Our server knew something was wrong at five paces. “A little too much whipped cream?” he asked with an ambiguous smirk that either indicated he thought we were fools for chancing another course after a disappointing meal or he’d grown accustomed to the kitchen’s clumsiness. In any case, he was…
You know the story. First pig builds house of straw, wolf blows it down, second pig builds his house of sticks, wolf blows it down. Smart Pig #3 builds house of bricks, and wolf huffs and puffs with all his might and can’t blow house down, so smart pig survives…
When I went to Rio, I became obsessed with drinking Caipirinhas. You can find them in Dallas almost anywhere they have cachaca on hand. But I found a new obsession in St. Kitts, which should be much easier to get, called the Caipiroska. The only difference between the two is…
On Christmas Eve across Santa-revering areas, many little tykes put on their jammies and set out a plate of treats and (usually) a glass of wholesome milk (or perhaps, cider) for Mr. Claus to nibble on. This, of course, is in appreciation of the gifts he’ll stuff in their stockings…
Each week City of Ate will give you the lowdown on a local happy hour in Quittin’ Time, with the details and why you should or shouldn’t take up the featured bar or restaurant on its drink specials.Where: Brackets, 5300 E. Mockingbird Lane, Suite 100 (at the Palomar, Mockingbird and…
Craft-beer bar chains are nothing new. As a matter of fact, they might be the most beloved chains of all. Relatively small in size, like local fave Flying Saucer, they offer a consistent quality par excellence. When I learned from my brother-in-law in Florida that a craft-beer restaurant-bar chain, The…
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 a new chardonnay-grilled shrimp, T.G.I.Friday’s…
One of the most memorable moments from the beloved movie A Christmas Story is the Chinese restaurant scene. Because of the holiday-friendly business hours, Chinese restaurants and Christmas seem to go hand-in-hand for many people across any culture. So, regardless of if a pack of overly excited dogs stampede your…
For most eaters, scrutinizing food means checking to make sure the lettuce in their salad’s clean and their steak’s not overly fatty. Scientists, of course, take a more rigorous approach, using microscopes, MRI scans and sophisticated chemical testing to determine exactly what people are eating — and why it matters…
Poor breakfast, it’s the most overlooked meal during the holidays. Sure, you’re having a huge lunch or dinner, but you’re going to need something to nibble on while the kids unwrap presents and trash the living room. Go to Sur La Table today for a do-ahead holiday breakfast class at…
In Tampa’s historic Seminole Heights neighborhood, one of bungalows and art deco buildings and neighbors who know neighbors and care for each other, a white bus has stalled permanently. Owned by Rene Valenzuela, a Mexico native and veteran taquero, the Tampa Taco Bus offers Northern Mexican fare, including tacos, to…
Dairy Queen Blizzards retail for about $4. But the ice cream chain’s willing to give you a frozen treat for free if you’ll just wrangle a live reindeer and bring it to a participating store on December 24 from 1 p.m.-3 p.m. “We’ve put out the call for fans to…
2010 was supposed to be kamut’s year. Industry watchers in 2009 predicted the wheat-like grain associated with King Tut would ride a celiac wave to greatness this year, sharing American pantries with papadum and coconut-milk pancake mix. The big news? It didn’t happen. But there were a number of foods,…
I recently had occasion to look up a menu from a town where I used to live, and was startled by how ostentatiously it flaunted the region’s culinary biases. The menu was so obviously issued by a restaurant in this particular town that I’m pretty sure I could pick it…
When I decided to pit boxed fudge against homemade fudge, I saw it as a way to repent for all those meals made from Bisquick and Stove Top. I pictured myself in front of my stove, delicately stirring a pot of sugar syrup to avoid scorching and sugar crystals. I…
So you’ve probably spent your whole paycheck on gifts for the kids and now you’re looking for ways to save some cash. Rather than going on the McDonald’s dollar menu diet, check out our list of the best Tuesday food specials. 5. It’s not often you get rewarded for social…
I found myself on a bibimbap bender last week after my friend Sam had recommended two of his favorite restaurants in Koreatown. In the spirit of holiday overindulgence, I felt justified in visiting both places in the same week…and I’m glad I did. Dallas’ Koreatown can be tricky. There’s so…
Tiffany Derry, the former Top Chef contestant who was left unemployed when Go Fish Ocean Club closed last month, has accepted the executive chef position at a new uptown restaurant. Derry is now developing the menu for Private Social, the first restaurant from longtime Dallas wedding industry professional Andy Austin…
For those fortunate enough to have airline-club access this busy holiday traveling season, the question must be asked: Why is the food selection at DFW-based American Airlines Admirals Club Lounges so shoddy? When it comes to American Airlines, penny-pinching is no longer exclusive to baggage fees and on-flight services. Domestically…
Each week, Happy Eating will highlight a different restaurant happy hour food menu, keeping you informed of what deals there are out there. This week we seek refuge from the holiday shopping at La Duni. Where: La Duni Latin Kitchen and Coffee Studio in NorthPark Center. When: 4-7 p.m daily…
On Benihana’s website it asks: “What did you do last night?” Well I have two additional questions. When was the last time you ate at Benihana? And when was the last time you went on a business lunch disguised as a blind date? My answer to the first question is…
One of the best invitations I’ve received this year was an e-mail beckoning me to College Station for the founding of Foodways Texas. Now, you too have the opportunity to support the organization, as august a group of chefs, food writers, scholars, fishermen, pitmasters, chuckwagon cooks and enthusiastic eaters that’s…
