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Do Muck About

As I’ve mentioned in past reviews, I don’t like to travel outside of my bubble (that bubble usually encompasses the 3 miles around my current home). I was summoned to Addison to try out The Mucky Duck, an uber-local pub in Addison Circle … and I’ll be back. I’d say the best way to describe TMD is that it’s Cheers without the fat postman and with an Indian statue at the door.

This pub not only offers incredible daily specials, but hosts bar trivia on Wednesday nights with a stand-up comedian that looks like Jamie Kennedy as the trivia master. He doesn’t just ask straight-forward trivia questions, but he throws in some multiple choices, current events, and even “name that tune” questions. That night at TMD, I not only learned that sheep excrement is sometimes made into paper, but I also learned that french fries (and theirs are amazing) are, as odd as it sounds, delicious covered in gumbo.

Speaking of their food, on Wednesdays fish and chips are half off and not only would I get the dish again, but I’d pay full price. Another Wednesday treat we enjoyed was the Three Olives vodka that was a mere $3 after 8 p.m. Our table partook in shots of the root beer vodka (get the one without the whipped cream mixed in) and mixed drinks to go along with our fish and chips. I was hoping to order a snakebite but was the DD so had to limit myself to a couple drinks over the three-hour visit.

The wait staff at TMD was very nice and welcoming; one waiter recognized that we’d never been in and checked on us a few times throughout the evening. While a little slow, I’d say the service was pretty good.

Extras: free WiFi, lots of TVs, enclosed patio, darts, large craft beer selection

Drink strength: 4
Overall: 4.7

The Mucky Duck
www.themuckyduckaddison.com | @themuckyduckbar
5064 Addison Circle, Addison, TX | (972) 233-9362

Specials:
Monday | $3 Drafts 8 p.m. – close
Tuesday | “Loyalty Card Night” Exclusive food and drink specials for loyalty card holders 8 p.m. – close
Wednesday | 1/2 off Fish & Chips (All Day), Pub Trivia at 8 p.m. (get there by 7:30) and $3 Three Olives vodka 8 p.m. – close
Thursday | Free Taco Bar 6-8 p.m., Live Music 8-11 p.m., and $3 Crown & Down 8 p.m. – close
Saturday | Live Music 9 p.m. – 12 a.m.
Sunday | $3 Crown and Down (All Day)

Daily Happy Hour:
Monday-Thursday | 3-8 p.m.
Friday | 3 p.m. – close
Monday-Friday | 1/2 price appetizers until 8 p.m.

NEO

Just like in the Matrix, Neo was “The One” (well, maybe it’s “The Three” in this case). Neo in Victory Park, the sister restaurant to Olivella’s by SMU, has been on my “To Try” list since it opened. Finally, I made it in and luckily caught their all-night happy hour (or at least the barkeep told me it was).

When I walked in, I was greeted by the bartender (Jake?) and chose a table. I enjoyed a snappily-poured $2 vodka sprite while waiting for my party as the place began to fill up (well, past the 12 people that were there when I walked in). My drink was just strong enough to give me a slight buzz which wasn’t hard due to my completely empty stomach. Once my party arrived we quickly realized that the bartender was not only the bartender, but also the host and waiter.

Overall, our boy, Jake, was quick but not quick enough to serve the 30-or-so patrons all at once; we waited quite a while for him to take our order. While it wasn’t his fault, management may need to revisit their staff schedule.

The drinks aren’t so strong, but they are quick to be made and you can always go with one of their wine or beer selections (both of which have some Italian and American options). I didn’t get to try the frozen lemonade but it looked delicious … just what I’d want on a 102° day.

The pizza is great; as I said, my third favorite in Dallas third only to Coal Vines, the one restaurant in Dallas about which I won’t listen to you talk smack, and Il Cane Rosso. I figured it must be good because their pies were voted “Best Pizza in Dallas” by “The Observer”. The pizzas are cooked in a wood-burning stove and are $13-23 (the regular/metro will feed 1-2/2-3 people, respectively). They don’t limit their menu to just pizza, they have sandwiches, salad wraps, pasta, and desserts. Skip the focaccia bread.

Their decor is rustic with a modern twist – large, black banquettes, pretty cheeky old-school-looking light bulbs, and some exposed brick. They don’t seem to have much lightning and we wondered what happened after the sun went down — apparently they just go with tall jar candles on each table to give it a bit of a romantic Italian vibe.

Bottom line: I’d go back if a friend wanted to go, but I wouldn’t volunteer it again unless I know there will be at least two people on staff for the night … but it’s tough to beat a $2 drink.

Drink strength: 2.5
Overall: 3.5

NEO
www.neopizzeria.com | @neo_pizza
2340 Victory Park Lane | (214) 522-9898

Specials:
Monday-Friday | 2-7 p.m. (ends at 5 p.m. on AAC event days) | $2 wells, domestics, and frozen lemonade

Wednesday | 1/2 price bottles of wine after 7pm

NEO

Just like in the Matrix, Neo was “The One” (well, maybe it’s “The Three” in this case). Neo in Victory Park, the sister restaurant to Olivella’s by SMU, has been on my “To Try” list since it opened. Finally, I made it in and luckily caught their all-night happy hour (or at least the barkeep told me it was).

When I walked in, I was greeted by the bartender (Jake?) and chose a table. I enjoyed a snappily-poured $2 vodka sprite while waiting for my party as the place began to fill up (well, past the 12 people that were there when I walked in). My drink was just strong enough to give me a slight buzz which wasn’t hard due to my completely empty stomach. Once my party arrived we quickly realized that the bartender was not only the bartender, but also the host and waiter.

Overall, our boy, Jake, was quick but not quick enough to serve the 30-or-so patrons all at once; we waited quite a while for him to take our order. While it wasn’t his fault, management may need to revisit their staff schedule.

The drinks aren’t so strong, but they are quick to be made and you can always go with one of their wine or beer selections (both of which have some Italian and American options). I didn’t get to try the frozen lemonade but it looked delicious … just what I’d want on a 102° day.

The pizza is great; as I said, my third favorite in Dallas third only to Coal Vines, the one restaurant in Dallas about which I won’t listen to you talk smack, and Il Cane Rosso. I figured it must be good because their pies were voted “Best Pizza in Dallas” by “The Observer”. The pizzas are cooked in a wood-burning stove and are $13-23 (the regular/metro will feed 1-2/2-3 people, respectively). They don’t limit their menu to just pizza, they have sandwiches, salad wraps, pasta, and desserts. Skip the focaccia bread.

Their decor is rustic with a modern twist – large, black banquettes, pretty cheeky old-school-looking light bulbs, and some exposed brick. They don’t seem to have much lightning and we wondered what happened after the sun went down — apparently they just go with tall jar candles on each table to give it a bit of a romantic Italian vibe.

Bottom line: I’d go back if a friend wanted to go, but I wouldn’t volunteer it again unless I know there will be at least two people on staff for the night … but it’s tough to beat a $2 drink.

Drink strength: 2.5
Overall: 3.5

NEO
www.neopizzeria.com | @neo_pizza
2340 Victory Park Lane | (214) 522-9898

Specials:
Monday-Friday | 2-7 p.m. (ends at 5 p.m. on AAC event days) | $2 wells, domestics, and frozen lemonade

Wednesday | 1/2 price bottles of wine after 7pm

CLOSED – a fork of a different color

Dallas’s newest envelope-pusher, Red Fork, opened its doors a little over a month ago on Fitzhugh just east of Central. They took a risk opening where they did, and their cocktails followed suit. The cocktail magician that formerly liquored up Smoke, Brian McCullough, does some crazy (like a fox) things behind the deep bar at Red Fork.

When I arrived, I immediately noticed various bottles holding a multitude of colored elixirs – dark purple, yellow, you name it. Upon asking, I was informed that they are all reductions of delicious combinations of unexpected ingredients. There was the habinero and basil reduction (used in their sangrita) that has a spicy kick with a sweet undertone. Then we got to watch Brian add fresh ingredient after fresh ingredient to another carafe for “stewing” and reducing into a cucumber/peppercorn/some random herb/grapefruit/orange elixir to be used in their ridiculously creative cocktails. As Brian put it, “[They] make a lot of fresh stuff and give people the choice to make whatever they want with it.”

The staff at Red Fork is a little different than I expected, but don’t let the crazy hair and piercings mislead you – they really know what they’re doing and they are incredibly friendly. I got to try all of the reductions (and got a free drink) without even threatening them with an impending review. These are some nice folks for sure! The cutlery is also arranged very aesthetically which made my first impression of the bar that much better. On a side note if you are looking for new knives and forks my friend recommended Nella Cutlery to me as a great supplier!

Red Fork offers a good menu of happy hour food (prices below) and even offers a great late night menu complete with pizza, charcuterie and cheese boards, and “snacks”. I tried the white bean hummus (perhaps some of my favorite in Dallas now) and the croquettes (sadly not on the late-night menu but delicious). The food better be darn good because they have the highly acclaimed chef from Craft, Jeff Harris, as their head chef. (Red Fork just starting doing a weekend brunch – both Saturday and Sunday – this past week.)

Extra details: valet parking is the best plan, they have a small patio, decent beer selection, my favorite waiter from Fearing’s/Perry’s has made his way to this eatery, prices are very decent.

in general, I strongly recommend trying Red Fork at least for happy hour or late-night drinks. I’ll go with Yogi Berra on this one … “When you come to a fork in the road, take it.”

Drink strength: 4.6
Overall: 4

Red Fork
www.redforkdallas.com | @redforkdallas
2537 N. Fitzhugh Avenue | 214-827-3200

Specials:
Monday-Friday | 4-7 p.m.
$3 wells, $2 domestics, $5 house wine
$3 hummus and cheese croquettes, 1/2 off burgers

Free dessert if you check-in (super bummed I missed that one!)

Summer Activities and Events

AT&T Performing Arts Center

Sunset Screenings – the third Saturday of each month | Sunset (FREE)
The AT&T Performing Arts Center and the Dallas Film Society present these free outdoor shows at Strauss Square as an opportunity for the public to relax in a spectacular downtown venue in the Dallas Arts District while enjoying a movie. Concessions stands will have refreshments available for purchase. No outside food or drinks are allowed in Annette Strauss Square.

BELMONT HOTEL
Barefoot at the Belmont – August 4 (Sahara Smith with Dylan LeBlanc), August 18 (James McMurtry with Greg Schroeder) | $15-20
“It’s time once again for Barefoot at the Belmont, KXT 91.7’s annual summer concert series at the beautiful Belmont Hotel in Dallas. Bringing great regional and national acts to a beautiful outdoor stage, Barefoot at the Belmont has limited seating…”
Buy tickets here. 

Dallas Museum of Art
Summer Film Series –  Thursdays through August 18 | 7:00 p.m.

Included in general admission to the Museum; DMA members FREE. General admission is half price ($5) on Thursdays in June, July, and August. Reservations recommended; reserve your seat online or by phone at 214-922-1818.

FAIRMONT DALLAS
Dive-In Movies – Fridays through September 2 | 8:30 p.m.
“Dive-In Movies are back!  Each week, enjoy a film while lounging by (or in) our junior Olympic size pool located atop our Terrace level. ”  You can also order food and drink at the pool during the movie.

  • August 12th: Nanny McPhee Returns 
  • August 19th: Ferris Bueller’s Day Off
  • August 26th: Old School
  • September 2nd: Pirates of the Caribbean: Curse of the Black Pearl 

 

WEST VILLAGE
Friday Evening Market  – the first Friday of each month | 5-10 p.m. (FREE)
live music, artisan goods, handcrafted jewelry, and much more. Inspired by the summertime markets found along the seashores of popular European vacation destinations

Farm-to-Market – Saturdays | 10 a.m. – 2 p.m
the season’s freshest produce, organic meats, and artisan treats. FM 3699 provides an authentic farm fresh experience to urban dwellers in the heart of Uptown!

LA DUNI – NorthPark
Mojito class – every Monday at 5:30 pm ($18 in advance)
Call (214)987-2260 for reservations 

RUSSO’S
Free wine tasting – August 2, August 16 |  6-8 p.m.
Guests are invited to a complimentary wine tasting featuring handpicked varietals from around the world. Selected wines such as Boutari Monschofilero, Sokol Blosser Evolution, M Chapoutier Belle Ruche and Coppola Directors Cut Zinfandel will be featured at the tasting.  More information: (318) 564-5442.

HALF PRICE BOOKS (NW Highway)
Free movie screenings – various | 8:45 p.m. (FREE)
July 30: “Star Trek” (2009)
August 13: “The Incredibles”
August 27: “The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe” 

DALLAS ARBORETUM
$1 Admission – until August 31 ($1, parking is $7)
“With school right around the corner, don’t miss your chance for a money-saving final summer visit to the Dallas Arboretum.”


SUMMER FOOD SPECIALS

THE COMMISSARY
Sunday Lobster Bakes – call (214)643-6557 for reservations

PATRIZIO’S
Bellinis for next-to-nothing ($1) – daily through July 31
From The Dallas Socials: The rumors are true. Patrizio is celebrating Bellini Fest throughout the month of July with $1 (yes, ONE DOLLAR) baby Bellinis. Bellini Fest is being held at each of their six North Texas locations listed here.

VERITAS WINE ROOM
Il Cane Rosso – Tuesdays | 6-9 p.m.
Enjoy the delicious Neapolitan pizza from Il Cane Rosso’s mobile oven and a glass of wine 

Horne and Dekker

I attended the press opening for Horne and Dekker (what seems like eons ago) and was quite impressed.   It took me a while to get back and since my last visit, I’m kicking myself for waiting so long to get my butt back in there.

We spent a Tuesday evening at H&D and were delighted when not only drinks were on happy hour, but so was the PIZZA (and until 10 p.m.!).  Once we were greeted by (who I think was) the manager, our waitress gathered our order and hurried back inside – yes, we were stupid enough to sit on the porch … “the fans, they do nothing!”  Our drinks came out and they were not only correct, but they were strong; I only had two.   Any place that not only has happy hour specials as great as H&D does, but has custom-printed cans announcing them is A-OK on my list.

While sipping on our drinks, Dekker (Flint Dekker, to be exact) came out to thank us for coming in and see how our drinks were.   He was delightful to talk to and told us a bit about the resto … we got some great scoop (like that Horne moved on and so now, Flynn and Dekker is now only Dekker).

This little Henderson eatery has limited seating (which gives it a cozy feel) along with a full bar inside.  The decor is simple but a little quirky – they have a grass wall … no kidding.  Outside they have the most ingenious umbrellas that don’t get in the middle of your conversation (they have a side arm and hang over the table).

If you’re on a budget, try this place on a Sunday for Sunday Supper – it’s all you can eat for only $16. I’ll be in very soon on a Sunday! Also, if you’re in need of a chuckle, check out their FAQ – you could find out the meaning of life … or something.

Drink strength: 4
Overall: 4

**NOW CLOSED**
Horne & Dekker
Dallas (North Henderson Ave.)

Specials:
Tuesday, Thursday (summer) | 4-10 p.m. | $3 drafts, $4 wells, $5 select wine by the glass, $5 select pizzas
Wednesday | 4-10 p.m. | 1/2 price all wine
Friday, Saturday | 4-7 p.m. | $3 drafts, $4 wells, $5 select wine by the glass, $5 select pizzas
Sunday | 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. | Sunday Hangover Brunch – Limitless Mimosas, Margaritas, Bloody Marys, Bloody Marias and Micheladas for $12
4-7 p.m. | $3 drafts, $4 wells, $5 select wine by the glass, $5 select pizzas
5-10 p.m. | Limitless Servings of Finger Lickin’ Fried Chicken, Mom’s Meatloaf and Beer Battered Fish plus four sides dishes (Savory Biscuits, Fire-roasted sweet corn kernels, mashed potatoes and braised greens) for $16