Catherine Downes

Searching for the Best Nachos in Dallas

Simple in premise but with endless variations in execution, behold the nacho. When done properly, a plate of nachos becomes an act of excavation, a work of edible archaeology. We set out to explore some of the more interesting nachos in and around Dallas, and so we present the Nachodyssey. Here we w ... More >>

Pop Diners, Cinco De Mayo and a Slew of Restaurant Openings in This Week's Wrap

We had a busy week at the CoA. Scott Reitz endured some bad karaoke at Pop Diner at in Uptown. No matter what the T-shirts may say, pulling off good food is sometimes easier said then done. Unless you're drunk, then who cares? Exactly ... We covered some solid Cinco de Mayo festivities and 10 happ ... More >>

Poll: Which Dallas Observer Writer is a "Snarky, Superior, Angry Bitch?"

Hang on to your hats, everybody, because I'm about to give you a super-duper exciting glimpse into the inner workings of the Dallas Observer. We get a lot of email from our readers. Some of it comes directly to our various email addresses, but a lot of it goes to a general account. (I have no idea w ... More >>

Here are the Scarborough Reniassance Festival Musicians' Favorite Modern Bands

30 miles south of town there is a mini fortress wall, and once you buy your ticket and walk through its portcullises, the Scarborough Renaissance Festival awaits. It's a magical land, where the bacchanalia of 1533 (mead poured into horns!) meets the bacchanalia of 2013 (deep fried macaroni and chees ... More >>

Bowl and Barrel Plates Up Amazing Dogs

Have you checked out Bowl and Barrel yet? The upscale boutique bowling alley got a lot of attention when it opened late last year. Sharon Hage is responsible for the menu some of the resulting dishes are very good. See also: Watch Your Wallet At Bowl & Barrel Just take a look at this "kraut dog," ... More >>

Six of the Best Mom and Pop Restaurants

I love small, family owned restaurants. You do too. The quaint dining rooms and original menus make for lasting memories while affordable prices make it possible to return again and again. Here are some of the best mom and pop restaurants in Dallas. Los Torres Taquería (pictured above) This small ... More >>

Ascension's Iced Coffee Will Leave You With Some Chilly Jitters

If you've spent any time at the coffee counter at Ascension, you've likely noticed the large glass contraption that sits just behind the register. It looks a little like a science experiment, with an upper reservoir that holds chilled water, a middle section that holds coffee beans, a cascading spir ... More >>

Brian Zenner of Belly & Trumpet on Dinner in Thailand, Bruno Davaillon, Chef-Driven Dining and the Best Time for Cheap Tacos

Chef Brian Zenner of Belly & Trumpet in Uptown has been around a bit. Born in Bangkok, his family moved to Dubai and London before finally settling in Texas. And while on paper his culinary career started at the Texas Culinary Academy, one might say the cooking wheels started churning on a dock in T ... More >>

Six New Brunch Spots For Your Weekend Recovery

Dallas certainly knows it's way around a brunch. What use to be an occasion-driven affair, has taken on the role of a more casual, sobering three-hour revival. With Dallas' always-expanding restaurant population, here are some new spots you should consider. Jack's Southern Comfort Food There's one ... More >>

The LOT is Now Open in East Dallas

The LOT (7530 E. Grand Ave.), located off the Santa Fe Trail in the enormous space that once housed the Backyard Beach Bar, opens its doors to the public today. The East Dallas restaurant and beer garden is the product of some serious teamwork; restauranteur John McBride (El Fenix), food consultan ... More >>

Belly & Trumpet is Open on McKinney with Shared Plates and Cocktails (Photos)

McKinney Avenue, the vein that cuts through Uptown and supplies all connected to it with endless varieties of bars and restaurants, has a new offering for its people: Belly & Trumpet. Miles away from the New York City-modeled, gourmet hot dog purveyor The Bowery that sat in its place mere months ago ... More >>

What To Do if You Forgot To Make a Valentine's Day Dinner Reservation

I know you. You're the guy who's crowding the Target card aisle last minute, sifting through the leftover cards and trying to find something clever that resonates with the way you feel about your one true love. You're going to pick up fresh flowers after, right? Except the florists have all been wor ... More >>

20 Feet, Dead Twinkies And The Greek: This Week In Dallas Dining

This weather is just odd. I find myself craving things like morel mushrooms, asparagus and spring peas as of late, even though I've not nearly gotten my fill of braised lamb and other hearty winter dishes. I wonder if the recent warm weather indicates anything about the coming summer. If it does I a ... More >>

Dallas' Five Best Biggest Gut Busters

Gut bombs frighten me. I have enough of a food handicap because of my line of work, but professions aside, I'm not so good with self control when it comes to eating. I've been known on more than one occasion to follow the Louis C.K. school of consumption mechanics: I don't stop when I'm full, I stop ... More >>

10 Reasons You Absolutely Shouldn't Make Losing Weight a New Year's Resolution. For the Sake of Baby Seals, Don't.

1. Bikini season: The guy in the Southern Comfort commercials, which encourages us to do "Whatever's Comfortable," is making us reconsider "sexy." It's working. Let it happen.

The Ten Most-Read City of Ate Stories of 2012

With only a few days left in the year, I decided to hit our reporting software and see what you guys clicked on most in 2012. The last time I did this, bikini-clad women made more than one appearance in my year-end list. This year you guys have proven yourselves nothing but a bunch of cheap-ass drun ... More >>

I Saw Who Killed Lucky Cat At Royal China On Chrismas Day

The tradition has nothing to do with my roots but I've made it my own. Every Christmas Day that I find myself alone, I assemble a loosely coupled family of other orphans in need of holiday plans. Some can't work out the logistics required to navigate crowded airports and rental cars, and some just c ... More >>

My Favorite Dishes Of 2012

It's list season, in case you haven't heard. I was going to spend today blogging about my top lists of the most listy time of year, but I decided I'd just point to what's been my favorite list so far. See also: Our Favorite Dallas Dishes of 2012 You probably recognize the dishes. I ate my way thr ... More >>

The 10 Most Porny Dallas Food Photos of the Year

First thing's first: If you're sick of the phrase food porn, or screaming-mad from the plethora of dense, decadent, NSFW photos of burgers with steamy cheese and fluffy doughnuts lightly dusted with cinnamon-sugar, then please for the love of Jesus turn away. This post is not for you. Well, hey, w ... More >>

A Journey Through the Dallas Observer Music Awards Showcase in 12 GIFs

Before Tuesday, which is when we'll be handing out the Observer music awards at House of Blues (with our emcee, comedian Paul Varghese, the Cannabinoids, Lucero and more), we'd like to present some GIFs. They're from photographer Catherine Downes, who was roaming the streets of Deep Ellum and captur ... More >>

The Perfect Burger Bun: Hunting Dallas' Best Handmade Buns

The bun of a hamburger is what draws me in. In terms of burger dynamics, it's your workhorse, a testament to the amount of love in the burger-maker's labor. A slather of soft butter followed by a soft sizzle on a well-seasoned grill can resuscitate even a languid bun. Delicate crumbs form a gently ... More >>

Prevention: Velvet Taco's Ultimate Hangover Remedy

Everyone has their own hangover cure they love to gush about, but they all suck. Most involve a greasy meal, something hydrating, and if you're lucky, a nap, but while they may temporarily cause the worst symptoms to abate for a short time, inevitably, you're eventually right back where you started: ... More >>

Two Ways To Find Value At Mughlai, One Of Dallas' Best Indian Restaurants

I can't figure out why Indian food isn't more popular. Of all the cuisines to enjoy, it has the most character, most complexity and most diversity. A southern Indian curry flavored with coconut and heat is nothing like the rich meat stews from North India, and dishes from East India incorporate uniq ... More >>

City of Ate Dominates Cedar Hill Enchilada-eating Contest

In every eating contest, there comes a moment when I suddenly realize just what I'm doing. It usually follows a particularly difficult bite, after I try to force down just a bit more than I can swallow and it rests against the back of my throat and I come this close to choking and coughing it across ... More >>

The DC9 at Night Crawl in Polaroids (Plus Video)

Thanks to everyone who came out to any part of last night's DC9 at Night Crawl. We had so much fun, we might just do it again next month. Here are a few shots from the Bermuda Triangle of drunkenness: Single Wide, the Granada and Beauty Bar. Read our review of the killer El-P show here, and check ... More >>

The DC9 At Night/Good Records Challenge #2: The Mohicans

Aaaand we are back with the second DC9 At Night/Good Records Challenge. Once again, we're making a sport out of shopping for art, finding any excuse we can to create our own version of Supermarket Sweep. For those who don't remember the rules, we give our favorite artists and Dallas personalities $5 ... More >>

A Rare Look Into the Depths of a Musician's Fanny Pack

Waaaay back before the twin forces of 35 Denton and SXSW happened, we at DC9 had the idea to snap photos of what was in fans' bags, to see what people brought with them to festivals and hopefully not come off as creepy purse-peepers. The idea came to me years ago when, sitting at a bar, I saw a woma ... More >>

Photos From 35 Denton: The Jesus and Mary Chain and Ty Segall

The Sad State of the Dallas Doughnut

Like many food writers I'm sure, I've been watching Pulitzer-winning Jonathan Gold's transition from the LA Weekly to the Los Angeles Times closely. The death of the star system at the daily publication has gotten a lot of attention, too, but it's Gold's first blog post that has invoked deep introsp ... More >>

Things Overheard During the Shepard Fairey DJ Set

Catherine Downes​If you're like me, you wondered what exactly Shepard Fairey would spin at Saturday's Dallas Contemporary Phenomenon event. Sadly, Tuvan throat singing and Icelandic death metal were not in the cards. Instead, it was sort of like being at a really fun wedding reception: House o ... More >>

303 Bar and Grill is Open in Oak Cliff, and Its Namesake Special Will Eff You Up (Photos)

All photos by Catherine Downes.The 303 special.​303 Bar and Grill opened last Friday, and by the following Sunday afternoon people were packed into the Oak Cliff joint, eating, drinking beer and watching football. The restaurant is located in an old, renovated house on West Davis and Madison; ... More >>

Over the Weekend: Blackstone Rangers and Kiwi Sisters Blackout 2826 Arnetic

Blackstone Rangers, Kiwi Sisters, Jakkk-E-Chan 2826 Arnetic Saturday, January 7 Better than: Playing Christian Death albums alone in the dark. Dallas Distortion Music, a fairly new catchall site for DFW's weirder sounds, hosted this triple-header at 2826 Arnetic Saturday night. I'd just missed op ... More >>

The Winter Cocktails of Dallas

All Photos by Catherine DownesMarquee Grill's Pomegranate Sling: Laird's Applejack brandy, sweet vermouth distilled in chai tea, lemon, simple syrup and pomegranate juice, garnished with three dried rosehips​ The holidays are here, and restaurants and bars around town have broken out their sea ... More >>

Thai-Rrific is Open on Cedar Springs (Photos)

"Rainbow cake" ​Thai-Rrific closed its longstanding North Dallas location and opened its doors on Cedar Springs last month, where Hung Dinger used to live. The first thing I noticed walking into the restaurant was a refrigerated case full of multicolored cakes. The green tea and "rainbow" ca ... More >>

Here Are Some Photos of the V Spot

All Photos by Catherine DownesHouse-made arugula fettuccini with basil, cherry tomatoes and pistachio pesto​Dallas welcomed yet another sexual double-entendre named eatery to the scene on Wednesday: the V Spot Vegan Café. I paid a visit to the tiny space, wedged between the Pearl Cup and We ... More >>

The Food of the Greek Festival (Photos)

​Greek Fest was a plate-smashing success this weekend. Saturday around noon there was a sizable but fast moving line that ushered people into a courtyard that reeked of savory, delicious lamb. The weather was warm, but there was a stiff breeze and a tent provided some shade for those who wante ... More >>

Introducing SugarBox, Uptown's Newest Dessert and Coffee Bar (Photos)

All Photos by Catherine Downes​Friday night marked the grand opening of SugarBox, Dallas' newest dessert and coffee bar. The sweet shop -- located under the Mondrian apartments where Dimples Cupcakes used to live, at 3000 Blackburn Street -- boasts a broad selection of cupcakes, French macaron ... More >>

The "Meat and Potatoes" at Macho Nacho Left Us Too Soon

Catherine Downes​Macho Nacho, located at Cedar Springs and Throckmorton, opened its doors in April, and has since been through some big changes. The menu has been altered several times, and items are constantly being added and taken away as the restaurant gauges which things work and which on ... More >>

Herrera's Mexican Café Opens New Location on Fitzhugh

Catherine Downes​The original Herrera's Mexican Café was located on Maple Avenue, right across the street from Observer HQ, where the lovable Grapevine Bar now resides. Amelie Herrera opened the restaurant in 1971, and it's been a popular spot for Tex-Mex in Dallas ever since, featured in a 1 ... More >>

Central 214's VIP (Very Important Pet) Party. Quite Possibly the Cutest Dinner-Party, Ever.

Catherine Downes​Last night, Central 214 hosted their VIP (Very Important Pet) Pooch Patio dinner-party with proceeds benefiting Operation Kindness. Naughty Chef Blythe Beck made the rounds with her rescue pup, Sheriff Brown, in tow. "This is a great turn out, I feel so blessed," Beck said, as s ... More >>

Coal Vines Off-Menu Pizza Strikes a Vein

Catherine Downes​Sure, any pizzeria somebody walks into technically offers off-the-menu items; the chefs will sprinkle some cheese and random toppings on a pie and voila! This being said, we weren't on the hunt for elusive eats when we met some friends for pizza at Coal Vines in Uptown last week, ... More >>

The Porch Offers An Off-The-Menu Trifecta of Deliciousness

Catherine Downes​ The Porch is home to numerous off-menu items, what with their enormous, constantly changing blackboard, seasonal drinks and items that can be altered to suit diners' needs. Finding elusive bites at the trendy Henderson Avenue location wasn't a problem for us; the trouble was dec ... More >>

Lisa Loeb Tells Us How She (Selfishly) Got Into The Eyewear Game.

Catherine DownesLisa Loeb performed at Jack's Backyard in Oak Cliff last night.​Last night, we had the chance to sit down with Dallas' Own '90s pop sensation Lisa Loeb for a few minutes before she played to a packed outdoor crowd at Jack's Backyard in Oak Cliff. And, literally, we really do mean t ... More >>

Our Critics' Year-End Top Tens: Catherine Downes Hails Nine Inch Nails' Pretty Hate Machine Re-Release

In this week's paper, you may notice a piece including some of our DC9 writers' choices for best albums of the year. But, space being limited, we couldn't run all of our writers' lists. So, thanks to the power of the Internet, we're doing just that, right here.​The mind behind our DC9er mixtape ... More >>

Giveaway: Three Pairs of Tickets to Tomorrow Night's Islands Show at The Loft

Last time Islands came through the region--way back in October, for a gig at Rubber Gloves in Denton--our very own Catherine Downes chatted up frontman Nick Thorburn/Nick T./Nick Diamonds about the band's group dynamic with the return of his old Unicorns bandmate Jamie Thompson into the writing fold ... More >>

Giveaway: Two Pairs of Tickets to See The Psychedelic Furs at the Granada of Thursday

You can't read Catherine Downes' take on the Psychedelic Furs's stop through the Granada Theater on Thursday night just yet--it's in this upcoming weeks' paper, and that sucker ain't out yet. But because I'm in a pretty decent mood this afternoon, here's a taste: Unlike many of their peers who rode ... More >>

Giveaway: A Pair of Tickets to Tomorrow Night's Camera Obscura Show at Hailey's

In this week's Observer, Catherine Downes talks Camera Obscura shop in advance of the band's Denton stop on Saturday night at Hailey's. Should be a good one, Downes writes, explaining that the band "was set for nothing less than indie splendor from the beginning." She gets into specifics, too:Camera ... More >>

Giveaway: A Pair of Tickets To Tomorrow Night's Yeasayer Show at the Granada

Tomorrow night at the Granada Theater, the ever-buzzing Yeasayer will offer up a sure-to-be-well-attended headlining performance in support of its latest release, Odd Blood. The disc, however is a bit of a departure for the band--more poppy than its 2007 debut and breakthrough All Hour Cymbals, that ... More >>

Weekend Roundup: Peaches, Rascal Flatts, Quest Crew, And A New Dallas Dance Craze?

Per our Monday tradition, a few clips of some shows you may have missed this weekend...Peaches on Friday, June 12, at the Granada TheaterRaunchy dance icon Peaches rolled through town on Friday night--and it was quit the show, says reviewer Catherine Downes. Need more proof? Check this nice, clean v ... More >>

Giveaway: Three Pairs of Tickets To Tomorrow Night's Crystal Castles Show At The Granada

In this past week's print edition, Observer dance music junkie Catherine Downes checked in to say this about Crystal Castles:A mishmash of borrowed and new, topped off with a trendy garnish, Crystal Castles' synth-thrash is unpredictable and, at times, sporadic--but most definitely worth checking o ... More >>