Monthly Archives: October 2014

by | October 22, 2014 · 10:56 am

Max’s Wine Dive in Fort Worth Introduces New Menu For Fall

IMG_0003by Andrew Chalk

Max’s Wine Dive, the popular restaurant with the slogan “Fried Chicken and Champagne?…Why the Hell Not?!” just revamped their menu for Fall and Crave was at the media event to roll it out. From small plates to large, it looks like a winner.

Go to the section of the menu entitled “Chef Stefon’s Fall Menu” and start with PB&J Wings ($10), chicken wings in Max’s signature batter and slathered with thai peanut sauce and blackberry coulis (a variation on sweet and sour). But take plenty of napkins as this can be a messy dish as well.   Continue reading →

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by | October 21, 2014 · 1:47 pm

Nicole Gossling Named Exec Sous at Kitchen LTO, Celebrate With Her Oct 25th

nicole3by Steven Doyle

We have followed the young and vivacious chef Nicole Gossling through her many underground dining experiences, and followed her as she made her way across the globe this past year on her worldwide tour tour. Chef Nicole has accepted the permanent Executive Sous Chef position at Kitchen LTO. This is a permanent position, there are no plans for future Supper Club Dinners for the next year. Come celebrate with her this Saturday Oct. 25th, with an incredible nine course tasting menu inspired by Chef Nicole’s travels through Italy.  Continue reading →

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by | October 21, 2014 · 1:00 pm

Fiesta de la Vida with Stephan Pyles and Lakewood Brewing at Stampede 66

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This Halloween, put the kids to bed, grab your broomstick, and celebrate All Hallows’ Eve with Stampede 66 and Lakewood Brewing Co. at Fiesta de la Vida. As the official kickoff event for North Texas Beer Week, Fiesta de la Vida begins the 10-day local celebration of craft beer.

Admission includes a souvenir glass as well as five beer and food pairings with special, limited release beers. At midnight there will be a cask tapping of Lakewood Brewing Co.’s popular, seasonal Temptress Mole. Stampede 66’s modern ranch house in the heart of Uptown will be transformed into a neighborhood for trick or treating with a twist. Each pairing will be located at a different “house” in the neighborhood along with a dessert room with unlimited candy.   Continue reading →

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by | October 21, 2014 · 11:09 am

Selling Texas Wines Outside Texas’ Borders: What Can Texas Wineries Learn From Gruet Winery?

 

wine1by Andrew Chalk

Gruet Winery sells almost 130,000 cases of wine a year, the best of it made from New Mexico grapes and clearly labelled as such. Its retail and on-premise (restaurant and club) reach extends to 49 states in the U.S., plus Japan and the Caribbean. Gruet is sui generis in this respect. No other winery from New Mexico has a footprint outside of the state.

Texas wineries are at an inflexion point in the industry’s history. They are quality-competitive with like-for-like varietals from other states, but that fact is not known outside the state. As a result, out-of-state sales are much lower than they could be. Obviously, a good product is not sufficient to sell nationally. Something else is needed.

What lessons does Gruet’s success have for Texas wineries in expanding their sales footprint outside the state? What are the key factors that led to Gruet’s success? Was it distribution? If so, does on-premise or off-premise distribution matter more? Is it reviews? If so, which review sites matter? How important is editorial coverage in wine blogs? How important are blind tastings? What about word-of-mouth?  Continue reading →

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by | October 20, 2014 · 10:59 am

First Look: Henry’s Majestic Opens Tomorrow, Oct 21st

henry'sby Steven Doyle

Henry’s Majestic has a funny, quirky name, but starting tomorrow guests will enjoy some serious eats and drinks from this new restaurant that will be cheffed and managed by Roe DiLeo. This New Jersey native created a name for herself locally as the chef at The Libertine Bar and was most recently at Boulevardier in Bishop Arts, and also is currently appearing as a contestant on TV’s Hell’s Kitchen.

The rustic interior gives off a relaxing feel, much like it has in its past incarnations at 4900 McKinney Avenue. But this is a fresh start for the building with some pretty amazing talent that has been assembled to operate the restaurant including Alex Fletcher who is managing the bar program. Fletcher is a recognizable name on the Dallas craft cocktail scene and his work at Victor Tango’s earned him the reputation as one of the best bartenders in Dallas. Fletcher also crafted his skills at The People’s Last Stand.

Just sample his Headless Manhattan made up of pumpkin infused whiskey, amaro, bitters and pumpkin seed. You will be convinced. Fletcher also offers a very well rounded brew selection.

Continue reading →

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by | October 17, 2014 · 9:27 am

Chefs and Seeds Oct 22nd Benefits Seeds of Africa

seeds

Chefs and Seeds — a charity event benefiting Seeds of Africa’s Dream School Capital Campaign — is scheduled for October 22nd and will be held at 3015 at Trinity Groves from 7:00pm to 11:00pm. This is the first gala event in a series going from Dallas to New York, Chicago, Paris, London, and Adama. The Dallas event will bring together some of the most talented and well-known chefs in the Dallas area for a premier tasting event.

Seeds of Africa CEO and founder Atti Worku, says, “We are excited to welcome the Dallas community for an evening of memorable food, drinks and music by musicians from the area. Dallas is our launch city, so we are incredibly proud and grateful to the chef and restaurant community that have agreed to volunteer their time and services for such an important cause. I personally have strong ties to Dallas; it’s the city I first came to when I moved to the United States, and where Seeds of Africa was founded, which makes this launch event extra special.”  Continue reading →

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by | October 17, 2014 · 9:16 am

Zodiac Vodka Launches This Month

bottle

by Andrew Chalk

It’s from Snake River Idaho and made from potatoes. Zodiac vodka goes on sale this month in select Texas markets, being sold through Goody Goody’s and Spec’s. According to our press release machine (which, incidentally, will also run on potatoes).  Continue reading →

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by | October 16, 2014 · 11:33 am

Deep Ellum Wine Walk Tonight

wineby Steven Doyle

Tonight from 5-8pm, the Deep Ellum Community Association and the merchants of Deep Ellum are combining two of our favorite things, wine and shopping, with the Deep Ellum Wine Walk.

Purchase a collectible, signature Wine Walk glass for $5, raise it, and repeat as you enjoy wine samplings while exploring Dallas’ hippest neighborhood. Glasses and maps to all the participating venues are available at the glass and information station outside 2646 Main, across from Lula Bs.

Participating venues include:  Continue reading →

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