Monthly Archives: November 2013

by | November 7, 2013 · 9:58 am

A Good Value Zinfandel

IMG_2698by Andrew Chalk

The 2012 XYZin, Old Vines Zinfandel, California ($16) is a good value, typical California Zinfandel. The nose has notes of plum, blueberry, blackcurrant and some French oak. In the mouth the wine is dry with good acid and the effusive fruit that is typical of young California Zinfandel. The fruit flavors repeat the fruits in the nose. Tannins are soft and supple. A very appealing style.  This wine goes well with barbecue and burgers. Crave Recommended.

Interesting appellation. I wonder why something more specific could not be used

I cannot find any local availability but it is available online.

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by | November 6, 2013 · 4:45 pm

A Look At Chefs For Farmers 2013

DSC00995by Steven Doyle

This past weekend we witnessed yet another edition of Chef for Farmers, a pretty awe inspiring food and wine festival that rivals any like it. What started out as an idea to band a few chefs together as a long table dinner in a local farmer’s field has evolved to this glorious annual event that takes literally a year and dozens of volunteers to produce. This year CFF celebrated the life of a fallen chef, Randall Copeland who owned restaurant Ava in Rockwall. In addition, the event was able to pay out checks to many local farmers and raise awareness that even North Texas has some major talent when it comes to agriculture. What better way to show off our produce, meats, cheeses, bees and wines than to host one of the best parties the city has ever witnessed.     Continue reading →

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by | November 6, 2013 · 1:01 pm

You Say You Want A Brewvolution?

texasbrewvolutionby Steven Doyle

If you have ever been to one of the events put on by Chad and Nellie Montgomery of the Big Texas Beer Fest fame, you will totally appreciate and guide yourself to their latest event this Saturday, November 9 at the Texas State Fairgrounds. The same people that do the Big Texas event are hosting the Brewvolution as well, and they managed to secure one additional brewer that we’re excited about. Karbach Brewing from Houston, who’s not normally in Dallas will be at the festival. They’re bringing their Bourbon Barrel Hellfighter too. Speaking of which, the entire beer list has just been released.

If you’re going in VIP-style, they’ve announced the VIP pre-party at Craft & Growler the evening before. VIP’s be on the lookout for an email late Thursday/early Friday with all the details. This will be the beginning of NTX Beer Week. If you’ve delayed until now, you can get your tickets here.     Continue reading →

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by | November 6, 2013 · 8:42 am

Dallas Whiskey and Fine Spirits Festival Nov 23

whiskeyby Jennifer Thomas

The Dallas Whiskey and Fine Spirits Festival returns for its second year on Saturday, November 23 at 7 p.m. The roaring 20’s-themed party will be held at Fashion Industry Gallery (FIG), 1807 Ross Avenue in Dallas.

Connoisseurs of fine spirits can sample some of the world’s best liquors, including whiskey, scotch, and brandy, as well as other top shelf liquors.  In addition, guests will sample fine foods by the culinary teams from Chamberlain’s Steak and Chophouse, Whiskey Cake, The Capital Grille, and many more.    Continue reading →

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by | November 6, 2013 · 8:23 am

Doggies! Texas Italian Greyhound Rescue Partners with The Second Floor Bistro-Bar To Raise Funds To Place Greyhounds With Loving Homes

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by Andrew Chalk

I did not know that Scott and Gina Gottlich had a swish private dining room equipped with full A/V equipment, sound system etc. right behind their 2nd Floor Bistro-Bar – the flagship restaurant at the Westin-Galleria. It is usually used for corporate and family events but it sure came in handy on Saturday night when they donated it to a good cause.

Texas Italian Greyhound Rescue (TIGR) held a social with silent auction for over a hundred guests. There were great hors d’oeuvres, included wine and beer, and cash cocktails for those who wanted something stronger. I was happy with Newton Claret to see me through and the stellar  hors d’oeuvres prepared by Second Floor chefs.   Continue reading →

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by | November 5, 2013 · 3:18 pm

Bee Special, Bee Inspired Dinner This Sunday

beeby Steven Doyle

Our very good friends Susan and Brandon Pollard are being honored with a special fundraising dinner that will benefit the Texas Honeybee Guild. The buzzing event is this Sunday from 4 to 7pm at the Casa Stellina on Main Street. Cheffing for the event are the usual cast of cool players that are always in line to help with such ventures, namely Graham Dodds, Matt McCallister, Tim Bevins, and John Mercer. There will also be a screening of “More than Honey” a film by Marcus Imhoof.

You know the Pollards for their never ending efforts to save the honeybees locally from threats both natural and unnatural alike. The Pollards use their own funds to educate school children on the lives and importance of the bees. You may often find Brandon suited up in his full-on bee regalia at the Dallas Farmers Market and other locations when not working with his many hives across North Texas.

Check below for all the sweet details on this very special event.  Tickets are $45 and can be purchased here. Continue reading →

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by | November 5, 2013 · 2:53 pm

Celebrate On The Rooftop At Nora This Thursday Evening

noraby Steven Doyle

One of our favorite restaurants in Dallas sits proudly as one of the early adopters to the Lowest Greenville Avenue reboot, just across from Trader Joes. We have written about Nora numerous times, and love to pop in occasionally and check out the fantastic cocktails designed by Jason Kosmas, and the food made nightly by chef-owner Matt Pikar. The Afghan food is light, and ethereal, and extremely satisfying. Check out this visit, or this one.    Continue reading →

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by | November 5, 2013 · 2:21 pm

DAT Goes All Crazy White Truffle On Us This Weekend

datby Steven Doyle

You know Chef DAT, he is the wild and woolly underground maniac that roams the country with his culinary sideshow. This weekend DAT is hosting yet another edition of his underground dinners at a secret hide-a-way in Dallas, cooking up the season’s very best. Think White Alba Truffles, Amber Ostera Caviar, lobster and beautiful, fresh rainbow trout. This will be a dinner of excesses and you are invited.

Join Chef DAT this Friday  Saturday (Friday sold out) for his White Alba Truffle dinner which begins at 7:30pm with a complimentary cocktail. The BYOB dinner costs $75 per person and you can make your reservations swiftly by emailing the chef at info@chefdat.com. We have the menu below:    Continue reading →

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