Waugh Wines Wowed
by Steven Doyle
photos by Robert Bostick
It was a long week at craveDFW, one that was fruitful and made us multiply. We signed on some new writers that you will meet next week along with a few really nifty features that you can look forward to reading.
Some events we attended included Savor Mexico last night at the Milestone Culinary Arts Center, and we will have a nice slide show soon to detail those events. The event raised some funds for some very talented Guanajuato, Mexico culinary students that leaped through hoops to gather visas to be at the exciting event. Desperado’s owner, Jorge Levy led the event that was laced with great cuisine that was a product of the students talents, fine Mexican beers and wine. Congratulations to the students and feliz cumpleaños to Jorge.
Prolific writer David Donalson visited yet another Texas winery, this time the Delaney Vineyards in Grapevine where he vowed if he ever had to take more vows, it would be there. Of course it would be with his lovely wife Jackee. The pair also made it up to Yountville, California on their Napa vacation and visited the French Laundry and brought back some photos and great memories.
Might also add that David passed his Sommelier test this week and instantly is smarter and a few inches taller, earning him an extra 20% pay raise. At least we told him that. Congratulations, David.
Culpeppers and their enormous truffle
Speaking of wine, I was able to visit Culpepper’s for their Waugh Cellars wine dinner this week, and was amazed by the knowledge and the ability to convey happiness about their wines. Ryan and Crystal Waugh are a sweet couple who live in Yountville and lease land to supply their grape needs. We were entertained by the joyous Crystal as she spun tales of her television premier as Curtis Stone paid a visit to their home for an episode of Take Home Chef. Seems the network was so smitten by her appearance they are about to shoot a pilot for her own program. We will follow up on this one.
Also this week we put up a guide for the Deep Ellum Arts Festival that starts tonight. Crave will be out in full body armor this weekend to fight the crazy excitement, and will also attend Zen Bakery’s grand opening Saturday evening.
We also had burnt ends at Pecan Lodge this week
Take a look at the interview I did with chef Samir that is available to read for free just below this article. Samir is a fun fellow that I have known for some time and we have spoken often about an interview. I see Samir all the time at various events in Dallas and he always takes time to tell me what he has going on in his life. He is a wonderful chef and family man. When I saw him last week for our Pizza Tour I pinned him down to a date for us to speak, and had a great time. He shared a bottle of the Nick and Sam’s private label wine with me, and the cab was delicious and bold.
Next week we will visit the new Luna’s restaurant and take a handful of readers with us. If you haven’t entered the contest, do so here. We will choose winners this weekend.
Have a crave-worthy weekend and we will be back next week to fill you in on the latest that Dallas has to offer.
Ciao.
