Tag Archives: review

by | May 16, 2025 · 5:02 pm

Williams & Humbert, Don Zoila Pedro Ximenez, Spain – Sherry

The W&H Don Zoila Pedro Ximénez is a luxurious dessert sherry that exemplifies the rich heritage and craftsmanship of Spain’s Jerez region. Produced by Williams & Humbert, a family-owned winery established in 1877, this sherry is crafted from estate-grown Pedro Ximénez grapes cultivated in the esteemed Pago de Balbaína and Pago de Carrascal vineyards.

These vineyards are part of the Jerez Superior zone, known for its unique terroir that imparts distinctive characteristics to the grapes. The winemaking process involves sun-drying the grapes for 15 days, pressing them to extract concentrated juice, fortifying to 18% alcohol, and aging the wine for 15 years using the traditional solera system. This method blends younger wines with older ones, creating a harmonious and complex profile.

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by | March 21, 2025 · 11:27 am

Retro Film Review: North by Northwest (1959)

Alfred Hitchcock’s North by Northwest is a cornerstone of mid-20th-century cinema, blending suspense, adventure, and psychological intrigue into a perfectly executed narrative. Released in 1959, the film captures Hitchcock at the height of his directorial prowess, featuring a star-studded performance by Cary Grant, a memorable score by Bernard Herrmann, and a plot that has left an indelible mark on the thriller genre.

In this article, we will examine the character study of the film’s protagonist, Roger O. Thornhill, break down the plot, explore its significance during its release, and discuss why North by Northwest remains relevant today.

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by | August 21, 2024 · 11:49 am

Old Film Review: Strangers on a Train

We look back at old films and take a closer look at what it would be like to read a film review as if it were to premiere today. Why review old films you say? First, we dispense with all the noisy chatter of the time and second, it is easier to review after having watched the film 90 times. Plus, we just enjoy old films, particularly Hitchcock films.

Alfred Hitchcock’s Strangers on a Train (1951) is a masterclass in suspense, showcasing the director’s genius for blending psychological complexity with visual storytelling. Based on Patricia Highsmith’s novel, the film explores the terrifying consequences of a chance encounter between two strangers who propose to “swap murders” in a diabolical plot. This movie is a quintessential Hitchcock thriller, packed with tension, dark humor, and unforgettable set pieces that continue to influence the genre today.

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by | September 29, 2014 · 9:03 am

Love the Band, Deal with the Venue: Southside Music Hall

southside1by Jon Daniel

Location

The Southside Music Hall is part of the Gilly’s entertainment complex on Lamar Street just southeast of downtown Dallas. It’s a 15 minute walk (about a ½ mile) from the Omni Hotel, and 23 miles from DFW Airport. Despite what the Gilley’s website says, it is not “three blocks” from the Omni. The venue also includes The Loft which is a smaller venue. I’ll review The Loft at a later date.   Continue reading →

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by | March 26, 2014 · 10:54 am

Review: Pliny the Elder

pliny1by BrianWall

Every now and then, it comes to pass that luck holds an outstretched hand in your favor. This doesn’t happen often and it seems to be at the most unlikely of times. It never occurs when the Powerball is in the hundreds or when you see the flashing lights in your rear-view when the road is clear and you decided to bump it up ten miles over the limit. It did shine a bit of light on me recently.

At my full time job, I took a couple classes and the instructor was from Northern California. I chatted with her and discovered we had a common interest in craft beers. Her boyfriend got her involved in the craft beers and I explained my flare at doing home brewing. After enough discussion, we talked about Pliny the Elder, one of the best IPA’s on the market but only distributed to the West coast and Pennsylvania. She made a phone call to her man and before I could express my gratitude, she informed me there were three bottles in transit to me.

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by | February 17, 2014 · 2:21 pm

Beer Review: Southern Tier Crème Brulee

s tierby Brian Wall

The title is not a typo. There is actually a beer called that. Southern Tier Brewing Company from Lakewood, New York is the subject of sampling this week. Southern Tier opened its doors and vats in 2002 and has given us some decent beers but the most notable would have to be the Pumpking, an Imperial Pumpkin Ale. They offer a good selection of year-round beers and some seasonal series as well. This beer was something completely off the normal grid of expectations.    Continue reading →

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by | June 13, 2013 · 3:11 pm

Review: Mot Hai Ba

interior2 MOT HAI BA web versionby Steven Doyle

Mot Hai Ba, the new East Dallas hot spot which is the latest entry into Vietnamese dining is hitting its stride to a packed house each night as guests clamor to sample Jeana Johnson and Colleen O’Hare cuisine. Having spent much time carousing in the Southeast Asian country, Chef Johnson told us last night that this was as authentic as you will ever find in the Dallas area. We readily agree.

The flavors that the chef duo bring to the plate is dining s you might enjoy in Vietnam. The afternoon service is gilded much like you would find on the streets of Hanoi. Quick bites including a very tasty banh mi spread thick with pate and roasted pork on a crisp yet relenting bun, and a rich version of pho.   Continue reading →

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by | April 26, 2013 · 2:47 pm

The Judge’s Table: Urbano Cafe

urbanoby David Indorf

Under the able hand of Chef Ke’o Velasaquez, Urbano Café grew into one of the city’s dining meccas, a not-so-well-kept secret among Dallas foodies.  Affable owner Mitch Kauffman and his capable staff keep the tiny space humming in a swirling but efficiently choreographed ballet, the restaurant’s intimate interior lending itself to not infrequent exchanges of BYO wine bottles between tables populated by strangers.  The noise level can be difficult at times, but diners don’t go to Urbano for pinky-out dining; they go for impeccably prepared food that never fails to satisfy.          Continue reading →

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