South American Wine Dinner

South America has brought a lot to the world.  We have Machu Pichu, Amazon Rain Forest, the Andes, Inca ruins, and, of course, wine.  Wait, what?!  Yeah, I said wine!  Until recently, all I knew about South American wine was Malbec.  And, as a self proclaimed student of all things Vino, I'm always open to experiencing new wines.  The wineries of Dona Paula from Argentina and Carmen from Chile contributed some incredible wines for a four course wine tasting dinner at Abacus.


The stand out wine was the Dona Paula, Estate Torrontés 2010 from Argentina.  This white is incredibly light and aromatic.  Comments about this wine at our table included "It's like Champagne without bubbles" and "This wine is like tasting a light perfume".  I totally agree with both.  This was my first encounter with Torrontés.  I am by no means a white wine drinker, but after experiencing the airomatic, but not overly sweet flavor of a Torrontés, I can see myself enjoying this wine in the future!


Of course, when you're attending an event at Abacus, you expect exceptional food.  This time was no different.  The first course was a lovely "pizza".  There is a large Italian immigrant population in South America, so this course was certainly more appropriate than one first expects.


The second course was the best chicken I have ever eaten.  The meat was pasture raised and incredibly decadent.  Think "happy chickens".  I can't say enough about how well treated animals make the best tasting dishes. 


Third course was Kobe hanger steak with a pecan tortilla.  Both items melted in your mouth.  Who doesn't like steak you can cut with a butter knife?


Last, we had brown butter cherry tamales.  These things were RICH.  Texturally, they were a little much for me.  The sensation of swirling course brown butter around my mouth wasn't really my bag.  The genius of this choice in dish was the wine pairing.  Our entire table was a little unsure of the choice because of the strength in the Carmenere.  Alone, you would expect this wine to be served with a meat dish.  Next to the tamale, the wine was immediately subdued and rounded out the course nicely.

First Couse
"Porteno Pizza": Fugazza con Queso, Carmelized Cippolinis, Heirloom Tomatoes, Salchicha Parrillera
Second Course
Pollo la Plancha: Grilled Windy Meadows Pasture Chicken, Roasted Corn-English Pea Hash, Natural Jus
Third Course
El Parilla: Chargrilled Kobe Hanger Steak, Yellow Tomato-Pozole Stew, Crispy Pecan Tortilla
Fourth Course
Brown Butter-Cherry Tamale, Caprino Royale Cajeta

Niman Ranch Dinner - Abacus Dallas

We're suckers for food and wine pairing dinners.  Sometimes we miss (*ahem* The Grape's attempt at "gnocchi" that tasted like mushy potato soup at their "Tuscan" wine dinner, gross!) and sometimes the tasting dinner is a major hit. Well, the Niman Ranch Dinner at Abacus was one such hit!

We went into the dinner expecting to get a superbly prepared meal accompanied by some nice wines -- if you're not familiar with Abacus, the restaurant is one of the most important establishments in Dallas.  How often do you get to be hosted by an Iron Chef?!  What we took away from the event was knowledge about sustainable farming and how a simple choice to support sustainability benefits more than just your taste buds.

In a time where corporate farming systematically treats their livestock inhumanely, Niman Ranch looks to produce a superior product that was cultivated using humane, traditional farming practices.  The Niman grassroots movement faces its challenges when it comes to scalability and consistency.  To ensure that the livestock are treated in strictly humane practices, Niman uses tough evaluations of adherence to Niman protocol with lucrative rewards as motivation.  The result is consistently superior quality meats.

Via NimanRanch.com

Host Chef Kent Rathbun kicking off the dinner

Host Paul Willis - He is such an amazing advocate for sustainable farming

Menu for the evening

First Course
Shiner Bock Beer Braised Niman Ranch Pork Cheek
Creamy Smoked Onion Brussels Sprouts
Stephen Vincent, Pinot Noir, California 2008

Second Course
Jalapeno Beer Battered Lobster
Niman Ranch "Ham Hock Mac"
Castello Banfi, Rosso di Montalcino 2008

Third Coursed
Hickory Grilled Niman Ranch Lamb T-Bone
Toasted Garlic-Balsamic Glaze, Carnival Cauliflower Puree
Ferrari-Carano, Siena, Sonoma County 2009

Fourth Course
Niman Ranch Prime Ribeye Filet, Crispy Morel Mushroom Sauce
White Cheddar Smoked Bacon Twice Baked Potato
Caravan, Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley 2008

Fifth Course
Tart Washington Cherry Cheesecake
Mint Chocolate Fudge
Ferrari-Carano, Eldorado Gold, Sonoma County 2007

Yours truly and Iron Chef Kent Rathbun

We had an amazing time at the dinner.  Do you ever do wine dinners?  I'd love to hear your suggestions on wine dinner locations!

Bellavista Franciocorta Tasting

Have I mentioned that we like wine?  Each month our Wine Spectator magazine shows up and, consequently, I am reminded how little I know about wine!  How do you remedy such inadequacies?  Well, I prefer a "hands on" approach to learning wine.  I'm sure it sounds gushy and self indulgent, but finding good wines takes time, knowledge, and expectations -- along with a mess of other techniques, but like I said before, I'm still learning.

Part of my approach is actually tasting the wines.  That's where Jimmy's Food Store in Dallas comes into play.  The great thing about Jimmy's is that it is a small market where anyone who knows anything about food in Dallas shops.  Jimmy's makes some of the best pastas and meats that are served at the better restaurants around Dallas as well as sells fabulous imported Italian products.  We're huge Jimmy's fans, thus we have been on their email list for quite some time.  Part of the weekly email announcements include opportunities to partake in wine tastings.  The mention of "bubbles" caught my eye, so I signed us up for the Bellavista tasting.

Bellavista makes a sparkling Italian wine call Franciocorta in the Champagne method.  Basically, the wine is fermented, then bottled, and fermented again to create the "bubbles".  Sara Pedrali is the Brand Ambassador who put on the tasting.  Sara is very knowledgeable and passionate about the wine she was sharing with us.  Sara's uncle, Vittorio Moretti started the winery about 30 years ago in the Franciacorta area in the Lombardy region of Northern Italy.  Sara gave us some good reasons why Franciacorta truly rivals the French Champagne region in terms of weather and climate which results in higher quality grapes. (Have I mentioned how much I love Italians?!)  These grapes are harvested by hand, the bottles are rotated by hand in the cellar, and then the bottles are gorged by hand.  A lot of time and technique goes into Bellavista wine making.  The results speak for themselves.

The highlight of the tasting was the opportunity to sample the Vittorio Moretti.  This wine is the stuff of legends.  Bellavista only bottles this wine when the conditions are specifically fit to begin the process of blending this high quality wine, which, in turn, makes it a rarity in production.  The weather, the grapes, the stars and the moon must be perfectly aligned for this effort to begin.  The Vittorio Moretti has only been produced 7 times since Bellavista began producing wine.  Moretti is the pride of the winery so much that even top wine critics do not gain access to the wine.  It was special, special stuff.  The pride Sara exuded when indulging in the wine made it very clear how unique tasting the Vittorio Moretti actually was.  Boy was it devine!

Jimmy's served each person with this delicious spread!

Jimmy's tasting room.  Sara noted that the Franciocorta region looks similar to the mural on the wall.  Looks beautiful!

Daniel Rosenberg from Empson USA Wine Importers kicking off the tasting.

Sample bottle on our table.  We definitely took some bottles home!

Yours truly and Sara Pedrali after the tasting.  She is such a doll!

Check out the Bellavista bottle on the shelf behind Anthony Bourdain!  Just happened upon this last night before cooking dinner.
Via TravelChannel.com

After this tasting, northern Italy is now on our radar.  I'm thinking next Spring trip!  Do you like Italian bubbles?

Father's Day Weekend Rundown

We had another fun filled weekend.  Friday night we took the trolly to the Dallas Arts District for a block party.  I'm glad to see that Dallas is really working to attract visitors to the district.  The museums are open until midnight and the event centers are booked with really great shows.  Outdoors, there was a concert stage setup and, our favorite, FOOD TRUCKS!!  We had some really great Korean BBQ from SsahmBBQ truck and split a Banh Mi sandwich from Nammi Truck.  So yum!

SsahmBBQ Truck

Left: Kimchee Fries - Fresh Hand Cut Potatoes, Monterey Jack & Cheddar Cheese,  Cilantro & Onion,  Caramelized Kimchee, and Spicy Mayo
Right: Daeji Tacos - Sesame Soy Vinaigrette Salad, Caramelized Kimchee, Cilantro & Onion, Salsa Rojo/Verde, Two Corn Tortillas

Grilled Pork Banh Mi (Vietnamese Sandwich) - 12" Baguette served with Garlic Mayonaise, Cucumbers, Pickled Daikons & Carrots, Jalapenos, Cilantro

After we walked around, we headed into the Meyerson Symphony Center.  We were so excited to see Byron Stripling: Tribute to New Orleans Jazz.  We usually make it down to the Big Easy a couple of times a year, so to have a slice of NOLA in our backyard was perfection!  Byron puts on a great show.  He sings, plays trumpet, and leads the band incredibly.  Hey, how can you go wrong with a little Louis Armstrong backed by the Dallas Symphony Orchestra??!  I'm so glad we were able to see this show.

Via Yelp.com

Saturday, we saw X-Men: First Class at Highland Park Village Theater.  I couldn't decide if I loved the movie or the theater most!  This movie theater is small, yet luxurious due to its recent renovations.  The theater has a full bar and high end treats like cupcakes and cookies vs. the usual Mike & Ikes you get at other theaters.  I simply loved reclining in the leather seats while sipping on my white wine.  Such a great place to catch a movie!

Saturday night, my dad came to town, so we took him to Urbano Cafe.  Urbano is one of our top 5 restaurants in Dallas.  My dad being from Tulsa, was knocked off his rocker by the incredible food we had.  I'm so glad I was able to show him a little bit about our Dallas.

Sunday, we did a quick Brunch at Monica's Aca y Alla in Deep Ellum.  Monica's is a new find for us and I'm so glad we weren't disappointed.  Their brunch entrees are around $6 and mimosas are $1.  The best part is that the atmosphere is "New Deep Ellum" meaning the entire restaurant is well thought out and accommodating to day time clientele.  Monica's is not just a bar with a kitchen in the back like other Deep Ellum restaurants.  The salsa, queso, and food was fantastic.  Eric and I are definitely going back!

Huevos con Chorizo - Spicy Chorizo Sausage and Scrambled Eggs. Served with Pinto Beans. (I added an order of tortillas, too!)

El Chicano - Biscuits and Gravy with Scrambled Eggs, Chipotle gravy and bacon.

Hope you had a great Father's Day with your dad or kiddos!

Norma's Cafe

I have had such a hankering for diner style French Toast for breakfast.  We've tried a few different places around Dallas, but nothing has quite hit the spot.  Then, last Sunday, we happened upon Norma's Cafe.  Norma's is a greasy spoon cafe in Oak Cliff just outside Bishop Arts district.  As soon as we drove up, I had a great feeling about the food to come.  Eric was most excited at the prospect of $3.99 for French Toast.  Ha!  I guess we're a little jaded by the $20 brunches we usually have in Uptown!!

Via Yelp.com

Via Yelp.com

That's crispy bacon piled on top of my French Toast.  So yum!

One egg scrambled with cheese

Biscuits and gravy

Pancakes (they weren't as good as the French Toast!)

Norma's is a little gem of a place that we both enjoyed.  We will definitely be back!  Do you ever opt for a greasy spoon?  Any stories or recommendations you can make??

On Board: Matt & Kim

Most people in Dallas are Mavs fans and as a result were making plans to watch Game 6 of the NBA Finals. We, on the other hand, were super jazzed to see one of our favorite bands, Matt & Kim, live at House of Blues Dallas.  Matt runs the keyboard and vocals while Kim disrespects the drums (in a good way!) and does vocals.  Matt & Kim put on a high energy show and, since almost all their songs are Indie Rock hits, there was hardly a chance to sit.

We listened to Matt & Kim during our Tuscan road trip this spring.  All of the lyrics brought back such great memories.  Don't worry, I'll be posting about that trip soon!!  

Matt & Kim are avid users of their Tweet Machine and Facebook fan page.  They make you really feel like they are your pals and allow you to be interested in what they are up to.  It was great seeing them live and realizing that they are just as cool on stage as they are portray themselves in social media.  Here are a few pics!

Kim (L) and Matt (R)

Kim has so much energy and kept jumping on top of the drums and running around the stage.  So fun!!

They passed out balloons and had everyone toss them around.  It was very "Flaming Lips" of them!

Any good bands you've seen lately?  I'm excited for TV on the Radio this September!!

On Board: Rock of Ages

Date night last Friday included a show!  My honey is such a sport for making our night fantastic.  He thought of everything including box seats at the new Winspear Opera House to see "Rock of Ages".  I am completely on board with this fantastic show!

For those of you not in the know, Rock of Ages is a musical, but not your typical "musical".  All of the songs are 80's hair band songs set to a love story between a new to LA "actress" and a "rocker" both of whom are only qualified so much in either field that they must precede the title with "aspiring".  All of the cast members are decked out in fishnets, thigh high stockings, rocker duds, and even a few mullets.  The show provides plenty of laughs and the feeling as if you are actually at a rock concert.  I have been recommending this show to everyone I talk to.

The bonus to the evening was that we had the opportunity to see a show in the new opera house.  Neither of us had been the new venue and we were glad to have the chance to check it out in such a casual setting.

Outside the Winspear Opera House

Rock of Ages set.  So much fun!!

View of the seating tiers

A few bubbles before the show began!

Do you see musicals?  Any recommendations on shows??

Il Cane Rosso - A taste of Naples

As I'm sure you can tell, I am completely preoccupied with Italian food.  I could eat it every day of the week.  "How?" you may ask.  Well, if you have access to the amazing variety of Italian food that we have in Dallas, you would eat Italian just as often!

My second favorite Italian food joint is Il Cane Rosso.  Jay Jerrier has a passion for Napoleon style pizza and has made it the mission of Cane Rosso to supply Dallas with pies you only dream about.  Cane Rosso began with their mobile pizza oven.  The wood fire oven was specially crafted in Italy and fastened to a trailer.  The mobile oven stakes out predetermined locations, such as Times Ten Cellars in Lakewood, to serve up freshly cooked pizzas.  This "guerilla restaurant" gave the Cane Rosso guys a chance to build a solid rep of producing uniquely delicious pizza.  Cane Rosso found a home in Deep Ellum, Dallas, and now serves lunch and dinner from their second imported oven installed in their new digs.  Cane Rosso has recently been certified by Vera Pizza Napolentana Association for their high standards in creating authentic Napoleon pizza.

Salumi Misti

Luana
Italian tomatos, fresh mozzarella, basil,
Jimmy's sausage,  hot soppresata, mushrooms

Che Cazzo
"Trust Your Pizzaiolo... Always Spicy" - This is my fave!!

Dog friendly patio so Thomas can come, too!

The next time you're in Dallas, I recommend swinging by Il Cane Rosso.  What is your favorite casual dining restaurant? or favorite type of food?

Dallas Italian: Nonna

When we're not on the road, we are more than happy to take part in the Dallas food scene.  I know that "Dallas" may not immediately roll of the tongue when you think of a busy foodie scene, but let me tell ya, we know food in Dallas!  My first example is Nonna.

Nonna is a non assuming little restaurant spot located in a strip mall across the street from my Whole Foods.  I've driven past it countless times and finally made my first reservation a couple weeks ago. Nonna has received accolades from the likes of Bon Appetit magazine, NY Times, and Dallas' own D Magazine.  I was truly looking forward to their spring menu featuring Roman dishes and couldn't have been more thrilled with what we were served.

We began with a large format Barolo (don't judge, we can handle a liter of wine very easily!).  Our favorite antipasta is a good salumi plate, so that was an easy choice.  Each table is welcomed with warm from the oven bread.  For the main course, or courses in our case, we ordered the Five Course Pasta Tasting.  The tasting was a great way to enjoy a tour of Nonna's opinion of Italian dishes. I like how Nonna made these traditional Italian pasta dishes seem more contemporary and trendy with Uni and Saffron and added a little Texas heat with fresh peppers.  Even so, the effect from the diverse pasta plates gave you a worldly, Roman feeling.

Serralunga D'Alba Barolo

Artisanal Pecorinos and Salumi: Moliterno al Tartufo, Pecorino Nocino, Pecorino di Pienza a Crosta Nera, speck, coppa and fennel salame

Bread served fresh from the brick oven

Cacio e Pepe - My favorite Roman pasta dish

Spaghettini Neri with baby Manila clams, Uni, white wine, shallot and Calabrian hot pepper

Tonnareli alla Carbonara: pancetta, farm egg, pecorino and black pepper

Papparedelle al ragu Bolognese

Saffron Pennette cooked like risotto with white shrimp, oven dried tomatoes and squash blossoms

What is the food scene like in your town?  What are some of your favorite local restaurants?  I'd love you hear your experiences and (most of all) your recommendations!