Tag Archives: brunch

Brunching Bangkok Style

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Newsflash, those earthquakes were just my stomach growling. Why? Because the new year means a new kind of brunch. The Dallas Design District is booming with exciting restaurant news and Pakpao Thai is holding its own.  The inaugural “Culinary Ambassador of Thai Cuisine,” Chef Jet Tila has fused a hefty dose of down-home Texas with authentic Thai flavors and quality ingredients for a unique brunch experience. I know what you’re thinking, why would you step away from waffles, biscuits and gravy or endless mimosas. Well it’s simple, and I’ll start with the best part. Pakpao’s Thai Bloody Mary Bar. Mimosas more your thing? On our brunch outing we experienced $1 mimosas that packed a punch.

Supposing you might need something to soak up the booze at brunch, Tila’s offerings are differently delicious. A staple for breakfast and lunch in many Asian countries, crispy pork congee. Its a porridge dish that has hints of spicy sweet goodness for a more savory start to your day. Another traditional favorite, the thai omelette. It was a soft cloud of eggs with crispy edges and distinguishing flavor. The Thai Tea French Toast was delicious topped with berries and a super sweet coconut syrup. Going in for the pineapple and coconut pancakes as well because they might be my new favorite pancakes ever. Yep, I said it. Chef Jet Tila’s “Texas-Thai” weekend brunch menu is served Saturday and Sunday.

The Second Floor Takes Brunch to the Next Level

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A short work week finds me pandering with brunch on the brain. Luckily, The Second Floor bistro nestled inside the Westin Galleria has just the cure for my mid morning cravings. Executive Chef Scott Gottlich has created a brunch menu full of elevated southern classics and is rolling them out for those in need of a pick me up. It’s an offering of weekend indulgences and lighter options, too.

The brunch menu offers dishes like the Big Biscuit Sandwich, with pork belly, fried egg and wild boar sausage gravy situated in between two cheddar-chive biscuits. That behemoth of a sandwich alone would have our head pounding woes of last night forgotten in no time. Maybe you’ll go for the  Belgian Waffles, topped with Chantilly cream and maple syrup or thick Brioche French Toast, dipped in vanilla-citrus and topped with fresh berries and maple syrup. My sweeter side of brunch is one not often seen, but at The Second Floor all bets are off.

The Big Biscuit

For the indecisive brunch diners, the traditional Omelette has ingredients such as white cheddar, spinach, bacon, wild mushrooms, and roasted red peppers for diners to pick and choose. And to spoil your palette just a little more, cocktails like the traditional mimosa, house-made sangria, and bloody mary’s are available.

Take your next brunch outing a step higher and visit The Second Floor Saturday or Sunday from 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM.

 

Del Frisco’s Grille: A Movember Must

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Our friends over at Del Frisco’s Grille are manning up to the Movember festivities this year in a  big way. With new menu specials, a portion of the proceeds from the month sales being donated to the Movember cause and a couple of fun parties… you don’t want to miss out. Whether your a Burt Reynolds, A Fu-Man Chu or rocking the creeper, DFG has you covered! Here’s the scoop and a look at some of their delicious Movember treats to keep your ‘stache (and friends of the ‘stache) satisfied, fed and hydrated.

  • Mustache Mondays, where gentlemen can drop by to show off their moustache, ladies their faux-stache, and receive a complimentary appetizer with entrée orders, or drop in any day during the month and receive a “bounce back” coupon good for $10 off in January and February.
  • A Finale Party with big prizes for the best mustaches in December.
  • Prizes & Giveaways throughout the month including, gift cards and promotions for LYFT, three course hair service gift cards valued at $45 each from The Gents Place, The Gents Place Man Spa Day, two golf bags, 150 Exhale VIP passes, $25 off spa therapy at Exhale, an Exhale sports massage, and t-shirts from Brown Forman, Exhale & Jack Daniels.
  • Movember Moustache Maintenance Service at The Gents Place for the month of November for $5 to keep gentlemen looking professional while still making a statement in their stache and ending the month with $10 with 100% of proceeds going back to the Movember Foundation. The Gents Place is located 10720 Preston Rd #2500, Dallas, TX 75230 and their number is (214) 329-0400.
  • Jack Daniels is doing cocktails for Movember at the Grille and giving a $1 back for each one purchased.
  • T-Shirts are being sold with DF Logo that say “Man-Up Stache-Up” at the Grille at a portion of proceeds will be donated.
  • BEST IN MO PHOTO CONTEST ‐ ENTER NOW THROUGH 11/22: Calling all Mo Bros and Mo Sistas, we’re looking for the Best in Mo! Visit the Facebook page of your local Del Frisco’s Grille location, click on the “Best in Mo” box and upload a picture of yourself sporting your best moustache or “faux mo” (that means ladies can enter, too.) for a chance to win dinner for four at the Grille, a year-long health club membership and a grooming package valued at up to $500. Be sure to include a fun title for your photo! Artificial moustaches are allowed for women. Entries will be collected for each Del Frisco’s Grille location on the local Del Frisco’s Grille Facebook pages and there will be a winner for every location! Your Facebook friends will vote to select each Best in Mo.

So there you have it! No excuses not to stop in and get your Movember on. Oh, and let’s not forget about brunch either. Del Frisco’s Grille is known for rocking out a great brunch. Red Velvet Waffles, Chicken and Waffles and the Chicken Fried Steak and Eggs happen to be my faves. With locals like Courtney Kerr, Jesse Metcalfe and Tony Romo frequenting, you’ll be in good company with mimosas flowing.

Sissys Southern Kitchen Serves Brunch Realness

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Before we begin, I need you to answer 3 things for me. Do you believe in the power of a piece of buttery fried chicken and a flaky, beautiful waffle to create world peace? When asked ‘glass or carafe’ do you answer the latter without hesitation? Does the thought of hash on your plate make your salivate enough to fill the Trinity River bed? Let’s proceed.

There’s nothing Lisa Garza can’t do. She’s a giver to philanthropic needs, she’s a culinary force to be reckoned with, a business woman who’s built a southern staple in Dallas and now she’s taking on brunch.

The holy grail of every hungover, boozy and enjoyable Saturday morning starts one way. The smell of fried goodness was present as always when entering into Sissy’s but this time, a sweet note met its plated partner. Could it be? This southern guy couldn’t wait to dig in.

First things first, drinks. Here are my favorite 4 for you to work your way through:

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 Sissy’s Chandon Mimosa carafe (with a medley of fresh squeezed seasonal juices), Bloody Mary (handcrafted with homemade pickles), Grapefruit Julep (with fresh grapefruit, Texas honey and agave), and the Texas Screwdriver (made with Tito’s vodka, orange and calamansi).

You’ll see some classics on Sissy’s brunch menu.

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Sissy’s Benedict (lump crab cake, cornbread muffin, poached eggs, caramelized jalapeno, hollandaise and country potato hash) releases a delicious egg inside to meet with a delicious lemon tinged hollandaise and a jalapeño to create a trio of goodness. Delightfully surprised with the cornbread pairing, I pressed on.

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Short Rib Hash (braised short rib country hash, two sunny side up eggs and a biscuit) could have used a little more meat but when hash comes with this much flavor, there aren’t any complaints to be had. For those who enjoy their brunch extra savory, this dish wins.

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There she is. The one plate wonder that has come to sweep Dallas’ brunch crowd off its feet. Surely Garza knows the power her buckets of fried gold have over her diners. One crispy bite and game over. Now combined with waffles, stout syrup and a bit of butter, there’s nothing stopping her from brunch domination. When you come, don’t miss this.

sardue

For those who dabble in trying to recreate that one dish you love but can never get quite right, I give you Eggs Sardue. A beautifully poached egg over artichoke hearts, chopped ham, creamed spinach with hollandaise and hash is something to behold. Whether its the creamed spinach that screams for your tastebuds attention or the crispy ham that balances the plate, each bite is a new and delicious bit of Sissy’s brunch line up.

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In need of a sweet treat to cap your brunch fest? The caramelized grapefruit brûlée is a show stopping sweet. The crispy, crunchy sugar topping that coats a bitterly sweet citrus flesh is a bite of heaven. I’ll chime in again with another “Don’t you dare miss this!”

Another brunch must here is the Chicken & Dumplings (cornmeal and chive dumplings with Sissy’s signature brined chicken, peas, carrots and celery). Chicken or pork sausage is available upon request.

So ladies and gents, this Saturday and every other one for that matter, find your brunch savvy buddies and get yourself over to Sissy’s for a southern style morning (and later afternoon) meal that will take you to your happy place.

Brunch is available every Saturday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m

Your Weekend: September 26-29

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I’ve always believed in a 4 day weekend and with as many amazing events going on this weekend as there are, it’s only appropriate.

Let’s take a look at your booze, food, style and charity filled forecast.

Thursday September 26th:

Runway Presentation and Courtney Kerr Meet & Greet

Head to Cusp in Neiman Marcus Willowbend from 6-9pm for music, a meet & greet with local blogger and style celebrity Courtney Kerr and fashion tips!

“DATE NIGHT” AT PENNE POMODORO BEGINS SEPTEMBER 26

Beginning September 26, Monday through Thursday, diners who mention “Date Night” will enjoy their favorite bottle of wine at half price at the Lakewood and Preston & Forest locations of Penne Pomodoro.

DFW Style Daily’s Best Dressed

Join America’s Sassiest Lifestyle Guru, Steve Kemble for Galleria Dallas Presents DFW Style Daily’s Best Dressed 2013, co-chaired by Yvonne Crum and Benny Black.

These prior Best Dressed honorees will present DFW Style Daily’s Best Dressed 2013 at an unforgettable evening on the ice rink at Galleria Dallas. This year’s trendsetters will each walk the runway, plus pop-up runway shows by fashion diva Jan Strimple and Celebrity DJ Brandon Oldsspinning. Indulge in delectable food and cocktails, mingle with fashion-forward Dallasites, and so much more! This very special evening will benefit Dallas Can Academies and the Suicide Crisis Center of North Texas.

The Brands

Join Stanley Korshak, Isaia and Classic BMW on Thursday, September 26, from 7 p.m. – 9 p.m.

The event will showcase brands that enhance the lifestyles of men and will include a Scotch tasting and Lombardi’s Classic Wood-fired Pizza. Additionally, the Jack Black grooming team will be on-hand offering full demonstrations of Jack Black’s superior, advanced skincare line specially formulated for a man’s needs.

To RSVP, email rsvp@stanleykorshak.com

Friday September 27th:

Taste of The State Fair of Texas at Pegasus Plaza

Join Downtown Dallas Inc. as Dallas kicks off the State Fair of Texas with a variety of your favorite fair foods, live music from The Southern Renaissance, and the opening day parade!

The event takes place from 11am-1:30pm in Pegasus Plaza.

The State Fair of Texas Opens

The new face of Big Tex, the fried food and carnival rides…

Join the State Fair of Texas on September 27, 2013 – October 20, 2013 for 24 days of celebrating The One & Only!

Gates open on Friday, September 27, at 10 a.m.!

Saturday September 28th

Gilt City Warehouse Sale and Infiniti Q50 Launch Event

It’s back and better than ever, here’s the deets…

  • Admission for one to the Gilt City Warehouse Sale at Dallas Contemporary on Saturday, September 28, 2013 from 11AM –1 PM
  • Opportunity to drive or ride in an Infiniti vehicle (pre-registration is required; to sign up please email the address listed on your voucher)
  • Test-drive or complete a ride and receive 15% off of your total purchase at the warehouse sale (applied at check-out)
  • Complimentary coat check (guests must check all coats and bags/purses before entering the sale)
  • On-site bar
  • Refreshments provided by HINT
  • Snacks provided by Special K
  • On-site mini-spa services by exhale
  • Music by live DJ

Beer, Bourbon & Brisket Festival

BBQ vendors will be onsite for purchase to try some of the best dry-rub, sloppy wet and wooded-fired BBQ around and for those that are 21+, grab yourself a ticket for the craft and bourbon sampling tent – which will feature some of the best local and regional breweries and distilleries around.

And, don’t worry they have something for your ears to as Somebody’s Darling, The Whiskey Folk and Jace Everett will be playing all day.

Sissy’s Southern Kitchen Starts Brunch

With items like Chicken & Waffles and Sissy’s Benedict on the menu, Sissy’s brunch which starts this Saturday is sure to please. So grab a mimosa carafe and get your brunch on, Dallas.

Sunday September 29th

 $75 per person plus tax and 20% gratuity.

Chef Kent Rathbun will personally demonstrate his favorite grilling techniques including:
• St Louis Style Pork Ribs VS Baby Back Ribs
• Whole Roasted Carved Beef Tenderloin
• Barbequed Chicken
• Prime Beef Culotte
• Salt-Crusted Branzi

Please call Jamie to RSVP 214-619-3555

DIFFA/Dallas’ Fifth Annual Burgers & Burgundy

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Celebrity chefs will join Chef John Tesar at the home of Bill and Karen Seanor, Sunday, September 29th, 2013 for the fifth annual Burgers & Burgundy event benefitting The Dallas Chapter of DIFFA (Design Industry Foundation Fighting AIDS). Each chef has been tasked with the challenge to serve up the best burger sliders and compliment them with the burgundy of their choice. Wines and specialty cocktails will also be available. Chefs participating in this year’s event include John Tesar (Spoon Bar & Kitchen), Samir Dhurandhar (Nick & Sam’s), Sharon Van Meter (3015 Trinity Groves), Tim Byres (Smoke), Patton Robertson (Five Sixty by Wolfgang Puck), Kevin Williamson (Ranch 616), T.J. Legnick (Shinsei), Patrick Russell (Max’s Wine Dive), Brad Phillips (Asador), Blaine Staniford (Grace) and Whole Foods.  Funds raised from the event will go towards DIFFA/Dallas’s mission of serving those who are affected by AIDS and HIV across North Texas. This year’s event chair is Noel Rodriguez and Terri Provencal will serve as this year’s Honorary Chair.

Burgers & Burgundy takes place Sunday, September 29th from 4-7pm at the Seanor residence – 4637 Meadowood Road, Dallas, TX. The night will be accompanied with entertainment by Hunter Sullivan. Tickets for Burgers & Burgundy are $100 per person. VIP tickets are available for $150 and include VIP area table service. To purchase tickets please visit burgers13.eventbrite.com/or call 214-748-8580.

Sissy’s Southern Kitchen Starts Brunch September 21st

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That’s right. Your favorite fried chicken joint is set to serve brunch starting in just 2 weeks! A press release today announces the news as something the owner Lisa Garza has been looking forward to for some time now. Read on to find out more…

Chef Lisa Garza, owner of Sissy’s Southern Kitchen & Bar, is introducing a brunch menu beginning Saturday, September 21, 2013. Brunch will be available every Saturday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

“I’ve wanted to offer our guests brunch for quite some time now, but needed time after opening and rolling out lunch to perfect each signature brunch dish,” Garza says. “I tried to include some quintessential southern brunch dishes with a modern Sissy’s twist.”

 Dishes on the brunch menu will include: Chicken & Waffles (Sissy’s signature fried chicken with savory waffles, honey butter and Steen’s Syrup), Sissy’s Benedict (lump crab cake, cornbread muffin, poached eggs, caramelized jalapeno, hollandaise and country potato hash), Short Rib Hash (braised short rib country hash, two sunny side up eggs and a biscuit), Biscuits & Black Pepper Cream Gravy (cream biscuits smothered with cream gravy, sausage, eggs your way and country potato hash), Eggs Sardue (poached eggs over artichoke hearts, chopped ham, creamed spinach with hollandaise and hash), and Chicken & Dumplings (cornmeal and chive dumplings with Sissy’s signature brined chicken, peas, carrots and celery). Chicken or pork sausage is available upon request.

In addition to the new brunch items, the menu will also feature select beverages such as the Sissy’s Chandon Mimosa carafe (with a medley of fresh squeezed seasonal juices), Bloody Mary (handcrafted with homemade pickles), Grapefruit Julep (with fresh grapefruit, Texas honey and agave), and the Texas Screwdriver (made with Tito’s vodka, orange and calamansi).

I love brunch and I know Dallas does too. If everything is as tasty as the rest of their daily offerings, brunch will be the perfect addition to Sissys rolodex of southern classics with a chic twist.

Update: Lisa Garza has postponed the first day of brunch service until next Saturday, September 28th!

Where to Eat: Chic Comfort Food

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One of my favorite things about growing up in the South is the abundance of mom and pop restaurants serving food that warms the soul and comforts the heart. However, these days in Dallas, comfort food is going beyond the Southern cooking genre and has ties to global cuisine. Here are my top picks on where to get food that allows your tastebuds to travel to a home away from home.

Village Kitchen

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Executive Chef Andre Natera recently revamped his menu over at Village Kitchen (formerly Marquee Grill) and with items like Shrimp Corndogs with Sriracha Ketchup and Chinese Mustard, the allure of a playful take on comfort food is sure to please. The new concept, deemed a true neighborhood restaurant, hits close to home with reasonable price points and a seperate kid centric menu offering. Hell, with a Pecan Lodge smoked brisket flatbread on the list, what’s not to love? Julios Roasted Chicken with the fixings is a dish that takes me back to the family dinner table and that’s just the kind of thing Dallas needs when it comes to comfort food with an upscale twist. Take a peek at the rest of the village kitchen menu here, the new place is open now!

Pak Pao

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Get familiar with the newest ‘straight from the coasts of Thailand’ hotspot, PakPao in in the design district. “Primarily influenced by Bangkok’s streets, Pakpao’s chefs also draw inspiration from diverse regions of the country and all their dishes are prepared with fresh and traditional ingredients.” Those who’ve traveled far and wide to establish themselves would say that a trip to this restaurant isn’t to be missed. Serving up specialities like Som Tum (Green Papaya Salad), Bpouu Nimh Pad Phong Karee (Crispy Soft Shell Crab) and Coconut Forbidden Rice with Pandan Panna Cotta satisfy your cravings of a vacation to Bangkok with bite after bite goodness. Next time you crave a taste of Thailand, head to PakPao.

Mesero Miguel

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The streets of Dallas are littered with taco stands, tex-mex joints and drive thrus where drunken co-eds get their Doritos Locos Tacos on. But what we’re missing is an authentic Mexican restaurant to add to an endangered species of its kind in town. Enter Mico Rodriguez and his new concept, Mesero Miguel, set to open September 15th. The restaurant comes to a highly trafficked space off of Henderson. It’s been a Cuban joint, a failed Mexican concept and a Uptown Transplant gone wrong, but with the Mico touch what could go wrong? In a two-store 1960’s Palm Springs inspired space, Mesero Miguel will serve dishes like Albondigas De Mi Madre (a twist on meatballs made with Wagyu and served with White Queso and Salsa Roja) and Short Ribs with Guajillo Cheese Grits with Picked Onion and Arugula salad. The menu seems to be a spin on moms kitchen, Mico style with additions that make it a signature no one is soon to forget. More on the menu and concept here.

Le Bilboquet

Photo Credit: Natalie Wolfe

Photo Credit: Natalie Wolfe

Located in the bustling Travis Walk area of Knox street, ‘Le Bilbo’ as its known to its loyal following has swayed Dallas into a Parisian food coma. The famed Cajun Chicken with its smoky butter sauce and side of fries is the cure for the homesick French blues. Champagne flows as diners are invited to cozy up to the chic dining room and waiters swoop in to take care of the rest. Its a cozy little restaurant that has brought ‘J’Adore!’ feelings to the Lone Star State. Local reality stars and Parisian dreamers spotted here.

Cook Hall

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Coming in as one of the most underrated restaurants in Dallas, this once Colicchio run restaurant has taken a place on my go-to list of places to have a feel good meal. With its Deviled Eggs with Gulf Blue Crab and Crispy Gnocchi with Sweet Peas & Proscuitto, the menu winds itself tightly around making sure that diners feel charmed and full. The drinks never disappoint and the ingredients for a ‘good to the last bite’ meal are always in play. Ps. They have monthly beer dinners and that makes for a VERY dapper dinner. Buzzed dining and comfort food, need I say more?
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Uno Immanivong is taking the Dallas culinary scene by storm. Currently heading into the final round of the fork fight at Trinity Groves, Immanivong is pacing herself well on the heels of her restaurant opening in November. Chino Chinatown makes this list because of the comfort fusion food that Chef Uno prides herself on. Taking inspiration from both Latin and Asian cultures, Chino Chinatown has churned out items like Pho-Zole (a tasty combination of Pho and Pozole that wowed) and Grilled Quail with Chorizo Brussels sprouts and long green beans. The restaurant space at Trinity Groves will be a welcoming environment where the fusion food will bring traveling tastebuds home safely and deliciously.
Immanivong says “it’s like going into a dirty, gritty, sexy latin restaurant in the middle of a bustling Chinatown”. Chino Chinatown is taking inspiration from Anthony Bourdain, who mentored Uno on ABC’S The Taste and drawing from life experiences of watching her mother cater meals to the masses. Expect a cool, chic bar serving craft and draft cocktails, a menu with shareable plates and an injection of latin flavors across the board. Don’t miss Dim Sum Sundays!

There you have it. My 6 picks for chic comfort food in the city! Take a delicious staycation trip to where comfort cuisine resides and thank me later.