Taste
Sticky Paws at Williams-Sonoma
December 4, 2011
It’s that time of year again. I’m going to start posting the best gift ideas that I’ve seen, experienced, or read about. Maybe I’ll save you some time scouring Amazon or wandering aimlessly through the mall. First, for the sweet tooth, Sticky Paws caramel clusters from Williams-Sonoma. A generous guest brought a box of these to our house recently, and now no one comes through the door without indulging in at least one. Rich caramel over almonds that are then coated in chocolate. So good. Five star rating online and free shipping if you order today. (And the pooch on the packaging makes this also a cute gift for dog lovers.)
BuzzBrews – Dallas
November 21, 2011
Here it is. My prediction for the next big thing in the business of restaurant concepts. BuzzBrews has the best tasting casual breakfast in town, and it’s open all day and into the night. In fact, the Central Expressway location is open 24 hours. There are also locations on Lemmon Avenue and in Deep Ellum, with more on the way. The founder is a French-trained chef who prides himself on making the menu both healthy (that’s where the “buzz” comes from in the name) and delicious. It’s a funky diner, with all sorts of patrons. Try the Californication crepes and the pancakes. You heard it here first.
Location: Dallas
The Four Seasons Restaurant – Manhattan
November 14, 2011
My friend Brooke just told me a great story about a recent trip to NYC during which she went in search of The Four Seasons Restaurant, because she had heard it is an amazing (and historic) space designed by Phillip Johnson and Mies van der Rohe. Like a lot of people, she assumed it was in the Four Seasons Hotel and went there with a friend for lunch at the allegedly famous bar. Halfway into her appetizer, she decided things didn’t add up. The place just wasn’t like the “one of the most beautiful restaurants in the world” descriptions she had heard. Luckily a concierge explained there is another Four Seasons Restaurant, not related to the hotel, nearby. So they headed there for the main course and found the gawk-worthy design destination they were searching for.
Lucia – Dallas
November 10, 2011
I finally made it to Lucia, a casual chic little Italian spot in Bishop Arts, and probably the most raved about restaurant in Dallas. The reputation seems well-deserved, because the last time I had pasta that good I was in Italy! This place is definitely something you need to put on your to do list…for 2012. They are booked through the end of the year, minus the four walk-in spots available at the bar on a first come basis. A perfect date venue.
Location: Dallas
Soho House – West Hollywood
September 22, 2011
Remember when I posted about Soho House West Hollywood back in June? Well, I finally made it there last weekend. And just as my LA people have been saying, it is pretty amazing. A glassed-in wrap-around terrance overlooking the city, with cozy seating throughout perfect for hosting gatherings and sipping cocktails. A cool bar area, where you can also order dinner, and a restaurant with gorgeous ambiance and retractable roof–like dining in a rooftop garden. It was the perfect mix of age groups and types, and of course we had the requisite celebrity sightings that make LA so fun: Chris Rock, David Arquette, David Spade, Jane Fonda, Minnie Driver, and Rod Stewart with wife Penny and daughter Kimberly. This is a members-only club, so you have to either join or get on someone’s guest list! This is definitely my new favorite spot in Hollywood. www.sohohousewh.com
For some great photos of the interiors click here.
Location: los angeles, West Hollywood
When You Need a Burger and Beer – Dallas
September 14, 2011
Maple & Motor. Possibly a dive, but a clean, cool one, with an awesome staff and great burgers, fries, etc. The owner Jack, calls it “low class cool.” No veggie burger, but they do have some sort of salmon burger, and a chicken tender basket perfect for the kiddos. 4810 Maple Ave. Dallas.
Location: Dallas
Sprinkles Minis
September 7, 2011
I am a Sprinkles addict, so I am especially happy to report that the famous cupcakes now come in a mini size, debuting tomorrow to coincide with Fashion’s Night Out. Guess I know what I’m serving for dessert at my daughter’s birthday party!
Tiff’s Treats – Dallas and Austin
September 4, 2011
Be sweet/send sweets. Award-winning Tiff’s Treats offers cookie delivery in Dallas and Austin. (You can also stop in and enjoy the desserts onsite, including the famous ice cream cookie sandwich that can’t be delivered.) Special packaging is available with various celebration themes, and there’s even game day options for Longhorn fans. None of the Dallas teams seem to have made the cut, but for you Austin people, go orange!
Meso Maya – Dallas
September 1, 2011
Meso Maya, a modern Mexican food concept now open at Preston and Forest in Dallas, is a refreshing change to the same old Mexican restaurant cuisine. It’s more regional Mexican food than Tex-Mex, with specialties like Budin Azteca, a sort of Mexican lasagna made with tortillas. The margs were good too. A much needed addition to the Preston Hollow restaurant landscape. And it’s kid-friendly. There’s not a website yet, but you can check it out on Facebook.
Location: Dallas
Hash House A Go Go – San Diego and Vegas
August 30, 2011
Sorry for the lack of posts lately, but I’ve been packing in these last few days of summer. Here is my favorite new discovery: breakfast at hip hangout, Hash House A Go Go. Just look at the size of the pancakes (and they were really good!) Everything on the menu was creative and fun, as was the presentation and the ambiance. It’s not surprising location #2 is now open in Vegas. Famous for breakfast/brunch, but also open for lunch and dinner.
Same pancake after all we could eat. We hear they flip them with a shovel!
