Tag Archives: Things to do in Dallas

by Steven Doyle | February 3, 2014 · 11:51 am

Stephan Pyles’ Stampede 66 Tastes Like Texas

photo by Robert Bostick

by Steven Doyle

There are few restaurants in the Dallas area that speak to its Texas roots as Stephan Pyle’s restaurant Stampede 66 located in its sprawling digs as big as Texas itself in the tony base of the Park 17 on the southern most cusp of Uptown. Here you will witness a sultry West Texas big sky as you dine on refined vittles under the moonlit caricature Pyles has created. Nothing is business as usual in the Pyles world; instead things are larger than life as honorably displayed on large platters of fried chicken oozing honey, or v-shelved tacos filled with rich and meaty brisket or delicately fried Gulf oysters.

Stampede is where locals and tourists alike get to play JR Ewing to a fanciful version of chicken fried steak. Executive Chef Jon Thompson calls this menu “Modern Texan”, but we call it dinner. Things are kicked up a few levels at Stampede as evidenced by the shrimp and grits dotted with a largish sphere of condensed shrimp broth that is to be macerated in the bowl to create this explosive flavor bomb. An unusual touch that begs for another bite. Continue reading →

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Tagged as Chicken Fried Steak, Chili, Dallas, Restaurant, Stampede 66, Stephan Pyles, Texas, Things to do in Dallas

by Steven Doyle | January 31, 2014 · 10:33 am

Chinese New Year Feast At Caravelle

chinese_new_year by Steven Doyle

Celebrate the Chinese New Year in grand fashion this Sunday, February 9, 2014 from 5 to 8pm at Caravelle Restaurant, 400 N. Greenville Avenue in Richardson. This fourth annual event is hosted by Nelson Hsu who will explain the customs behind the New Year, and special prizes will be given out. Enjoy a 8-course feast with a cost of $40 per person, drinks and wine included. Dallas HuaYun Traditional Chinese Music Orchestra (GLCS), the premier Chinese music orchestra in Dallas will be performing as well. This event will sell out so grab your seats now. Look at this wonderful menu: Continue reading →

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Tagged as 2014, Caravelle, Chinese New Year, Dallas, Feast, Things to do in Dallas

by Steven Doyle | January 31, 2014 · 9:12 am

Celebrate Chinese New Year At The Crow In Dallas

chinese_newyear by Mark Demming

Say goodbye to the Year of the Snake and celebrate the Year of the Horse at the Crow Collection’s signature Chinese New Year festival. With a crowd expected to surpass last year’s record-breaking 10,000 guests, this horse-themed extravaganza expands the festival’s footprint across Flora with an elevated stage area featuring must-see performances every half hour, expanded food and beverage offerings including food trucks down Harwood Street, and over a dozen specialty booths featuring art activities, delightful surprises such as a fortune-telling Truth Booth, and live miniature horses.

Plus, for the first time, an exclusive indoor VIP hospitality lounge will be accessible for Friends of the Crow Collection. If you are already a member, you may RSVP at rsvp@crowcollection.org to secure easy access for the dragon dance, fireworks, and more. The event is Saturday, Feb 1 10am to 6pm at Crow Collection of Asian Art 2010 Flora St., Dallas Check the full schedule of exciting events below. Continue reading →

It Takes A Village To Make This Burger

by Steven Doyle

Village Burger Bar opened its fourth location on Inwood in north Dallas just recently, and I stopped in yesterday for a look – and a taste. I had been to the location in West Village numerous times and always appreciated the skinny fries and what Jules Winnfiled would call a “tasty burger”. But there is so much more to Village than burgers, and it emanates from the talented hands of its chef-owner Susan Matta. While husband Mike Matta is tops when it comes to brand development, it is Susan that makes her way around the kitchens creating new ideas and flavors.

The Matta duo opened their first location in West Village back in 2005. Susan Matta explains, “Our business model is simple. I am the chef/co-owner and responsible for the menu development along with all recipes. I acquired my passion for food and cooking from my mother and grandmother. Mike is the co-owner/business and brand developer. In his spare time he is also a commercial pilot.” Together they make a great team that allows each of them to express their individual creativity and work to bring their customers the best product possible. Continue reading →

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Tagged as Burger, Dallas, Hamburger, Things to do in Dallas, Village Burger Bar

by Steven Doyle | July 25, 2013 · 8:07 am

Two Wine Finds With A Quirky Name

by Andrew Chalk

What do you do if the rest of the world calls you a frog and thinks that you are arrogant just because you have the best shrug? If you are French winemaker Jean-Claude Mas you turn the joke back to them with a wine that displays a refined idiosyncrasy and calls itself The Arrogant Frog.

The importer just delivered bottles of their 2011 vintage. The red, a ”Cabernet Sauvignon – Merlot” blend with 55% Cabernet Sauvignon, and a Chardonnay. Both come from France’s beautiful Languedoc region on the Mediterranean and both come in screw cap bottles. These are unprepossessing wines in name and packaging but surprisingly refined in taste. Good winemaking makes a good value wine for $10. Continue reading →

Your Guide To The Taste Of Dallas

by Steven Doyle

It is plenty hot outside which means it is time to check out the 2013 edition of the Taste of Dallas at Fair Park this weekend. This year promises a few new attractions, and we have them all listed below. Several of the attractions and gate admission can be purchased in advance at the Taste of Dallas website. this is always a fun event that shouldn’t be missed. Continue reading →

Walking Food And Historic Tours Of Uptown

by Steven Doyle

Tours are a fantastic way to see a city and get a bite of what the food and culture is all about. Starting June 9, 2012 Food Tours of America announced that they will be begin Walking Food Tours in Uptown on McKinney Avenue and West Village. These food tours will last approximately 2.5 hours with brief, scenic walks between tastings.

The Uptown Dallas Food Tour offers participants an insider’s view of Dallas’ most pedestrian-friendly areas with a special focus on interesting local In addition to generous tastings at several hand-picked eateries, each narrated walking tour includes historical attractions and anecdotes as the trained guides whisk pedestrians around the streets of Dallas. Continue reading →

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Tagged as Dallas, Food Tours of America, Things to do in Dallas, Uptown, Walking Tour