Archive for October, 2010

Uptown’s Newest Sunday Morning Activity

Posted by    |    October 25th, 2010 at 6:46 pm

Brunching is one of my favorite activities. Don’t downplay it by saying it’s just a meal – it’s more like an event that begins with my rolling out of bed before noon on Sunday and making an extended effort to straighten my hair and put on a ladylike dress. I’ve made my rounds-o-brunch about Uptown: (the rooms and I enjoy places within walking distance to our humble abode) Nick and Sam’s Grille, Sfuzzi, and the ever-popular Breadwinners are usual (always yummy) picks. But when I heard that The Common Table was adding brunch to their already stellar menu, I cried mimosa tears of brunchity joy.

We arrived at The Common Table and shook owner Corey Pond’s hand, and he directed us to a large table in the back – the perfect size for sampling their extensive new menu. Make sure you introduce yourself to Corey, he has a kindness about him that makes you feel at home in his restaurant. Thirsty upon arrival, I opted for the tropical mimosa from our attentive waiter, Sean, and my roomie Michele went with the festive Pointsettia. The tropical mimosa was a twist on the original with a sweet syrup that came with a mental vacation to Hawaii. Recommended. (more…)

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In The House: Janice Provost & Parigi

Posted by    |    October 13th, 2010 at 2:52 pm

Don’t get us started about the wonders of Parigi. We are such big fans of chef/owners Janice Provost and Chad Houser. Uber-niceness with culinary talent to spare. And their restaurant, which has anchored Oak Lawn for 25+ years, is an institution that is never stuffy, always fun. Best Caesar salad ever. They are wizards with pesto and garlic, and have all sorts of clever offerings like the shrimp and crab martini, wild mushroom medley pizza, pappardelle of lobster, shrimp, crab and mushrooms in a tarragon pesto cream sauce … yowza! I often satisfy my cheeseburger fetish with one of Chad’s “chef special gournet burgers” with a side of delicate french pomme frites. I said don’t get me started!

Parigi is catering our big shindig Thursday night, an artsy “painting & piano” affair called “Euforia.” It’s the first of our coolio “Under The Arches” Series where we turn the parking area of our 95-year-old building on Commerce into a restaurant/theater. It may be sold out but you can look for tickets here. One thing’s for sure: the food will be great!

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I Heart Food Festivals!

Posted by    |    October 12th, 2010 at 10:37 am

Shrimp Dumpling (Molecular Dim Sum) created by Jose Andres, China Pablano Restaurant

Food, cooking and chefs are gaining more and more popularity each year…. I remember watching local television channels (KERA – Channel 13) if I wanted to learn how to cook. Now we have two national cable channels (Food Network & Cooking Channel), a handful of reality cooking shows (Top Chef, Iron Chef, Master Chef), a slew of magazines and several food festivals that are dedicated to just that… FOOD and the artists aka chefs that showcase them.

“Vegas Uncorked” hosted by Bon Appetit magazine was the first “official” food festival I attended this year. I was and still am the gawking, star-stuck fan that pathetically followed around the celebrity chefs wanting a picture.  No sham here… “you get in where you fit in,” my sister would say. (See below)

Mandy and I with Charlie Palmer and his Chef.

2nd best moment in my life... face time with Bobby Flay and the beautiful Claire Robinson (5 Ingredient Fix)

Needless to say I am now a groupie!  Annual food festivals like this are hosted at the most scenic venues across the country and one of the best opportunities to sample dishes from some of the most renowned chef and best of all… you get to personally meet them!

I came home and did some research on the best food festivals and there’s at least 10 that I want(ed) to attend… two of which are here in Dallas and Addison!

(more…)

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