Susie Drinks Dallas

three-oh-three

Thu, 09 Feb 2012 23:54:00 -0600

Another little resto that popped up down south in Bishop Arts area is the house-turned-bar/eatery, 303. Aptly named, it’s located at 303 West Davis. I’m not sure how novel naming a bar after its address is anymore, but it’s catchy nonetheless.

303 took over and renovated a little house complete with a fireplace and wrap-around porch (yup). Watch out, all, the porch is segregated (yeah, you read that right). There are separate porches for the eaters/drinkers and the drinkers/smokers - both complete with TVs as to not miss a second of your favorite basketball/football/lacrosse game. The three TVs inside and the fact that they serve beer and pulled pork pancakes for brunch round out your Sunday afternoons - the locals found this out pretty quickly and have already claimed this place as their own.

Sidle up to the bar (because, let’s face it, I know bars better than tables) and peruse the menu - lots of sandwiches along with some other homemade favorites. I didn’t eat anything, so I can’t say much about the food — sorry for partying. They have fish and chips, so you know I’ll be back!

In the drinks, though, I partook. Andrew, bartender and some other sort of important person at 303, recommended the Gummy Bear Martini. I’d say pass on it unless you like those so-sweet-you-only-want-one drinks. However, he seems to know his way around that bar, so ask for him anyway. Their beer selection is limited, but they offer the usuals (Miller, Coors, Dos XX, Shiner, Heineken, Corona, Tecate, PBR, and NATTY LIGHT). Selected beers are also available on draft. If you’re a wine fan, they have that, too.

The last things I’m going to say are these three small things:
- They have a fireplace (it goes from the dining room to the porch)
- Their decor is heavy on skulls - awesome.
- (Any even decent followers of mine will understand this) is that they have Whipped Lightning behind their bar. Bravo.

303 Bar and Grill
www.303dallas.com
303 W. Davis | (214)942-3030

Specials (Monday-Friday, 3-7 p.m.)
$2 Bud Light draft, domestic bottles
$3 import bottles, wells, house wines, martinis, and cosmos

Super Bowl Drink Recipes from William Grant & Sons

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 13:54:17 -0600

New England Tea Party

2 parts Bols Sweet Tea
1 part fresh lemon juice

Shake all ingredients with ice and strain into a chilled teacup. Garnish with a lemon wedge.

The Super Bowl

1 part Solerno Blood Orange Liqueur
1 part Tullamore Dew Irish Whiskey
1 part Earl Grey Tea
1 part simple syrup
¾ part fresh lemon juice1 part dry, sparkling white win

Combine ingredients in a large punch bowl over block ice. Stir to chill and incorporate. Garnish with lemon.

4th & 1

Peel 4 Lemons
1 part sugar in the raw
2 part black currant tea
1 part fresh lemon juice
2.5 part Sailor Jerry Rum
1.5 par Canadian blended whiskey

Add lemon peels, sugar in the raw, juice, tea and spirits slowly into punch bowl. Add ice and slowly stir ingredients. Keep punch chilled and serve over ice.

Bourbon Tea Set, Hut!

2 oz Hudson Baby Bourbon
3/4 oz spiced tea syrup*
3/4 oz fresh lemon juice
Dash egg whites

Combine ingredients and shake well. Serve over fresh ice; garnish with a thin lemon wheel.

Private|Social

Mon, 30 Jan 2012 19:57:00 -0600

You’ve all heard about the “bright” new face on McKinney, Private|Social. The food, good. The service, fantastic. The drinks, BLOW MY MIND AMAZING. Rocco Milano (formerly of The Mansion) has, once again, showed up behind the bar and made a damn good cocktail. When I learned of Rocco’s departure from the Mansion, I knew there was something good in store for Dallas’s bar scene.

I grabbed a small table on the porch on a crowded (inside) night and Eugene greeted me and made SURE I knew that happy hour was on but not for much longer - I love a water who looks after my (best?) interest. When you get to Private|Social, find out where Eugene is serving and refuse to sit unless he’s your server. Yes, he’s that good (he even offered to split the check without us having to say a word).

The scene is very Uptown and if you plan to go, plan ahead and give yourself plenty of time to get a table/spot at the bar and don’t rush the experience (mostly because you can’t).

The drinks at PS were incredibly strong and had a character all their own. I started with a Moscow Mule (I usually try to start with an old standard to test the drink strength). The mule definitely was a treat, but wasn’t as good as the Mule at Cedars Social - but it’d be hard to beat the CS Mule.

Skinny Bubbles - not worth it. It was too sweet and I decided not to waste my calories on it (though I’m not a huge champagne fan to begin with).

Vesper - I. DIE. The Vesper was delicious even though it wasn’t James Bond’s Vesper. The Vesper had more than taste … it had a kick to it. I felt like I had been kicked with a shell-toed boot by the time I got to the bottom of the glass.

Italian Old Fashion - the classic with a twist, it was another of their drinks that one would have to drink SLOWWWWLY (because, well, it’s pretty damn strong, too). Luckily, the brilliance that is Rocco is clever enough to use the correct ice for a scotch/whisk(e)y/bourbon-based drink, a giant ice ball which keeps the drink from getting watered down.

Things That Make You Go HUM - this was quite a treat. It’s on the menu now, but when Rocco let us try it, it had only been thought up a mere 36 hours before. A hint of licorice (absinthe), Hum Botanical, Strega, and bit of lemon, egg white, and syrup came together and have been added to my list of favorite drinks in Dallas currently. This is a MUST TRY at Private|Social.

Somewhere in Between - Another new Rocco creation (now on the menu) that we got to preview and another winner. Rum, lemon juice, and (Angostura) bitters make this drink that was passed around the table and became a quick favorite of all. It’s another PS drink not to be missed.

Enjoy your time here (with the wonderful Eugene) - if you want to meet me, just offer to buy me a drink here and I’m all over it. :)

PRIVATE|SOCIAL
privatesocial.com | @privatesocial
3232 MCKINNEY AVE. | 214.754.4744

I do not get drunk — I get awesome.

Tue, 10 Jan 2012 17:33:42 -0600

I do not get drunk — I get awesome.

Photo

Sun, 08 Jan 2012 17:01:00 -0600

This recipe is ah-mazing; it won me a prize at a cut-throat...

Fri, 30 Dec 2011 22:08:24 -0600

This recipe is ah-mazing; it won me a prize at a cut-throat recipe exchange! It takes no less than 5 hours so plan ahead!

(Recipe originally from Jelly Shot Test Kitchen)

Chambord layer:
- 1 packet of Knox unflavored gelatin
- 1 packet of Grape Jello
- 1 cup of hot water (not boiling)
- 6 oz. of Chambord (or blackberry liqueur)

Lemon layer:
- 4 packets of Knox unflavored gelatin
- 1/2 cup of sugar
- 1 cup of hot water (not boiling)
- 1 cup of gin (or vodka)
- 1/2 cup of fresh lemon juice (the recipe calls for 2/3 cup but it was quite sour so I’d recommend less)

PREPARE GIN: Add lemon juice (and some lemon rind) to gin and let sit for two hours or more at room temperature.

FLOAT: In hot water, dissolve the Jello and Knox gelatin and stir for 5-7 minutes. Let sit for another 5 minutes after dissolved. Add Chambord and stir. Pour into a LIGHTLY greased loaf pan (spray with oil and wipe out so only a THIN layer remains). Let sit in fridge for at least two hours (or until solidified).

LEMON LAYER: In hot water, dissolve Knox gelatin until dissolved (SLOWLY sprinkle the gelatin in while stirring). Add sugar and stir until completely dissolved. Strain the infused gin into the gelatin mixture (removing lemon rind) and stir.

Pour lemon mixture over solidified float layer over a spoon to avoid a divot in the float layer. Return to fridge for at least 2-1/2 more hours (or until completely solidified).

TO SERVE: Run a knife around edges of pan and overturn on cutting board. Either cut into squares (pictured above) or use cookie cutters. If preferred, top with a blackberry and/or candied lemon wedge.

Second Floor Bistro Holiday Cocktails White Chocolate Peppermint...

Fri, 30 Dec 2011 18:22:00 -0600

Second Floor Bistro Holiday Cocktails

White Chocolate Peppermint Bark Martini
- 1 oz. CÎROC Coconut Vodka
- 1 oz. Stoli Vanil Vodka
- 1/2 oz. Creme de Menthe
- 1/2 oz. clear Creme de Cacao
- 1/2 oz. Frangelico
- 1/2 oz. Godiva White Chocolate Liqueur

Shake over ice and serve in a peppermint candy-rimmed Martini glass. Garnish with a chocolate straw.

Elderflower Peach Sparkler
- 2 parts St. Germain Elderflower Liqueur
- 1 part CÎROC Peach Vodka
- top with a rosé sparkling wine

Shake St. Germin and CÎROC Peach Vodka over ice and top off with rosé sparkling wine. Serve in a champagne glass. Garnish with a dehydrated candied orange peel.

Skinny Segundo
- 1/2 oz. Pomegranate puree
- 1/2 oz. fresh-squeezed grapefruit juice
- 1 oz. Lillet
- 1/2 oz. Herradura tequila
- splash of Herradura agave nectar
- top with Spanish cava

Shake over ice and serve in a short glass. Garnish with a lemongrass stalk.

NYE Parties and Such

Wed, 14 Dec 2011 18:55:00 -0600

CHECK OUT WHAT OPENTABLE.COM HAS TO OFFER!

CHEF DAT and BRANDT WOOD | The Mason Bar, 7:30 p.m.
Five-course dinner at a bar that is not yet open tot he public
Price: $125/person, $250/couple (includes champagne)
Reservations (required for attendance): dat@chefdat.com

THE COMMISSARY | open from 8-11 p.m.
Reservation-only seatings of a four-course chefs tasting menu
Price: $75/person ($125 with wine pairings)
For Reservations/Tickets: Call (214) 643-6557

THE COMMON TABLE | seatings at 7 and 9:30 p.m.
Five-course meal
Price: $55/person
Reservations: (214) 880-7414

CRU | early seating 5-8 p.m., gala seating 8:30-10 p.m.
Party hats, noise makers, music, champagne toast
Price: $45 (early seating), $60 (gala seating)
Reservations: 214-526-9463 (West Village), 972-312-9463 (The Shops at Legacy), 972-908-2532 (Watters Creek)

DISH | seatings 5 p.m.
Craft cocktails, DJ Jose G., champagne toast, party favors, balloon drop
Price: $50 for premium open bar, food to be ordered, bottle service available
Reservations: 214-522-3474 or visit www.dish-dallas.com

FIVE SIXTY | two seatings
Five-course meal, glass of champagne
Price: $175/person, $225 with wine pairings (+ tax and gratuity), +$50 NYE in The Tower
Reservations: (214) 741-5560

HORNE AND DEKKER
Four-course meal and a glass of champagne
Price: $65/person

KOMALI | last seatings at 11 p.m.
Three-course meal (a la carte will be available upon request), champagne toast
Price: $65/person (+ tax and gratuity)
Reservations: (214) 252-0200

LA DUNI | seatings 6-10:30 p.m.
Four-course meal (a la carte will be available upon request), champagne toast
Price: $49.94/person (+ tax and gratuity)
Reservations (REQUIRED): (214) 520-7300 (McKinney Ave) or (214) 520-6888 (Oak Lawn)
potential 50% cancellation fee after 12/26

PRIVATE|SOCIAL | seatings 5 p.m. - 2 a.m.
Six-course dinner, live music
Price: $125/person or $175 with wine or cocktail pairings (+ tax and gratuity)
Reservations: (214) 754-4744

RA SUSHI | 8 p.m. - 1 a.m.
DJ, drink specials
Price: n/a
Reservations: Facebook Event

SAINT ANN | seatings at 5:30 and 7:30 p.m.
DJ (8:30 p.m. - 2 a.m.), view of Victory Park fireworks, party favors, valet parking
Price: $50/person for 5:30 seating, $70/person for 7:30 seating
Reservations: www.saintannedallas.com

SALUM | last seatings at 11 p.m.
Three-course meal (a la carte will be available upon request), champagne toast
Price: $75/person (+ tax and gratuity)
Reservations: (214) 252-9604

VERITAS WINE ROOM | 7-10 p.m.
Reservations: email brooks@andersonllp.com (limited spaces available)

GHOST BAR NEW YEAR’S EVE PARTY | Ghostbar (W Hotel), 9 p.m.
DJ Enferno & DJ Dre, champagne toast
Price: $75 G.A., $50/person + $300 for bottle service (6 people total)
Reservations(bottle service): mallory@ghostbardallas.com
Tickets: fla.vor.us

6TH ANNUAL NEW YEAR’S EVE PARTY | The Starlight Room, 9:30 p.m.
DJ, full open bar, champagne toast, snack buffet, midnight breakfast, party favors
Price: GA $79.99-105, VIP Bottle $150
Reservations/Tickets: dallasnye.eventsbot.com

BIG D NYE AT THE AAC(put on by the Winstar Casino) | American Airlines Center/AT&T Plaza, 6 p.m.
Fireworks at midnight, music by Sleeperstar.
Price: FREE
For More Information: bigdnye.com

BILLY BOB’S TEXAS (Fort Worth)
Live music from Chris Young. Champagne and party favors included for $35.
Price: $25-35
Tickets:(817) 624-7117 or Ticketmaster

BLACKFRIAR
DJ, party favors, champagne toast
Price: $5 (cover)

*DALLAS FINEST - NEW YEARS EVE 2011 AND BEYOND | Corinth Park, 9:30 p.m.
Open bar, DJ
Price: $30+
Tickets: dallasfinest-emcnye12.eventbrite.com

The DFW Soirèe Countdown 2012 | Omni Hotel (Dallas), 9 p.m.
Live music, DJ, hors d’oeuvres, casino game, red carpet photos, silent auction, champagne toast (benefitting the American Heart Association)
Price: $105 and up, $1500/table of 10
Reservations: tickets

EMERALD CITY BANDS NYE BASH | Embassy Suites-Frisco Convention Center (Frisco), 9:30 p.m. – 4 a.m.

FASHIONABLY UNCORKED NYE 2012 | Fashion Industry Gallery, 9 p.m. – 3 a.m.

GIN MILL NYE | The Gin Mill, 9 p.m. - 3 a.m.
Premium open bar, passed hors d’oeuvres and food stations, champagne toast, coat check, parking
Price: $125
Tickets: dallas.beforelastcall.com

GLASS NYE | Glass, 8 p.m. - 2 a.m.
DJ Pete Mash and DJ Nameless, champagne toast, cash bar, Nick and Sam’s Steakhouse buffet
Price: $50+ (please see details here)
Tickets: dallas.beforelastcall.com

HOUSE OF BLUES NEW YEAR’S EVE SPECTACULAR | House of Blues, 9 p.m.
Music from the Polyphonic Spree and Centro-Matic
Price: stars at $15 (G.A.), $30+ (reserved seating)
Tickets: houseofblues.com

JONATHAN TYLER & THE NORTHERN LIGHTS NEW YEAR’S EVEN BASH | Granada Theater, 8 p.m.
Price: $16 G.A., $70 reserved seating
Tickets: granadatheater.com (Flavorpill has a chance to win tickets)

MAXIM NYE 2012 | Zouk Nightclub, 9 a.m. – 2 a.m.

NEW YEAR’S PARTY AT GAYLORD TEXAN | Gaylord Texan
Music from Le Freak
Reservations: 817-778-2000

J. BLACK’S NEW YEAR’S EVE 2012 | J. Black’s, 6 p.m.
DJ, VIP entry, champagne toast, one entree
Price: $48.14+/person, table options from $575/6 guests
Tickets: jblacksdallasnye.com

NYE in THE TOWER | Reunion (Five Sixty) Tower, 10 p.m. - 2 a.m.
Light hors d’oeuvres by Five Sixty, champagne toast, DJ Jen Miller and DJ Paul Predes, open bar, complimentary valet, bottle service (for additional fee) - fireworks can be seen from The Tower
Price: $150+
Reservations/Tickets: (214) 741-5560

ONE WORLD NYE | Purgatory Night Club, 8 p.m. - 2 a.m.
DJs, 20 bars, hosted by Crissy Henderson (“Playboy”)
Price: $25+/person
Tickets: www.oneworldnye.com (GROUPON)

OPUS LOUNGE NYE 2012 | Opus Lounge, 8 p.m. - 2 a.m.
DJs, party favors, champagne toast, balloon drop
Price: $20 G.A., $40+ VIP
Tickets: clubzone.com

Party With Professor D | Hotel Intercontinental, 9 p.m. - 1 a.m.
Live music, light hors d’oeuvres, two drink coupons, champagne toast, and balloon drop at midnight.
Price: $65
Reservations: 972-386-6000
Extras: Hotel Stay Package at $330 per couple (includes guest room, 2 p.m. late check out, chilled champagne, and two tickets to the party)

PM NIGHTLIFE LOUNGE NEW YEARS EVE CELEBRATION | PM (Joule Hotel), 10:30 p.m. - 2 a.m.
DJ
Price: $106.49 (tables available - email reservations@pmnightlifelounge.com)
Tickets: pmnye2012.eventbrite.com

ROCK THE ‘12 WITH THE EMERALD CITY BAND | Embassy Suites/Frisco Convention Center
Proceeds to go Susan G. Komen for the Cure
Price: $65+/person (up to $425/couple)

TAKE FLIGHT 2012 | Aloft Hotel (Dallas), 9 p.m.
Music by Blau, KapSlap & 3LAU, DJ, champagne toast, water, coat check
Price: $45+/person
Tickets: takeflight2012.com

*18+

"When I read about the evils of drinking, I gave up reading."

Wed, 14 Dec 2011 10:31:06 -0600

“When I read about the evils of drinking, I gave up reading.”

- Henny Youngman

Def Frisco's Grille

Mon, 12 Dec 2011 20:50:22 -0600

We’ve all heard of Del Frisco’s Steak House and now we have the luck to have the new offshoot, Del Frisco Grille, in business in Uptown Dallas. The reputation of the DFG owners proceeds the new restaurant, and DFG exceeds the high expectations that come with the name. The first DF Grille opened in Rockafeller Center up in the Big Apple and we’re lucky enough to have gotten the second.

The staff is helpful, friendly, and ready to get you whatever you may need. What you’ll need: drinks, delicious food, drinks, Nutella bread pudding, drinks … oh yeah, and more of their delicious food. Our table had the cheesesteak eggrolls, wedge salad, grilled cheese and tomato soup, and the lamb burger. The cheesesteak eggrolls were very good but a bit heavy (which was expected) and the lamb burger was possibly the best thing I’ve taken a bite out of in the last month due to the Tzatziki sauce.

After our meal, Sabrina, the delightful general manager, wouldn’t allow us to leave until we took a bite of their to-die-for Nutella bread pudding (sounds awful, eh?). I did my best to exercise a bit of self-control, but all was lost with the first bite. I thanked my lucky stars for that girl for making me try it!

DFG offers a full bar complete with specialty cocktails, (only one) champagne, about five or so whites and reds including some Del Frisco’s “Reserve” bottles, and shots (yup, shots). I was tempted to try the Honey Badger (again, yup, the honey badger) which was Tuaca, fresh sweet & sour, and pineapple juice.

Needless to say, like the restaurant, DFG prides itself on the creativity of its drinks and the freshness of their ingredients. Their drinks have dashes of Tabasco or balsamic vinegar and sometimes even a jalapeno tossed in just for kicks. I tried the Kilt-lifter comprised of Hendrick’s, St-Germain, Tabasco, and lemon. I’ll just say of it that it was an experience - not too strong but it sure was delicious.

Now, have you ever had a skinny drink that was actually good? Yeah, me neither (though if anyone has suggestions I’d be glad to hear them) until I tried the Skinny Cosmo at DFG — everyone in the group (including the guys) enjoyed it. I’ve gone on a nutty diet and I can’t have many drinks, so their potent-yet-delicious skinny drinks are just what I need.

The decor of DFG is modern with a retro twist and plenty of art adorns the walls. The second floor patio is absolutely awesome and they have some cutting-edge pillar heaters to keep you from catching a chill. With bars both upstairs and downstairs, you won’t have trouble getting a drink (well, you might have a little less than some but only because so many people love DFG already). Also, go into your visit with a dose of patience as the valets do a great job with the limited space they have.

All in all, DFG is off to a great start. Head in for delicious handcrafted drinks, steaks, and seafood. They’ll make absolutely sure you enjoy your time there!

Del Frisco’s Grille
www.delfriscosgrille.com | @dfgrille
3232 McKinney Ave (at Hall St.)
(972)807-6152

Fall Drinks with SusieDrinksDallas Thanks again to Roni for...

Wed, 07 Dec 2011 13:54:24 -0600

Fall Drinks with SusieDrinksDallas

Thanks again to Roni for having me do the segment!

Pumpkin Spice Martini
- 2 parts vanilla vodka
- 2 parts Bailey’s
- 1 part Pumpkin Smash (or other pumpkin liqueur)
- Splash of milk (if desired)
- Cinnamon/Nutmeg
- Pumpkin Pie Whipped Lightning

Honey Gin Cocktail
- 1 splash of honey syrup (1 part honey to 1 part water - boil water and dissolve honey)
- Fresh lemon juice
- 1 jigger of gin
- Top with champagne

Cool Weather Punch
- 1 part rum
- 1 part ginger ale
- 1 part apple cider (non-alcoholic)
- Dash of cinnamon

A Good Friend to Have

Wed, 30 Nov 2011 23:06:00 -0600

Again, I traveled outside of my bubble. And again, I was glad I did. I’m sure you’ve heard the buzz about Goodfriend, the new beer and burger house over on Peavy and Garland Road one of the Vickery Park owners and a former Vick bartender, Matt and Josh, respectively. I’ll start by saying this, don’t wait to go until after reading this — get off your ass and go NOW.

My boyfriend and I prepared for our adventure with a full tank of gas, water bottles, and granola bars stocked … you know, just in case. The drive there wasn’t bad at all. Take Mockingbird east and just keep onnnnnnnnn going until you see white lights strung across a huge patio on your left that will beam you in. Parking was an issue, but I found a spot that my car hardly fit in, but fit nonetheless. (I didn’t take the time to figure out where alternate parking was - sorry).

Give yourself plenty of time for this dinner because you’re probably going to wait. So many make the trip for the delicious food and drink at Goodfriend that we were told that there was an hour wait. We ordered a drink and found a seat without a grumble because the place smelled so good that we didn’t want to risk being kicked out for being bratty patrons. The staff was so friendly that that probably wouldn’t be an issue even if we were rude.

Time to set the scene: a giant horseshoe-shaped bar is the center of the restaurant with bar seating on the left and restaurant seating on the right and stained glass above the bar. The decor is a hodge-podge of rustic engineering-type paraphernalia with an industrial touch including a giant table with a HUUUUGE fan inside. Sports fans: there are big TVs in the bar seating area and behind the bar and for commercials breaks you can enjoy the two dart boards in the corner.

The drinks were delicious. The cocktail menu is whiskey heavy with their list of whiskey cocktails dubbed the Magnificent Seven — and they are (magnificent, that is). I started with a Manhattan, the likes of which would have given my Manhattan-loving uncle a run for his money. After drinking the Manhattan, I felt like I could box a kangaroo - true story. The drinks were strong and I look forward to making a second trip to try some of the other M7s like John the Baptist, Bobby Burns, and the Goodfriend itself.

The offerings at GF include an American craft beer menu which will feature standard craft beers, seasonal beers, and special release brews. Get bored with beers easily? They post their “rotator” beers on a huge piece of paper inside the bar (and on Facebook) that are switched out quite often. In addition to their beers they have a fully (and I mean FULLY) stocked bar.

The food was ah-mazing. We made our way to our hard-earned table and when Matt handed us our menus, deciding which burger to order was one of the more difficult decisions I’ve faced in a month (I live a charmed life). They offer grass fed burgers and some more exotic options as well as a veggie burger (if you must). I landed on the Lolita lamb burger, the Boy had a turkey burger, and of course we got cheese fries to share. The burgers were delectable and I finished every bite of mine along with a good portion of the cheese fries (the ranch is mind blowing). The stomach ache was well worth it!

Goodfriend Beer Garden and Burger House
facebook | @goodfriendbgbh
1154 Peavy Rd., Dallas, TX 75218 | (214) 324-3335

"I spent a lot of my money on booze, birds, and fast cars. The rest I just squandered."

Tue, 29 Nov 2011 09:50:34 -0600

“I spent a lot of my money on booze, birds, and fast cars. The rest I just squandered.”

- George Best

Christmas 2011 Gift Guide

Sun, 27 Nov 2011 02:46:00 -0600

Happy giving … and hopefully receiving!

Never heard of it? Understandable, but now you know better....

Sat, 26 Nov 2011 14:21:00 -0600

Crab Dip/Smoked Mozzarella/Armadillo Egg

Grilled Tenderloin/Pan Seared Scallops

House Ice Cream/Pumpkin Crème Brulee

Infused Liqueurs

Blossom Margatini/Orange Twist

Posh Cosmo

Wall of Tequila

Never heard of it? Understandable, but now you know better. Asador is the high-end-but-casual restaurant inside the Renaissance Hotel over on I-35 — you know, the brown one that’s a gigantic oval? There ya go.

I was very excited to try Asador and was even more excited when I sat down at the bar and began looking through the delicious victuals that they offer. Grab a tissue, because your mouth is about to water — smoked duck sliders, candied bacon lollipops, grilled Texas quail … and those are only a few of the bar snacks! They offer a full chef-driven menu of delightfully-prepared foods made with fresh ingredients, all from within 100 miles of Dallas (except for the fish … but that’s because we’re pretty landlocked). Fresh isn’t an understatement here, so much so that they print new menus almost everyday. Steaks that are cooked to perfection and fish that cuts like butta’ using nothing but a fork.

I think one of the best parts of the experience was dessert (duh). Asador makes their ice cream in-house. OMG - I never wanted the sweet potato ice cream to end but while attempting to make it last, a bit melted. BLAST. Their pumpkin crème brulee was also one of the highlights of the pumpkin season this year (right up there with the pumpkin souffles I made for Thanksgiving!).

Their cocktails are made with the same fresh ingredients as the food and are mixed thoughtfully with a flare for the unique. They have the usuals but add a twist to each. To give their cocktails depth, they infuse liquors with some unexpected items. For your consideration: bacon bourbon, grilled jalapeño tequila, maple-Belgium waffle vodka (believe it), pomegranate gin, and more. Changed often, creative, and tempting, they’ll serve you a shot of one of their seasonal infusions for only $5.

My absolute favorite item of the evening was the harvest margarita - a margarita made with pumpkin puree and apple cider and finished off with a brown sugar spice rim. It.was.amazing. Being one who doesn’t like margaritas, I have never in my life had a margarita that I didn’t want to end … except for this one.

My other favorite cocktails from the evening were the Blossom Margatini, the Orange Twist, and the Posh Cosmo (pictured above in the same order). The Blossom Margatini is tequila, rose nectar, St. Germain, citrus juices, and an edible flower (I wish I’d known that sooner b/c I would have eaten it). It reminded me of some of my favorite drinks from Paris; light and sweet but quite potent. The Orange Twist was pomegranate juice, port, orange juice, and rum — talk about a refreshing drink, I could have downed three. Lastly, the Posh Cosmo was what you’d expect from any Cosmopolitan with some interesting additions, they added Gran Marnier jam (yes, like jelly) and Pimms —- heavvvven.

In addition to their specialty cocktails, they have 100+ tequilas arranged on a wall (complete with ladder, pictured above) that you can try individually or in a flight. The bartenders really know their stuff and are very friendly and helpful so you can just ask and they’ll serve you up something you’ll love. Ask for Tyler (girl) or James - they’re both fantastic.

The bottom line: Specialty cocktails are $7-10, bar snacks are $4-9, entrees are $4-38. They have a full bar, exotic beers, a great wine list, steaks, seafood, and some more slightly casual bites. If you’re bored, you can watch your game on one of the flat screens or play pool in the back room — but with food this good, why would you be bored?

Asador
asadorrestaurant.com | @asador_dallas
2222 N Stemmons Fwy (in the Renaissance Hotel)
(214)631-2222

Specials:
Happy Hour | Monday-Friday 4-7 p.m.
$4 draft beer / $6 house wine and specialty cocktails
$1 appetizers and 1/2 price all snacks

Reverse Happy Hour | Monday 9-11 p.m.
$4 draft beer / $6 house wine and specialty cocktails
1/2 price all snacks

Hospitality Night | Wednesday 5pm-10 p.m.
$4 draft beer / $6 house wine and specialty cocktails
1/2 price all snacks and garden items

"Brewers enjoy working to make beer as much as drinking beer instead of working."

Thu, 17 Nov 2011 11:03:05 -0600

“Brewers enjoy working to make beer as much as drinking beer instead of working.”

- Harold Rudolph

... Like an Alcoholic Loves Whiskey Cake

Tue, 15 Nov 2011 23:36:00 -0600

As some of my more loyal readers know, I have a certain radius that I remain inside. However, my friend Liz (some of you may know her as @ohheydallas) requested my company out to PLANO, yes, Plano, to try out Whiskey Cake. Bribed with a chauffeur and a $50 gift card, I obliged.

When we walked into the large, rustic building, the hostess semi-greeted us and took a phone number at which to text us from her iPad when our table was ready (how sci-fi) … which was meant to be a mere 45 minutes later (ON A WEDNESDAY, YOU MUST BE KIDDING!?). We pushed our way through the middle-aged Plano-ites and families and found a spot at the crowded bar beside a guy who was very obviously there to find date.

The bartender handed us a comically large menuand we perused the alcoholic concoctions available to us. Their choices are all very clever, some are classic cocktails and they also have a few newbies. My first drink was a Texas Bluebonnet - a delightful mix of açaí blueberry vodka, prosecco, and egg white. It danced on my tongue and made me wonder why I don’t eat blueberries more often, but it wasn’t very strong. Liz got the French 75 which was quite good, but it’s tough to mess up a French 75.

What seemed like less than 30 minutes later, we got our text message and made our way to the hostess box (yes, box), were seated, and greeted by a bubbly young lady. She was one of the best waitresses I can ever remember having - friendly, quick, and very amenable to any request.

Dinner begged another round of drinks and I had the Guava Gimlet and Liz partook in the basil version. Both were good, very refreshing, but seemed out of place with the cooler weather. Perhaps they should move to a fall menu? Overall, I think the drinks are well made, but nothing groundbreaking … and the only have three kinds of ice (totally sarcastic - I love a good variety of ice) … I ordered a scotch to go with the Whiskey Cake just so our waitress would make an ice ball at our table.

The food was delicious. The only thing I could have hoped for in the food department was that my stomach was larger so that I could have eaten more. To get the full run-down of our experience, check out OhHeyDallas’s review of the food we ate here: Whiskey Cake - OhHeyDallas.com.

That’s all. I will definitely go back, but I’ll try to go back only if a $50 gift card is involved.

The Whiskey Cake
www.whiskey-cake.com | @thewhiskeycake
3601 Dallas Parkway, Plano, TX | (972)993-CAKE

Sigel's Holiday LiqueurFest Tasting Extravaganza

Thu, 10 Nov 2011 10:25:46 -0600

Join Sigel’s to taste some (60+) unique holiday liqueurs at their Holiday LiqueurFest … (the name is seriously way too much). It’s a free event and they’ll let you sample the liqueurs that being that special something to a holiday cocktail. You also have a chance to win prizes if you drink enough … no, really.

I’ll see you there!

Wednesday, November 16 | 5-8 p.m.
Sigel’s Elite (5757 Greenville Ave.)

RSVP HERE

From Sigel’s: Join us… for a rare opportunity to taste through an extensive selection of delicious Liqueurs and Cordials from around the world. As we head into the holidays, this is the perfect time to explore this exciting world of spirited flavors - whether for gift giving or adding to seasonal menus.

Enjoy special sale prices on over 60 Liqueurs.Come learn everything you wanted to know about the different liqueurs you’ve been enjoying and ones you didn’t even know you wanted. This great event should not be missed!

The Second Floor Bistro

Wed, 09 Nov 2011 15:49:00 -0600

After a couple meals at 2nd Floor sans drinks, I was happy to finally get over to 2FB for an alcoholic libation. My coworkers and I decided to take a quick break and grab a drink last night while waiting for Fashion’s Night Out festivities to commence at the Galleria, and we we had a nice assortment of drinks. There were glasses of wine, straight-up Jack, martinis, mojitos, and Moscow Miles, OH MY!

I always ask my waiter for his/her suggestion and this time, it worked. I was told to get the ginger gimlet with vodka … and it turns out, it was a Moscow Mule. That girl knows what she’s doing. I could tell that they didn’t use Rose’s lime juice and the ginger beer was just bitter enough to keep me from downing the entire glass in one gulp.

The coworkers in my immediate vicinity had:
- 2 mojitos: not too sweet and incredibly refreshing, mint leaves large enough not to be sucked into the straw
- Jack OTR: 3-1/2 fingers, a generous helping
- a Ruby Red: even though I don’t like grapefruit, it was tolerable and I was fine with having two small sips

All were good. Their drink list looked well thought-out with a nice selection of different liquors, flavors, and sweetness levels. Signature cocktails will run you a whopping $12 and martinis $13, the wine list starts at $8/glass, and the scotch list is $7-140. The drink prices may be steep but they’re somewhat worth it since they’re decently strong, well-made, and generous portions.

The decore is modern and luxurious, all “leather” seating at the tables, the bar, the lounge (complete with awkward fireplace - pictured on right), and the back room. The staff is (REALLY) friendly and provide snappy, efficient, and CORRECT service.

The food …oh, the food. Try the roasted corn soup, the French Dip, and just about anything else - including brunch. (Hint: they do trivia each Wednesday at 11am for a $25 gift card … you can try to beat me.)

In short, The Second Floor Bistro is second to none. Go for happy hour, but only shop after if you have a DP (designated purchaser).

Strength: 3.75
Overall: 4

The Second Floor Bistro
www.thesecondfloorrestaurant.com | @2ndFloorBistro
13340 Dallas Parkway (in the Galleria - Westin entrance)
(972) 450-2978

Specials:
Thursday & Friday | 4-7 p.m. | $2 off martinis and beers
Friday nights | 1/2 price appetizers
Saturday nights | 1/2 price desserts

PINKBERRY GIVEAWAY

Tue, 08 Nov 2011 18:23:17 -0600

A wise man once said, “Good + good = really good.” I couldn’t agree more.

Pinkberry (good) is now serving a new limited-time fro-yo flavor, peppermint (good). According to the equation, that would make this a “really good” situation.

Pinkberry was nice enough to give me a PINKBERRY PARTY FOR 10 to give to one of my (really lucky) fans. To enter, you must do one (or all) of the following:

my page (Facebook.com/SusieDrinksDallas) and post on my wall (don’t forget to tag Pinkberry)
Tweet me (@drinkdallas) with the hashtag #PeppermintPinkberry
Comment on this post

I will choose the winner on Friday, November 11 at noon. Good luck! (Whoever wins better take me with them!)

More about Pinkberry’s Peppermint frozen yogurt from the company itself:

Pinkberry, the original tart frozen yogurt brand, kicks off the holiday season with the introduction of its limited-time holiday flavor, Peppermint Pinkberry. Sweet and refreshing, Peppermint Pinkberry has a delicious minty taste with a hint of vanilla. Perfectly paired with all-natural peppermint bark and chocolate sauce, Peppermint Pinkberry is a one-of-a-kind holiday taste experience that only Pinkberry can deliver.