Tortaco – 4 Stars miling and holding a half empty bottle Alejandro said, “There is an old saying in Mexico.” Handing over a slip of paper it read, “For all that’s wrong mezcal, and for all that is right as well.” Taking in another drink of my tonic, I quickly realized this saying was likely doctrine. Appearing more like a cozy ravenous dungeon than a restaurant, Tortaco is an escape from the “norm” when it comes to Mexican style cuisine in Dallas. Their menu does not boast margaritas, enchiladas and the Tex-Mex must, queso. Instead, you’ll find an assortment of delicious soft flour tortilla tacos, tortas, bowls and…
A Glimpse into Cold Weather Dining at Abacus
Abacus 5 Stars The cold weather finally feels like it’s here to stay, but even if it isn’t the need for comfort food is. Abacus has answered that need with a mouthwatering fall/winter menu. Once again, I’ve decided that moving a mattress into the bar wouldn’t be such a bad idea. Take a look, but please do not drool on your droid. TXmb
Happy Hour at Abacus is Worth the Time
Abacus 5 Stars Cocktails should be boozy enough to wash away the memories of that agonizing meeting you had earlier and delicious enough that after every sip, you give a bit of a head nod, even if no one is talking to you. The food should be a mixture of fun and sophistication, serving as an edible elixir chaser. An unforgettable happy hour is able to assemble these two without sipping away at your wallet in the process. Recently, a legend named Abacus stepped into the happy hour world, possibly changing the game forever. During my second visit to Abacus, I was once again intrigued by this place. The ambiance…
Ultimate Cocktail Experience Recap 2016
The Ultimate Cocktail Experience 2016 Sipping, whipping and grooving. Those are my most dominating memories from the Ultimate Cocktail Experience. Held at Klyde Warren Park, the fifth annual drinking event raises money for Triggers Toys, programs that help children around the country. This year’s competitive drinking event took people on a trip around the world via booze. They included Africa, Asia, Europe, North America and South America. Bar concepts for each continent were memorable, taking the word theme to another level. I started with a Happy Ending in Asia, also known as a shot of Fernet topped with whipped cream to sipping a spot of tea in Europe. Take a…
TACOLANDIA 2016 Recap
There was no way I could consume them all. But, damnit if I didn’t try. The second annual Dallas Observer’s TACOLANDIA somehow managed to be better this year. From carnitas and barbecue beef to rabbit and duck, the tacos were a little heftier and the options more varied. Take a glimpse back at some of the bonita shelled beauties from this year’s festival. TXmB
The Ivy Divey Brunch Buffet at Ivy Tavern
Ivy Tavern 3.5 Stars The best Saturday nights carry over into Sunday mornings. In case you were wondering, a good indication of a Saturday evening well spent are flashbacks of going toe to toe with Mr. Daniels and JB, then finishing up with some fancy footwork. Preferably to The Macarena. After such wonderfully foolish behavior, you’ll likely awaken feeling quite famished and possibly a tad bit embarrassed. Well, at least one of those can be cured with a fork. The ultimate dive bar, Ivy Tavern is currently offering the perfect hangover solution with their new Ivy divey brunch buffet. First, remember, that this is a dive bar. So, don’t…
The Return to Foodie Wonderland Part 2
ast Sunday, I got my religion handed to me in the form of fried chicken wings, brisket, beets, a whole lot of different booze and other incredible foods during this year’s Chefs For Farmers Main Event, or what I prefer calling it, Foodie Wonderland. My first stop was one I’d regrettably missed last year called The Biscuit Bar. Here Jeffrey Hobbs and Jake Depew of Slow Bone concocted something life changing called Randall’s Biscuits, fried chicken, and Jason’s Double Secret Probation Gravy. Oh, and it was served with a slice of thick cut peppered bacon, plus you had your choice of dressing those soft baby biscuits with jalapeño jelly, fresh…
The Return to Foodie Wonderland Part 1
twirled my fork in the pesto pasta, slipped the tainted green noodles into my mouth and chewed. Satisfying, sure. But, I knew that it had happened again. After attending Chefs For Farmers for another year I’d become a food prude. You may have already read how incredible Chefs For Farmers was this year, well, allow me to reiterate this fact again. This year, I had the delicious opportunity to experience both the Street Food Night Market on Saturday evening, and The Main Event held on Sunday. Held outdoors in the Design District, upon entering, my whole body turned into a taste bud. I began light, yet robust with New Orleans…
Fair Food Goes Gourmet at Sea Breeze
Once a year locals around this state take a vow to engulf their taste buds in the deep fried pleasures that can only be found at the State Fair of Texas. Among the most common of these pleasantries are corny dogs and to a lesser extent French fries. With their addition of two new menu items, Plano based Sea Breeze is adding their own seafood spin on these two fair favorites. Sea Breeze is a place that has an ease about itself. It’s not a fru fru, pretentious seafood restaurant, but somewhere patrons feel like regulars. A small but fully stocked bar sits to one corner of the restaurant…
BrewFest 2016 Recap
BrewFest 2016 If you don’t end up with a cracked cell phone screen, or fading memories of fun random incidents then you did it wrong. Held at the Dallas Farmers Market again this year, BrewFest 2016 was a brewsky blast. Some of the best breweries in the state and across the country came out to provide samples of the sudsy stuff. This year, the beer wasn’t the only star of the party, BuzzBallz, Tequila Honor, Jameson Irish Whiskey and Dallas based On the Rocks Premium Cocktails also came out to share in the drunken glory. Here’s a look back at this year’s beer loving event. At least, from what I can…