Wine, Women & Shoes is a charity event benefiting The Women’s Museum at Fair Park. Wine, Women & Shoes is comprised of three separate events that range in price from $45 - $275 depending on seating and whether you’re a member of the museum.
Rather than give you all the details, I will whet your appetite (pun included) with the names of the separate events and encourage you to visit the website for more information. This event is too rich for my blood (recession remember?) but I would love to hear about your experience if you go and would be grateful for any pictures.
Sip, Savor, and Learn
November 20th 6:30pm – 8:30pm
Sip & Shop
November 21st 11:30am – 1:30pm
Sip & Dine
November 21st 7pm
TIP: If you can afford to attend, I suspect this is going to be an excellent networking opportunity for any young (or not), ambitious woman. You never know who might be sitting on your left/right.
For more info:
http://www.winewomenandshoes.com/dallas.html
Showing posts with label dining. Show all posts
Showing posts with label dining. Show all posts
Thursday, November 13, 2008
Sunday, October 26, 2008
Hattie's Restaurant
418 Bishop Avenue
Dallas, TX 75208
Dallas, TX 75208
214.942.7499
If you are a member of Gen X or earlier, then you remember the TV sitcom “Cheers” and its theme song which said, “Sometimes you want to go where everybody knows your name, and you’re always glad you came.” The beer at Cheers was not any colder than anywhere else and the nuts were not any fresher, but none of that was the point. They went there because they wanted to feel a certain way – comfortable and familiar.
That is sort of how I felt after dining at Hattie’s in the Bishop Arts District this past Saturday. The food was just average but the restaurant itself was so full of light and air and simple elegance that I did not want to leave. Hattie’s serves up “fancified” versions of country favorites like catfish and fried chicken. I had pecan-crusted catfish with lemon butter sauce, mashed potatoes, and a veggie medley ($12.95). I ordered low country shrimp with bacon tobasco sauce on a grits cake for my mother ($13.50 I think). Neither of us was impressed with her meal; it was just dressed up country cooking. Still, I would go back because I felt good while I was there. The table cloths and cloth napkins made the experience feel like an indulgence in a world filled with “casual dining” restaurant chains and their booths and paper napkins (I’m looking at you Chili’s).
That is sort of how I felt after dining at Hattie’s in the Bishop Arts District this past Saturday. The food was just average but the restaurant itself was so full of light and air and simple elegance that I did not want to leave. Hattie’s serves up “fancified” versions of country favorites like catfish and fried chicken. I had pecan-crusted catfish with lemon butter sauce, mashed potatoes, and a veggie medley ($12.95). I ordered low country shrimp with bacon tobasco sauce on a grits cake for my mother ($13.50 I think). Neither of us was impressed with her meal; it was just dressed up country cooking. Still, I would go back because I felt good while I was there. The table cloths and cloth napkins made the experience feel like an indulgence in a world filled with “casual dining” restaurant chains and their booths and paper napkins (I’m looking at you Chili’s).
I know the place seems empty in the pictures, but they were about to close; lunch ends at 2:30pm.
Tuesday, August 12, 2008
Cretia's Flour and Flowers
215 W. Camp Wisdom Rd., Duncanville, TX 75116
No matter how old we get, how successful we become, or how fabulous we think we are, a visit to Grandma’s* house always brings us back down to earth. Perhaps it is because of the complete lack of pretense at Grandma’s house. Perhaps it is because of the decorum and ladylike behavior that Grandmas often require. Perhaps it is because of the lingering smell of vanilla and sugar that remind us of childhood – a time when words like “success” and “fabulous” had not yet entered our lexicon. For all these reasons, lunching at Cretia’s Flours and Flowers (Cretia’s) is like a visit to Grandma’s house: comforting and unashamedly ladylike.
When I crossed the threshold into Cretia’s, I was enveloped by soft pink hues and flower prints. Women’s hats perched on top of hat stands and wrought iron chairs had backs formed into hearts. The waitstaff was uncommonly polite and attentive and gave me the uneasy feeling that if my elbows rested on the table or if I spoke with my mouth full, it would definitely be noticed. I should point out here that I dined at the original Cretia’s in Duncanville. A second location has opened in the trendy Uptown area of Dallas. I suspect that the vibe at this location, “Cretia’s on McKinney” is totally different from its predecessor and requires a separate review.
My lunch was a simple spinach salad with blue cheese and strawberries, and half of a turkey and cheese sandwich on croissant. For dessert, I had an equally simple slice of vanilla cake. I did walk on the wild side with my tea selection. I chose some sort of Russian blend. None of my meal components was particularly remarkable or inventive, but they were enjoyable just the same. Remember, grandmas don’t try to impress; they’re too busy making you feel welcome and wondering why you haven’t visited in so long. The same is true for Cretia’s. Cretia’s makes you feel comfortable, feeds you well, and encourages you to stay as long as you like just like your Grandma would.
*or “Nanna” or “Me-maw” or “Big Mama” or “Granny”
Tip 1: Lunch is lighter fare: soups, sandwiches, and salad. It’s more “tea room” than restaurant.
Tip 2: Cretia’s is also a full-service bakery with a fantastic selection. My slice of vanilla cake, though simple, was positively scrumptious!
Tip 3: Though I’m sure Cretia’s values its male customers, it just seems to be a place more suited to women (at least during lunch anyway).
Tip 4: Do NOT click “Home” on the restaurant’s webpage. Doing so takes you to a page that I’m pretty sure isn’t written in English (at least that’s what happened at the time of this posting).
Visit Cretia’s online at http://www.cretias.com/restaurant.html
Have you been to the Uptown location? Tell me about it in the comments section!
No matter how old we get, how successful we become, or how fabulous we think we are, a visit to Grandma’s* house always brings us back down to earth. Perhaps it is because of the complete lack of pretense at Grandma’s house. Perhaps it is because of the decorum and ladylike behavior that Grandmas often require. Perhaps it is because of the lingering smell of vanilla and sugar that remind us of childhood – a time when words like “success” and “fabulous” had not yet entered our lexicon. For all these reasons, lunching at Cretia’s Flours and Flowers (Cretia’s) is like a visit to Grandma’s house: comforting and unashamedly ladylike.
When I crossed the threshold into Cretia’s, I was enveloped by soft pink hues and flower prints. Women’s hats perched on top of hat stands and wrought iron chairs had backs formed into hearts. The waitstaff was uncommonly polite and attentive and gave me the uneasy feeling that if my elbows rested on the table or if I spoke with my mouth full, it would definitely be noticed. I should point out here that I dined at the original Cretia’s in Duncanville. A second location has opened in the trendy Uptown area of Dallas. I suspect that the vibe at this location, “Cretia’s on McKinney” is totally different from its predecessor and requires a separate review.
My lunch was a simple spinach salad with blue cheese and strawberries, and half of a turkey and cheese sandwich on croissant. For dessert, I had an equally simple slice of vanilla cake. I did walk on the wild side with my tea selection. I chose some sort of Russian blend. None of my meal components was particularly remarkable or inventive, but they were enjoyable just the same. Remember, grandmas don’t try to impress; they’re too busy making you feel welcome and wondering why you haven’t visited in so long. The same is true for Cretia’s. Cretia’s makes you feel comfortable, feeds you well, and encourages you to stay as long as you like just like your Grandma would.
*or “Nanna” or “Me-maw” or “Big Mama” or “Granny”
Tip 1: Lunch is lighter fare: soups, sandwiches, and salad. It’s more “tea room” than restaurant.
Tip 2: Cretia’s is also a full-service bakery with a fantastic selection. My slice of vanilla cake, though simple, was positively scrumptious!
Tip 3: Though I’m sure Cretia’s values its male customers, it just seems to be a place more suited to women (at least during lunch anyway).
Tip 4: Do NOT click “Home” on the restaurant’s webpage. Doing so takes you to a page that I’m pretty sure isn’t written in English (at least that’s what happened at the time of this posting).
Visit Cretia’s online at http://www.cretias.com/restaurant.html
Have you been to the Uptown location? Tell me about it in the comments section!
Tuesday, July 29, 2008
Mmm Mmm Good
Christian Louboutin Shoes: $790
Gucci Dress: $1595
Gucci Clutch: $685
Dinner and drinks at the hottest, hippest newest restaurant in town: $200
Living Like a Celebrity:
A heck of a lot more than I can afford when gas is $4.20/gallon, milk is $4/gallon, and I live in a constant state of fear that I am going to be downsized on the job.
What’s a hot, hip, fashionable chic (of any age) to do? Maybe the Christian Louboutin shoes become Steve Madden. Maybe the Gucci dress and clutch become BeBe and Nine West respectively; BUT thanks to KRLD Restaurant Week, women (and men for that matter) can still dine at the hottest, hippest restaurants in Dallas like Nobu, N9NE Steakhouse, NOVE Italiano, and Cru for just $35/person from August 11-17, 2008.
$35 gets you a 3-course meal at participating restaurants (sorry, drinks not included so get liquored up before you leave home); and because every hot, hip, and fashionable chic needs a charitable cause du jour, you’ll be happy to know that proceeds from KRLD’s Restaurant Week benefit North Texas Food Bank in Dallas and the Lena Pope Home in Ft. Worth.
Reservations are an absolute must and they are going fast so don’t delay.
Visit http://www.krld.com/pages/2566177.php for a complete list of restaurants and to make your reservations.
Bon Appetit!
Have a favorite restaurant? Let me know about it in the comments section.
Gucci Dress: $1595
Gucci Clutch: $685
Dinner and drinks at the hottest, hippest newest restaurant in town: $200
Living Like a Celebrity:
A heck of a lot more than I can afford when gas is $4.20/gallon, milk is $4/gallon, and I live in a constant state of fear that I am going to be downsized on the job.
What’s a hot, hip, fashionable chic (of any age) to do? Maybe the Christian Louboutin shoes become Steve Madden. Maybe the Gucci dress and clutch become BeBe and Nine West respectively; BUT thanks to KRLD Restaurant Week, women (and men for that matter) can still dine at the hottest, hippest restaurants in Dallas like Nobu, N9NE Steakhouse, NOVE Italiano, and Cru for just $35/person from August 11-17, 2008.
$35 gets you a 3-course meal at participating restaurants (sorry, drinks not included so get liquored up before you leave home); and because every hot, hip, and fashionable chic needs a charitable cause du jour, you’ll be happy to know that proceeds from KRLD’s Restaurant Week benefit North Texas Food Bank in Dallas and the Lena Pope Home in Ft. Worth.
Reservations are an absolute must and they are going fast so don’t delay.
Visit http://www.krld.com/pages/2566177.php for a complete list of restaurants and to make your reservations.
Bon Appetit!
Have a favorite restaurant? Let me know about it in the comments section.
Tuesday, September 4, 2007
Update: Amuse Restaurant and Lounge
1326 South Lamar
Dallas, TX
214.428.7300
Restaurants in Dallas’s “southern sector” (please read between those lines) are pretty routine and predictable. You’ve got your classic fish, chicken, and BBQ joints. You’ve got a few chain restaurants, fast food places, cafeteria style restaurants, Chinese buffets, and a seemingly endless supply of taquerias. Residents of Dallas’s south side often travel to northern Dallas in search of something fresh and new. Thankfully, that’s starting to change. Exhibit A: Amuse Restaurant and Lounge.
Amuse is located just south of downtown Dallas across the street from the South Side on Lamar Lofts. I will admit, this location isn’t truly South Dallas but it’s a heck of a lot closer than Addison or Plano. Though the building itself is nondescript (a blue one-story building on a somewhat lonely street corner), the interior is alive with prompt, friendly waitstaff, an open kitchen, comfy, bronze-colored booths, and dark, distressed floors offset by sparkling wine glasses on every table. It’s definitely more than you might expect.
I popped in one Friday evening thinking I would choose something light from the dinner menu (like a salad) and was pleasantly surprised to learn that in addition to its lunch, dinner, and brunch menus, Amuse has a tapas menu as well. I tried the hummus (delicious) and the cheese plate (tasty), but the hit of the evening was the FREE (that’s right, FREE) seasoned pita bread (or is it flatbread?) that they provide. The bread is served fresh from the oven with some kind of pizza/marinara style dipping sauce. I have no idea what the recipe is; I just know that the pita bread is positively scrumptious. My companion and I had no shame in asking for basket after basket. Each subsequent basket was delivered with the same promptness and cheery smile as the first.
Amuse definitely gets my approval. I will have to go back for lunch/dinner to get the full experience, and I’m already excited by the variety of options on the menu. The only drawback is that Amuse is kind of pricey. The median entrée price for dinner is $17 (unless you’re ordering a sandwich or salad). BUT remember, the pita bread is free. So order something from the tapas menu and tell’em to keep the bread coming.
Update: I have now enjoyed the full dining experience at Amuse: endive salad with walnuts and blue cheese, shrimp cakes as my entree, vanilla bean crème brulee for dessert, and a cocktail in between. I can’t remember the last time I sent an empty plate back to the kitchen, but that’s exactly what I did Friday night. I would describe my dining experience as “controlled decadence” – decadent enough to feel self-indulgent, but not decadent enough to feel guilty about it.
Don’t Forget: There is a lounge and small bar located in the front of the restaurant. The cushy seating in the lounge invites you to linger over your cocktails making Amuse a nice place to grab a drink (or more if you have a designated driver) before a night on the town.
Tip: Try the Red Apple Martini. It’s perfection!
http://www.amusedallas.com/
Dallas, TX
214.428.7300
Restaurants in Dallas’s “southern sector” (please read between those lines) are pretty routine and predictable. You’ve got your classic fish, chicken, and BBQ joints. You’ve got a few chain restaurants, fast food places, cafeteria style restaurants, Chinese buffets, and a seemingly endless supply of taquerias. Residents of Dallas’s south side often travel to northern Dallas in search of something fresh and new. Thankfully, that’s starting to change. Exhibit A: Amuse Restaurant and Lounge.
Amuse is located just south of downtown Dallas across the street from the South Side on Lamar Lofts. I will admit, this location isn’t truly South Dallas but it’s a heck of a lot closer than Addison or Plano. Though the building itself is nondescript (a blue one-story building on a somewhat lonely street corner), the interior is alive with prompt, friendly waitstaff, an open kitchen, comfy, bronze-colored booths, and dark, distressed floors offset by sparkling wine glasses on every table. It’s definitely more than you might expect.
I popped in one Friday evening thinking I would choose something light from the dinner menu (like a salad) and was pleasantly surprised to learn that in addition to its lunch, dinner, and brunch menus, Amuse has a tapas menu as well. I tried the hummus (delicious) and the cheese plate (tasty), but the hit of the evening was the FREE (that’s right, FREE) seasoned pita bread (or is it flatbread?) that they provide. The bread is served fresh from the oven with some kind of pizza/marinara style dipping sauce. I have no idea what the recipe is; I just know that the pita bread is positively scrumptious. My companion and I had no shame in asking for basket after basket. Each subsequent basket was delivered with the same promptness and cheery smile as the first.
Amuse definitely gets my approval. I will have to go back for lunch/dinner to get the full experience, and I’m already excited by the variety of options on the menu. The only drawback is that Amuse is kind of pricey. The median entrée price for dinner is $17 (unless you’re ordering a sandwich or salad). BUT remember, the pita bread is free. So order something from the tapas menu and tell’em to keep the bread coming.
Update: I have now enjoyed the full dining experience at Amuse: endive salad with walnuts and blue cheese, shrimp cakes as my entree, vanilla bean crème brulee for dessert, and a cocktail in between. I can’t remember the last time I sent an empty plate back to the kitchen, but that’s exactly what I did Friday night. I would describe my dining experience as “controlled decadence” – decadent enough to feel self-indulgent, but not decadent enough to feel guilty about it.
Don’t Forget: There is a lounge and small bar located in the front of the restaurant. The cushy seating in the lounge invites you to linger over your cocktails making Amuse a nice place to grab a drink (or more if you have a designated driver) before a night on the town.
Tip: Try the Red Apple Martini. It’s perfection!
http://www.amusedallas.com/
Monday, August 13, 2007
Amuse Restaurant and Lounge
1326 South Lamar
Dallas, TX
214.428.7300
Restaurants in Dallas’s “southern sector” (please read between those lines) are pretty routine and predictable. You’ve got your classic fish, chicken, and BBQ joints. You’ve got a few chain restaurants, fast food places, cafeteria style restaurants, Chinese buffets, and a seemingly endless supply of taquerias. Residents of Dallas’s south side often travel to northern Dallas in search of something fresh and new. Thankfully, that’s starting to change. Exhibit A: Amuse Restaurant and Lounge.
Amuse is located just south of downtown Dallas across the street from the South Side on Lamar Lofts. I will admit, this location isn’t truly South Dallas but it’s a heck of a lot closer than Addison or Plano. Though the building itself is somewhat nondescript, the interior is alive with prompt, friendly waitstaff, comfy booths, dark woods, and sparkling wine glasses on every table. It’s definitely more than you might expect.
I popped in one Friday evening thinking I would choose something light from the dinner menu (like a salad) and was pleasantly surprised to learn that in addition to its lunch, dinner, and brunch menus, Amuse has a tapas menu as well. I tried the hummus (delicious) and the cheese plate (tasty), but the hit of the evening was the FREE (that’s right, FREE) seasoned pita bread (or is it flatbread?) that they provide. You’ve got to try this stuff. The bread is served fresh from the oven with some kind of pizza/marinara sauce. I have no idea what the recipe is; I just know that the pita bread is positively scrumptious. My companion and I had no shame in asking for basket after basket. Each subsequent basket was delivered with the same promptness and cheery smile as the first.
Amuse definitely gets my approval. I will have to go back for lunch/dinner to get the full experience, and I’m already excited by the variety of options on their menus. The only drawback is that Amuse is kind of pricey. The median entrée price for dinner is $17 (unless you’re ordering a sandwich or salad). BUT remember, the pita bread is free. So order something from the tapas menu and tell’em to keep the bread coming.
Dallas, TX
214.428.7300
Restaurants in Dallas’s “southern sector” (please read between those lines) are pretty routine and predictable. You’ve got your classic fish, chicken, and BBQ joints. You’ve got a few chain restaurants, fast food places, cafeteria style restaurants, Chinese buffets, and a seemingly endless supply of taquerias. Residents of Dallas’s south side often travel to northern Dallas in search of something fresh and new. Thankfully, that’s starting to change. Exhibit A: Amuse Restaurant and Lounge.
Amuse is located just south of downtown Dallas across the street from the South Side on Lamar Lofts. I will admit, this location isn’t truly South Dallas but it’s a heck of a lot closer than Addison or Plano. Though the building itself is somewhat nondescript, the interior is alive with prompt, friendly waitstaff, comfy booths, dark woods, and sparkling wine glasses on every table. It’s definitely more than you might expect.
I popped in one Friday evening thinking I would choose something light from the dinner menu (like a salad) and was pleasantly surprised to learn that in addition to its lunch, dinner, and brunch menus, Amuse has a tapas menu as well. I tried the hummus (delicious) and the cheese plate (tasty), but the hit of the evening was the FREE (that’s right, FREE) seasoned pita bread (or is it flatbread?) that they provide. You’ve got to try this stuff. The bread is served fresh from the oven with some kind of pizza/marinara sauce. I have no idea what the recipe is; I just know that the pita bread is positively scrumptious. My companion and I had no shame in asking for basket after basket. Each subsequent basket was delivered with the same promptness and cheery smile as the first.
Amuse definitely gets my approval. I will have to go back for lunch/dinner to get the full experience, and I’m already excited by the variety of options on their menus. The only drawback is that Amuse is kind of pricey. The median entrée price for dinner is $17 (unless you’re ordering a sandwich or salad). BUT remember, the pita bread is free. So order something from the tapas menu and tell’em to keep the bread coming.
Petrus Lounge
1217 Main Street
Dallas, TX
214.760.9000
I will admit it. On more than one occasion I’ve fantasized about living a perfectly glamorous, cosmopolitan life (a la Sheila E) filled with gallery openings, trendy eateries, and swanky lounges. Imagine my excitement when a friend of mine tipped me off to Petrus Lounge. Let me set the scene: located at the corner of Main and Field in downtown Dallas, Petrus Lounge offers its patrons four levels of glamour – an art gallery on level 1, a high-end restaurant called Luqa on level 2, a sexy club/lounge with plush couches and dark corners on level 3, and a rooftop deck/garden - complete with elevated “catwalk” and wishing fountain flowing beneath it - on level 4. This review concerns itself primarily with the restaurant on level 2 as the bulk of my time at Petrus Lounge was spent there.
At first glance, Luca has everything a hip, new upscale restaurant should have – good location, ambient lighting, covered tables with full place settings, waitstaff with European accents, and seating along glass walls so that you can be entertained by the goings on of the street below (and simultaneously be the envy of all who see you in return). Then, you open the menu and that’s where all the trouble begins and ends.
I went there for dinner Saturday evening. As with any good meal, I started with an appetizer – fried green tomatoes, a southern favorite. My appetizer arrived artfully arranged on a black marble tile – not a plate, not a tray, but a black marble tile not much unlike what you would find at a home improvement store. I immediately could have judged the restaurant to be pompous and unnecessarily pretentious, but instead, I reasoned that the restaurant was simply maintaining the artistic values of the gallery on the first floor. I took my first bite and it was all downhill from there. My fried green tomatoes were bland (to put it mildly). I tried to sop up (yes, I said sop up; it is a southern dish) as much of the hollandaise sauce as I could, but when you consider there was approximately ½ a teaspoon of hollandaise on the entire plate, excuse me, tile, that was easier said than done. The only things tasty were the marinated cherry tomatoes that were used to garnish the fried green tomatoes.
My entrée, California Artichoke Ravioli, was unremarkable as well, but more bothersome than the lack of flavor was the lack of variety in the selection. In essence, there were seven entrees to choose from: fish, chicken, lamb, a meatless option, pork, steak, and lobster (unavailable the night that I was there). Considering that I eat neither pork nor red meat, the only options I had were fish, chicken, and the meatless option. Since I eat chicken all the time, and the butterfish on the menu was replaced with salmon for the night (which I didn’t have a taste for), the only option I had left was the California Artichoke Ravioli – another pretty presentation, another unsatisfying dish.
Finally, I get to the best part of the meal – dessert. I chose the Mascarpone Cream. It ended up being the highlight of my meal. Mascarpone is basically the Italian version of American cream cheese. My dessert tasted not much unlike cheesecake filling. Again, I was bothered by the poor selection. In addition to my choice, there were approximately 4 ice cream based offerings, and a cheese plate. WTH? Ice cream? Give me a break. I can buy a tub of great ice cream (Blue Bell, anyone?) for $5 at my local Kroger. And more importantly, what kind of upscale restaurant doesn’t have Crème Brule on the dessert menu? Isn’t that the first rule of the upscale restaurant handbook?
My bottom line is this: no matter how many bells and whistles you place on a restaurant, no matter how many glamorous accoutrements you attach to it, its merit is determined by one thing and one thing only - its food. I have no problem paying $124 for a meal (2 people + 1 bottle of wine) as long as I can walk away with a full stomach and a satisfied grin. I got neither of those from Luqa. Still, if the restaurant isn’t your cup of tea, you need not give up on your fantasies of a glamorous life. Remember, you’ve got three other levels of glamour to choose from.
Tip: Don’t be fooled by the menu posted on the website. What you see isn’t necessarily what you’re going to get. http://petruslounge.com/
Dallas, TX
214.760.9000
I will admit it. On more than one occasion I’ve fantasized about living a perfectly glamorous, cosmopolitan life (a la Sheila E) filled with gallery openings, trendy eateries, and swanky lounges. Imagine my excitement when a friend of mine tipped me off to Petrus Lounge. Let me set the scene: located at the corner of Main and Field in downtown Dallas, Petrus Lounge offers its patrons four levels of glamour – an art gallery on level 1, a high-end restaurant called Luqa on level 2, a sexy club/lounge with plush couches and dark corners on level 3, and a rooftop deck/garden - complete with elevated “catwalk” and wishing fountain flowing beneath it - on level 4. This review concerns itself primarily with the restaurant on level 2 as the bulk of my time at Petrus Lounge was spent there.
At first glance, Luca has everything a hip, new upscale restaurant should have – good location, ambient lighting, covered tables with full place settings, waitstaff with European accents, and seating along glass walls so that you can be entertained by the goings on of the street below (and simultaneously be the envy of all who see you in return). Then, you open the menu and that’s where all the trouble begins and ends.
I went there for dinner Saturday evening. As with any good meal, I started with an appetizer – fried green tomatoes, a southern favorite. My appetizer arrived artfully arranged on a black marble tile – not a plate, not a tray, but a black marble tile not much unlike what you would find at a home improvement store. I immediately could have judged the restaurant to be pompous and unnecessarily pretentious, but instead, I reasoned that the restaurant was simply maintaining the artistic values of the gallery on the first floor. I took my first bite and it was all downhill from there. My fried green tomatoes were bland (to put it mildly). I tried to sop up (yes, I said sop up; it is a southern dish) as much of the hollandaise sauce as I could, but when you consider there was approximately ½ a teaspoon of hollandaise on the entire plate, excuse me, tile, that was easier said than done. The only things tasty were the marinated cherry tomatoes that were used to garnish the fried green tomatoes.
My entrée, California Artichoke Ravioli, was unremarkable as well, but more bothersome than the lack of flavor was the lack of variety in the selection. In essence, there were seven entrees to choose from: fish, chicken, lamb, a meatless option, pork, steak, and lobster (unavailable the night that I was there). Considering that I eat neither pork nor red meat, the only options I had were fish, chicken, and the meatless option. Since I eat chicken all the time, and the butterfish on the menu was replaced with salmon for the night (which I didn’t have a taste for), the only option I had left was the California Artichoke Ravioli – another pretty presentation, another unsatisfying dish.
Finally, I get to the best part of the meal – dessert. I chose the Mascarpone Cream. It ended up being the highlight of my meal. Mascarpone is basically the Italian version of American cream cheese. My dessert tasted not much unlike cheesecake filling. Again, I was bothered by the poor selection. In addition to my choice, there were approximately 4 ice cream based offerings, and a cheese plate. WTH? Ice cream? Give me a break. I can buy a tub of great ice cream (Blue Bell, anyone?) for $5 at my local Kroger. And more importantly, what kind of upscale restaurant doesn’t have Crème Brule on the dessert menu? Isn’t that the first rule of the upscale restaurant handbook?
My bottom line is this: no matter how many bells and whistles you place on a restaurant, no matter how many glamorous accoutrements you attach to it, its merit is determined by one thing and one thing only - its food. I have no problem paying $124 for a meal (2 people + 1 bottle of wine) as long as I can walk away with a full stomach and a satisfied grin. I got neither of those from Luqa. Still, if the restaurant isn’t your cup of tea, you need not give up on your fantasies of a glamorous life. Remember, you’ve got three other levels of glamour to choose from.
Tip: Don’t be fooled by the menu posted on the website. What you see isn’t necessarily what you’re going to get. http://petruslounge.com/
Ten Sports Grill
1302 Main Street
214.748.1010
Ten Sports Grill is not much unlike your local, dive bar – small, dark, and unremarkable. The bar can hold (including standing room) maybe 150 people. There aren’t 100 TVs showing every sporting event known to man. Instead, there is one large jumbo-screen and about eight other TVs posted throughout the bar. I counted only three different sporting matches being shown while I was there: Cowboys vs Colts (pre-season), a soccer match showcasing the uber-handsome (yet only moderately skilled) David Beckham, and something else that I can’t remember because clearly I didn’t find it relevant to my life. There are 3 or 4 large banquet tables in the center of the room, and various two and four-person tables scattered around them (all have seen better days). The chairs reminded me of those that were present in the banquet hall of my old Baptist church some twenty years ago – vinyl with really thin padding.
Located in downtown Dallas at the corner of Field and Main, the bar’s patrons were an interesting mix of downtown workers and “urbanites” that live on the south side of town. The crowd was loud and enthusiastic – most seemed to be serious sports fans. You could feel the pain in their groans at every incomplete pass, and revel in their cheers at every touchdown. Ten Sports Grill is not where you go to see and be seen; and perhaps that’s why it was voted as “best place to watch a game with a Maverick or a Cowboy” on citysearch.com. Professional athletes (and regular Joes and Janes) can go there and not be bothered with the pomp and circumstance of some other sports bars. I especially appreciated that, as a non-smoker in a room full of smokers, the air quality/ventilation was most excellent all things considered.
So if you’re a serious sports fan and for some reason your HD flat panel, big screen TV has died, then Ten Sports Grill is a fine substitute.
Tip: Thursday nights there are happy-hour drink specials all night long and all appetizers are 2 for $10.
http://www.tensportsgrill.com/
214.748.1010
Ten Sports Grill is not much unlike your local, dive bar – small, dark, and unremarkable. The bar can hold (including standing room) maybe 150 people. There aren’t 100 TVs showing every sporting event known to man. Instead, there is one large jumbo-screen and about eight other TVs posted throughout the bar. I counted only three different sporting matches being shown while I was there: Cowboys vs Colts (pre-season), a soccer match showcasing the uber-handsome (yet only moderately skilled) David Beckham, and something else that I can’t remember because clearly I didn’t find it relevant to my life. There are 3 or 4 large banquet tables in the center of the room, and various two and four-person tables scattered around them (all have seen better days). The chairs reminded me of those that were present in the banquet hall of my old Baptist church some twenty years ago – vinyl with really thin padding.
Located in downtown Dallas at the corner of Field and Main, the bar’s patrons were an interesting mix of downtown workers and “urbanites” that live on the south side of town. The crowd was loud and enthusiastic – most seemed to be serious sports fans. You could feel the pain in their groans at every incomplete pass, and revel in their cheers at every touchdown. Ten Sports Grill is not where you go to see and be seen; and perhaps that’s why it was voted as “best place to watch a game with a Maverick or a Cowboy” on citysearch.com. Professional athletes (and regular Joes and Janes) can go there and not be bothered with the pomp and circumstance of some other sports bars. I especially appreciated that, as a non-smoker in a room full of smokers, the air quality/ventilation was most excellent all things considered.
So if you’re a serious sports fan and for some reason your HD flat panel, big screen TV has died, then Ten Sports Grill is a fine substitute.
Tip: Thursday nights there are happy-hour drink specials all night long and all appetizers are 2 for $10.
http://www.tensportsgrill.com/
Friday, July 13, 2007
Cheap Date Alert #4: Taste of Dallas 2007
July 13-15, 2007
West End Historic District
Fri - 11am - midnight
Saturday - 11am - 1am
Sunday - Noon - 8pm
Admission: absolutely FREE !!!
From DallasNews.com:
With an anticipated attendance of more than 300,000 people, the 21st annual Taste of Dallas might live up to its billing as Texas' largest free festival. The three-day celebration showcases the area's culinary prowess with fare from about 40 area restaurants. There'll also be children's activities, as well as a live entertainment lineup that covers folk rock, blues, country and other genres. Friday night's highlights include a recipe contest featuring finalists in four categories (appetizer, entree, sides, dessert). One of the judges is Taylor Parks, who plays Little Inez in the movie Hairspray, opening July 20. Good to know: Food samples at the event, presented by West End Events LLC, generally cost about $2 to $4 each. – BINDU VARGHESE / Staff Writer
West End Historic District
Fri - 11am - midnight
Saturday - 11am - 1am
Sunday - Noon - 8pm
Admission: absolutely FREE !!!
From DallasNews.com:
With an anticipated attendance of more than 300,000 people, the 21st annual Taste of Dallas might live up to its billing as Texas' largest free festival. The three-day celebration showcases the area's culinary prowess with fare from about 40 area restaurants. There'll also be children's activities, as well as a live entertainment lineup that covers folk rock, blues, country and other genres. Friday night's highlights include a recipe contest featuring finalists in four categories (appetizer, entree, sides, dessert). One of the judges is Taylor Parks, who plays Little Inez in the movie Hairspray, opening July 20. Good to know: Food samples at the event, presented by West End Events LLC, generally cost about $2 to $4 each. – BINDU VARGHESE / Staff Writer
Monday, June 18, 2007
Sambuca Restaurant - Uptown (intersection of McKinney and Pearl)
The old becomes new again.
Sambuca opened its first restaurant in Dallas in 1991. Since then owners, Kim and Holly Forsythe, have added restaurants in Houston, Nashville, Atlanta, and Denver. All provide an upscale dining experience of live jazz, great cocktails, and a full dinner menu. Sambuca is an old-school supper club brought to life.
The unfortunate reality about restaurants like Sambuca is that after a while you take them for granted. In general, people are “addicted to novelty”* – always on the lookout for the next “it” spot. I am no different. I used to frequent Sambuca in Houston during my undergraduate days. So that I don’t date myself too much, I’ll just say that was more than five and less than ten years ago (wink). Sambuca in Houston had a good run as the place to be for happy hour (and beyond) on Friday nights. Soon, however, another venue took its place at the top of the upscale, jazz restaurant/bar pyramid. Sambuca, though no less attractive and inviting, got traded in for a “younger and firmer” model.
I am pleased to discover that despite my “not so brief” hiatus, Sambuca (Uptown Dallas) is still doing what it does best: serving good cocktails, good food, and good jazz in an upscale, yet somehow unpretentious environment. I won’t bore you with detailed descriptions of the lighting and décor. Instead, I will offer you the website and encourage you to check out the photo gallery.
http://www.sambucarestaurant.com/
I was there Saturday night to meet some friends for drinks so I spent my time at the bar which easily seats 25 and could accommodate 40-50 standing room only. The bar, with its cushioned seats, plush benches and throw pillows along the wall, invites you to get comfortable with friends (or lovers) for as long as you desire (a big plus in my book). The bar is full-service (just request a dinner menu) and the waitstaff are friendly and attentive.
I’m about to date myself again. Remember the movie “Love Jones” and its fictitious poetry café “Sanctuary?” Remember thinking to yourself, “Man, I wish there was a place where my friends could get together, post up at a booth, and just chill over a little food and drink like in the movie?” Just replace the poetry with live jazz and Sambuca is a little bit of fantasy brought to life.
TIP: If you’re planning on having dinner and/or want to be seated on the main floor, call ahead and make reservations.
*Thanks to Jackie for this lovely turn of phrase.
Sambuca opened its first restaurant in Dallas in 1991. Since then owners, Kim and Holly Forsythe, have added restaurants in Houston, Nashville, Atlanta, and Denver. All provide an upscale dining experience of live jazz, great cocktails, and a full dinner menu. Sambuca is an old-school supper club brought to life.
The unfortunate reality about restaurants like Sambuca is that after a while you take them for granted. In general, people are “addicted to novelty”* – always on the lookout for the next “it” spot. I am no different. I used to frequent Sambuca in Houston during my undergraduate days. So that I don’t date myself too much, I’ll just say that was more than five and less than ten years ago (wink). Sambuca in Houston had a good run as the place to be for happy hour (and beyond) on Friday nights. Soon, however, another venue took its place at the top of the upscale, jazz restaurant/bar pyramid. Sambuca, though no less attractive and inviting, got traded in for a “younger and firmer” model.
I am pleased to discover that despite my “not so brief” hiatus, Sambuca (Uptown Dallas) is still doing what it does best: serving good cocktails, good food, and good jazz in an upscale, yet somehow unpretentious environment. I won’t bore you with detailed descriptions of the lighting and décor. Instead, I will offer you the website and encourage you to check out the photo gallery.
http://www.sambucarestaurant.com/
I was there Saturday night to meet some friends for drinks so I spent my time at the bar which easily seats 25 and could accommodate 40-50 standing room only. The bar, with its cushioned seats, plush benches and throw pillows along the wall, invites you to get comfortable with friends (or lovers) for as long as you desire (a big plus in my book). The bar is full-service (just request a dinner menu) and the waitstaff are friendly and attentive.
I’m about to date myself again. Remember the movie “Love Jones” and its fictitious poetry café “Sanctuary?” Remember thinking to yourself, “Man, I wish there was a place where my friends could get together, post up at a booth, and just chill over a little food and drink like in the movie?” Just replace the poetry with live jazz and Sambuca is a little bit of fantasy brought to life.
TIP: If you’re planning on having dinner and/or want to be seated on the main floor, call ahead and make reservations.
*Thanks to Jackie for this lovely turn of phrase.
Monday, June 11, 2007
Cheap Date Alert #3: Choco-Late Nights
NOTE: The men who read this blog should absolutely LOVE me at this point. I know the courtship process can get expensive; it's my pleasure to offer up some events that won't break your banks.
CAUTION: I have not attended this event and I don't see myself doing so in the near future. I don't eat a lot of sweets and when I do, I'm pretty particular about it. Thus, even at the low, low price of $10/person, I still wouldn't get my money's worth. For those of you who do enjoy the decadence of chocolate and more, keep reading.
What: Choco-Late Nights
Where: Xocolatl Room, 2817 Howell Street, Dallas, TX 75204
When: Fridays, April 13 - June 29
Time: 8pm - 10pm
Cost: $10/person
Sample a variety of desserts such as petit fours, chocolate apricot cream cake, cappuccino cake, mousse cake and chocolate cheesecake every Friday through June. From what I understand, the samples are unlimited (but don't hold me to that).
CAUTION: I have not attended this event and I don't see myself doing so in the near future. I don't eat a lot of sweets and when I do, I'm pretty particular about it. Thus, even at the low, low price of $10/person, I still wouldn't get my money's worth. For those of you who do enjoy the decadence of chocolate and more, keep reading.
What: Choco-Late Nights
Where: Xocolatl Room, 2817 Howell Street, Dallas, TX 75204
When: Fridays, April 13 - June 29
Time: 8pm - 10pm
Cost: $10/person
Sample a variety of desserts such as petit fours, chocolate apricot cream cake, cappuccino cake, mousse cake and chocolate cheesecake every Friday through June. From what I understand, the samples are unlimited (but don't hold me to that).
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)
