previously only open for dinner, announced today that they are now open for lunch. For starters the lunch menu includes hummus, foie gras and celery root and apple soup. For sandwiches they have a lamb bacon BLT,…

Conquering That Veggie Box Over Super Bowl Weekend

As previously mentioned, last Wednesday evening I received my first box of local, organic veggies and fruits from Greenling. Problem was, I was a little skeptic at being able to work through the whole box over the weekend, particularly with requisite lard-laced Super Bowl festivities planned. Then Scott Reitz called…

Mumtaz’s Indian Lunch Buffet Was Built for Meatless Monday

Weary of soy protein and veggie burgers from Meatless Mondays gone by, I had set my sights this go around on exotic flavors and spices. My search for bargain vegetarian nirvana took me to Mumtaz, an Indian restaurant located in a generic Richardson strip mall at Campbell and Central. I’m…

Top 10 Super Bowl Commercials Starring Food

This year, like most years, the multi-million-dollar-slinging advertising competition known as the Super Bowl was largely dominated by those in the motor vehicle category. But if you were paying close attention, somewhere between the David Beckham ogling, flipping back and forth from the Super Bowl to the Puppy Bowl and…