Category Archives: Lauren B

Throw It Back with the Harwood District

It feels like the ultra-hip Uptown/Downtown Dallas neighborhood, the Harwood District, is constantly introducing tasty, new restaurants, bars, and hangout spots, so it’s hard to believe that Harwood International is actually celebrating their 30th anniversary this month. To celebrate this milestone, each of the beloved Harwood District concepts are throwing it back to the 80s by adding old-school “Throwback 30” favorites to their menus—think Sloppy Joes and Monte Cristos. Obviously, this is my kind of party, so I had to check it out.

I went to The Grove at Harwood to enjoy the last days of summer and taste the limited-edition Frozen Bleu Hawaiian cocktail—their Throwback 30 item. Sitting in the sun, sipping this drink, and listening to the mellow remixes of top hits that were playing, I could have sworn that I was at the beach and not in the heart of Dallas. It was that relaxing! … and then a semi drove by and honked. ?

Their take on the Frozen Bleu Hawaiian is sweet, but (luckily) lacks that super syrupy taste that you sometimes get with frozen cocktails. (Yaaaaa no thanks.) Their FBHs is served in custom Throwback 30 cups complete with branded stir sticks with a flag featuring a mix tape—a symbol everyone from the 80s knows and begrudgingly loves.

The Grove is always a good time and they have so many activities to keep you occupied while you sip on cold beverages, make your way through a bottle, or chow down at their very own food truck. Grab your pup and your friends and head over before the summer is over. And don’t forget to try this throwback cocktail while playing a friendly game of sand volleyball or giant Jenga.

In honor of this milestone anniversary, all seven of the restaurants in the Harwood District will be throwing it back to the 1980s with the addition of popular throwback favorites to menus, including: 

Magnolias: Sous Le Pont: Don’t Stop Brew-Lievin’ Cold Brew – a fun play off of the popular 80’s rock band song by Journey, “Don’t Stop Believin’.”

Marie Gabrielle: On Wednesdays Marie Gabrielle Restaurant and Gardens, an urban escape featuring a 1.5 acre garden, river birch trees, an 8,265 square-foot pond, as well as interior and exterior accommodations, will serve Sloppy Joes.

Mercat Bistro: Inspired by a French steak dish named after 19th century composer Gioachino Rossini, Mercat Bistro will add Tournedos Rossini to their menu. 

The Grove at Harwood: The Grove will be featuring their take on the refreshing tropical cocktail Blue Hawaiian – the Frozen Bleu Hawaiian.

Dolce Riviera: Introducing Fettuccine Mare e Monti, a traditional dish inspired by the sea and the mountains.

Happiest Hour: Join Dallas’ largest patio-bar for a celebration that includes a go-to classic, the Monte Cristo sandwich. This savory toasted ham sandwich will have you transporting back in time. 

Saint Ann Restaurant & Bar: Begin your meal at Saint Ann Restaurant & Bar by digging into their special Seven Layer Dip, which became overwhelming popular in the 1980s.


The Grove at Harwood
harwoodgrove.com
3019 McKinnon Street (Uptown/Harwood District)
(214) 663-1001

The Sake Social Hour at Uchiba

When Uchi announced that it would be opening a more bar-focused concept earlier this year, I could barely contain my excitement. (Though, I know many of us Top Knot-lovers were a bit wary.) You can breathe easy, because the new concept is yoi (gooooood).

The name makes sense—the word Uchiba combines “Uchi,” which means house in Japanese, and “Ba,” bar. Since its opening on January 31, this concept brought to us by Chef Tyson Cole under the Hai Hospitality umbrella, is Uchi’s sleek and stylish little sister has been a hit for those seeking shareable bites, fabulous décor and incredible cocktails.

 

If you’re anything like me (and our friend Susie), you love a good happy hour, but really love when the good happy hour also has incredible food. That’s why I was so excited to go check out Uchiba’s Sake Social Hour, which is offered daily from 5-6:30pm and the entire menu is $10 or less! Yes, you read that right! It features delicious creations like their hot fried chicken buns, spicy crunchy tuna temaki and hama chili. Oh, and not to mention, half priced specialty cocktails.

All of the food I sampled was incredible, but you can’t miss the nigiri (which is only $2 during the social hour)! I also tried both types of temaki that is offered during the Social Sake Hour, and while it’s hard to choose a favorite, the spicy crunch tuna has a little bit of spice with which the avocado perfectly complimented. And do yourself a favor and order the hot fried chicken bun. It’s similar to Nashville hot chicken but with Asian-style flare. They definitely have a kick but nothing too overbearing.

And the cocktails … yassss. All of the specialty cocktails are half-priced during the social hour. I started out with the Too Much Heaven, which was very similar to an old fashioned but with a nice hint of lemongrass. My second choice was the Sanmittai, a refreshing blend of gin, lemongrass, black warrior shochu, cilantro, mint and basil. It’s like an herb garden in a cup—in the most delicious way possible. If specialty cocktails aren’t your thing, Uchiba also offers a variety of wine and beer for a steal.

Something to note: if after you’ve had a taste of the social hour and you need to really fulfill your Uchiba fix, you can order from the full menu at the same time! I’ve heard that the fried milk dessert is to die for.

You can either walk-in or make reservations based on availability for the Sake Social Hour. If you’re planning to check it out on a Friday or Saturday, I would definitely recommend calling at least a few days in advance since those are some of the most popular days.

Sake Social Hour: DAILY, 5-6:30pm
1/2 price all specialty cocktails
$4-5 select wine & beer
$2 nigiri (sake, avocado, or hamachi)
$2-3 yakitori (shishito yaki, pork belly, or ribeye)
$6 temaki (sake karei or spicy crunchy tuna)
$6-8 tastings (hama chili, foie gras mousse, yuca fries, or hot fried chicken buns)
$6 selected seasonal dessert


UCHIBA
uchiba.com
Instagram | Facebook Twitter
214-855-5454
2817 Maple Avenue, 2nd floor (Uptown)
complimentary valet

Cover image courtesy of Uchiba.
**Thanks to Uchiba for treating Lauren to happy hour.**