by Steven Doyle
It is time once again for the Dallas Farmer’s Market Summer Chef Series. These marvelous cooking classes are no doubt the best deal in Dallas. Meet the chefs and learn fun cooking skills. The line-up this Summer is really special. Each class is scheduled from 11am to 1pm and costs $25 which is due the Thursday before the session, or $30 at the door. You may purchase the entire series for a very low cost of $110. Jump for the complete schedule. Continue reading
Filed under Steven Doyle
by Steven Doyle photos by Bryan Coonrod
The owners of Pecan Lodge, Justin and Diane Fourton, have been blessed. In 2010 they decided to leave their corporate jobs to take on their first restaurant and took up digs in Shed #2 at the Dallas Farmers Market. The plan was to recreate the same solid BBQ that Justin grew up on in Abilene, and mix in some terrific sides and fried chicken straight from Diane’s family table. It was slow going at first even though Justin was blazing a trail and highhandedly resurrected the Dallas BBQ scene. The love and expertise in which Justin throws down his succulent brisket, meaty ribs, and heavily sought after burnt ends is legend unto itself.
It probably didn’t seem like an over night success for the Fourton’s. In the beginning the foot traffic was not the same as it is today at the downtown farmers market. That all came after a few key television appearances, specifically on the Food Network’s Guy Fieri circus, Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives. Although Fieri is abrasive, his audience is loyal and soon queued up around the building for a taste of what the Fourton’s knew to be the best BBQ around. And it is. Continue reading
Filed under Bryan Coonrod, Steven Doyle
by Steven Doyle
I had a pretty good conversation with Justin Fourton, co-owner and BBQ Magistrate at Pecan Lodge, last week at the conclusion of Meat Fight. We discussed the possibility of Pecan Lodge moving out of its current location at the Dallas Farmers Market. He asked where I thought he was moving to and I said good money was riding on Deep Ellum. He confirmed off the record, and said that it made the most sense. He wanted a venue where he could host large parties and do more with the brand that just shovel out delicious BBQ.
Today we were sent a release from Diane Fourton (Boss Lady), and the cat is now officially out of the bag. Deep Ellum is indeed where Pecan Lodge will move to, making that section of Dallas even stronger. Don’t forget, these guys also make some of the best fried chicken in the state. Continue reading
Filed under Steven Doyle
by Steven Doyle
It is time once again for the Dallas Farmer’s Market Fall Chef Series. These marvelous cooking classes are no doubt the best deal in Dallas. Meet the chefs and learn fun cooking skills. The line-up this Fall is really special. Each class is scheduled from 11am to 1pm and costs $25 which is due the Thursday before the session, or $30 at the door. You may purchase the entire series for a very low cost of $110. Jump for the complete schedule. Continue reading
Filed under Steven Doyle
by Steven Doyle photo by Robert Bostick
As the Lakewood community continues its growth a few new and familiar Dallas area restaurants have staked claim on some highly visible real estate. Interesting enough the new restaurants are being careful to keep things interesting enough for the neighborhood, and even giving the new spots a warm enough feel that will give an impression that the restaurants have always belonged to their new digs.
There are two particular burger outlets that will give pause to the local fan. Liberty Burger should be open very soon and co-owner Mariel Street is staying clear of any semblance of being a chain. Even though there are currently only two of the burger restaurants, we know there are plenty on the way including the Dallas Farmers Market. Continue reading
Filed under Burgers, Steven Doyle
by Steven Doyle
To celebrate National Farmers Market Week, this weekend, Aug. 10 and 11, Chipotle will be at the Dallas Farmers Market until noon handing out $10 currency tokens redeemable for produce at the market to the first 250 market-goers who visit the Chipotle tent. Farmers then redeem the tokens to receive the full cash value, a win-win.
Chipotle will also be providing “Grow Your Own” cilantro seed packets and Chipotle recipe cards for classic menu items like its famous guacamole and salsa, plus a buy-one, get-one card, good for a free entrée with the purchase of any burrito, burrito bowl, salad or tacos at any area Chipotle location. Continue reading
Filed under Dallas Farmers Market, Eat Me, Free is Fabulous, Steven Doyle
by Steven Doyle
Last night I checked out the Friends of the Dallas Farmers Market Hoedown which took place at the Food and Fiber Building at Fairgrounds. The evening is an annual event to raise awareness and funds for the Dallas Farmers Market. The friends are a group of local people that take great interest in supporting the market and use the money raised throughout the year to take care of needs that go unfinished by the city due to budget restraints.
One of the city’s outspoken leaders for many projects in the city, Ida Paper, set her sights on the farmers market and was a founding member of the Friends. It was Ida, along with cheese-making pal Paula Lambert, who began the chef classes at the market. She recruited Jim Severson who for many years lined up the talent for each of the classes. These classes helped the Friends turn a profit and brought in folds of interested people to the market each week. Continue reading
Filed under Dallas Farmers Market, Steven Doyle
by Steven Doyle
The Dallas Farmers Market Friends announces the 18th Annual Hoedown, to be held on Thursday, November 8 at Fair Park’s Food & Fiber Pavilion. The annual fundraiser benefits the Dallas Farmers Market and highlights the best of local food from Dallas’ top restaurants, Texas’ best wines and foods from local producers.
The annual fundraiser is particularly special this year, as farmer J.T. Lemley will be honored for his long-time commitment to the Market. Lemley, who farms in Canton, Texas has been a regular face at the Dallas Farmers Market for almost 40 years, selling his legendary tomatoes and produce to many local chefs and restaurants, who in turn utilize his namesake in the naming of their dishes. Continue reading
Filed under Dallas Farmers Market
