The best appetizers aren’t the ones with the longest ingredient lists. They’re the ones where two or three things are genuinely good and nobody got in their own way trying to do too much. Here are three that look like they came out of a real kitchen and actually take almost no skill to pull off.
Continue readingFiled under Steven Doyle
Few things embody the essence of New Orleans’ culinary sophistication like the char-grilled oyster. This dish, an elevated iteration of the humble oyster, is not merely food but an experience—one that blends the briny sweetness of fresh Gulf oysters with the deep, smoky allure of an open flame. The ideal char-grilled oyster is an exquisite union of textures: tender and plump within, slightly crispy and golden on the outside, infused with a rich medley of butter, garlic, herbs, and spices. It is an indulgence that lingers on the palate, a perfect marriage of earth, sea, and fire.
Continue readingFiled under Steven Doyle
The weather forecast calls for the possibility of freezing rain in North Texas. Time to hunker down to a fine bowl of soup, either at home, or out and about for the brave. Either way, we’ve got you covered.
Tortilla Soup simply screams Dallas, and the king of the Tortilla Soup is none other than Dean Fearing who picked up the task while serving as Mess Sergeant at The Mansion on Turtle Creek. We have witnessed the making of this soup, and let’s just say it is far easier to mosey into the Ritz-Carlton than actually produce the soup yourself. However, if you wish to attempt the recipe, we list it at the bottom of this article.
Filed under Crave, Steven Doyle
Gin, with its storied past and complex botanical profile, stands as one of the most versatile spirits in the world. Born in the Netherlands during the 16th century, gin was originally conceived as a medicinal elixir. Known as “genever,” it was distilled with juniper berries, which were believed to have healing properties. The drink’s popularity soared when British soldiers brought it back home, where it evolved into the gin we know today. Over centuries, gin has maintained its allure, with its crisp, aromatic character lending itself to countless cocktails, from the classic martini to the effervescent gin fizz.
Continue readingFiled under Steven Doyle
It’s a crowded field of tequilas that span global mass-market brands and small-batch artisanal labels, yet Pezuña Blanca stands apart as a spirit rooted in tradition, terroir, and a clear sense of purpose. At its heart, Pezuña Blanca is a tequila that bridges the old and the new—born from traditions as enduring as the red volcanic soils of the Amatitán Valley, yet crafted with precision and intention suited to the contemporary palate.
Continue readingFiled under Joey Stewart, Steven Doyle
We are not in the habit of sharing recipes, minor exception might be cocktails, but this is so good we couldn’t resist.
Few aromas are as evocative of the holiday season as warm ginger, cinnamon, and cloves drifting from the oven. Gingerbread has been a beloved treat for centuries, tracing its origins to 11th-century Europe where preserved ginger was combined with honey or syrup to create sweet, spiced cakes. By the 16th century, gingerbread had become popular in England and Germany, often shaped into intricate figures or elaborately decorated for festive occasions. Its combination of warming spices and rich molasses makes it an ideal treat for the cold winter months, evoking a sense of comfort and nostalgia with every bite.
Continue readingFiled under Steven Doyle
When the sun is blazing, conversations stretch long into golden evenings, and the backyard beckons with its promise of grilled food and lazy laughter, the only thing missing is the perfect summer cocktail. It should be something refreshing yet complex, light enough to sip under the sun but layered enough to hold its own as the stars come out. Whether you’re mixing a single drink for a quiet moment on the porch or preparing a pitcher for an impromptu gathering of friends, this is a cocktail that captures the essence of summer in every glass.
Continue readingFiled under Steven Doyle
Winter brings with it a certain charm: crisp air, cozy nights, and festive gatherings. It’s the perfect time to sip on something comforting, warming, and packed with flavors that evoke the season. The ideal winter cocktail should embody the essence of these elements—rich, warming, and sometimes even a little spiced. Think cinnamon, cloves, citrus, or dark spirits like whiskey and rum, which offer depth and warmth to fight off the chill.
Continue readingFiled under Steven Doyle
