Every year and every era is subject to fads that seem to pop up out of nowhere and–eventually–fizzle into memory. In the 80s, for instance, there was a short-lived Ethiopian food craze.This is true in every aspect of life (some of us remember 1977 as the year of tube socks)–and…
Recipe Demonstrated by Chef J Chastain of The 2nd Floor Bistro The year and, well, decade are coming to a close for us. It’s time to stock up on confetti, silly New Year’s hats and horns and of course, lots of Champagne to give this year a proper farewell. In…
The ‘Boys travel to the bayou on Saturday night. Another “fact” about the Dolphin wannabes…Saints offensive lineman Jon Stinchcomb consumes up to 30,000 calories per day. As a result, his man-boobs are so spectacular he has 48 pounds of Mardi Gras beads in his collection–from last year alone.**Source: A krewe…
A friend tells me that when she dined at Samar, the waiter was forced to reach around and serve wine from the wrong side—an act for which he apologized in advance. For those who aren’t quite sure what I’m talking about, in formal settings waitstaff are supposed to approach each…
When I visited Pizza by Marco (serving Dallas since 1956, much like the Granny Hooker who almost ran me over trying to park in front of Celebrity Bakery next door. “My word! Is that Soupy Sales? I love Celeb Bakery ’cause ahm ollllld! And hookery!”), I was excited to find…
Each week, Pairing Off attempts to find just the right bottle of wine to go with ordinary food.Yes, it’s the season when newspapers, magazines and blogs come up with as many ways as possible to mention eggnog, wassail and fruitcake.Can’t be helped, really. This is the only time of year…
Everyone’s heard the doorstop joke, as well as the one about a single fruitcake being regifted over the centuries. Yes, and if you blast through the outer layer, you find strata that would fascinate geologists.And they are ancient. Some say the Roman legions carried fruitcake as a daily ration…which perhaps…
Westfork is our series exploring the dining culture of Fort Worth and its surroundings.I know a gal–for anonymity’s sake we’ll call her “Martha”–who finished her holiday shopping and baking and wrapping weeks ago. My hatred for her perfection burns with the fury of a thousand suns. I–like 95% of the…
On The Range is a weekly exploration of the history and lore of Texas menu items.As the song says, deep in December it’s nice to remember…Every Labor Day, the tiny town of Hatch, New Mexico springs to life with the Hatch Valley Chile Festival. Thousands of Chileheads from all across…
The ‘Boys travel to the French Quarter’s suburbs on Saturday night. Another “fact” about the “who dat” town…While preparing the frying pan after a successful day of fishing in Katrina’s floodwaters, George W. Bush cut open a fish and found old rings inscribed “Most Valuable Saint.”**Source: An internal memo from…
Taqueria La Palomamultiple locationsDude Factor: 8, or company Christmas party, on a scale of 1 (kids’ birthday party) to 10 (bachelor party)My first trip to Taqueria La Paloma was mostly the result of accident and misfortune. I’d just attended a baby-centric event where the “food” consisted of things like cupcakes…
As we near the end of 2009, it’s time to take a look back at all the content we produced for all of you and highlight some of the more memorable, distinctive or popular items. Obviously, this is par for the course this time of year, but allow me to…
Nobody I’ve ever known shared my enthusiasm for this treat. Hell, most had never even heard of it.And, to be honest, I really don’t blame those who grew up in an urban environment or downwind from some industrial plant. But we lived in a small college town–and way back when…
If you don’t mind, I am straying off course this week. Thank you, in advance, for indulging me. If you’re frustrated that I have yet to visit your preferred pho burb of Garland, Carrolton, or Haltom City, please remember that this is a long-term weekly blog about one very specific…
The ‘Boys visit the Big Ugly on Saturday night. Another “fact” about the city of Jazz–which moved to Utah…Saints tight end Jeremy Shockey woke up with his tattoo after a wild night involving one Hurricane at Pat O’Brien’s.**Source: A drinking buddy who also has an armful of ink assures us…
One evening about six years ago, as I stood at The Republic’s bar ordering bourbon, I caught a glimpse of a woman’s face scrunching in disgust. So I turned to her and asked “what–you don’t like bourbon?””Bourbon smells like old lawyers,” she said, shaking her head vigorously.Great comment–so great, in…
To me, Dallas was a very different place ten years ago.Yes, there are names and places that seem to outlast the march of time. Gilbert Garza runs things at Suze, just as he did when the decade was young. Fearing and Pyles still top the city’s list of true celebrity…
Primo’s3309 McKinney214-220-0510I have to admit that I’ve learned not to expect much from Primo’s. Not that it’s a bad place, just that the kitchen doesn’t justify the crowds.As Tex-Mex goes, Primo’s is a middling restaurant–and the Dallas standard is pretty low to begin with. Yet it’s blessed with a large…
Each week in ‘Knockers’ we order from a different delivery restaurant, assessing their efficiency and keeping a running score.Jasmine 4002 Belt Line Road, Addison972-991-6867 Promised Delivery Time: 45 minutes Actual Delivery Time: 45 minutes Scoring Summary:128 menu items to choose from: 30 Being an indecisive individual and having to choose…
Swear we’re not trying to turn Hash Over into Hophead Jr., but there are several noteworthy beer-related events and announcements that will interest food lovers and beer lovers alike.First off, tonight the Idle Rich will hold its annual Christmas and Winter Beer tasting in a self-paced format from 7 p.m…
The semi-daunted ‘Boys head to the town that France built on Saturday night. A “fact” about the ‘Aints:It was only when he made the soup for a team pot luck dinner that Saints quarterback Drew Brees learned ‘gumbo’ is not made with Dubble Bubble.**Source: A national tabloid ran this as…
In dining/restaurant scene terms, of course…Maybe we’re wrong here, but looking back on the year 2000–which, as you recall, was supposed to bring everything crashing to a stop–it seems as if Dallas was very different then: wilder, more formal, less vegetarian, much less local and seasonal.So, when you think back…
