HalfBaked's Profile
Best Day Trips for Lunch
2nd vote for LM in Taylor. Esp. now that the weather is nicer and things are blooming. Stop at Inner Space Caverns for a stretch and other worldly scenery.
What happened to Shine's Mediterranean Market
Thanks for the update. The new location is about the same distance for me as the old one was. Whew, was I worried!? Shine's is the ONLY place I have found authentic Kalamata unpitted olives, and not the Kalamata "style" that most of the grocery stores are carrying on their olive bars nowadays.
$120 - Office Potluck - Need ideas quick!
I am in the Coppell - Denton Tap/Sandy Lake area and having a office holiday potluck in 2 days. The managers went together chipped in appx. $120 and told me to pick up something.
I need some ideas. I am already overwhelmed by my own holiday/family preparations and now this. What could I do that was delicious, quick and would satisfy?
The theme is "holiday" and typical of a office potluck, there are already a ton of desserts and sodas signed up for. I was thinking of hitting up the Market Street, or Sprouts nearby for a large protein item and a deli tray or 2...? Help. Any thoughts out there?
Thanks,
KK
One night, November 28 in Dallas, downtown...what ya got?
Please do! We would love to hear of your experience.
One night, November 28 in Dallas, downtown...what ya got?
Thanks for the tip. My husband and I are pizza fanatics. Although, I usually have to do some serious convincing to drive downtown during the week, I will try my best! YUM
Cane Rosso definitely whet our appetites for the deliciousness of the charred flavor of Neopolitan pizza, however, we've found that Dough Pizzeria Napoletana does it better.. WAY better. Their pork love pizza is the stuff legends are made of. We also like the Grimaldi's at Park and 75. They have great pepperoni pizza. The pepperoni is aged.
One night, November 28 in Dallas, downtown...what ya got?
Seriously?! Cane Rosso?! One night in Dallas and you are sending them to soggy pizza. Get real.
I second Steven Pyles. Also Craft or the Joule.
One day only - this Friday in Memphis - Graceland and BBQ - Texas hounds looking for great cue
Thanks so much for the replies. I'm so excited we might eat bbq for bfast, lunch and dinner, tomorrow!
One day only - this Friday in Memphis - Graceland and BBQ - Texas hounds looking for great cue
I will be returning to Memphis, the city of my birth, to celebrate my 38th on Friday. I will be driving up for the day, while visiting family in Jonesboro, AR and would love some recs for BBQ. I love that porky, pork flavor. The porkier the better. Ribs, pulled pork, shoulder, drool... you name it, I love it.
Yes, I have read all the threads, and know there are a ton of mixed opinions out there, but hoping for some fresh recs.
So far I am mostly interested in BBQ Shop, Central BBQ, Paynes. Please weigh in. Your thoughts and comments are appreciated.
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Central BBQ
2249 Central Ave, Memphis, TN 38104
Dining recommendation for a girl's wkend
If you are going to hit Northpark, I would do Duni there.
The owners are focusing more on that spot lately, it seems, imho.
Mofongo in DFW?
Yes and muy deliciouso.
I thought it was an unusual too, but they had a lot of other plantain dishes on the menu, so..
plus, I was too busy stuffing my face full of blood sausage. omg
Mofongo in DFW?
Oops. In case you didn't already find this out, the place is called Casa Vieja. It's at Beltline and Josey. As her for the specials or about your Mofongo.
Sorry 'bout that. :)
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Casa Vieja
1927 E Belt Line Rd Ste 152, Carrollton, TX 75006
Parker County peach forecast?
It most definitely IS Parker County peach season. :) And boy they are delish. Road sides stands are popping up all over the place and this year's crop is super sweet, not too juicy though due to last years freeze. The Parker County Peach Festival takes place on July 9th and it's only 1 days so DON'T MISS IT!
Texas peach season is early May through early August and Parker County Peaches are the crop everyone looks forward too for making those amazing peach pies.
Every year my husband can't wait till I get my summer "bushel" of peaches. I make a drop dead delicious pie with them that was inspired by one we had at Bryce's in Texarkana. Fresh peach topping sandwiched between layers of vanilla pudding and fresh whipped cream. Yum!
Mofongo in DFW?
Mi Tierra at Beltline and Josey in Carrollton had it on their menu Monday night. I heard the table next to us ask about it and was told they would have it Saturday, 5/7.
Where can I find Nueske's Bacon?
2nd twinwillow. Just bought a package of the Nueske's $8.99 bacon at the CM on Lover's in Dallas. Middle,bottom of the packaged meat products over in the Meat section, not at the deli. I did not see it at the Plano store last time I was there. I looked for it at Whole Foods Coit and Preston/Forest this past holiday season and know for sure they don't carry it. Although, they had some wonderful Neiman Ranch applewood smoked ham slices about a 1/2" thick. Made great quiche! :)
Best Pozole in Dallas
If you are still interested, Cocina de Los Olivo's at Dallas Farmer's Market had the most delicious pork, red chili and hominy pazole I've ever tasted (sorry Abuelo). They only have it on Saturday. I saw people eating it for breakfast, so get there early.
I'm a short, pale, blonde with waist length hair, so if you see me, say Hi :)
Where to Find Kurobuta or Berkshire Pork in DFW Area?
It used to be Berkshire at the CM in Plano and occasionally at the CM on Lover's they will advertise the chops, but unless it says Berkshire it is not. I have found it pretty consistently at the Southlake CM.
Best BBQ in DFW?
twinwillow, that's just not playing fair!
Louie's is not the best in DFW, it's the BEST IN THE WORLD.
Best BBQ in DFW?
I 2nd Pecan Lodge for best 'cue in DFW. Louie Mueller's is NOT in DFW and therefore doesn't count. The last time I had a real hankering for Louie's and didn't feel like making the 6 hour round-trip drive to Taylor, I hit up the Lodge for 4 lbs. of unsliced brisket, a rack of ribs and a Hot Mess. The potato was divine (as per usual), the ribs just ok - weird smoke aftertaste, but the piece of brisket was delicious. The only criticism was the piece they sold me was waaaay too fatty. While I do prefer it off the fatty end - $46 for half of the brisket to be fat was a little dissapointing. I still thoroughly enjoyed it tho. YUMMM!
As a side note, I really enjoyed Off The Bone on Lamar the last time hubster and I ate there. They have reasonable prices for better than decent 'cue.
10 best things to eat in Dallas
Update: Dude, Sweet's blue cheese fudge is back to it's bloomy self. I picked up a box at Mlle Fleur in Addison on Monday. DELISH! Love it's salty goodness. I also picked up a little bag of the Coco Puffs. This was my first experience with the homemade Valrhona marshmallows and I am sold. The little pillows of chocolatey goodness pack quite a whollop of flavor in a surprisingly light package.
How is the fresh Mozzarella @ Whole Foods?
There was Mozza last time I was at Scardello's.
Also, I find that the smaller Whole Foods like the one on 75 has a much better cheese selection, than say.. the one on Preston. Addtionally, the Southlake CM selection seems fresher than the Plano locations.
How is the fresh Mozzarella @ Whole Foods?
Honestly, I have never cared for the cheeses at Whole Foods. While they have a nice selection, their products taste as if they have been improperly stored and kept long past their prime. Even at Central Market I have had this problem - often finding furry mold on various cheeses. Most recently I purchased a goat cheese that had an expiration of the 21st and it was furry 2 days after I purchased it, a good week before the exp date. I find this often in the larger stores with the larger selections, their turnover is not very good, or the cheese monger doesn't know what they are doing.
#1 is Dallas' own Mozzarella Co owned by Paula Lambert. I also second Jimmy's for their buffala. Rich's at Scardello's will never steer you wrong, and surprisingly Theresa at Sigel's in Addison has a beautiful selection of hard and soft cheeses. She will often open a 7-12 year old parm for an upcoming holiday.
Lardo
Have you talked to Greg at VonGeertsem's Butcher Shop? It's right down the way from Scardello's. If not, I encourage you to go in, rather than calling - to get the full effect of his warm personality. Great place, wonderful products, and passionate about meat. What more could you want?
In N Out sign on Preston now up......says "In N Out Burger coming soon here"
I, wholeheartedly, agree! Smashburger's Mushroom Swiss with grilled onions is the bomb diggity. I love that their burgers come in the half lb. size and they will cook it medium rare for you - attempt, anyway, mine came out a perfect medium. Very nice beefy flavor, juicy, exactly what you want a burger to taste like.
Hubster has been a fan of Jake's for a long time, but to me, their burgers are flat and taste a bit anemic.
My last Smashburger was even better than my last Snuffer's burger. Albeit, wasn't Snuff's green chili cheeseburger, just a regular cheeseburger.
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Smashburger
4980 Belt Line Rd, Dallas, TX 75254
In N Out sign on Preston now up......says "In N Out Burger coming soon here"
Thanks for the post.
My friend Big Mike, who is a Cali transplant is going bonkers - I just showed him the sign.
One of our coworkers asked, "Is that like a Krystals?"
What is so special about an In & Out burger?
Christmas Eve / Christmas Day Dining 2010
Oooh Canary WOULD be nice.
Although, last time I was there, I didn't have a reservation and was shooed out by Gorgi himself.
What about Feast of Seven Fishes somewhere?
Best way to crush oreos
I have just made 10 dozen oreo truffles. I used my old Hamilton Beach food processor. It works like a charm. I tried the ziploc bag route at first, but was not able to get them ground fine enough for my liking.
Just my .02
Christmas Eve / Christmas Day Dining 2010
bump..
Also, I know from my research today that Nana Restaurant, Fearing's, Cadot, and The Mansion are also putting on a Christmas Eve dinner.
Personally, I was wondering who has attended or can recommend one of these?
Happy Holidays everyone.
xoxo
KK
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Cadot Restaurant
18111 Preston Rd # 120, Dallas, TX 75252
Kenny's Kult - awakening
I think I woke up when the waiter stammered, "Sysco!" "That's it."
He had been standing there a full minute trying to remember where the cheesy garlic bread had been sourced from. I had only asked because I knew La Spiga in Addison provided their buns for Kenny's burger place in Plano, and a provided a few other products for his wood-fire grill concept on Beltline. He seemed not to notice my fading smile and disappointed look, not to mention my empty water glass and went merrily on his way.
It was an awakening of sorts.
It seems I had been in a deep sleep, lulled there by Plugra packets and promises of popovers warm from the oven.
It was 8pm, Friday night and we were at Kenny's Italian Kitchen in Addison. I looked around at the Disneyesque flare adorning everything, the packed restaurant, wine glasses on eveyone's table, huge plates smelling of melted cheese and garlic, seemingly floating around the room as servers held the dishes high. From my vantage point in the far corner opposite the kitchen I could see the entire restaurant. People were definitely digging this place.
I, on the other hand, not so much. It reminded me of Olive Garden in the 90s. Brand new concept, everyone excited about the new Italian food place, but in the end it just didn't live up to the hype nor the prices.
Husband got the tilapia picatta and I the chicken parm, both came with a side of spaghetti. We also ordered the aforementioned cheesy garlic bread. The garlic bread tasted like bottled Italian salad dressing. The tilapia dish looked a bit more promising. It came with 3 filets covered with a picatta sauce was that was so tart and briny and you could barely tast the fish. It seemed there was no seasoning on the tasteless fish, the capers overwhelmed the dish, and I am usually a fan of this picant dish. The chicken parmesan reminded me of the stouffer's entrees I ate before I realized how much sodium is in frozen food. Two huge, tough, overly breaded pieces of chicken sandwiched on top of each other with cheese, a thin layer of sauce and then what seemed like a quarter inch of melted cheese on the top with another thin spattering of sauce. The entire point of chicken parmesan was ruined under the steam of that cheese. Where is the crunch of the breading, against the sauce and the melty, cheesy, garlicy goodness? Where was the flavor? Why did everything need salt and beg for a dash of red pepper? I felt robbed. As I walked out with my doggy bag with half my dinner, I noticed how many other tabletops had the same plastic bag.
Did Kenny sell his soul to Brinker International? Does the new restaurant mogul have dollar signs in his eyes from too many 30 thousand dollar millionaires telling him he is hot? Or is it the plastic faced, old money, geriatric crowd who prefer their pasta well done and their food mild telling him he can't miss? Either way, I realized I couldn't ask him. He wasn't there.
Soup Dumplings
I had the soup dumplings at Shanghai in November.
After Yao Fuzi's they are a big let down.. The portion size wasn't bad. The price very reasonable in comparison, but that is where the compliments stop. The the dumpling dough was too thick and even dried out in some spots around the top. The dumplings were huge and trying to eat one without making a mess was difficult. The broth was flavorful, salty, a little oily and the meat inside was chewy and a little oldish. It just wasn't a pleasant experience. I ate 3 and brought the rest home to the hub. I wouldn't recommend them.
