A rep for the company had this to say about the new development, “We’ve been looking for a space for a long time. We finally found this space…Brant McFarland is doing the remodel and it should be 2 or 3 weeks and then we’ll move in and be fully operational. There will be no gaps, we’ll still be running our warehouse in N Dallas to deliver fresh juices, but as soon as the space is done everything will be moved to Oak Lawn.” The address for the store is 3527 Oak Lawn, right off of Lemmon in uptown.

For those who find themselves in need of a juice fix sooner than 2 to 3 weeks, Roots Juices products can be found a several fitness facilities around town and online.

The store front will allow the company to try some different things during the process. “We will be doing more seasonal blends, since it is a grab and go store set up the rules are a little bit different.” During our conversation, he even alluded to food being available at the store as well courtesy of their catering department.

I don’t know about you, but having a store front in the middle of town that provides a healthy sip on the go is reason enough for me to stop in. This store front will definitely set the pace for expansion if the clientele that swears by Roots Juices already makes their trip in to the shop.

Side note: Tomorrow, Roots Juices is launching their latest delicious flavor and it tastes just like chocolate. To celebrate, there will be a contest posted on all their social media tomorrow morning to win a taste of the new flavor Cardio Blast.

You can join the fight on breast cancer with a 45-minute cycling experience including upbeat tunes and an inspirational instructor. Be sure to wear your pink workout gear (real men wear pink)! Riders can join by making a suggested donation of $25. Remember that every dollar makes a difference in our mission to save lives in Dallas County. Just six riders making a $25 donation could help to fund a life-saving mammogram.

Guys and girls of all ages are invited to come out and supper this great cause while getting in an awesome workout!

Last I checked there were only a few spots left for this charity ride so make sure to click here and get your spin on for a cure!

You’ve seen the space as you race down Lemmon to West Village or call fido in for a margarita at Mutts. You’ve even heard the chatter about the opening event that sold out tickets in record time. Starting on October 16th, you can see what all the buzz is about.

Grammy nominated singer/songwriter, Pat Green and local businessman Brian Manion are set to open a full service restaurant and bar that will showcase kitchen and bar menus with roots reaching deep into the Texas soil.

Beef, poultry and game from local ranchers and produce from local farmers are an important foundation of the menu.  Local purveyors include the likes of Barking Cat Farms (Heath, TX), Comeback Creek (Pittsburgh, TX), Vital Farms (Austin, TX), Wagyu Excelente (Dallas,TX), Broken Arrow Ranch (Ingram, TX), Caprino Royale (Waco, TX), Eagle Mountain Cheese (Granbury, TX), Veldhuizen Cheese (Dublin, TX), Spiceman’s FM 1410 (Dallas, TX) and more.  The bar will feature all the best Texas has to offer including 40 beers on draft, cocktails and a notable wine list.

Celebrated chef, Sharon Hage has been working with The Rustic team to develop the menu; however, Matt Balke will run the day-to-day operations as executive chef.  “We felt it was a natural fit to bring him on board to run the kitchen,” says Noonan.  Balke worked with Hage for four years at York Street before moving on to work as executive sous chef at nationally acclaimed Bolsa Restaurant and Bolsa Mercado in Dallas. The Rustic menu is approachable comfort food including burgers, sandwiches, grill items like quail and pork ribs.  Noonan and Sepkowitz felt that Balke was the right person to deliver a great product and continue to evolve the menu with seasonal recipes.  Noonan continues, “Balke appreciates quality, has the talent to deliver and is committed to producing food that is made from scratch with only the best available ingredients.”

Here’s a peek at the menu:

Compared to some of the best live music venues in Texas, The Rustic is sure to set a new tone in the neighborhood. Amazing, sprawling spaces in the backyard area lined with wood fencing will serve the joint well as the crowds settle in. Speaking of crowds, The Rustic is holding a few pre-kickoff parties that are open to the public, that is if you can score a ticket.

I personally can’t wait to check out the space, try the menu and maybe even meet Pat Green himself!

Here’s a line up:

Thursday, October 10^th  - Pat Green Kick Off Concert

Friday, October 11^{th -} Sneak Peak Dinner/Music Night

Doors open 4pm, sneak peak menu service (selected items) 4pm – midnight, live music (local bands) start at 7:00pm, closing is midnight.

Saturday, October 12 - TX/OU party with Pat Green

$30 per person

8am – 10am – ESPN live broadcast with breakfast tacos and bloody marys and full bar available

             11am – TX/OU watching party

             2:30 pm – Pat Green concert

              To purchase tickets: www.therusticrestaurant.com

Sneak Peak Dinner/Music Night

Doors open 4pm, sneak peak menu service (selected items) 4pm – midnight, live music (local bands) start at 7:00pm, closing is midnight.

Sunday, October 13th - Sunday Funday at The Rustic - Doors open 11am, live music 2:30pm (local bands), sneak peak menu service (selected items)  

Cowboy Watching Party

7:30 pm, sneak peak menu service (selected items), giveaways, closing is midnight.

Not only was this a night to celebrate Timothy Oulton, but it was also an evening to celebrate the first days of Fall. It’s tough to pick a Fall outfit here in Dallas as the weather tends to sway to the bipolar side. When the temps dip below 85, the magic happens. We have to act fast because it can be the perfect weather, if only for a night. Weather permitting, I decided it was time to break out the Fall duds.

As of late, I’ve been smitten with shades of blue and burgundy. As Summer whites and Spring florals go by the wayside, deep and rich hues sweep in. Theres something intriguing about the darker colors blending with the early dark night sky during Fall. A pop of a brown sweater over a white button up and deep forest green pants can easily be matched with a pair of manly boots for a get up that rocks.

This particular evening I chose to pair a brand I love, Civil Society, to blend a vest and a button up with a pair of burgundy slacks by Universal Works to ring in Fall.

I say be brave in embracing new pieces or styles that you’ve never matched before. Welcome Fall!

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

Celebrity chefs will join Chef John Tesar at the home of Bill and Karen Seanor, Sunday, September 29^th, 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.

You know her as a Bravo star turned fashionista. Now she’s readying for another show, running at 100 mph with heels on and taking care of her new puppy.

This sassy and stylish Dallasite brings high fashion looks to our streets. When she isn’t busy jet setting to couture shows and events around the country, Kerr enjoys the simpler things in life like taking a stroll to the dog park with her adorable pup Fancy Kerr and relaxing in her perfectly decorated Dallas home.

There are several reasons for why she fits this first feature. As a former shopgirl, Kerr has a personality that sells. Her infectious and opinionated qualities keeps her fans on their toes.

From style don’ts to general rules of life, she spills without filter and thats a Texan if I know one.

Secondly, Kerr has stolen the hearts as Americas style blogger sweetheart and brings the spotlight to Dallas with her newest show ‘Courtney Loves Dallas’. Although the show had its setbacks, Kerr is fueling forward as excitement builds for its premiere.

As she hits the streets with her favorite Phillip Lim bags and furry sidekick, Courtney catches the attention of the camera as an afternoon stroll in $1,200 Valentino pumps turns heads.

There’s no stopping this show-going, fashion chart-topping and original, genuine Ft. Worth born now Dallas native.

Keep it up Courtney, because Dallas is trying to keep up with you!

Follow her on Twitter and on Instagram

This year, Chefs for Farmers welcomes over 40 extraordinary Southern chefs, local purveyors, and spirit vendors to the 2nd annual Chefs For Farmers culinary extravaganza on November 3, 2013.

“Produced by Chef/Owner Matt McCallister of FT33 and Iris McCallister, CFF brings together over 40 talented Southern chefs, local farmers, purveyors, and premier local wine and spirit producers in an afternoon to support the North Texas Food Bank and local farms, while honoring seven stand-out leaders in Dallas’ culinary industry.”

It was a blast to see everyone who came out for this great cause, and I ate myself silly with some of the highest ranking chefs in town. For 2013, CFF is bringing “chefs including Jeremiah Langhorne of McCrady’s (Charleston, SC), Janice Provost of Parigi (Dallas, TX), and Kent Rathbun of Abacus and Jasper’s (Dallas, TX), complemented by performances from local bands and DJs.”

100% of proceeds from CFF will be divided to support The North Texas Food Bank, a social benefit organization located in Dallas that supports the nutritional needs of those less fortunate through education, advocacy, and strategic partnerships, and to the local farms participating in the 2013 festival. Tickets are available for $65 per ticket/$120 for two tickets, and can be purchased through www.chefsforfarmers.com.

BUT! Here’s the really awesome part. This Sunday only, CFF is selling single tickets for $50. These tickets can be purchased to gift to a food obsessed friend and you must use to promo code “cocktologist” (I couldn’t make that up if I tried).

So hurry up and get your tickets before they..sell out!

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!

I made my choices this year based upon establishments I have come to love and those I’ve wanted to try. As someone who has traveled the world in search of adventure, great service and delicious food, I’ve been lucky enough to stay in my share of Ritz Carlton Hotels. The location in Uptown is no different, and it was a no brainer to include Fearings on my list of places to visit during restaurant week. Be it a fluke, pure luck or a RW first but this year I spotted that the restaurant was honoring the special restaurant week menu through September 1st as listed on the RW site on reservation day.  I made the reservation for 2 and counted the days until we made our way past the Rattlesnake Bar and into the culinary abode of Dean Fearing. Here’s where things took a turn for the worst…

The Friday before we were to dine at Fearings I received a phone call.

“We are excited to have you in the restaurant! We look forward to your reservation,” the maître d’ said. “I see on your reservation we have a note that you are coming in for our restaurant week menu, unfortunately we stopped doing that the first week of the promotion.”

I was shocked. A mere 48 hours before we were to dine, and they are just now informing us that the reason we are coming in is invalid.

“Apparently there was a computer glitch in the system with the restaurant week site,” he went on… “would you still like to keep your reservation.” I explained to him how disappointed I was and cancelled our date with Dean.

A few minutes later, after thinking about how let down I was, I called back. “Hi, yes, we just spoke about the restaurant week mishap. Could I speak to a manager?” I said. “Sorry sir, they’re busy. What’s this about?” He quickly shut down the conversation. “Well, could you please forward me to their voicemail?” I asked. Dial tone. He hung up.

I called back, explained that I had ben hung up on and politely asked to be transferred to a manager again, and again I was hung up on.

The next conversation went much better than the first two and a representative from the Ritz Carlton assured us we would have the restaurant week experience we’d so much been looking forward to.

Cut to Sunday night. We head into Fearings for our reservation, check in and are immediately told our table is not ready yet. 10 minutes later, we are brought back to the main dining room, our waiter sweeps in asks our water preference and guzzles a carafe of H2O into our glasses. He comes back, gets our drink order and says “you want the restaurant menu, yes?” We nod. He says “Caesar Salad. Tortilla Soup, Salmon or Filet.” This drill-sergeant firing off of menu items catches us off guard. We both turn to him and say “what?!” He repeats his verbal menu again and then leaves the table. An amuse-bouche of tomatillo soup lands on our table and he’s back with our cocktails and asks for our orders, we are bewildered and order based on our memory of what he’d said.

I know Fearings, I’ve met Dean and I have never, ever experienced the type of cold, mechanical and put-off service that I experienced that evening. “Fearing’s is the perfect blend of innovative design, elevated cuisine and the true spirit of Texas hospitality.” That is what reads on the website but this night, the hospitality aspect was on vacation.

The courses come promptly. The appetizers we’re spot on, the famous tortilla soup hits the right notes and the caesar pleases. Then come the mains. As if we were at a wedding banquet,  the plates couldn’t have been less exciting. My dining partner, who ordered a filet gets a side of asparagus and mashed potatoes. I get a piece of salmon with you guessed it, asparagus and mashed potatoes.

I knew something was wrong. Last I checked, the menu at Fearings for restaurant week the menu looked like this:

Starter
• Duo of: Cocktail Shrimp on Horseradish Mango Sauce with Pecos Melon/Baby Kale/Texas Feta Salad and Crushed Smoked Almonds
• Slow-Smoked Pork Carnita/Charred Corn Tacos with Avocado/Tomatillo Salsa and Summer Slaw with Cooper Farms Peaches

Entrée
• Watch Hill Rhode Island Judith Fluke on Fennel/Basil Purée, Fried Green Tomatoes and Three-Bean Salad with Barbecue Thousand Island Dressing
• Barbecue Glazed Beef Tenderloin Grilled over Live Mesquite with Baked Potato Enchilada on Stewed Chuck Wagon Greens, Canton Butter Beans and Okra Medley

Dessert
• Duo of: Warm Chocolate Cake with Cherry Chip Ice Cream and Pistachio Crunch with Lemon/Vanilla Custard Shooter with Blueberry Jam and Graham/Oatmeal Streusel

Lets just nip this one in the bud and say that we didn’t receive the listed desserts and we were actually told “I’ll ask them what they can come up with,” when we asked about the dessert course.

On top of everything, when the bill came, I noticed that we were charged for a convenience fee. Now I know the restaurant was only offering the $45 dinner option — $10 more than the usual prix fixe dinner — but when that price comes with the expectation of “high end cuisine, at a time when the food costs are at a premium,” as noted by a DFW RW press release, I can’t brush off this poor experience.

If you’ve read this far in one of the most unappetizing experiences in restaurant week history hopefully you can understand how I, as an appreciative and understanding guy, felt wronged throughout our meal. From the first phone call to the signing of the check, this experience was unforgettably awkward and disappointing.

It was an utterly epic showdown of the culinary divas as Uno Immanivongs ‘Chino Chinatown‘ took on Sharon Van Meters ‘Beignet Bridge Club’ in the Fork Fight final round. It was an all out battle to the finish to see if 4 time champ Chino Chinatown could trump the 3015 Trinity Groves founder on her own turf. 400 hungry food lovers descended upon a soon to be completed Trinity Groves tonight and we all left winners.

Photo Credit: Doug Magditch

Photo Credit: Doug Magditch

The evening was set to live guitar and the service evolved from unorganized to impeccable as the courses flowed. As both competitors gave their rundown, Chino Chinatown emerged to the tune of ‘Rocky’ and Van Meter admitted her team had been putting together the courses while she was out of town this week. Ian Reilly and Lauren Loiselle teamed with Chino Chinatown partner Adrian Verdin on the cocktails.

Chino Chinatown

Photo Credit: Doug Magditch

47 Ronin: Japanese Whisky, Goji Berry Groseille, Yuzu Juice and Charged Sake topped Collins

Snake Charmer: Deaths Door Gin, Lemongrass-tamarillo syrup and bergamot juice

Punto Branco: Mount Gay 1703, galagal gomme, Temperance Cacao Sagrada with a hand-cut iceball

That Good, The Bad, The Weird: Tequila Cabeza, Aguardiente Quindriano, Pu Her Syrup

Agua Fresca (out of a plastic bag!) – Death’s Door Vodka, Asian Pear, Beets, Ginger, Lime Juice, Agave Nectar

Beignet Bridge Club

Basil Gimlet

As the cocktails set in, the crowds grabbed the appetizer course themselves.

Photo Credit: Doug Magditch

Beignet Bridge Club featured at Truffle Creme, Chive Langue De Chat (cat’s tongue) in an egg over Foie Gras Salt. It was good but the texture of the creme when mixed with the salt could have been a little more cohesive.

Chino Chinatown offered a Yellowtail Hamachi over Coriander  Creme Fraiche, With Grilled Hearts of Palm & Jalapeño Infused Blood Orange. The dish was light and refreshing but at this point it was all tied up.

Photo Credit: Doug Magditch

Photo Credit: Doug Magditch

Second course Beignet Bridge Club was a Summer Salad with Fine Herb Mousse and Citrus Lavender Caviar. To be honest, I expected Van Meter to show off a little here but the salad fell a bit flat for me and the caviar was an unexpected touch. Chino Chinatown presented Immanivongs famous Larb Gai with a cup of Phozole (steeped roasted bone marrow broth with guajillo braised oxtail and tender hominy). Though I wasn’t craving  warm dish, the comforting aspects of a bowl of flavorful soup hit the spot. Chino Chinatown takes round 2.

Photo Credit: Doug Magditch

Photo Credit: Doug Magdtich

The main courses arrived soon after. First up, Van Meter with a Rack of Lamb, Potato Puree, Ratatouille, Garlic Chips and Roquefort Beignet. The beignet was delicious and the puree was just right but something seemed to be missing overall that could’ve taken this dish to the next level that Fork Fight is known for. Chino Chinatown plated a Membrillo Glazed Duck Breast & Duck fat fried rice confettied with Chinese Sausage and BBQ Pork Loin. Again, the sides won me over. The rice was just right and the sausage was a treat but I still craved something more from the Duck. Tied again.

Photo Credit: Doug Magditch

Photo Credit: Doug Magditch

As both sides furiously plated their final entries, Janice Provost and April Barney could be seen putting sweet touches on the Beignet bridge Club side. Immanivong had delicious coffee scents emerging from her camp and the room went nuts. Last plates were Chocolat Sioxante, Cocao Nib Beignet, Scented Pipette and Raspberry pearls from Van Meter. Chino dessert dished Warm Cinnamon and Sugar Dusted Hypnotic Doughnut Morsels Filled with Hazelnut Ganache, Salted Caramel Drizzle and Ca Phe de Holla to dip it all in. Both had doughy goodness but at the end of the day, a coffee and doughnuts hypnotic treat stole the show. Congrats to both chefs on a job well done and a major congrats to Chino Chinatown for winning it all!

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