Come rub shoulders with the man who loves to rub shoulders (usually pork, but sometimes human) this Thursday evening. John Tesar will step down from his meaty throne for Foodiepalooza, a benefit to raise money for the East Dallas Boys and Girls Club. Tesar will be on hand in order to promote his donations to the cause, including a six-person "meat tasting extravaganza" at Spoon. Participants can also mingle with pastry chef Katie Kennedy and chef Grant Morgan of The Ranch at Las Colinas as they nosh on everything from smoked chicken hash sliders to brisket quesadillas. Tickets start at $65 and sponsorship opportunities start at $1,000. Possible verbal tirade from Tesar: priceless.
What it be: Foodiepalooza
When it do: 7-9 p.m. Thursday, September 25
Where dat is: Times Ten Cellars 6324 Prospect Ave.
Literacy and alcohol have enjoyed a long-standing fellowship. Just ask Hunter Thompson or O. Henry or pretty much any writer, ever. The tradition continues with Lakewood Brewing Company and nonprofit reading advocacy group Room To Read, who are teaming up to present Booktoberfest. It's the same 'toberfest you've come to know and love -- with plenty of sausage and beer -- but with the added fun of literacy! All funds raised will go to local Read-a-Thons or toward the purchase of books for libraries overseas. Tickets are $18 in advance or $25 on the day of.
What it be: Booktoberfest
When it do: 6:30-9:30 p.m. Thursday, September 25
Where dat is: Lakewood Brewing Company, 2302 Executive Drive, Garland
What would a wrap-up of weekly food events be without mentioning everyone's favorite excuse to consume hydrogenated fat? That's right, the State Fair of Texas. You'd be crazy to go on opening weekend, but then again, you'd be crazy not to. After all, you wouldn't want to miss the opportunity to be one of the first people to try the Fried Sriracha Balls, Deep-Fried Texas Bluebonnets (oh yeah, caramelize that state icon) or the Chicken-Fried Loaded Baked Potato. Hell, why not try all three? Because America.
What it be: Texas State Fair
When it do: Friday, Sept, 26, 2014 - Sunday, October 19, 2014.
Where dat is: 3921 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
Dallas will be in short supply of vowels and Windex this weekend as the annual Greek Food Festival takes place. In exchange for their appropriation of A's and O's and U's, vendors will offer festival-goers things on skewers, wrapped in grape leaves or drenched in honey. From souvlaki and loukoumades to spanakopita and tiropita, there will be lots of food on hand to help get you into that Opa! state of mind. New this year are of Feta Bites, which consist of "panko crusted feta cheese, fried golden brown and served with a side of roasted fig jam or orange marmalade glaze." Admission is $6 for adults, free for children 12 and under. Proceeds go to the Holy Trinity Church.
What it be: Greek Food Festival of Dallas
When it do: 4-11 p.m. Friday, September 26; 11 a.m.-11 p.m Saturday, September 27, and 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Sunday, September 28
Where dat is: Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church, 13555 Hillcrest Road at Alpha.
The Bangarang Ball is slated to be one part quixotic gastronomic orgy, one part clown, shaken -- not stirred -- and strained through the sieve of J. M. Barrie. Local chefs Graham Dodds, Justin Box, Nicole Gossling, Scott Tobey and Mark Wootton will be dishing up a fantastical menu, including a whole roast goat, razor clam chowder, mushroom duxelles and duck confit and prickly pear hand pies. Deep Ellum Brewing Co. is bringing the beer (it's also BYOB), while WHISTLEPIG Whiskey will get Bangarangers liquored up with a house cocktail. There will also be art, but just mind the clowns (they won't shut up about the Bauhaus movement if you get them started). Advance tickets are $85.
What it be: Bangarang Ball
When it do: 6 p.m.-midnight-ish Sunday, September 28
Where dat is: Garden Café, 5310 Junius St.
