by | July 28, 2025 · 8:20 am

The Measured Sip: A Tasting of Five Noteworthy Tequilas

In a spirits market increasingly dominated by trend-driven releases and celebrity endorsements, a quiet discipline still exists for those who seek tequila not for spectacle, but for precision. True tequila—made exclusively from Blue Weber agave and crafted in the heartlands of Jalisco—merits attention sip by sip. I recently sat down with five distinct expressions, from blancos to añejos, and allowed each to unfold without distraction. What follows is not a ranking, but an honest evaluation—an attempt to understand what each bottle communicates when stripped of marketing, mixers, and noise.

Continue reading →

Leave a comment

Filed under Steven Doyle

Tagged as , , , , , , ,

by | July 25, 2025 · 4:13 pm

Gemma: A Refined Oyster and Champagne Destination on Henderson Avenue

At Gemma, oysters are elevated to the centerpiece of the dining experience. Each shell arrives elegantly presented, offered with a finely shaved granita—a vinegar-laced, subtly floral ice that melts across the oyster’s brine, enhancing rather than masking its natural salinity. This approach replaces conventional mignonette decoration with chilled precision, allowing the oyster to remain the star.

Continue reading →

Leave a comment

Filed under Steven Doyle

Tagged as , , , , , , , ,

by | July 25, 2025 · 1:25 pm

Legend Cole’s French Dip in LA Closing after 117 Years

Cole’s French Dip opened its doors in 1908, back when Los Angeles still smelled like horse sweat and the newspapers were full of train times and oil claims. The bar sat at the base of the Pacific Electric building, back when red cars ruled the city and the idea of “downtown nightlife” meant whiskey and card games, not rooftop DJs. Cole’s was the kind of place built to outlast fashion. And for more than a century, it did.

Continue reading →

Leave a comment

Filed under Steven Doyle

Tagged as , , , , , ,

by | July 25, 2025 · 12:09 pm

Hendy’s on Henderson Is the Neighborhood’s New Standard

Hendy’s is the latest concept from This & That Hospitality, known for shaping much of the social landscape along Dallas’s Henderson Avenue. Replacing Sfuzzi, the short-lived revival of a once-iconic ‘80s hangout, Hendy’s embraces the present with a focused culinary identity and a polished, easygoing atmosphere. This & That partners Brandon Hays and Phil Schanbaum have joined forces with Chris Carpenter and Cote Bona to reshape the space and direction. With Chef Peja Krstic—best known for his acclaimed work at Mot Hai Ba—guiding the culinary program, Hendy’s aims for more than nostalgia. It’s a recalibration built around depth, seasonality, and neighborhood relevance.

Continue reading →

Leave a comment

Filed under Steven Doyle

Tagged as , , , ,

by | July 25, 2025 · 6:00 am

Nora Middle Eastern Returns with New Space, New Twist

A Dallas favorite is making a comeback: Nora Restaurant and Bar, the acclaimed Middle Eastern spot from chef-owner Matt Pikar, will reopen this fall at Sylvan Thirty, taking over the former Whisk Crepes space at 1888 Sylvan Rd.

Nora previously operated for six years in Bishop Arts before closing in May when its lease expired. That location—once home to an incarnation of Afghan Grill Pikar opened in 2007—will soon house Elia, a Greek restaurant from the team behind Selda Mediterranean.

Continue reading →

Leave a comment

Filed under Crave

Tagged as , , , , , ,

by | July 25, 2025 · 4:13 am

How to Do Social Media Marketing for Your Restaurant: 6 Proven Tips

In today’s digital-first world, social media marketing has become essential for restaurants looking to attract new customers and stay top of mind. With visually rich platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok, showcasing your food and dining experience can directly impact customer decisions. A well-planned social media strategy helps you build brand awareness, drive foot traffic, and engage with your local community.

Continue reading →

Leave a comment

Filed under Crave

by | July 24, 2025 · 3:44 pm

Mastery Without Pretense: The Cuisine of Salum Restaurant

In Uptown Dallas, Salum Restaurant is one of the city’s most quietly commanding dining rooms—defined not by showmanship but by food that consistently delights. Abraham Salum, both chef and owner, is the driving force behind each meticulously composed dish. Raised in Mexico City with Lebanese-Italian heritage, Chef Salum trained at the New England Culinary Institute, then honed his skills across France, Belgium, Mexico, and the United States. Before opening Salum in 2005, he served as Executive Chef at Dallas’s Parigi, building a culinary résumé grounded in international technique and bold precision.

Continue reading →

1 Comment

Filed under Steven Doyle

Tagged as , , , , , , ,

by | July 24, 2025 · 2:55 pm

The Luxe Escape of Domaine des Étangs

Domaine des Étangs in Massignac, France, isn’t just a resort—it’s a living, breathing landscape of serenity, art, and ultra-refined rural luxury. Sprawled across 2,500 acres of meadows, forests, and lakes in the Charente countryside, this 11th-century château has been meticulously restored and reimagined into a destination that feels more like a private dream than a typical hotel. The grounds include only seven château suites and six farmhouse cottages, so the experience is deeply personal, never crowded. A floating tennis court and sculptural surprises around the estate lend a whisper of whimsy to the otherwise tranquil, nature-first setting.

Continue reading →

1 Comment

Filed under Steven Doyle

Tagged as , , , , , , , , ,