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Blogs
March 31, 2011
Peticolas Brewing Company Chooses Site, Requests Rezoning
From Peticolas Brewing Company's Facebook pageMichael Peticolas' microbrewery is a step closer to opening, as he applied March 14 for a zoning change to request the creation of "a new subdistrict that will allow for the manufacture of alcohol," according to the wording on his zoning change applic ... More >>
Blogs
March 29, 2011
Sigel's Discounts Mysterious Cheap Wines
Sigel's is readying to put its 90 Cellars wines on sale, making the label Time recently described as a "magical combo" of good wine and cheap prices an even better deal. 90 Cellars, the subject of a feature story in The Boston Globe this week, has been garnering attention for its unique bu ... More >>
Blogs
March 22, 2011
Starbucks Cap'n Crunch: Why? Because Meth is Illegal, We Guess.
Starbucks has been roasting and serving coffee for 40 years now, and has picked up a few extra menu items along the way. One such creation, which has become a staple item for the company, is the blended, frozen, dessert-in-a-cup, known as the Frappuccino. The blended treat has been all the ... More >>
News
March 17, 2011
Texas Craft Liquor Makers Belly Up to the Bar to Challenge Kentucky Bourbon.
Starbucks has been roasting and serving coffee for 40 years now, and has picked up a few extra menu items along the way. One such creation, which has become a staple item for the company, is the blended, frozen, dessert-in-a-cup, known as the Frappuccino. The blended treat has been all the ... More >>
Blogs
March 17, 2011
Savor Dallas Rolls Into Town This Weekend
Sara KerensSavor Dallas 2010If you've had the kids home this week during spring break, it's time to reward yourself with a little adult time, and by that we mean a few glasses of wine -- or more. You'll have all weekend to get your drink on at Savor Dallas, and here's a taste of what you'll ... More >>
Blogs
March 1, 2011
Texas Wine Industry Considers Identifying Best of the Bunch
Texas wine enthusiasts seeking a better way to convey to consumers which local wines deserve their attentions are broaching the possibility of creating a wine quality program. Russ Kane, a wine writer who's moderating a panel on wine quality at this week's Texas Wine and Grape Growers Associ ... More >>
Blogs
February 23, 2011
Sommeliers Choose Their Favorite Texas Wines (So the TDA Doesn't Have To)
The Texas Department of Agriculture is compelled to promote all the permitted wineries in Texas, a mandate that doesn't resolve the thorny issue of how to address varying degrees of quality within the industry. But a recent event proposed by industry members has allowed the department to di ... More >>
Blogs
February 22, 2011
Another National Day of Drinking (with Stronger Alcohol!)
Our advice: Don't order a margarita larger than a Big Gulp without a little help from your friends.If you didn't get a chance to celebrate National Drink Wine Day last Friday, then you have another chance to have an extra happy happy hour today. Yes, folks, it's time to for another national ... More >>
Blogs
February 22, 2011
Houston Beer Lovers Plan Dallas Extravaganza
The organizers of Dallas' first-ever Beer Week say the city's lack of microbreweries has proven to be a selling point in luring leading craft brewers here for the November event. "Because there aren't a lot of local breweries here, other breweries stand a chance," Cathy Clark explains. "Brew ... More >>
Blogs
February 17, 2011
Scotch-Happy Sigel's Pours on the Hootch
news.icanhascheezburger.comSigel's is giving customers 68 opportunities to challenge their assumptions that they don't like Scotch. There's almost always a tasting happening at Sigel's, but a release touting next Wednesday evening's event at the 5757 Greenville Ave. store caught my attention ... More >>
Blogs
February 16, 2011
Peticolas Brewing Company Sets Sights On Dallas Location
Deep Ellum Brewing Company looks to be on pace to be the city's first non-brewpub microbrewery, but it may not be the only one for long. Attorney and homebrewer Michael Peticolas was looking into investing in a new brewery in another city. Yet the more he investigated, the more he wondered why Da ... More >>
Blogs
February 9, 2011
Stir Coffee's First Barista Jam Bodes Well for Dallas' Coffee Future
With more than 20 college-age folks milling about the packed parking lot in front of Stir Coffee just before 5 p.m., it was easy to spot the location of Monday night's barista jam. Especially for those who, like Roasted, had yet to pay a visit to Stir Coffee, Dallas' new coffee-centered coffee s ... More >>
Blogs
February 4, 2011
Chill Bubble Tea Joins with Crow Collection to Instruct North Texas About Trendy Drink
Fans of bubble tea consider their favorite beverage an everyday drink, but a local purveyor's seizing the opportunity provided by the Chinese New Year to expose more potential customers to the trendy tea. Chill Bubble Tea, a Chicago-based company with four locations nationwide, is partnering ... More >>
Blogs
February 3, 2011
My Loko Night: Testing Black-Market Original-Formula Four Loko
First they came for Sparks, and I didn't speak out because I didn't drink Sparks.Then they came for Four Loko, and I didn't speak out because I didn't drink Four Loko. Then they came for Moonshot '69, and I didn't speak out because I didn't drink Moonshot '69. Then they came for...well, nothing y ... More >>
Calendar
January 27, 2011
Lap It Up
First they came for Sparks, and I didn't speak out because I didn't drink Sparks.Then they came for Four Loko, and I didn't speak out because I didn't drink Four Loko. Then they came for Moonshot '69, and I didn't speak out because I didn't drink Moonshot '69. Then they came for...well, nothing y ... More >>
Blogs
December 31, 2010
Beers Of The Year
Don't criticize it.Overall, it's been another great year for beer, at least from my perspective here in North Texas. If I didn't suspect reader list burnout, I could probably do another top 10 piece on the best developments of the past year, and even another on things I'm most looking forward to ... More >>
Blogs
December 28, 2010
Cocktails: So, You Think You Can Mix One Better Than Your Bartender?
At many fine 19th-century restaurants, it wasn't unusual for diners to deviate significantly from the printed menu. Since it was assumed the chef stocked his larder with the same eggs, cheeses and vegetables that appeared in nearly every hoity-toity restaurant kitchen, eaters could reasonably ... More >>
Blogs
December 22, 2010
Newest Menu Items at Leading Chains Not Designed for Teetotalers
Corporate kitchens are continuing to add wine and spirits to their dishes, apparently angling for sophistication and increased perceived value. Olive Garden is now pushing a pasta dish with shellfish "sautéed in white wine" and a stew "simmered in light white wine." Red Lobster's developed ... More >>
Blogs
November 29, 2010
Cross Timbers Winery Sangiovese: Bloody Good
With Saucy Italian Fare
Just as most people recognize pinot grigio, chances are good that if you ask someone to name an Italian red grape varietal it will be sangiovese. Or perhaps chianti, which was certainly popular back in the day, when many a mom-and-pop Italian eatery sported a straw-covered bottle of chianti a ... More >>
Calendar
November 18, 2010
Hey, Hey, Beaujolais
Just as most people recognize pinot grigio, chances are good that if you ask someone to name an Italian red grape varietal it will be sangiovese. Or perhaps chianti, which was certainly popular back in the day, when many a mom-and-pop Italian eatery sported a straw-covered bottle of chianti a ... More >>
Blogs
November 16, 2010
Is Texas the Sleeping Giant
Of the Cocktail World?
Pity those drinkers who were in search of an expertly made cocktail last night: All of the state's best mixologists were gathered on the pool deck at the Joule, drinking daiquiris and cheering on participants in the North Texas Bartenders Guild's Legacy Cocktail Competition. Sponsor Bacardi ... More >>
Blogs
November 15, 2010
San Martino Tempranillo Reserve: Tasting an Up-and-Comer
Along with malbec, Grenache, and cabernet franc, tempranillo is viewed by oenophiles as one of the up-and-coming red grapes in today's wine scene. It is often called the "noble grape" of Spain, and is used as the base for that country's magnificent Rioja reds. Almost black in color, temprani ... More >>
Blogs
November 11, 2010
Liquered-up: Holiday Treats for the Non-Frat-House Set
Grandma always said she bought Jagermeister during the holidays for cooking, not body shots. Yeah, right.Sigel's in Addison is putting together a line-up of liqueurs for its upcoming Holiday LiqueurFest that's rarely seen outside frat houses. The store's serving Baileys, Kahlua, Jagermeister ... More >>
Blogs
November 8, 2010
Khatter Vineyards: Want More Than a Bottle? Buy the Vineyard.
If you are familiar with Parker, Texas, at all, doubtless it's because of Southfork Ranch, home to JR Ewing and his fictional clan from Dallas. But while the symbol for the Ewing empire might be the oil well, the signage for Parker's only winery features the peacock. You see, when Jay and Ca ... More >>
Blogs
November 4, 2010
Wales Manor Picnic Meritage: A Drink for Tailgaters
Once the home of bedroom communities and sleepy suburbs, Collin County is finally starting to mature and develop its fine wining and dining scene. Nowhere is this more apparent than the county seat of McKinney, where any bright and cheery weekend has visitors hard pressed to find available pa ... More >>
Blogs
November 3, 2010
Deep Ellum Revival Soon To Include City's First Microbrewery
The passing of two wet/dry propositions yesterday isn't the only good news for local beer lovers. Deep Ellum Brewing Company, Dallas' first microbrewery, is on course to open by April or May of next year. In fact, owner John Reardon just had his final conference call with suppliers earlier this m ... More >>
Blogs
November 2, 2010
To Drink Beer is Divine: St. Arnold Releases
Its English Barley Wine
This is officially old news in Houston, but Dallas drinkers have been surprisingly quiet on the topic of St. Arnold Brewing Company's Divine Release No. 10. The Houston brewery annually releases an English barley wine, tweaking the recipe each year. It arrived at major groceries and select p ... More >>
Blogs
November 1, 2010
San Martino Winery: A Fine Place to See Red -- But Only Red
When you think of wine-making countries in Europe, most people naturally assume France and Italy have just about cornered the market. Indeed, Italian and French wines are known around the world as standard-bearers of the tipple craft for centuries. However, more and more people are being drawn to ... More >>
Blogs
October 26, 2010
55 Degrees: Just Right For Malbec,
Just Not Enough of It
From the outside, 55 Degrees Wine Bar & Bistro doesn't appear to be anything special. Just the name on the rather dingy double-decker strip mall announces its presence, and there is no patio. Inside, however, is quite another matter. Sofas, comfy armchairs, and coffee tables greet you when yo ... More >>
Blogs
October 26, 2010
How 'Bout Them Wineboys? (At Least Some Texas Competitors Had a Good Monday Night.)
There's no dispute that Texas trounced New York in last night's Grape Gridiron Classic, a Texas Department of Agriculture-sponsored competition featuring wines from both states. What's debatable is whether it was a fair fight. "You guys killed us, and we deserved it," Albany Times-Union wine ... More >>
Blogs
October 25, 2010
Times Ten Cellars Cabernet Franc:
A Gentler Cab Ride
Cabernet Sauvignon is probably the most famous red varietal in the world, so much so that if you were to walk into any bar and say, "I'll have a cab," the bartender will assume you mean Cabernet Sauvignon and act accordingly. These days, however, another cab is being called more frequently by ... More >>
Blogs
October 14, 2010
For Experimental Beer Flavors, We're Callin' In Twisted Pine Brewery
All photos by Jesse HugheyThough you may not have known it, as the brewery's products are carried by fewer than 20 retailers and pubs in the area, Boulder, Colorado's Twisted Pine Brewery has made its way into North Texas. In Dallas, you can find Twisted Pine brews at Pogo's, Trinity Hall or the ... More >>
Blogs
October 4, 2010
Texoma Winery Punches Humble Ruby Cab's Dance Card
texomawinery.comPeople aren't the only ones who suffer through hot Texas summers. Grapes feel the scorch as well, which means the state's not the place to produce varietals that wither in the heat. After years of stubborn experimentation with Pinot Noir and other delicate grapes, the Texas wi ... More >>
Blogs
October 4, 2010
So Three Cabs Walk Into a Wine Garden...
For those of us who visit the State Fair, it's worth braving the Midway to revisit old favorites and discover new delights. As I reported last week, my wining companion and I were particularly pleased to find the Go Texan Wine Garden, a little Hill Country-esque oasis of vino, music and sanity near ... More >>
Blogs
September 30, 2010
Drink Up, You Cheap Winos
You've heard of Two Buck Chuck? How about three-buck Wink? The $2.99 Winking Owl Merlot is found exclusively at Aldi, the deep discount grocery store. Bottled by Gallo, it's a thoroughly respectable little bottle of grape with hints of cherry and other sweet fruits. I dare you to put it on t ... More >>
Blogs
September 29, 2010
Go Texan Winery Passport Program: Drink and Be Rewarded--But with What?
The other day on City of Ate, my colleague, Hanna Raskin, bemoaned the state of the Go Texan Restaurant Week, one of the numerous programs designed by the Texas Department of Agriculture to spur interest and business in our state's food industry. She noted that only seven restaurants in Big D sig ... More >>
Blogs
September 28, 2010
What Wine Does One Pair with a Corny Dog?
Photo by Chris MeeseyThe State Fair of Texas makes it easy to find your way around Fair Park if you know how to use one of the handy free maps handed out at the entrance gate. If you wish to find the Go Texan Wine Garden, for example, merely mosey a ways down the Esplanade, turn left at Inter ... More >>
Blogs
September 28, 2010
A Shoot Off The Vine: Sampling McPherson Cellars' Viognier
Winemaking is a laying-on-of-hands tradition, a passion that is often passed down from generation to generation. Most often, the children, grandchildren and other family members will stay with the core brand, further refining and developing its tipples and making it better. Occasionally, one ... More >>
Blogs
September 23, 2010
Dallas Pizzerias Have Trouble Matching
Wines and Pies
Winemakers trying to woo Americans more comfortable with cola than Cabernet tend to lard their labels with extraordinarily user-friendly language: "The perfect wine for afternoons spent with friends," a description might read. "Enjoy with hamburgers or pizza." The problem is not every wine i ... More >>
Blogs
September 20, 2010
Unexpectedly Exciting Shiraz From Messina Hof
Messina Hof winery in Bryan is the second-most visited tourist attraction in Brazos County. The winery has a restaurant, bed-and-breakfast and an annual guest tally of more than 250,000 eager oenophiles Messina Hof is said to be the most award-winning Texas winery in national and internation ... More >>
Blogs
September 7, 2010
Dry Comal Creek Bottles Up
Something Really Dry
Once known for making inconsistent, if not downright weedy wines, Texas winemakers have been slowly but surely improving quality as the vineyards become established, the vines get older, and the winemakers themselves receive better education, training, and practice in their craft. Also, learn ... More >>
Blogs
August 30, 2010
Llano Estacado Vintner's Selection Signature Red Meritage
Meritage or Claret? What's the difference? Typically, both terms refer to Bordeaux-style blends, heavy on the Cabernet Sauvignon and/or Merlot, with one or more of the regions classic blending grapes added for body, spice and completeness. Most fans of Argentinian reds would be surprised to l ... More >>
Blogs
August 25, 2010
Why Are Local Booze Slingers So Ignorant About America's Drink?
I earned my culinary education south of the Mason-Dixon Line, so my insufferable food snobbery centers on slaw dogs and sorghum syrup. And bourbon. Especially bourbon. While I'm not a stickler for fancy, small-batch bourbon -- I think Evan Williams' Black Label is terrific -- I do care more ... More >>
Blogs
August 23, 2010
Remember the Alamo: Mission San Antonio De Valero Sauvignon Blanc
In 2008, Fall Creek Vineyards in tiny Tow, Texas, released a couple of wines with a mission. They dedicated their 2007 Sauvignon Blanc and 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon harvests to help raise money and awareness for much-needed restoration of the Mission San Antonio de Valero (aka The Alamo). Spec ... More >>
Blogs
August 23, 2010
Big Tex Will Go All Texas With Wines
At State Fair
Kroger has pulled out as a wine garden sponsor at the State Fair of Texas, taking its West Coast wines with it. With the Texas Department of Agriculture left as sole sponsor of the wine tasting and teaching space, all of this year's featured wines will come from Texas. Jeff Siegel, who will ... More >>
Blogs
August 17, 2010
Grapes of Wrath: Too Much "Texas" Wine,
Too Few Grapes Threaten Lone Star Vintners
Here's a romantic scene: Two wine connoisseurs in love pack a basket with cheese and crackers, roll down the roof on a rented convertible and spend the day zigzagging the scenic, hilly roads between Texas' newest wineries. But by the second or third stop, the young couple begins to grow crab ... More >>
Blogs
August 16, 2010
From Sir With Love: Pairing Pizza with Fuqua Merlot
One Dallas winemaker is so good at his craft, he was knighted by the French. In 1992, Lee Foster Fuqua was made a member of the Ordre Ducal de la Croix de Bourgogne (Cross of Burgundy) in Dijon, France. He is one of fewer than 100 Americans to be inducted into the order. Impressive. Even ... More >>
Blogs
August 16, 2010
Do It Uruguay: South American Wines Ready
To Make Splash in the States
Argentinian wines make good sense in Texas. Like Texas, Argentina is big and dry and hot. Most important, it's a beef-eating country -- the average Argentinian annually eats more than 150 pounds of beef -- and the wines are made to pair with steak. But the leaders of a session on South Amer ... More >>
Blogs
August 12, 2010
BYOB: Taking a Guided Tour
Of Grapevine's Wineries
North Texas has "poor clay soil, high humidity and really warm nights," in the words of a tour guide at Delaney Vineyards, but that hasn't stopped a few entrepreneurs from trying to jump start a wine tourism boom in Grapevine. Grapevine, home to seven wineries, has hosted an annual wine fest ... More >>
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