Restaurants

Beertender, I’ll have Another Martooni… What City Am I In Again?!? Hotel Bars: A Place of Refuge for the Weary Traveler

Greg Holman — Tue, 08 May 2012 18:25:59 +0000

Even though the U.S. has had its warmest winter in recorded history, many of our Northern friends and family are looking for an excuse to get down here to the Texas Tropical Sun Belt to soak up a little of our warm Southern weather and hospitality. And while we may welcome them with open arms, we may not welcome them with open doors, so a hotel with a good bar is a welcome option, and you simply can’t have a great hotel without having a great hotel bar.

A hotel bar is a place of refuge for the weary traveler, where a highball and a barstool can be had for only a 300 foot commute back to bed. So, just what makes a good hotel bar? Well, Peter Jon Lindberg of Travel and Leisure Magazine says “It should be intimate in scale, yet capacious enough that you can always find a seat… The loudest sound shall be the shaking of ice. An excess of staff is actually a minus… and for God’s sake, no bouncers. A bartender should be the only thing standing between you and a perfect Manhattan.” I’m apparently a bit more laid back about my out of town (or in town) drinking and feel a little less stringent about the atmosphere and decorum of my hotel bars than Mr. Lindberg does.

The modern hotel came to prominence in the early 19^th century, and as a foreshadowing of the luxury that awaited their guests, upon arrival, patrons were treated to a cocktail, a singular sign of hospitality. Consequently the modern hotel and the cocktail grew up together, in a manner of speaking.

Cocktail historian Derek Brown says that “Hotels were often luxurious and full of amenities, including top bartenders. It was the perfect environment to nurture the Golden Age of cocktails.” So it stands to reason that some of today’s most popular drinks were created at some of the more famous hotel bars, for instance…

Cosmopolitan – The Strand, South Beach, Miami

Margarita – Rancho La Gloria, Baja California, Mexico (if you believe some people…)

Martini – Knickerbocker Hotel, New York

Pina Colada – Caribe Hilton, Puerto Rico

Red Snapper (or Bloody Mary as it’s now more commonly known) – St. Regis, New York

Singapore Sling – Raffles Hotel, Singapore

Tequila Sunrise – Biltmore Hotel, Phoenix

A great hotel bar can be a destination itself. Prior to the rise of the popularity of night clubs, hotel bars were the places “to see and be seen” for the rich and famous. In fact, back in the day, if you had been having a drink at New York’s Gramercy Hotel you could have run into Babe Ruth; at the Polo Lounge in the Beverly Hills Hotel, Dean Martin and Frank Sinatra were regulars; the Ritz in Paris was a favorite with Ernest Hemmingway; at the Raffles Hotel bar in Singapore, you may have rubbed shoulders with Somerset Maugham of Rudyard Kipling; or if you were staying at the Willard Hotel in Washington D.C. you could have swapped tales with Mark Twain and Walt Whitman.

Whatever your taste in hospitality-based libations is, be assured that there is a hotel bar to fit your bill here in the Metroplex. Whether you’re entertaining out-of-town guests, having a romantic weekend away from the house, or you’re just looking for some swanky new digs in which to down a few drinks, here are a few home-away-from-home options…

Bar Belmont – Belmont Hotel

Dallas Art-Deco at its finest. Housed in a vintage hotel with a great view of downtown from the balcony. A very laid-back and diverse crowd largely populated by hip locals. Try the signature Belmontini -

Bolla Bar – The Stonleigh

After a recent $36 million renovation, the Stonleigh’s vintage hotel bar was redesigned much to the dismay of the regulars, and while the new upscale Art-Deco inspired Bolla Bar has a different feel, the animal friendly hotel (and bar) has won back many of the old crowd.

Charlie Palmers – The Joule Hotel

Red velvet chairs, crystal chandeliers, designer dress-clad waitresses, and a custom-designed scent for the lounge. Modern meets classic (a la Moulin Rouge), where celebrities, athletes, and “A”-list locals in a wide range of ages, mix it up.

Dragonfly – Hotel ZaZa

Opulent, over the top, and just too-much… fun that is! Sure it’s a bit cliché, but what a great place to people watch. Eat some hot tamales from a bowl on the bar, have a Zatini, and if it’s too cool to swim, dance on the glass that’ll be covering the pool!

Five Sixty – Reunion Tower, Hyatt Regency

The only reason that I put this bar on the list is for the view. One of the best in Dallas, hands down. Wolfgang Puck put his name on the new restaurant that often gets mixed reviews, but an appetizer and a cocktail at the spinning bar in the big sphere, does have a certain charm.

The Library Bar – Warwick Melrose

A nice subtle remodeling last year updates the bar without taking away any of the classy charm. Leather and dark woods, a baby grand in one corner (and a pianist in the evenings… “Good night folks!”), and bookshelves lining the walls. Go with a classic martini or gibson here. One of my favorites.

The Mansion Bar – The Rosewood Mansion on Turtle Creek

Oil tycoons and sports team owners would be right at home here as were David Bowie, Mick Jagger, Stevie Nicks, and recently Benjamin Bratt. Stellar bartenders and a good strong pour in an amazingly elegant setting. One of the top rated restaurants in the world is right here.

The Rattlesnake Bar – The Ritz-Carlton

Celebrity chef Dean Fearing is the man shakin’ snakes at this classy bar that fronts Fearing’s namesake restaurant. A truly great guy who has almost single-handedly put Southwestern cuisine into the upper echelons of haute cuisine. Backlit honey onyx and real (non-living) rattlers comprise the amazing bar. Try the $1,000 an ounce 1806 Pierre Ferrand Cognac.

The Rodeo Bar and Grill – The Adolphus

An interesting twist for a high-end hotel. Grab a barstool partner, Order a draft beer, throw some peanut shells on the floor, and order up a ribeye. Funky, kitschy Western/rodeo-themed décor. Not the best on the list, but a nice change of pace for the out-of-staters.

In the days of the British Empire, colonials could find a respite from the hot, dry, warring world in the paddle-fanned lobby of a grand hotel. The world always looks more civil through the bottom of a tall gin and tonic.

Travelers from all over the world meet in Dallas hotel bars, each with a dozen stories to tell. So, whether you’re visiting our fair city or you’re just stuck here in land-locked Dallas and are longing for the excitement and glamour of world travel, transport yourself for a while in one of Dallas’ best hotel bars.

Taste Addison: 20 Years of “Let’s Eat Until It’s Time to Eat”

Hilary Kennedy — Fri, 04 May 2012 18:52:43 +0000

Taste Addison is one of those events that you have to go to if you consider yourself a Dallasite. It’s hot, it’s fun, it’s good old fashioned face-stuffing at it’s finest. Where else can you explore the city’s best restaurants all in one place all weekend long? In case you’re worried about parking or crowds, don’t be. The second you taste the food, you’ll forget about anything else. Don’t believe me? Check out this.

I mean, really. A food festival offers up this kind of cuisine? You bet your pajama jeans it does.

In fact, I am here to give personal testimony that this food is the bees knees, because I was invited to a media sneak peek of 20 participating restaurants and tasted their wares one fabulous afternoon. Not only did I sample delish dishes from places like Chamberlain’s, Sherlock’s, Genghis Grill, Manny’s Uptown, Flippin’ Out Crepes and Coffee, and May Dragon, but I got to choose my favs in a friendly little competition.

Let me just say, ALL the vendors were outstanding. They earned extra points if they included Taste sponsors Dos Equis and Coke in their recipes, which many did. (Soda breaded corn dogs were courtesy of McFadden’s and they were like taking a bite outta Big Tex. Mmmm.) The illustrious winner was Thai Star’s Khao Soi. I also tried Johnny’s Pizza House for the first time, which I didn’t know is considered the king of pizza joints in neighboring Louisiana. Talk about good stuff! No wonder you can always find ‘Nawlins folks hanging out at Beltine and Midway-Johnny’s is the yummy new game in town.

Did I mention this is the 20th Anniversary of Taste Addison? Addison Circle Park will feature food from more than 60 Addison restaurants offering generous samplings of their menus at special prices. A “taste” of Taste Addison 2012 includes national entertainment featuring Casey Donahew Band, Mat Kearney, Wade Bowen, Rhett Miller & The Serial Lady Killers, and The Dirty Guv’nahs. Special features this year include the Taste of Troubadour, TX stage and children’s entertainment “Go, Dog. Go!” celebrity chef demonstrations, carnival rides, midway games, and more.

Need more incentive?

Don’t sit around that weekend and listen to your tummy growl. Get out to Addison to taste a menu that will rival any festival out there.

EVENT DETAILS:

May 18‐20, 2012

Addison Circle Park
4970 Addison Circle Drive, Addison, Texas 75001

$10 “Anytime” tickets are available at any DFW Albertsons stores. Tickets may be purchased at the gate. Children 3 and under free.

6 p.m. – Midnight Noon – Midnight Noon – 5 p.m. $15*

$5 before 5pm; $15 after 5pm* $5* *Ages 4 and older.

Call 1‐800‐ADDISON or visit www.addisontexas.net

Bangkok City Restaurant

Sarah Beauregard — Mon, 30 Apr 2012 19:14:38 +0000

Today was a special treat. Paul (my husband) came with me and the lunch crew to lunch. For him to grace our presence we had to switch our plan up and go to Bangkok City. We didn’t hesitate since it’s always in our rotating restaurant choices.

The minute I sit down I always have to order up a Thai Tea. It’s ridiculously sweet but that never turns me off and I usually have it gone before our meal arrives.

We all order our usuals and have a wonderful conversation.

After finishing off our salads or soups to start the meal, our food arrives…

Red Curry Chicken is my favorite…

and Paul loves his Gang Dang. He’s up to three chilies hot now.

I embarrassed the group with my decor shots and we head back to work with a good-bye to Paul.

Helpful Bangkok tips: Park in Bryan Streets Tavern’s parking lot if there’s nothing available out front and don’t mind the odd smell when you first walk in. I promise it goes away once you sit down.

-Sarah Beauregard is a contributing author for www.youplusdallas.com, focusing primarily on Style and Deep Ellum. Sarah also has her own lifestyle and fashion blog you can find at www.kittensandpitbulls.blogspot.com.

Beach, Buffett… Bingo!

Greg Holman — Fri, 06 Apr 2012 19:44:08 +0000

Beach, Buffett… Bingo!

Parrotheads of the world unite! OnApril 19^th Jimmy Buffett and the Coral Reefer band are coming back totown for their annual concert, and if you haven’t been to a Buffett parking lotparty, then you’ve been missing out on one hell of a bash.

Nice… parrot

Jimmy is a singer-songwriter bestknown for his “island escapism” music and lifestyle, and for startingthe “trop-rock” (tropical rock) music movement, “Margaritaville” and”Come Monday” being his most recognizable hits.

He has an incrediblydevoted fan base, affectionately known as “Parrotheads,” and is afilm producer, a businessman, a best-selling writer, and owns two restaurantchains named after his tunes, “Cheeseburger in Paradise” and”Margaritaville”.

For the past five years the party(concert) has been held in Frisco at the Dr. Pepper Arena, where there’s ampleroom for parking, partaking, and passing out for an overnight stay (thongs…er, throngs of people show up in motor homes). However, this year it’s beingheld back at Starplex/Smirnoff/Superpages/Gexa Energy Pavilion (or whatever thehell they’re calling it this week).

This is the first place that I eversaw Jimmy, and learned of the inner peace that can be attained; the mellowsmoothness, the tequila-swilling, hang-on-for-dear-life, throw-down, toilet-hugging,thrill-ride that is a Parrothead parking lot party (I broke my elbow at one afew years back)! But this year it’s also being held on a Thursday! ReallyJimmy? In one of your biggest markets? Hey, Freddie Fishsticks… Some of us havereal freakin’ jobs, and need a day or two of recuperation after one of yourgigs, ya hard-partying old fart!

At a Buffet blow-out you’re goingto see sights the likes of which you’ve never seen. You’ll experience new waysof consuming alcoholic beverages…

A Shot-Ski

and you’ll learn to wear clothing in the mostrevealing and enticing ways, without actually getting arrested.

It’s averitable cornucopia of life lessons all wrapped up in one big sticky, sweaty,inebriated, grass-skirt-laden, coconut-shell bikini-covered package.

Portable Pole Dancing

So, makeup some jell-o shots, grab some rum and tequila, pack your battery-poweredblender, grab some more tequila, head out to Margaritaville a la Dallas, and be prepared to getleid! Lawn seatsare $36.50 and reserved seats are $136.50. As in Frisco, RVs will be allowed inthe parking lot for a fee. Lots will open at noon on Thursday at the “GexaEnergy Pavilion”.

Spin the wheel, win a prize!

The Corona Bikini Team

With land-locked Dallasites penchant for alcoholic imbibery, you’dthink that a tiki/beach bar would be a no-brainer and quickly develop a loyal following,but unfortunately, as proven by the relatively recent re-opening and re-closing of Trader Vic’s, theMetroplex just doesn’t seem to be on island time yet. Soon come mon, soon come. Den ev-ery-ting gonna be ire!

A Flush for a Flash

If you can’t make it out onThursday to party with the “Pirate Lookin’ at 70”, here’s the next best thing thatDFW has to offer; a list of our current best-shots for beach-themed clubs.Aquaholic establishments to quench your tropi-conch needs and kick your springoff with a boat-drink bang. Fins up!

Yucatan Beach Club
1850E. Belt Line Rd., Coppell, TX 75006 (972) 462-7715 – A frequent meeting placefor the Lone Star Parrothead Club, the Yucatan hosts volleyball, darts, poker,and pool leagues, and has Karaoke on Thursdays, all with a real beachy feel.

Weekends Paradise bar and Grill

600 Cooke Dr., Rowlett, TX 75088 (972) 475-6438 – This baris actually floating on Lake Ray Hubbard, and the Texas Queen Riverboat docksthere! Good live music, tropical specialty drinks, and a big food menu, all ina unique waterfront setting.

Froggy’s Boat House and Beach Club

4400 White Settlement Rd., Fort Worth, TX 76114 (817)377-4485 – Froggy’s has a real roadhouse feel to it. A big volleyball court,live music stages inside and outside, and a good lookin’ staff and clientele.There’s always something wild going on here, whether their putting up atemporary swimming pool or an inflatable water slide, or they’re having a“suds” party.

Obzeet’s patio

19020Preston Rd. Dallas, TX 75252 (972) 867-6126 – Once you step onto the patio atObzeet, you’ll be hard-pressed to tell that you’re not at a bar in some littleCaribbean coastal village. A koi pond and waterfall add to the atmosphere. Liveacoustic music most nights and an amazing selection of desserts.

Sneaky Pete’s

2Eagle Point Rd., Lewisville, TX 75077 (972) 434-2500 – Happy hour every day,right on the water at Lake Lewisville, so you can pull your boat right up tothe bar. They have a swimming pool, ive music Thursday-Saturday and a jazzbrunch. Patience is a virtue here as service can be hit or miss, but the placehas the potential to be lot of fun.

A Buffet concert has a bit of aMardi Gras feel to it and you’ll want to stay clear of the golf carts…

paceyourself, try the shot luge and a shot-ski, be gracious, and have rip-snorting, Hawaiian-shirt-wearing,drinking-from-a-coconut good time. If you want more info on the show you cancheck out Jimmy’s site (http://www.margaritaville.com/tourdates.html) or hit my buddies up, at the local Lone Star ParrotheadFlock’s site (http://www.lsphc.com/).

This article was brought to you by the number Niiine andthe letter Arrrrrrrrr. (Say it like a pirate!)

Easter Dining at Highland Park Cafeteria

Jennifer Buxton — Wed, 04 Apr 2012 21:46:38 +0000

Celebrate Easter at Highland Park Cafeteria Sunday, April 8 from 10:45 a.m. – 8 p.m. Highland Park Cafeteria features the choice plate which includes a multitude of entrée selections including carved ham with two vegetables and homemade bread for $8.99, excluding tax and beverage. Select entrees include grilled salmon and prime rib. As always, live piano music!

Highland Park Cafeteria catering features a spring-themed a-la-carte holiday menu with Easter favorites including carved ham, prime rib, Waldorf salad, deviled eggs, squash casserole and over two dozen freshly prepared desserts such as carrot cake, buttermilk pie, lemon icebox pie and much, much more.

Chicken Scratch

Sarah Beauregard — Tue, 03 Apr 2012 15:21:59 +0000

The first time pulling up to the Chicken Scratch parking lot, we questioned if we had to pluck our own chickens feathers. But immediately fell in love with the atmosphere. I’ve been here twice now and totally leave happy every time.

You immediately see and smell the chicken and can look right into the kitchen at all the fixens.

We can’t help but to soak up the outdoors before it gets too hot to cope with. Chicken Scratch gives you so many options to choose from outside.

Jun ordered the three piece skillet-fried chicken tenders with crackling gravy and mac’n cheese. Now beware just because Chicken Scratch has a Texas home feel, doesn’t mean it has Texas portions. With the prices you might be expecting more, but tell your eyes your tummy will be happy.

Brandon and Justin ordered the quinoa salad and added chicken. Brandon out eats all of us in amount and speed and Justin whipped him in eating every bite of his salad before I even buttered my biscuit!

I try to do a give and take. Last time I ordered the skillet-fried fingers with collard greens and this time I did the rotisserie breast quarter with the mac’n cheese. I will happily order either on my next trip. I will however stick with the oregano honey over the crackling gravy.

The mango popsicle is seriously delicious. Last time I got the watermelon popsicle which was good and really sweet, but this guy was creamy and had chunks of smooth mango. Perfection after a salty meal.

Next door in sharing patio and owners is The Foundry. I’m looking forward to hearing a band play on the unique stage, while the streamed lights are twinkling above me. It looks like a hipsters paradise.

After a quick game of cornhole and we were off to take Paul his togo order and get back to work.

Bread Winners Debuts a new Summer Salad Menu

Jennifer Buxton — Mon, 02 Apr 2012 18:36:07 +0000

Bread Winners debuts a NEW Summer Salad Menu TODAY. Once the heat arrives there is nothing better than a cool, crisp salad, especially when it is packed with flavor. Swimsuit season is just around the corner so looking trim and staying healthy is a MUST! Choose from items like the Hawaiian Sesame Crusted Shrimp Salad or the Fresh Berry Salad! Who knew eating healthy could taste so good!?

Summer Salads 2012
Entree size $10.99 | Lunch (small) size $ 8.49

Monday: Fresh Berry Salad*
spring mix, assorted fresh berries, grilled chicken breast, red onion, feta cheese, strawberry balsamic vinaigrette

Tuesday: Hawaiian Sesame Crusted Shrimp Salad*
greens, grilled sesame shrimp, pineapple, mandarin oranges, toasted coconut, tomato, red onions, almonds, poppy seed dressing

Wednesday: Roasted Artichoke and Mozzarella Salad*
greens, fresh mozzarella, roasted artichokes, red onion, tomato, kalamata olives, herb vinaigrette

Thursday: Mesa Chicken Salad
crispy tortilla shell, greens, grilled chicken, red onion, tomato, bell pepers, avocado, salsa ranch

Friday: Fresh Fruit Club and Chicken Salad
Banana bread with cream cheese with strawberries, apricots and raspberries triple stacked sandwich. Served with a scoop of our Herb Chicken Salad and sliced tomatoes.

*Small sizes and combo sizes (when you order the 1/2-sandwich and soup or salad combo) are available only Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday.

Urban Taco Launches New Weekend Brunch Menu

Jennifer Buxton — Fri, 30 Mar 2012 22:08:48 +0000

Urban Taco introduces a new weekend brunch menu on Saturday, March 31 at its Uptown location. At the heart of every Urban Taco menu is the dedication to serving fresh, authentic ingredients with everything made from scratch. Know for their modern Mexican cuisine and inspired selection of tacos, the new brunch menu features a selection of Mexican brunch favorites including Chilaquiles Rojas and Verdes, Huevos Rancheros, Egg Benedicto and Egg & Steak Torta Ahogada.

Guests will also find Urban Taco’s signature taqueria options, including Eggxcellent Breakfast Tacos with a selection of Roasted Honey Ham, Carnitas, Tinga, Barbacoa and Buenos Dias, all available a la carte or as a pair with choice of two sides that include Jalapeno Potato Hash, Yogurt con Granola, Rosemary Roasted Potatoes, Frijoles Borrachos or Black Beans.

The menu also features a build your own El Ommellete in addition to their La Jolla French Toast made with freshly baked sourdough bread, cajeta caramel warm maple syrup, banana souffle, strawberries and guajillo candied pecan served with a side of Mexican butter.

Brunch is available Saturdays and Sundays from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Jimmy’s Food Store

Sarah Beauregard — Thu, 29 Mar 2012 14:43:09 +0000

I went to Jimmy’s Food Store for lunch. Uncle John’s from Coal Vine’s has been telling me about this place for years. Then our Italian jeweler Pete told my husband that he picks up their provolone cheese and takes it with him to NY every time he visits his family. He said they get it in straight from Italy. So of course I had to finally make a visit.

I ordered a turkey sub (I know, not very italian) and added provolone and avocado. It was delicious and under $5!

My husband tells the story that he use to get a black and white everyday when he worked in NYC. So I picked him up a cookie for a treat.

Half the store seemed to be wine.

…and I was pleasantly surprised to see Henry’s homemade ice cream!

I would say that Jimmy’s is all that it’s cracked up to be.

6-Course Beer Dinner at Campo on April 2

Jennifer Buxton — Fri, 23 Mar 2012 21:55:47 +0000

Campo Modern Country Bistro and World Beer Co. pair-up for a unique 6-course, beer paired dinner on Monday, April 2. Bar opens at 6 p.m. and dinner is at 7 p.m.

Cost is $65 per person exclusive of tax and gratuity. Seating is limited and reservations are required.