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Not for Sissies
There are some cocktail joints that make me wonder how those in Dallas with lower tolerances than I can handle the drinks. Then I realize, it’s probably because they don’t try the entire menu. Just three or so sips of the four cocktails I tried at Sissy’s was enough to put some pep in my step for the rest of the night.
What were these delightful drinks, you ask? Well, they were the Southern restaurant’s delicious new additions to the cocktail menu and the first round of happy hour offerings. Every two or three weeks, the brilliance behind the bar at Sissy’s, Brennan and Chase, will concoct a new round of seasonal options to feature as their happy hour selections. Served 5-7 p.m. Monday-Friday, try one of their limited-time-only cocktails for just $6.
I tried four of the five current HH drink offerings, the fifth had both of the things I avoid in my cocktails (tequila and grapefruit), so I preemptively assumed I wouldn’t enjoy it – but you should still try it (obvi). I won’t bore you by describing the drinks I tried one-by-one as they won’t be on the menu for much longer than the next few weeks (picture of the options and their ingredients below; check out the menu board to see the current offerings). I will, however, tell you that, if you enjoy whiskey, you MUST beg the bartender to make you a Colonel Sanders, whether it’s on the menu or not.
Not prepared to start a relationship with a cocktail that will leave you after three weeks? Try one of their regular menu cocktails (the julep can’t miss) that will promise to call you in the morning. Even better, try one (or all three) of the options from the Belvedere tea bar. Can you taste it now? Think Arnold Palmer with a punch over ice — delish.
Another NEW option from Sissy’s is their $24 to-go tub of fried chicken (one side included) — the finger-lickin’ fried chicken isn’t new, but taking it with you is. They’ll include their homemade Sriracha in the to-go bag … use it. Truth be told, I’m eating leftovers while writing this review. My keyboard isn’t happy with me, but my tastebuds are.
So, your mission, should you choose to accept it, is to get your butt into Sissy’s, try a drink or two, and take home some delicious chicken. Report back when you’re done.
Sissy’s Southern Kitchen and Bar
www.sissyssouthernkitchen.com | @sissysdallas
2929 North Henderson Avenue
(214) 827-9900
Ristorante Nicola
A new chef at a many-times-seen-but-not-often-visited spot attracted my cohort, Oh Hey Dallas, and I ventured into what promised to be a new, more Italian-centric, chef-driven Ristorante Nicola.
The space is much larger than expected with a gigantic bar and waiting area complete with gold tree stumps (because who doesn’t love a gilded tree trunk?). I was escorted to a comically large booth for two people to meet my friend. I was immediately greeted by Sam, who was perhaps one of the most attentive waiters I’ve met in quite a while. Later in the meal I was informed that I was sitting squarely in the seat that George W. Bush once sat for dinner once — made my freakin’ evening.
My first drink was the Zenzero Allergria (pictured on the right) that started off my meal well with GG Le Poire vodka, ginger liqueur, and lemon juice. The simplicity of the three ingredients made the drink refreshing (which is necessary in this ridiculous weather) and somehow complex. Since I’m a huge fan of Le Poire, I loved this drink and would definitely order it again at a happy hour to help me forget about a long day at the office.
My second martini (which I enjoyed with the salad and pasta courses) was the classic Nicola Martini, made with vodka, St. Germain, and, again, lemon. This drink was quite similar to a lychee martini and not terribly different from the Zenzero, so perhaps go with the previously described drink over this one. One note about the pasta: I hate (read: hate) gnocchi and I LOVED the gnocchi served to us — it was very obviously homemade and was almost like small pillows of potato deliciousness. I made a point to take home the leftovers.
My third and favorite drink of the evening (coincidence?) accompanied the entree course of lamb (more, please) and scallops (pictured on the left). Speaking of scallops, all of Chef Justin’s food items are either local, made in-house, or shipped overnight from the coasts (the fish, that is), and the freshness of the food is noticeable. The scallops were so meaty and firm that they couldn’t have been out of the water for more than 36 hours.
Now, back to the deliciousness of the third drink, the Honey Manhattan. Made with Jack Daniels Honey, sweet vermouth, and Angostura bitters, it’s a drink for the more stout drinkers out there. Unless you’re prepared to deal with this drink’s side effects, don’t join the party. I had to stay up an extra hour to make sure I’d had enough water to mitigate any future hangover symptoms.
Restaurante Nicola is a sophisticated place to grab a drink after work or with a friend or two. The entire wait staff is attentive, Food is available in the bar area (which is always a plus). Snack on some of the Italian-inspired deliciousness during happy hour (specials below) at a reduced price. Oh, and don’t forget to give your compliments to the chef!
Ristorante Nicola
Ste 150, 8111 Preston Road Dallas, TX 75225
(214) 379-1111
Specials:
Monday-Friday | 4-7 p.m. | Reduced priced appetizers, $5 wells, $7 wine, martinis, and specialty drinks
Let’s Get Fahreinhammered! (The Bitching-About-Texas-Weather Drinking Game)
This is my kind of drinking game.
Craft Cocktails of Texas
Have you heard? The bartenders are coming! One (shot) if by land and two (shots) … just because. Join some of the most revered (see what I did there?) cocktail concontion-ists from all over our fair state for Craft Cocktail Texas.
Events June 14-17 will show you how to throw a killer cocktail party, teach you the intricacies of bitters, and everything in between. Local barkeeps like Eddie “Lucky” Campbell and Rocco Milano will join forces with other cocktail educators from Houston, Austin, and San Antonio to bring us lucky locals some serious pointers, demonstrations, and tastings. A full pass will even get you into a pool party with your favorite bar(wo)men … talk about adding a splash!
To make things more fun, join thirty bartenders on Saturday in Main Street Gardens for a cocktail mix-off. The bartenders in the competition will be serving samples of their craft cocktails, but if you want to really wet your whistle, the barkeeps from The Usual in Fort Worth will be opening a pop-up bar to serve everyone deliciousness (believe it). If you’re worried about being in the Texas sun with nothin’ but a tent and some booze, fear not, food trucks will be serving up hot (err… cold) deliciousness to keep your tummy happy (happier?).
See a full schedule of the Craft Cocktail Texas classes and festivities here: http://www.craftcocktailstx.com/schedule.php
“Like” them on Facebook for updates and news: https://www.facebook.com/craftcocktailstx
As if the mere idea of having a weekend chock full of bar learnin’ wasn’t enough, the wonderful people over at Craft Cocktails Texas have been nice enough to offer up to my fans TWO sets of TWO tickets to TWO events for next weekend’s boozy festivities, the VIP kick-off party at the Stoneleigh and the USBG Competition and Festival.
TO ENTER, by noon on Tuesday, June 12 (my birthday!):
– Tweet me (@drinkdallas) and include a mention of @CCTXDallas — make sure you say which event you want tickets to (one tweet per event, please)
– Write on my Facebook wall and mention the event you’d like to go to
– Comment on this post and tell me which event you’d like to attend.
The winners will be chosen randomly, so don’t worry about putting a bunch of effort into your entry (though I’ll still read it so feel free). Two entries per person per platform will count. I will be giving two pairs of tickets to each the kick-off party ($300 value per pair) and the USBG Competition ($80 value per pair).
Summer Activities and Events
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!
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?
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?
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 150th year 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.