Post Up Here

I have a confession: I’m lazy.  Like … really lazy —- don’t even like to make decisions lazy.  My boyfriend mistakes it for indifference or even for the inability to make decisions … but it’s really just laziness.  That said, my laziness often gets in the way of me trying new places or things.  (In my best Most Interesting Man in the World impression) I don’t always make an effort to visit “faraway*” places, but when I do, it’s to the Design District to visit Wine Poste.

This 4500sf space has retail, art installations, event spaces (three of them in varying sizes, in fact), and even offers wine tasting events along with wine & cheese pairing classes and celebrity chef private dinners.

Now for the completely unique thing about WP: they ship wine.  Anywhere in Texas, you can order wine and have it delivered to your door for a mere $5.  NOTE: This is extremely rare.

Stop in soon and they’ll help you pick out a great bottle of wine, or shop their retail site, where you can shop for wines by varietal, rating, price, or region, and even see staff picks.

*Anything outside of Uptown is far away to me.  I know … I’m terrible**.
**I’m really not terrible … again … I’m just lazy.

***Total disclosure: Wine Poste is a client of mine.  While Matt et al and the venue/retail space is awesome and I’d write about them anyway, I thought I should share this little fact.***

TX Whiskey

Fort Worth is now even cooler in my book … like, really a LOT cooler.  Not only do they have stockyards (complete with cows), custom bootmakers, and a brewery that’s cookin’ up some really delicious frosty beverages, Rahr Brewing Company, but now they have a whiskey distillery.  Yes, you read that right … a whiskey distillery right here in DFW.  Be still, my heart, it’s true.  

Two regular dudes (errr … maybe not so regular*) decided that Fort Worth needed some locally-made whiskey, so they got the money together and made it happen.  TX Whiskey was what came out of their dream.

This whiskey comes in one of the cooler bottles that I’ve seen, complete with a cork unlike any other (literally).  Each cork is made with a small circle of repurposed leather from boots donated by bookmakers and distillery visitors.  I’ve been keeping mine because … well, they just look neat.

Now for what’s inside the bottle: talk about a deliciously blended melange of heavenly flavors.  TX Whiskey is a golden amber-colored whiskey with powerful notes of vanilla and honey that make it incredibly smooth; so smooth that you can drink it straight (and you should**).  It’s not only delicious, but also boasts an 82 proof potency (which isn’t kick-you-in-the-ass strong, but it does the trick).

If you MUST mix this nectar with something, here are some of their suggestions:

The Lady Heather
1 oz TX Whiskey
1/2 oz Cointreau
2 oz Champagne
3 dashes Peychaud’s
3 dashes Angostura
1 dash Pecan Bitters

The TX Milk Punch
1 3/4 oz TX Whiskey
1/4 oz Half and Half
1 1/2 oz Bluebell Vanilla Ice Cream
3 dashes Aztec Chocolate Bitters
Grated nutmeg for garnish

Texas Peach Jam Sour
2 oz TX Whiskey
2 tbsp Peach/Pecan Jam
2 dashes Old Fashioned Bitters
3/4 oz Lemon Juice/Sour
1 Egg White

If you’re a whiskey drinker, TX Whiskey is a must-try.  You’ll be hooked after one sip and can thank me later.

**Here is how I’d recommend drinking Firestone and Robertston’s TX Whiskey (pay attention … it’s really complicated).

*Firestone enjoyed a 20-year career in the local television and communications business. After the successful launch of a network affiliate in Jacksonville, Florida, he was bit by the entrepreneurial bug. Firestone teamed up with his brothers to create a cable television network, and moved to Fort Worth, Texas to operate their new venture. 

Meanwhile, Robertson was making name a name for himself, too. After growing up in Midland earning a business degree from Texas Tech, Robertson forged a path in the energy business. He spent 10 years on the financial side, primarily in private equity and corporate finance. Like Firestone, Robertson felt a strong entrepreneurial spirit. But they both craved something a little less corporate, and a little more personal. “I always felt more at home in jeans and boots than in a suit and cap-toed shoes,” Robertson says. 

Please note that Firestone and Robertson Distillery provided me with a bottle of TX Whiskey free of charge.  Also note that I liked it so much that I went out and bought another bottle with my very own money.

Dallas Margarita Meltdown Giveaway

We’re heading for a major meltdown! No, not Texas’ summer or an episode from working too hard, the Dallas Margarita Meltdown. More than 20 restaurants will come together on Sunday, May 26 (5-10pm) in the Bishop Arts District and make some margs to vie for the title of “Best Margarita in Dallas”.

SO you could buy a ticket now (online for $20*, or at the event for $25*) OR you could enter to win the set of tickets from me!

To enter to win, tell me which restaurant’s margarita YOU think should win as:

• a comment on this blog post
• a post on my Facebook wall
• a tweet to @drinkdallas using the hashtag “#margaritameltdown”
• an email to susiedrinksdallas@gmail.com

You may enter once on each channel. The winner will be chosen Wednesday, May 22 at noon.

*A portion of proceeds will benefit La Voz del Anciano, a nonprofit organization that helps enrich and improve the quality of life for elderly Latinos in Dallas County.

Participating restaurants: La Duni, Mesa, Whiskey Cake, Sunset Lounge, Iron Cactus and many more.

Spring and Summer Events and Activities

THIRD-ANNUAL MARGARITA MELTDOWN
March 26, 5-10pm | Bishop Arts District
“We’re bringing the best margaritologists together to crown the best margarita in Dallas at the 3rd annual Dallas Margarita Meltdown.”

DESIGN DISTRICT MARKET
May 30, 6-10pm | 300 block of Cole Street
”Live music will be provided by The Venetian Sailors and Catamaran. Food trucks present will include Yellow Belly Food Truck, Pompeii Food Truck, and Eat Jo Dawgs.  There are 40+ local vendors setting up shop.”
More info

PATIO SESSIONS
Every Thursday through May 30 | AT&T Performing Arts Center
FREE
“The shows are expertly curated with top local acts like Daniel Hart, Ryan Thomas Becker and many others, performing in front of the huge reflecting pool located on the Center’s lawn. The series invites you to bring the kids, a blanket, a bottle of wine or two and enjoy the agreeable weather even if it only lasts for a few weeks.”

THURSDAY NIGHT LIVE at the DMA
Every Thursday through July 25, 5-9pm | Dallas Museum of Art
FREE
Live jazz music. Cocktails and dinner. Artful conversations. Activities in the Center for Creative Connections and more.

ROCKWALL CONCERTS BY THE LAKE
Weekly, May 9 - August 8, 5:30-7:30pm | Rockwall Harbor
FREE
Weekly concerts beside the lake and sponsored by the City of Rockwall.

• May 9 - Josh Weathers Band - Fort Worth Weekly 2012 Music Awards Winner “Best Blues/Soul” & “Best Male Vocalist”
• May 16 - Me & My Monkey - Beatles Tribute
• May 23 - SoundHouse - Classic Rock
• May 30 - Escape - Journey Tribute
• June 6 - Live 80 - 80’s Hits
• June 13 - Petty Theft - Tom Petty Tribute 
• June 20 - Moving Colors - Rhythm and Dance
• June 27 - Walkin’ The Line - Johnny Cash Tribute
• July 11 - Chinatown - Pop Variety
• July 18 - Hanna’s Reef - Texas Beach variety
• July 25 - Big Mouth - Rock Variety
• Aug 1 - Blaze of Glory - Bon Jovi Tribute
• Aug 8 - Hunter Sullivan - Big Band

CONCERTS AT THE ARBORETUM
Twice weekly, April 16 - July 4 and September 5 - October 31 | Dallas Arboretum
$25/person ($10 children 3-12)
Concerts each Tuesday and Thursday (concert lineup) … bring your own blanket, food, and SHORT chair (and plastic bottle of wine)

SUNSET MOVIES ON THE PATIO
Weekly, April 7 - May 19 | Central 214 at Hotel Palomar
FREE
“Central 214 is bringing back its popular ‘Sunday Sunset Movie Nights on the Patio’ for the spring. The restaurant will offer a variety of patio food and drink specials, including Amber’s DIFF cocktails for Sundays, April 7 and April 14.  Arrive early for the showings starting each Sunday at dusk (around 9 p.m.)  The lineup of classic films includes:

• April 14 – “Pan’s Labyrinth”
• April 21 – “All About Eve”
• April 28 – “Slumdog Millionaire”
• May 5 – “The Godfather”
• May 12 – “My Fair Lady”
• May 19 – “Gladiator”

FORT WORTH BOTANIC GARDENS CONCERTS IN THE GARDEN
Various dates, June 7-July 6
$13-50 | Tickets
Summer concerts in the beautiful Fort Worth Botanic Gardens.  Get there early, wear sunscreen and take bug spray, and don’t take any glass!

• June 7 - Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue
• June 8 - A Tribute to Elvis
• June 9 - Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy
• June 14 - Green River Ordinance
• June 15 - Classical Mystery Tour: A Tribute to the Eagles
• June 16 - Surf’s Up! The Music of the Beach Boys
• June 21 - Star Wars & Beyond: A Laser Light Spectacular
• June 22 - A Night at Woodstock
• June 23 - 1812 Overture & Russian Sparklers
• June 29 - Broadway A-Z: Abba to Les Mis
• June 30 - Moonlight and Mozart
• July 3-4 - Old Fashioned Family Fireworks
• July 5 - Music of the Rollings Stones
• July 6 - Music of the Eagles

GRANADA THEATER & CHEVY MUSIC SHOWCASE
Monthly, April 25 - July 25 | Sundown at the Granada
FREE

• Burning Hotels – 4/25
• Larry g(EE) – 5/30
• Somebody’s Darling – 6/27
• Josh Weathers – 7/25

MANY MANY more events to come…

These events have ended:

KENTUCKY DERBY EVENTS | May 3 & 4

CINCO DE MAYO EVENTS | May 5

CELEBRATE UPTOWN | April 24-26
Prices vary | West Village
“…a three day event that celebrates the best of Uptown Dallas and attracts all Uptown enthusiasts including residents, employees and patrons. This year’s shopping, dining and concert events will benefit Katy Trail, McKinney Avenue Trolley, W. B. Travis Vanguard & Academy and Notre Dame School.”

• Dine ($45), April 24th, 7pm
  Two-course meal for $45 at participating restaurants.  Tickets here.
• Sip, Shop, Stroll, April 25th, 6-8pm
  20% off at participating retailers, live music by Recycled Photographs, gift bag for first 100 shoppers 
• The Spazmatics Concert ($10-40), April 26th, 5-10pm
  6:30PM - John Lefler, 8PM - Spazmatics
  Tickets here.
  

Derby Day Drinks, Events, and Recipes

This year I’ll be muddling juleps at Polo on the Lawn, benefiting Project Transformation   Join me for a good cause … I’ll make you your first cocktail.

THE STANDARD POUR | May 4, 2-6pm
$5 juleps, $20 julep pitchers, long stem roses for every woman
$100 for biggest hat

 YELP | May 19
The Village Country Club
RSVP: yelp.com Derby Listing
“food, bevies, and entertainment!”

SEERSUCKER AND SUNDRESSES at the MASON BAR | May 4, 11am
$3 Mint Juleps, $2 Miller Lights, $20 Derby Punch Pitchers
“Want to win a Derby hat? RSVP at http://www.themasonbar.com/forms/derby2013  to get $4 U Call Its & $4 Beer ALL NIGHT LONG!”

RECIPES

THE EQUESTRIAN (available at Central 214 through May 4)
$1 will be donated to Project Transformation for each one of these drinks that is purchased.

THE MINT JULEP JOLT

Ingredients

• 2 oz Bourbon
• 1 oz Sparkling ICE Lemonade
• 4 Mint Leaves
• 2 Sugar Cubes
• Crushed Ice

Place the mint leaves at the bottom of a glass and crush (for real authenticity use a julep cup).  Pour in the Bourbon and Sparkling ICE Lemonade.  Add in the crushed ice and stir.  Garnish with mint sprig

WAGERING WHISKEY POP

Ingredients

• 1 Sugar Cube
• 4 drops of angostura aromatic bitters
• 1/2 shot of bourbon whisky
• Top it off with VOGA Sparkling

Polish the sugar cube with bitters and drop it into the glass.  Pour bourbon whisky into a chilled glass.  Top it off with VOGA Sparkling

RACING RASPBERRY TEA

Ingredients

• 1 bottle of Black Raspberry Sparkling ICE
• 4 mint tea bags
• 5-6 limes
• Mint sprigs
• Honey or agave nectar (optional)

Bring 4 cups of water to a boil.  Remove from heat and add 4 bags of mint tea. Steep for 10 minutes.  Chill in the refrigerator for about 3 hours.  Approximately 8 teaspoons of lime juice, also chilled.  Mix 1 cup of the chilled mint tea with 1 to 2 teaspoons of the lime juice in a chilled glass.  If you would like your tea extra sweet add in some honey, agava nectar, otherwise skip to the next step.  Add ¼ cup of chilled Black Raspberry Sparkling ICE to fill the glass.  Add crushed ice and stir.  Add a lime wedge and mint sprig for garnish

GIDDY UP

Ingredients

• 3-4 fresh figs, sliced (or 1 cup dried figs)
• 1-2 fresh gala apples, sliced
• 1 cup of cherries
• 2-3 oranges, sliced (not peeled)
• 1 lemon, sliced
• 2 bottles VOGA Italia Merlot
• 3 cups sparkling apple cider
• 1 cup orange juice
• ½ cup brandy
• ½ cup dark spiced rum
• 4 cinnamon sticks
• 5 whole cloves

Slice apples and insert whole cloves directly into the fruit.  Combine all fruit slices in a glass pitcher and slowly pour in brandy and wine. Cover and chill from 2-24 hours (the longer, the better!).  Before serving, add sparkling cider and orange juice. Stir gently and serve over ice.  
Makes about 15 servings

DERBY DAIQUIRI

Ingredients

• 1.25 oz. Rum
• 1.25 oz. Sparkling ICE Kiwi Strawberry
• 3 oz. frozen strawberries
• 1 cup crushed ice

Add Rum, Sparkling ICE Kiwi Strawberry, frozen strawberries, and crushed ice in a blender.  Blend until smooth and pour into glass.  Garnish with strawberry