Dishing Bad News

Posted on February 26, 2016 by eatstyledallas

Well folks, I’ve got some bad news to share. A beloved brunch spot and hot nightlife joint is closing it’s doors. Don’t fret though, I’ve been told it’s just a hibernation period. Here’s the news:

Tim McEneny, of NL Group (Front Room Tavern, DISH Preston Hollow and Dakotas), is relocating DISH Cedar Springs and opening in its place, Cedar Grove – a casual restaurant with a uniquely nature-inspired design and creative American cuisine with an opening date of May 2016. Executive Chef Pete Harrison (currently Executive Chef at DISH Cedar Springs) will be running the kitchen.

McEneny, Chef Harrison and the design team lead by renowned architect Jonathan Bailey with Coeval Studios have been working collaboratively for months on the menu, experience, and design.

Elements including grass-like material and over 50 handcrafted “trees” made of Maple wood are just two examples that intend to bring the outdoor in. McEneny says, “The name is a reflection of the location and also meant as a vibrant gathering place for our guests.This has been an exciting project to work on and we are looking forward to unveiling it later this spring.” He continues, “DISH Cedar Springs has been open since 2009 and it’s proven to be a thriving and viable brand in another neighborhood, hence our desire to expand and consider new locations. We’re confident Cedar Grove will complement the lively and casual vibe of Ilume® and answer the call for what we feel people are looking for in a bar and restaurant experience here.”

With a total of 6,000 square feet, the restaurant will house 160+ seats including a 360-degree bar area, with a climate controlled patio environment and a 12’ ribbon fireplace to be enjoyed year round. Cedar Grove will be open from 3pm – midnight Monday – Friday, and 10:30am – midnight on Saturday/Sunday. Lunch, dinner and weekend brunch will be available as well as a daily happy hour.
DISH Cedar Springs will officially close its doors on Monday, February 29th with a tentative re-opening date of spring 2017 in a different location.

Interior Motives: Top Knot Dallas

Posted on January 28, 2016 by eatstyledallas

Feast your eyes on Top Knot. They say we eat with our eyes before our tongues and I’m drooling over the interiors at Dallas’ latest addition to the touted dining scene. Warm rich wood meets pops of color and quirky touches in the Top Knot den. Perched a floor above it’s popular sister restaurant, Uchi, this visual stunner sets the tone with its subtle nods to modern design.

If your lucky enough to score a booth, you’ll be treated to an unparalleled view of a magnificently designed dining room and bar that is sure to be bustling once doors finally open on February 3rd. There are also a selection of other tables. You’ll find everything from high chaired communal tables and large party perfect situations. On a perfect, warm (or at least bearable) day you could find yourself feasting on Chef de Cuisine Angela Hernandez’s soon the be famous Hot Fried Chicken Bun and sipping on a cocktail. This location will be the restaurant groups first foray into liquor based libations and if the space is any indicator, I am sure the playful bartenders will shine. I am told there’s even a nod to Dallas’ M Streets neighborhood with a cocktail named ‘The Armistice’. Sample the ‘Mezcal Mule’ and ‘Birdhouse Bramble’ as well!

While I was just treated to visuals for this first run around, be sure to check back for my full look at what you can expect menu wise when Top Knot opens next week!

Uchi Brings ‘Top Knot’ to Dallas Food Scene

Posted on January 21, 2016 by eatstyledallas

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No hairy situations or Boy Scout trials here. Top Knot from Uchi is finally here and I have all the scoop to share!

The modern American concept upstairs from Uchi, Top Knot, announced today that it will open on Wednesday, February 3. The menu showcases its Asian roots with tastes and influences from southeast Asia, Latin America, and Japan. The menu offers categories including Snacks, Buns, Hand Rolls, Vegetables, Crudos, Meats & Fish, and Desserts with a full bar cocktail menu.

The menu was created by Chef de Cuisine Angela Hernandez with inspiration from Chef Owner Tyson Cole and his signature style of blending delectable new flavors and influences to create original and accessible cuisine. Top Knot’s bar program includes Japanese whiskey, draft beer, sake and wine on tap, and a collection of inventive cocktails.

“Chef Cole created something special at the original Uchi, and we are following that path at Top Knot, with playful interpretations of Asian dishes that meld well with other culinary influences,” notes Chef Hernandez. “At the end of the day, we wanted to create food that is craveable, food that we ourselves would want to eat. Our hope is that these simple and vibrant dishes will make guests want to come back time and time again.”

“I’m excited about this restaurant,” says Chef Cole. “It’s an easy and fun neighborhood spot with a bright, playful atmosphere. The food is delicious. Top Knot is in excellent creative hands with Chef Hernandez.”

The opening dinner and beverage menu will feature:

SNACKS

Yucca Chips – black lime, togarashi, edamame hummus

Crispy Sunchokes – horseradish, crème fraîche, lemon

Chicken Kimchi Karaage – asian pear, jalapeño, mint

Berkshire Pork Ribs – apple kombu, coriander, mint

BUNS

Hot Fried Chicken Bun – pickle, cornichon gastrique, parker house roll

“Tiger Cry” Bao – short rib, cilantro, cucumber, carrot, steamed bun

HAND ROLLS

Crunchy Spicy Tuna – avocado, cucumber, uchiracha

Pickled Shrimp – chicharron, tiger cry, cilantro

Veggie Bánh Mi – pickles, asian pear, jalapeño, daikon, cilantro

Yellowtail – tobiko, avocado, yuzu

VEGETABLES

Farro Bowl – sunflower seed, vegetable crudo, greens

Sweet Gem Caesar – garlic bread crumb, bottarga, reggiano

Fennel and Apple – walnut, treviso, cantalet cheese

Brown Butter Beets – chardonnay, garlic, olive oil

Gai Lan – white ponzu, chili, crunchy garlic

CRUDOS

Hamachi Crudo – cucumber, grape, hazelnut

Branzino Crudo – young thai coconut, yuzu kosho, mint

MEATS & FISH

Miso Brown Sugar Salmon – black garlic dashi, bonito, negi

Crispy Pork Katsu – cabbage, apple, miso mustard

Thai Shellfish “Carta Fata” – tom yum, coconut, thai chili

Diver Scallop – carrot, persimmon, pumpkin seed granola

Miyazaki A5 Striploin – matsutake, radish, maldon sea salt

Whole Fried Fish – nam pla, black lime, green papaya

DESSERTS

Asian Cobbler à la Mode – pear, candied walnuts, puffed rice, golden raisins, miso ice cream, caramel

Beer Ice Cream Sandwich – chocolate chip, Asahi black lager, sesame

Chocolate Marshmallow Ganache – candied ginger, granola corn flakes, marshmallow schmear

Thai Strawberry Shortcake – mochi, crème fraîche, strawberry coulis, thai basil sorbet

Homemade Ice Cream – seasonal flavors

Cocktails

Fox’s Wedding

Shirakabe Gura saké, Hangar 1 Citron Vodka, cranberry, grapefruit

Pegu Club

Hendrick’s gin, Pierre Ferrand orange curaçao, lime, cucumber

Sparkling Shrub

Lunetta prosecco, apple cider, pear, thyme

Birdhouse Bramble

Deep Eddy vodka, raspberry, thyme, Fee Brothers peach bitters

Dark Ernest

Gosling’s rum, orange, lime

Tongue-Cut Sparrow

Espolon tequila, Chambord, vanilla, ginger ale

Mezcal Mule

Montelobos mezcal, Maine Root ginger beer, passion fruit, agave nectar

M Streets Armistice

Bulleit bourbon, green chartreuse, Luxardo cherry, sweet vermouth

Located Uptown on the corner of Maple Avenue and Randall Street at 2817 Maple Avenue and above Uchi, Top Knot will open early 2016 with dinner and a full bar offering, with brunch opening in early spring and lunch to follow soon thereafter.

Whiskey Business

Posted on November 4, 2015 by eatstyledallas

We’re halfway through the week and I think that calls for a cocktail. My favorites range from sweet, savory, strong and sip worthy. Recently, I was approached and asked to try a new kind of cocktail. Aged spirits that blend varietals of alcohol have become all the rage. Cooper Spirits, led by Rob Cooper of St-Germain fame just released Hochstadter’s Vatted Straight Rye Whiskey. Hochstadter’s is the first rye to use the vatted designation, which was inspired by Scotch whisky’s blending tradition. The ryes in the blend range from 4 to 15 years old and were sourced from distilleries across North America— Kentucky, Pennsylvania, Indiana and Alberta, Canada.

All the while, I also tried to come up with a cocktail that would pay homage to the spirit blend itself without detracting from the aged taste. The rye whiskey is well suited for mixing in classic rye cocktails like Manhattans, Sazeracs, Old-Fashioneds and Juleps, as well as for sipping straight or on ice. I love a good Old-Fashioned so with the right ingredients on hand, I found myself sipping a classy cocktail in no time. The spirit itself has a rounded flavor with tasty notes of blackstrap molasses, nutmeg, mace, clove, German-style rye bread and sour cherries. I think I’ve found myself a new favorite 5 o’clock treat.

Hochstadter’s Vatted Straight Rye Whiskey will begin its rollout in Fall 2015 and will go quickly when it does. Find yourself a bottle and get sipping. Cheers!

All Hallows Eve Activities in Dallas

Posted on October 22, 2015 by eatstyledallas

Whether you’re into trick or treating, snuggling up on the couch watching scary movies with bae or Chipotle or just going out with friends, Halloween is fun evening for all! Luckily for you, I’ve assumed the arduous task of round up my picks, tricks and treats for a Halloween in Dallas that will scare up a good time. Keep in mind, some of these fun frights begin this week and run through next so even if you aren’t in town for the actual holiday, you can certainly still celebrate!

Hallo-Eve Show at The Rustic

When: October 30th 6:30PM

What: Uptown Dallas’ hottest outdoor concert venue will host a special Halloween Eve show on Friday, Oct. 30, featuring none other than Cheryl “Salt” James and Sandy “Pepa” Denton of Salt-N-Pepa – along with original sidekick Deidra Roper (a.k.a. DJ Spinderella). Fans are encouraged to come decked out in their Halloween best for this special evening.

Advance general admission tickets are just $25 each for the first 1,000 tickets sold, $30 thereafter. Day-of tickets will be $35.

Mutt’s Canine Cantina 3rd Annual Howl-O-Ween Costume Contest

When: October 31st from 10AM-2PM

What: Calling all party animals! Put on your best costume & join Mutt’s Canine Cantina for their 3rd annual Halloween costume contest. There will be celebrity judges & awards for best costume!

Boos & Booze at Mockingbird Station

When: October 29th from 7PM-11PM

What: Join Mockingbird Station for a night of fright and festivities! Play carnival games for the chance to win prizes, food, drinks and more! Any guests who purchases a $10 wristband will receive killer drink specials with proceeds benefitting Susan G. Komen.

Cohosted by radio personality Josh Hart and style blogger Amanda Miller (The Miller Affect)
Music by DJ Sober
Dress up in your Halloween best for the chance to win up to $250 in prizes in a costume contest

Ida Claire Halloween Soiree

When: October 31st from 10PM-2AM

What: The party begins at 10 p.m., and it won’t be over till Ida says it’s over (spoiler alert: 2 a.m.). All guests who arrive in their Halloweenbest will be automatically entered into a costume contest, with a 50” television as the grand prize!

Ida will also be offering “Vinyl Hour” all night, featuring specially priced punches, juleps, a wide variety of draft beers and other devilish concoctions for your spirited delight. She’ll also be screening scary movies in her garden while a witches den beckons from the Airstream.

And to help you remember what you did “the morning after,” Ida will be setting up a photo booth to capture all the spooky moments you dare to share.

Heads Will Roll | Halloween at W Dallas – Victory

When: October 31st 10PM-2AM

What: Heads will roll this Halloween at W Dallas – Victory! On Saturday, October 31st we welcome you to join us for a night of mystere and macabre dreams. Mix, Mingle and channel the ghost of Marie Antoinette as you party the night away 33 floors above the Dallas skyline. Must be 21+ to enter. GA Tickets start at $30, table packages begin at $500

Ghostland Observatory Halloween Show at The Bomb Factory Dallas

When: October 31st 7PM

What: Tickets are flying fast for the annual Ghostland Observatory Halloween concert in Dallas. This year, it’s taking place at the popular concert venue The Bomb Factory and as of now, VIP tickets are sold out and GA are going quickly. Ghostland Observatory’s entire approach to music – sonically, aesthetically, conceptually – is essentially a melding of the two distinctly different personalities of its two members, Thomas Ross Turner and Aaron Behrens. Whereas Turner, the producer/drummer/keyboardist of the duo, finds solace in the minimal, bleak cable-patch squawks of Karlheinz Stockhausen and the analog-disco-thump of Giorgio Moroder, Behrens’ interests lie more along the lines of psychedelia, rock and various country and blues artists.

Topgolf Gets the ‘First Timers Club’ Ball Rolling

Posted on September 21, 2015 by eatstyledallas

This past week, I teed off the beginning of a very special and sporty relationship. Having not long ago discovered the golfing go to joint in Dallas, Topgolf, I found out what I was really made of on the green. If you aren’t familiar with Topgolf, you essentially hit golf balls containing computer microchips that track each shot’s accuracy and distance while awarding points for hitting targets on the outfield. At Topgolf, the flight path of the ball is not simulated – instead, you get to see exactly where every shot lands. Each venue offers an upscale and playful experience, featuring an impressive food and beverage menu, music, games, climate-controlled hitting bays, and hundreds of HDTVs.

Topgolf recently launched it’s ‘First Timers Club‘ program and I hosted an event courtesy of the brand to get some of my friends and fellow competitors acquainted with the fun! Topgolf created the First Timer’s Club to overcome some of the hurdles people encounter when considering their first time (at Topgolf, of course). Many people think Topgolf is only for golfers, let me be of shining example of how that is not always true. We began the evening with some delicious Topgolf beverages that loosened us up a bit and brought out our competitive spirits. We had to fuel up before teeing off so we chose some finger friendly foods to quiet our grumbling stomachs! After that, we were treated to a demo of how the game works by a team member and then it was time to get things going! There are tons of different games and difficulty levels to choose from so theres something for everyone!

Now, here is where things get really good! From now until October 31, 2015, Topgolf is inviting those who haven’t been to Topgolf before to join the #FirstTimersClub! By joining through FirstTimersClub.com, they’ll receive a free Lifetime Membership and $10 off Game Play. Yep, you can get in the game for free and experience all the amazing perks I shared with you above!

All you first timers, get to Topgolf and experience the fore! fun.

*Food, beverage and gameplay generously provided by Topgolf brand

Lincoln Black Label Goes Luxury in Dallas

Posted on May 26, 2015 by eatstyledallas

I’ve been away. It’s been too long. I miss you guys. These are all thoughts that have passed through my mind this past week. Rest assured, my dearest readers and friends that the cause of my absence is a worthy one.

You see, this past week I was given a once in a lifetime opportunity to explore sheer luxury and style courtesy of Lincoln Motor Company. Lincoln Black Label is an ownership experience designed to exceed the expectations of even the most discerning luxury client. Centered on a curated collection of designer, interior themes and a host of exclusive membership privileges, Lincoln brought Black Label to life in a private home of North Dallas.

Styled completely by the chief interior designers at Condé Nast, each space in the home was tailored to replicate one of the car outfits that the buyer can choose from in the new line up of vehicles. Oasis, Center Stage, Indulgence and Modern Heritage round out the finishes within the car and the rooms in the designer home followed suit.

During the time in the Black Label Home, I was treated to severely VIP experiences like 3rd row Texas Rangers game tickets and a delicious dinner at Nick & Sams Steakhouse. Black Label ownership grants you ongoing access to the Culinary Collection — a curated list of restaurants coast to coast with noted chefs providing an at-your-service dining experience. Like the materials in your Black Label vehicle, these culinary marvels are sought after by many. Pretty cool, huh?

I was in a state of bliss during my week stay in the home and driving the Black Label MKZ was a dream! Some of my favorite features in the car were the fully retractable panoramic glass roof and cooled seats. Lincoln Motor Company might have been known as a popular brand among an older audience, but I can stand witness to the fact that I haven’t been impressed by a cars bells and whistles in quite some time.

Thanks to Lincoln Motor Company for an exquisite staycation!

*Home, Experiences and Car all furnished by Lincoln Motor Company

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