Top 8 Places I wish I would have blogged about in Dallas...

As I was watching Anthony Bourdain today I was thinking to myself about how bad I have been about blogging...sorry I just haven't been anywhere good, or anywhere for that matter.  I do have a fridge full of good beer though so maybe I'll become a beer blogger until Sol gets here.  Anyways I was thinking about this Greek place I went to the other day here in Encinitas called Daphnee's.  It sucked.  And I thought to myself....awww man, I never blogged about Kostas in Dallas.  Then i got to thinking....what else did I forget?  The whole reason I started blogging was to let people know where the good places are, so they can check them out!  So let's see what I can remember.

Lead off hitter: Kostas Cafe on Greenville Ave. close to Lovers Lane. – Greek $-$$

Right before I moved to Dallas I went on a six week euro-trip.  On that trip I discovered how freakin' amazing Greek food is, specifically the "Gyro".  The best gyro I ever had was after a swimming at the red beach in Santorini, Greece.  It was like a taco shop but they sold gyros and they were Greek.  With that said one of the first things I found when I got to Dallas was Greek food.  On my first try I found Kostas Cafe.  As I walked in I realized how small it was.  The decor definitely reminded me of being in Greece, the pictures they had pictures were reminiscent of Santorini.  The menu was simple and it had what I was looking for.  That great Gyro in Santorini had potatoes/fries in it though I have realized most don't.  So every time I order one I get  a side of fries to stuff into my already packed gyro.  I have gotten the Gyro plate, which has all of the ingredients on the plate for you, with a side of pita so you can make your own. I have also ordered the Gyro that come already assembled, I prefer the one already assembled, but I get an extra piece of pita so I can stuff what falls out into it.  They always pack it to the max so there is plenty of everything to put into the second piece of pita you ordered becuase you were thinking ahead.  The meat is always tender and seasoned well.  The pita is always soft and fresh.  The tzatziki sauce is always so good I want more, it adds the moisture every sandwich begs for.  It is the mayo that your bologna and cheese needs.  I can't say too much more as this is all from pure memory, but this is definitely one of my top 5 places in the D.

Second up: Nine Steakhouse in Victory Plaza   - New American $$$-$$$$

Just like it's Italian sister, Nove I think it was,Nine met its fate and closed down.  Sol and I went there and absolutely loved it.  So much so after finding out it closed down on our next trip to Vegas we went to the Palms where another "Nine" is located.  One of the best meals/ meal experiences I have ever had.  I think this was the first time I really realized that dining out could be an experience.  I remember we went out on a couple limbs on that dinner.  I think that was the first time I had tartare, and it had a fresh uncooked quail egg on top too.  I remember Sol had her Lobster Bisque that she orders whenever possible.  And it had lumps of lobster meat in the center of the bowl before the soup was poured over it French style service .  It was also the first time I ordered gnocchi and it was amazing.  I haven't found one that I liked since then.  And lastly the dessert that I will never forget, it had bread pudding which I had never tried and never wanted to.  But this was not just bread pudding, this was IT.  Krispy Creme doughnut bread pudding with a banana ice cream and I have no clue what else.  But if I would have been blogging at the time I went here for the first time it would have probably been the longest blog EVER.

3 and 4:  Del Frisco's and III Forks Steakhouses....REALLY thought I was going to have a chance at those.  –  Steakhouses $$$-$$$$

5: Went to Loft 610 for restaurant week last year and it was pretty good, learned what Steak Au Poivre was...

6: Babe's Chicken Dinner House – Southern $$

If you like fried chicken this is the place to be.  You have your choice of fried chicken or Chicken Fried steak.  Your sides are chosen for you  Mashed potatoes, corn and green beans. Haven't been there in a while but again if you live in Dallas and havnt been here you are crazy, this is a MUST have. Thanks to my cousin, Desi again on this one. Easily top 5 places in Dallas, I suggest going early because no matter which one you go to it'll be packed let that show you it is that good. 

7: Breadwinners for Brunch – Casusal American Breakfast $$

Great selection, good food fun atmosphere.  Actually, again....long wait, be prepared, grab a mimosa while you're waiting.

8: Gloria's on Greenville!!!! – Casual Tex-Mex $-$$

Definitely shouldn't be number 8.  Probably my favorite place in Dallas.  This place was the only edible tex-mex I could find in Dallas.  They had the most popular patio I think I have ever seen; always full even when it’s too hot and too cold.  They had an “all day happy hour”, with the best margaritas in town.  Those would mess you up, my advice?  Make sure you’re not the one driving.  They served their chips with salsa and a hot black bean dip – ahhhhhmazing.  My favorite entrée: Tacos al Carbon. And lastly I do not think I will ever have a Tres Leches better than here...  They renovated recently so it’s a nice looking place and it always has a fun vibe.

Well, that’s all folks!

Have an opinion on any of these places?  Please, leave a comment and back me up so anyone reading can give one of these a try.

 

The Salt Lick

On a hot Austin day after a fun day floating the river, my cousin decided to take me and Sol out to this bar b que place out west of the city. Now when he said west he might as well have said New Mexico, because this place was far.  We pulled off the road on to a dirt road that led us to this place.  The parking lot was packed, every row I looked down was full.  Looking at the restaurant, it was constructed of wood, I didn't understand how all of these people fit in here it looked like a shack.  I was afraid I might be waiting for hours and I'm not the most patient person in the world.  But lucky for us, we walked up and they told us it would be only a few minutes, pfew. 

They had a country singer performing with his guitar sittin' on a stool.  Man I'm telling you I felt like I was in a damn music video on CMT.  But it made for an authentic atmosphere.  I saw people bringing their own ice chests which means it was BYOB.  Yes California residents in Texas they have BYOB restaurants everywhere.  We sat down at a long wooded picnic table inside the restaurant.  There were rows of them, it was family style seating.  Sitting next to complete strangers at the same table is not my cup of tea. Since we had a party of 8 we didn't have a problem, or shall I say I didn't have a problem.

When you walk into the restaurant you see a giant bar b que pit with ribs, sausage, brisket and turkey.  As you can see it is a very nice looking set up and the picture really doesn't do it any justice.  It's your choice of a plate or family style.  A plate comes with beans, potato salad and your choice of three out of the four meats.  Family style is unlimited meat and sides.  Crazy right?  Well, knowing that my aunt cooked for me as well I went with the more modest of the two, the plate.  I know, totally not my style but hey, I had to make room for both.

Since the food was prepared already the food arrived swiftly.  Thank god - I was starving.  When it landed it front of me I immediately wished I had ordered the family plate.  Everything was fresh of the grill and oozing juicy goodness.  It also came with a loaf of white bread, also cooked fresh at the establishment.  I think I ate the turkey before I took the picture, my bad. It was all good but the turkey, oooohhhhhh man, it was the best.  I know you are probably thinking, barbecued turkey?  I am here to tell you yes.  The smokiness really got into the meat and was the predominant flavor.  It was also very tender, needless to say it wasn't on my plate by the time I remembered to take a picture for you guys.  The rib was fall off the bone and the sausage was yummy too.  I am guessing the secret here had to be in the wood they used.  This place is bar b que at its best.  I was pretty pissed though.  I was in Texas for 3 years and my cousin didn't take me here until I left.  The good news is, I am going back next month and I HAVE to make a stop here. 

I mean really, "The Salt Lick", how could you not like a restaurant with salt in the name.  Folks I know this place sounds good and you are upset cause most of you will probably never go to Austin.  Well I have news, it was so good they built one in Vegas!  You know Vegas finds the best from around the world and brings it.  They did it again.  It is at the Red Rock Casino so I am interested to try that one out and see how it compares.

Carne Asada Fries...What?

For my Californian friends this is nothing new.  For anyone not from here...this is for you.

Some of you have heard me talk about California Burrito's but probably not Carne Asada Fries.  These two items are practically brother and sister if that's possible with food.  CA fries are not usually my thing but still bomb.  OMG, I just reallized the abreviation for Carne Asada fries is CA fries!!!!  They are freaking related, I might have just uncovered one of the biggest food secrets ever!!!!  I'm totally not joking either, I am stoked right now.

Anyways, as you can see it's kind of a mix of goodness.  Fries on the bottom, melted cheese.  I added the red salsa and dollops of sour cream and guacamole that normally come on top.  I like to create my own if you will.  Also I could have saileen given to me through an i.v. and i probably still wouldn't have enough salt so I add my share of salt as well.  Thanks dad...

I guess you could say it's kind of like Nachos with fajita meat but fries instead of chips and carne asada not fajita.

A big thing in Texas, where I came from, is Fajitas.  California where I am from has Carne Asada.  Winner Winner chicken dinner is Carne Asada.  Any one to disagree obviously is not my friend.

FAQ's

What is Carne Asada?

Carne asada is a roasted beef dish, literally meaning "roasted meat." The dish mainly consists of pieces or thin cuts of beef (e.g. flank steak, skirt steak), sometimes marinated, sometimes lightly salted or rubbed with salt, pepper and/or spices, and then grilled.  Courtesy of wikipedia

What is Fajita?

A fajita (pronounced /fəˈiːtə/) (Spanish pronunciation: [faˈxita]) is a generic term used in Tex-Mex cuisine,[1] referring to grilled meat Courtesy of wikipedia



So how do you eat these? 

With a plastic fork. 

Can you fit a bite in your mouth?

Well, Californians can do it.  It's second nature.  Someone from...Arkansas per say, might think its a little awkward.  You kind of have to stab a clump and put it in your mouth while maneuvering your lips in different directions trying to fit the bite in.  If you've had em, you understand, if not...you probably think I am trying to make a sick joke.

What is the draw here?

Fries, Cheese, salsa....everything?  What isn't?

Where can I get it?

Any taco shop in San Diego, I would have said any hole in the wall but it apears a lot of the popular taco shops have been commercialized...same great food though.  In this case, Coxtian (Co-tee-han)

At the end of the day the California Burrito is my love.  I fell in love with her my Junior year...that would be '00 I guess?  A girl named Laura Perez used to work at a place called Los Robertos and she brought one to school.  It only took one bite to get me hooked.  Ever since, I swear by it.  When I came to San Diego my love only progressed.  *sigh....

Okay so I'm exaggerating my love, hope you guys enjoyed!  See you soon....

Gooey Cheese_Carne Asada is better_Try to fit a bite in your mouth

p.s. i drank wine with this...normally horchata is better


In Mexico, Horchata is made of rice, sometimes with vanilla and always with cinnamon. The horchata found in El Salvador is primarily made from Morro seeds, not rice. Other common ingredients include; ground cocoa, cinnamon, sesame seeds, nutmeg, tigernuts and vanilla. Other nuts that may also be used include peanuts, almonds and cashews. Because of these ingredients the Horchata is usually strained before serving.

but the wine is good right now....

I'm baaaack...

Well, as some of you may have noticed I've been off the blogging scene for about a month. I am now in California, moved into the new place and out of the hotel. I am finally getting days off again so I should start having the time to blog again. You basically haven't missed anything "out of this world" but I've definitely had some good things that I would've liked to blog about. They were breakfast places so have no fear I will be going back. We're about 30 miles from downtown San Diego so I don't think you'll get as many upscale places on here but more hole in the wall, mom n' pop places on the corner. But it's all good, the food there is just as good if not better some times. Simplicity is the key. With that said...let's go eat!

A new spot in my new home town: Lumberyard Tavern & Grill - Encinitas, CA

So, a little tired of hotel food, Giorgio and I decided to get out and wander around.  I wanted to go check out the downtown Encinitas area , it's a little beach town with shops and restaurants a block or so from the beach.  It was very appealing coming from Dallas, a city littered with good eats.

We were trying to decide between Sushi and this Lumberyard Tavern that jumped out at us last minute across the parking lot.  Giorgio wanted ribs and it appeared to be my kinda place so we went on in.  We decided to take a seat at the bar, great draft selection, a lot of local brews...I went with a good 'ol IPA, Big Eye IPA to be exact, by Ballast Point Brewing.  Very good I might say.

For dinner I ordered a Pulled Pork Sandwich, with a classic Carolina Bar b Que sauce with my choice of a side.  I decided on sweet potato .  The sandwich arrived piping hot the fries as well.  Nice simple presentation.  The meat was well tossed in sauce much more so than it looks, but not over-ly drenched - just right, like the third porridge in Goldilocks and the three bears.  It had a little kick to it the kind that adds flavor.  Bun was hot and soft, pork was moist.

The fries were not quite sweet enough, they were dusted in sea salt which added nice flavor but not the sweet potato fries I was looking for.  Overall I would give the dish an 8.  Definitely worth going back.  Service from the bartender was good and atmosphere was awesome, right up my alley.  Lots of flat screens, lots of wood, beachy style, and a very relaxed feel.  Definitely somewhere to go watch football or have a couple beers after work.  I was very pleased to find such a great place so close to our new place, maybe 3 miles max.  If you live in North County or live in SD but want to do something different I'd say its worth the drive.

Cool Beach Town_Great selection_Great flavor

Stone Brewing Co: Beer is Proof God Wants Us to be Happy

So, Sol and I had a tough week, Sol - apartment hunting and me working long days.  It was Friday, our first Friday back in Cali.  We found a place to live so we were pretty excited about that.  We had an amazing seafood buffet with unlimited crab claws, crab legs, shrimp, lobster and it also had Prime Rib.  Yes - it was good, check that GREAT.  But this blog is about a wonderful world of beer at Stone Brewing Company.

Now I would hope that those of you reading this have at the very least heard of Stone IPA.  It is one of the most popular beers in the country and it is gaining popularity every day.  After some research on the world wide web I found out that Stone had a restaurant on its premises, it's called - Stone Brewing World Bistro & Gardens.  So our decision on where to go was settled.  Unfortunately, the last time I lived in San Diego I didn't have an appreciation for beer, so five days into my residency this time, I wasn't going to make the same mistake as last time. 

I seized the opportunity and off we went to Escondido, "top of the food chain", as a good friend of mine always says.  All we wanted was a couple of good beers and we went to the right place, the only problem was, they had more than a couple good beers.  This beer list was unbelievable, I thought I knew beer...this place belittled me.  The picture to the right is page two of their beer list and they are all craft beers that are unheard of.  SO - how did we choose?  Well we stuck with the Stone beers since we were at their Brewery. 

The first beer I had, courtesy of a recommendation from Mr. Ken DeMello Jr. was: Arrogant Bastard.  Some of my more loyal readers might think this sounds familiar.  That's because I briefly gave a shout out to Stone and Arrogant Bastard in my Flying Dog Blog.  The truth is, I hadn't yet tried it, but with that kind of name, how bad could it be?  I mean really.  So I gave it a go - and I realized quickly where it got its name.  It really jumps out of the glass and on to you palate in hurry, as if it's saying, "Yea, I'm hoppy, I'm tasty and I'm just a damn good beer".  As much as I like the flagship Stone IPA I think Arrogant Bastard might edge it out in a race.  It was a very dark ruby red, almost brown color, unfortunately you can't see very well in the picture.  Finished that one - NEXT

The next beer to flow down the dark abyss that is my throat was Ruination (ruin-nation) IPA by Stone.  It was amber in color although the flash from my Droid made it look a wee bit gold.  It smelled sweet and had a hint of berries, not at all what I expected.  It also had a flowery aroma to it.  I was kind of surprised, the reason I chose it was because I heard quite a few people order it as we sat at the bar.  I took a sip and....there you go, that's why it was so popular.  It didn't taste like your typical IPA, slightly hoppy but kind of sweet.  A very good beer I might say, maybe better than the previously heralded Arrogant Bastard.  As a side note, these IPA's are not for the people whose favorite beer end in: -light or start with Bud, Miller, Coors or have a number in it e.g. MGD 64 or Bud Select 55.  These beers are not for pounding or shot-gunning.  And they definitely do not belong in a beer bong....well....that might be fun to try.  This beer for example is 7.7% which means its already about twice the alcohol content as a regular beer.  Sip it, enjoy it, and relish in the flavors and aroma.

I have to admit I made a mistake during this interaction.  With probably 50+ beers on tap and maybe 100+ by the bottle I picked for myself.  DOH!  You know the bartender is trained like a freaking sommelier and you choose your own beer???  Not sure what I was thinking, maybe I was so excited to say bastard I forgot that you should always ask the person pouring what they recommend.  So half way through my Ruination, I asked Glen what he liked that day.   He poured me a taster of "Sublimely Self-Righteous" a double back IPA.  Geez Lou-eeze.  Knowing that I couldn't have another beer and still drive home safe, I started kicking my own ass - that beer was so good.  Hands down better the the two I tried before it.  Don't ask me what a double black IPA is or tasted like just know it was fokin' amazing!  

Seriously - what a great trip.  To top it off we took a glance at the food menu knowing that they cook with beer.  Some highlights were: 

-Beer Cheese Soup

-Beer Cheese Mac and Cheese

-Beer Braised Ribs

-IPA fried mashed potato balls

-Smoked Porter Brownie

I could go on forever.  Needless to say we will be going back to eat and pair beer with food and there will be another blog coming.. PEACE

Amazing Beer_Awesome Architecture_Amazing Beer

Philly Cheesesteak Wrap @ the Gansevoort in Miami

On our last day in Miami we decided to hit Plunge at the Gansevoort Hotel on South Beach.  As you can see to the left it was a long narrow pool, what you can't really see is that it was on the roof of the hotel about 30 stories up.  The view was amazing and it was a great way to spend our last day.  There were soft white chusions in thatch chairs lining the pool.  But you couldn't sit in them unless you ordered a bottle.  Bottle service EVERYWHERE.

The night before was a little rough so I wasn't feeling too good before we arrived.  Needless to say I got in the pool and didn't get out for a long time.  After about an hour I finally succumbed to the fact that I needed to eat something even though I didn't necessarily want to.  As I looked over the menu one thing jumped off of the page at me, "Philly Cheesesteak Wrap".  It was different, it should be greasy, and it was blogable.  Done.

It was fantastic.  Light, fresh and heavy enough.  It came with two skewers of fresh fruit rather than fries which I was totally okay with.  It was rather enjoyable and not something I would ever even imagine.  It could have been that anything would have been good with the I was feeling but as far as i'm concerned, good stuff.

Also, I didn't get to enjoy it but STK was in the Gansevoort - so money!!!