by David Donalson
Hidden just south of the Scottish Rite Hospital in Dallas is the beautiful, historic Stoneleigh Hotel. With a facade dating back to the 1920s and a modern interior, this is a perfect little spot to drop in for a drink after work or a romantic weekend getaway. Settled in the corner of the first floor of the hotel is Bolla, a 3 year-old restaurant I had never heard of until I saw their menu on Restaurant Week. Time to go see what Bolla was all about.
Filed under David Donalson, fun with food, Restaurant Week, therapy, Wine
by David Donalson
Restaurant Week has a special place in my heart. For many of us, this is our opportunity to experience some of the finer establishments in DFW and support great causes in both the North Texas Food Bank and Lena Pope Home. It was through Restaurant Week that I discovered Pappa Bros. Steak House and Chamberlain’s Fish Market Grill, places I had wanted to go to but did not ever get around to going to. This year, my wife and I decided to focus on places we have not been to yet but thought might be worth a visit, hence a quick drive over to Southlake to try out Trulucks.
Walking in, you are immediately greeted with dark wood and white tablecloths. On the left was the wine cellar, a clear glass room with wine stacked high, and on the center and right were the main tables for the restaurant. We were quickly seated along a window overlooking the Southlake Town Center and with a clear view of the other guests, some of whom were more cozy than I would have preferred (seriously, making out between courses is for 16 year olds, not 30 somethings!). We asked for the Restaurant Week menu with wine pairings and away we go. Continue reading
Filed under Chocolate, Crave, David Donalson, Restaurant Week, Seafood, Wine
by David Donalson
When going on vacations, my first instinct is to look up the local food and wine scene and make my plans from there. When my wife and I decided to go to the temperate Santa Barbara, I was immediately reminded of the movie “Sideways” and their search for Pinot Noir in the Santa Barbara County. In my research, Carr Winery was high on the lists of boutique Pinot Noir and Cabernet Franc so off we went.
Not to make every person jealous but we decided to ride bikes to the local wineries, enjoying the cool Pacific breeze and a little exercise. Trust me, I wish I was back there now with these 90 degree nights. After a short bike ride from the Fess Parker Double Tree Resort right along the beach, we arrived at Carr Vineyards and Winery. Continue reading
Filed under Crave, David Donalson, Travel, Wine
by David Donalson
Santa Barbara is about 2 hour north drive along the 101 from Los Angeles. It is a beautiful city that has been called the “American Riviera” and with temperatures in the high 70s during July, it makes a great summer getaway. When visiting we thought the best way to explore this beautiful city was the foodie stroll with the Wine Cask restaurant. The Wine Cask is a Santa Barbara staple and set just off the main tourist street (State Street) on Anacapa, a great place to start a tour.
Our adventure starts on Tuesday, when the Santa Barbara Certified Farmer’s Market shuts down the State Street for a few hours so chefs, tourists and locals alike can shop from the different stands for local produce. For the foodie stroll, we walked with Chef Brandon Hughes while he made choices on what products he wants for the restaurant menu and our personal tasting menu later. Continue reading
Filed under chefs, David Donalson, fun with food, Local Produce, Travel, Wine
by David Donalson
Last Thursday, I had the privilege of attending Grace’s Christmas in July celebration benefiting the American Heart Association in Fort Worth. For three glorious hours, I was able to taste some outstanding seafood appetizers while tasting many different forms of bubbly. I would be lying if I did not say that I was looking forward to this for a week. I never miss an opportunity to drink good bubbles and man there were some good bubbles here.
When I see an event that claims to be “Champagne” like a Champagne brunch, I get a little worried. Too often people assume that bubbles equals Champagne and as much as I like Cava from Spain and Prosecco from Italy, they just never stand up to the purity of flavor as true Champagne. With a $50 cover charge, one should expect true Champagne and Grace did not disappoint. There were three tables lined by buckets of ice and lots of bubbly. Continue reading
Filed under Crave, David Donalson, Events, Fort Worth, Grace, Wine
by David Donalson photos by Jackee Donalson
As my wife and I were going up the escalator in the Westin Hotel to enjoy our first experience at the 2nd Floor, I knew this was going to be good. Clos Pegase brought the wine and J Chastain and Scott Gottlich brought the food and I brought my appetite. If you have not been in the Second Floor, it is a beautifully modern bar with an 8 page scotch menu, including tasting flights! For that reason alone Second Floor earns a return visit, especially on a guys night out. But I did not come here for scotch, I came for wine. Continue reading
Filed under chefs, Crave, David Donalson, Events, fun with food, Rob Banes, Wine
by David Donalson
There is nothing more Texan than chicken fried steak. Everyone has their own personal favorites and it is a matter of personal pride. I have eaten more than my fair share as my waistline can attest to but there is a hidden gem in the Mid-cities area that may have my favorite, Raven’s Grille.
You may be asking where Raven’s Grille is hidden if it is as good as it looks (and it is)? Raven’s Grille is clubhouse restaurant of Texas Star golf course. Texas Star is an amazing course that may be the hardest course I have ever played in very limited experience. What could be better than waking up early and getting a round of golf in? Eating this chicken fried steak afterward. Continue reading
Filed under Chicken Fried Steak, David Donalson, Food, restaurant news, Wine
by David Donalson
This Tuesday, the Second Floor Bistro and Bar are going to be hosting one of my favorite wineries, Clos Pegase. Winemaker Richard Sowalsky and executive chef J Chastain will be working together for this 5 wine, 4 course meal. For my money, I always love it when there is more wine than food and for just $75, this is well worth the money. Just look at the menu: Continue reading
Filed under chefs, David Donalson, Events, fun with food, Wine
