Susie Drinks Dallas

Summer Activities and Events

Thu, 17 May 2012 18:01:00 -0500

Beat the heat with these cool events! (So cliché, but I had to!)

3RD ANNUAL HOMEGROWN MUSIC AND ARTS FESTIVAL | live music in the park from Ben Kweller, Eisley, Octopus Project, Black Joe Lewis, and many more!
Where: Main Street Garden Park (Downtown)
When: Saturday, May 26
Time: 10 a.m. and onnnnnnnnn
Need to know: tickets from Prekindle.com for $18.75

2ND ANNUAL DALLAS MARGARITA MELTDOWN | margaritas … lost of margaritas.
Where: Bishop Arts District (Oak Cliff)
When: Sunday, May 27
Time: 3 p.m. - 2 a.m.
Need to know: tickets from Prekindle.com for $27.25

TASTE OF ADDISON | delicious food and live music from Mat Kearney, Wade Bowen, Rhett Miller, and The Dirty Guv’Nahs
Where:
When: May 18-20
Time: Friday 6pm-midnight, Saturday 12pm-midnight, Sunday 12-5pm
Need to know: tickets here or at area Albertsons stores, $5-15, enter to win a free gift basket from Taste of Addison —- look at my newest posts to find out how!!

SUMMER BLOCK PARTY | activities, live music
Where: Dallas Museum of Art and the Nasher
When: June 15

TASTE OF DALLAS
Where: Fair Park (3600 Grand Avenue)
When: July 13-15
Time: Friday 4-11pm. Saturday 11am-11pm, Sunday 11am-9pm
Need to know: tickets here or at area Albertsons stores, daily admission $8 at the gate (children <12 are free), parking $12 with trams or take the DART Green Line, no pets allowed (womp)

ONGOING EVENTS

LIVE AT FIVE* | live music and signature drink specials
Where: Galleria Dallas (between The Grill and Townhouse)
When: Thursdays through May 31
Time: 5-8 p.m.

MOVIES UNDER THE MOON* | Family-friendly movies
Where: The Shops at Park Lane
When: Fridays in June
Time: movies begin at 8:30 p.m.
Need to know: June 1 (“Secretariat”), June 8 (“Toy Story”), June 15 (“Remember the Titans”), June 22 (“Happy Feet”). Gordon Biersch will have food and drinks for purchase. Bring your own chair/blanket/picnic/etc.

CONCERT IN THE GARDEN | hang out on on a blanket, eat a picnic, and enjoy music from the Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra. I have been going to this since I was a wee one, and it’s a wonderful experience.
Where: Fort Worth Botanic Gardens
When: various nights June through July 4
Time: 8 p.m. (gates open at 6:30 p.m.)
Need to know: FIREWORKS AT EVERY CONCERT, tickets are $16-43, parking $10-25 (valet available), no animals allowed

LATE NIGHTS AFTER HOURS MUSIC SHOWCASE | live music on the lawn, contests at some concerts
Where: Dallas Museum of Art
When: every third Friday (after Late Nights at the DMA)
Time: 10-11 p.m.
Need to know: this series is an addition to Late Nights at the DMA

PATIO SESSIONS* | live music on the lawn
Where: AT&T Performing Arts Center
When: every Thursday through May 31 (there may be more after…)
Time: 5:30-7:30 p.m.
Need to know: BYO food, no alcohol

CONCERTS AT THE ARBORETUM | live music on the lawn, contests at some concerts
Where: Dallas Arboretum
When: Tuesdays and Thursdays through July 31 and Thursdays through October 25
Time: 7:30-9:30 p.m.
Need to know: BYOB, short chair/blanket, and food - buy your tickets way ahead of time because they’re selling out!

BAREFOOT AT THE BELMONT | live music on the lawn
Where: Belmont Hotel
When: select Thursdays through August 9 (schedule)
Time: 7:30-9:30 p.m.
Need to know: tickets from Prekindle.com for $27.25, FAQ

JAZZ IN THE ATRIUM | live music in the DMA Atrium
Where: Dallas Museum of Art
When: Thursday in June, July, and August
Time: 6-8:30 p.m.

MORE TO COME (hopefully):

Main Street Gardens movie series*
Park Lane Movies Under the Moon*
Palomar/Central 214 movie series*
Fairmont Summer Dive-In Movies*
Belmont Hotel dive-in movies*
Half Price Books movie series*

*FREE EVENTS

Taste of Addison GIVEAWAY!

Thu, 03 May 2012 18:31:00 -0500

Don’t miss the yearly haven of food and drink, luckily scheduled before the REAL Texas heat begins. Lucky for you (and thanks to Taste Addison), I’m giving away two packages for you to get into Taste Addison with three of your besties. Then, you can pick one of those besties to take to brunch for some hair of the dog the next day (of course you can take more than one, but that’s all you’ll get in fo’ free).

Blue Mesa brunch for two
Four passes to Taste Addison

So, do you want some free awesomeness? There are three ways to enter to win one of the two packages (must be done by noon on 5/15):

Comment on this post
Tweet me (@drinkdallas) with the hashtag #TasteAddison2012
Post on my Facebook wall and tell me which concert you want to hear or restaurant you want to try at Taste Addison

The winners will be chosen randomly, so you don’t have to write me a poem or do anything ridiculous. One “entry” per platform will count.

FOOD

Obviously, you’ll have to eat something in order to Taste Addison, so they’ve set up 60+ vendors to give you a taste of Addison’s best fare. Complete with cooking demos, cook-offs between football players including Jason Witten (see Albertsons’ Cookin’ with the Gridiron Greats), and more.

To see the lineup of food-related activities, go ahead and click your little mouse here.

MUSIC/Entertainment

Last year, they brought you Third Eye Blind. This year, they’ll feature music from Mat Kearney, Wade Bowen, Rhett Mill, The Dirty Guv’nahs, Carolina Liar, and the Casey Donahew Band.

They’re also featuring bartending exhibitions (think Tom Cruise in “Cocktail”), a carnival, family fun zone, and plenty of other kid-friendly stuff. However, I’d recommend hiring a sitter, buying some extra beer tickets, and taking a cab home.

Website for more information: www.addisontexas.net/events/TasteAddison

Where: Addison Circle Park

When: May 18-20

Time: Friday 6pm-midnight, Saturday 12pm-midnight, Sunday 12-5pm

Need to know: tickets here or at area Albertsons stores, $5-15

Facebook event: https://www.facebook.com/events/227717663911619/

YOU DOWN WITH OTB?

Wed, 02 May 2012 18:30:36 -0500

HEY, YOU! Yes, you. Come happy hour with me tomorrow (Thursday) at On the Border. Margaritas, queso, and burrrrritos … what more could you want from a Thursday?

On the Border is celebrating its upcoming 30th birthday (damn, OTB is old!) and wants you to join for the last “installment” of their Thursday Patio Parties. SO - they’re kicking off their Cinco de Mayo celebration a little early.

DEETS
Location: OTB on Knox Street (Dallas)
Date: Thursday, May 3
Time: 6-8 p.m.
Perks: The first 20 guests get a $10 OTB gift card, free dessert (with a the coupon from here), and $8 deliciousness (aka Mercedes Margaritas made with 1800 Reposado Tequila, fresh agave sour, and Grand Marnier)

So, shall we margarita?

FACEBOOK EVENT

Is one party not enough for you? You insatiable, little nugget! Party with OTB in Addison on May 5 for the mother of all Cinco parties. Details from OTB below:

On Cinco de Mayo, On The Border is inviting the neighborhood to Cinco like they’ve never Cinco’ed before, while celebrating the 150thyear of the holiday and our upcoming 30th anniversary (in June) with a party that makes the fiesta last all day — guests can come in, enjoy our signature margaritas and Mexican beer, freshly made dishes and festive atmosphere, and are free to stay until we close. The Addison location will have live music/deejays.

Cinco de Mayo/Derby Day Parties

Mon, 30 Apr 2012 13:43:00 -0500

May 3

What:On the Border Happy Hour hosted by ME!
When: 6-8 p.m.
Where:On the Border (location TBD)
Perks: $10 gift cards for attendees, drink specials

What:Dallas Wine Talk - Times Ten Cellars Wine Meet Up
When: 7-9 p.m.
Where:Times Ten Cellars (Lakewood)
Perks: Wine, appetizers, and door prizes

May 4

What: Cinco de Mayo at The Quarter
When: 4 p.m. - 2 a.m.
Where:The Quarter Bar (Uptown)
Perks: $3 Mexican beers and margaritas

May 5

What: Frankie’s Cinco de Mayo
When:
Where:Frankie’s Sports Bar (all locations)
Perks: 1/2 price quesadillas, $3 Mexican beers, the ticket broadcasting live (FW location only)

What:Rucas Cinco de Drinko
When: 11 a.m. - 2 a.m.
Where:Rucas Sports Cantina (10319 Finnell Street, Dallas)
Perks: Margarita machine, Irish meltdowns, live music,
Biggest Sombrero & Best Moustache Contest, Mexican beer specials

What: The Dallas Wine & Food Festival
When: 11 a.m.
Where: Mockingbird Station (Midtown)
Perks: Free wine seminars, happy hour events, samplings, “swag”, etc.
RSVP/Tickets: Mockingbirdstation.com/events

What: Cinco de Mayo at The Quarter
When: 10 a.m. - 2 a.m.
Where:The Quarter Bar (Uptown)
Perks: $3 Mexican beers and margaritas. free nacho bar starting at 4pm

What: Los Ringos Cinco de Drinko Fiesta
When: 3 p.m. - 2 a.m.
Where: Ringo’s Pub (The Shops at Legacy)
Perks: Margarita machine, Irish meltdowns, live music,
Biggest Sombrero & Best Moustache Contest, Mexican beer specials

What: 3rd Annual Boil for the Brave
When: 12-6 p.m.
Where:The Foundry Bar (2303 Pittman, Dallas)
Perks: All-you-can-eat crawfish and fixins, live music, silent auction
Price: $20 at the door

What: Sissy’s First Annual Jockeys & Juleps Derby Watching Party
When: 4-7 p.m.
Where:Sissy’s Southern Kitchen (Henderson)
Perks: $5 select drinks (juleps, Kentucky Punch, Presbyterian Bourbon Press, and Alabama Sunset), the Derby on big screens, and best outfit award
RSVP: Reservations are encouraged - call 214.827.9900

What: Wild Salsa Cinco de Mayo Celebration
Where:Wild Salsa (Downtown)
Perks: Live music, $4 El Jimador margaritas, Brugal mojitos, and Terradura tequila shots, $10 bucket of Coronitas, $10 bottomless mojitos (11am-3pm)

May 6

What: YELP Hangover Helper Elite Event @ Club Dada
When: 2-4 p.m.
Where:Club Dada (Deep Ellum)
Price: Suggested $5 donation for Deep Ellum Mural Project**
Perks: Complimentary Mimosas, Tito’s sponsored Bloody Mary bar, Spicy bites, some mitigating mantras and exercises, Henna tattoo artist, tweet Booth, Day of the Dead Face paint, Live music by Datahowler, Raffle for Homegrown Arts & Music Festival Tickets, And much more!
RSVP/Tickets: For the newbs, here’s how to RSVP to any events posted to the Elite-only Calendar:
1. Click on your ‘12 Elite badge which will take you to the private Elite Event Calendar
2. Click “view full calendar” to the far upper right hand corner of the page
3. Read all the juicy deets
4. RSVP by clicking on the yellow with red text “RSVP” button
5. Await your official RSVP confirmation

Drinkify - StumbleUpon

Mon, 16 Apr 2012 12:12:41 -0500

Drinkify - StumbleUpon:

Match your music with what you should be drinking. And listen. Thanks, @ohheydallas!

Photo

Thu, 29 Mar 2012 14:29:14 -0500

"The problem with the world is that everyone is a few drinks behind."

Fri, 24 Feb 2012 16:35:40 -0600

“The problem with the world is that everyone is a few drinks behind.”

- Humphrey Bogart

Photo

Fri, 17 Feb 2012 13:47:12 -0600

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 steel-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.

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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