Author Archives: Susie O

The Chester (New York City)

I don’t know who Chester is, but I really like that dude.  I was lucky enough to try out The Chester while in NYC this past April and have been haunted by some of the delicious dishes I had since.  The Chester is an unassuming little restaurant in Midtown (with another location in The Meatpacking District in the Gansevoort) with traditional American fare … with a twist.

We hit The Chester up for brunch because we couldn’t have a big a dinner since we were running a half marathon the next morning.  (Seriously.  We’re nuts.)  So we opted for a not-too-late brunch and hit it hard.  Because … carbs are important.  But, their dinner menu sounds absolutely amazing–I mean Orange-fennel Salad, Squid Ink Tagliarini, Eggplant Toast, Pork Belly … ugh, why didn’t we go for dinner?!

Their brunch menu has some of the more traditional options, but who needs traditional when you can have Breakfast Eggrolls!?  They were packed with scrambled eggs and veggies and were fried to a perfect crisp.  We also opted for the Blistered Shishito Peppers (lemon zest, fried garlic, and maldon sea salt).  My sister said that, without a doubt, they were the best shishito peppers she’d ever had. I’d really have to agree.  The garlic added a bunch of flavor and the best little hint of texture.  I went with The Sawdust (Rosemary-infused Ketel One, Moet, lemon juice, and agave) to start light and it was a great choice.

The cocktail menu offered some classic options but mostly slightly remixed options.  The West Side, Roosevelt, and Hellfire were all tempting!

Entrees were a challenge.  I mean … how do you choose between Eggs Benedict on a cheddar scone topped with chorizo hash and Banana Pancakes with rum-caramelized bananas and salted caramel?!  I mean … my mouth is watering and I’m about to look at flights to head back up there right now.  Luckily, someone had recommended their Fried Chicken (sweet tea brined chicken served with blistered shishito peppers and Thai dressing), so I at least had a hint.  The sweet tea brine gave it a subtle sweetness that was irresistible.  When the waitress came to clear our plates, I actually said to her “Don’t look at me … I’m hideous” because I’d gotten so into the chicken that I, quite literally, had it all over my hands and face.

My sister went with The Burger (hanger steak, pimento cheese, and miso-Russian dressing served on a homemade buns with steak fries) and really enjoyed it.  (I actually don’t know if I’ve ever seen her eat as much as I did that day.  No judgement.)

If I had ANY room left, I’d have opted for some of their fresh oysters. They offer a selection of East Coast and West Coast oysters.  (Which look amazing.)

The drinks at The Chester were all unique, yet classic.  Since we had a big race to run the next day*, I followed-up the meal with The Cobblestone (Tanqueray, mint, cucumber, rhubarb bitters) instead of dessert.  It was all I could do to resist the Sweet Ginger (Jameson, mont, honey-ginger syrup, and lemon)

The Cobblestone

The Cobblestone

The restaurant itself was HUGE–especially for a New York City space.  There were two full bars offering both liquor and a selection of local beers–one in front with windows that allowed an open facade for beautiful spring days and one in the back of the restaurant … for less pleasant days.  The Meatpacking space looks a bit brighter and offers a large, wood patio.

IMG_4879

I’ll be hitting up the Meatpacking location on my next visit to The City, so stay tuned for another report!  (Apparently they have a club, The Arthur, hidden inside.*  That’s happening.)

 

THE CHESTER
TheChesterNYC.com
Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

Midtown
45 East 33rd Street, NYC 10016
(212)201-1228

Gansevoort Meatpacking
18 Ninth Avenue, NYC 10014
(646) 253-2284

*The Arthur: Reservations required after 11 p.m. Contact: info@paigegroupny.com.

Maker’s Mark #JulepOff 2015

I was honored to have been recruited by Maker’s Mark to participate in their first-ever #JulepOff!  The challenge: remix the Kentucky Derby classic, the Mint Julep.

Maker's Mark Mint Julep

Maker’s Mark Mint Julep

Their traditional julep is as follows:

1.5 parts Maker’s Mark Bourbon
Fresh mint
2 tablespoons simple syrup
Distilled water
Powdered sugar

Muddle mint and simple syrup. Mix with Maker’s Mark and distilled water. Fill a julep cup with crushed ice and pour the mixture over the top of the ice.  Sprinkle a bit of powdered sugar over the ice and garnish the drink with a mint sprig.

While delicious, I think we can do better here at Susie Drinks Dallas!  Presenting the Run for the Roses Julep!  We decided that rosewater would give the traditional julep unique flavor … and it looks sexy as hell.

Run for the Roses Julep

~12 fresh mint leaves (stemmed)
5 drops rosewater
1 oz simple syrup
2 oz Maker’s Mark Bourbon
Crushed or shaved ice
Rose petals
Mint sprig
Powdered Sugar
Julep cup

Muddle the mint leaves and simple syrup. (Don’t overmuddle or you’ll be sad.) Add the bourbon and rosewater, stir lightly.  Fill a julep cup with shaved or crushed ice then pour the mixture over the ice.  Garnish with a rose petal and mint sprig.  Lightly sprinkle powdered sugar over the drink.

SDD-RoseDrank

Want to up the ante?  How about some Mint Julep Jelly Shots!?

2 packets unflavored gelatin
2 C chilled water
1/2 C mint leaves (fresh is best)
1/2 C granulated sugar
3/4 C Maker’s Mark bourbon
Mint sprigs

Put gelatin into cold water in a saucepan then let sit for about 5 minutes.  Add the mint leaves and sugar, then heat over medium heat for about 4 minutes, then turn the heat off and let sit for 15 minutes.  Strain and then stir in the Maker’s Mark.  Pour into shot glasses then refrigerate for at least 5 hours.

I’d greatly appreciate your support in the #JulepOff!  Please visit the Maker’s Mark Pinterest starting 4/23 and REPIN my recipe!  I have until May 1 to get as many REPINS as possible.

(Please only repin it once per account.)

Roses not your thing? Some other recipes I came up with are below!

Lavender Mint Julep
~12 fresh mint leaves (stemmed)
1 oz lavender syrup
2 oz Maker’s Mark Bourbon
Crushed or shaved ice
Lavender
Mint sprig
Powdered Sugar
Julep cup

Muddle the mint leaves and lavender simple syrup. (Don’t overmuddle or you’ll be sad.) Add the bourbon, stir lightly. Fill a julep cup with shaved or crushed ice then pour the mixture over the ice. Garnish with a lavender stem and mint sprig.

IMGP3236

Mile High Julep
6-8 min leaves
1 3/4 oz Maker’s Mark Bourbon
1/2 oz Ancho Reyes Chile Liqueur
1/2 oz ginger syrup
1/4 oz fresh lemon juice
Mint sprig

Combine ingredients in a julep cup and lightly muddle.  Add crushed ice and garnish with a mint sprig.

2015-04-24_16-30-56

A huge thanks to my favorite guys over at The People’s Last Stand for their help getting the recipe perfect!

Dallas #BoozeNews: April 20, 2015

MORE BURGERS, PLEASE

TWISTED ROOT BURGER JOINT: They’ve done it … they’ve abandoned the beef (at least just for one menu item).  Stop in and try TRBC’s newest option, the (vegan) Veggie Burger, made with black beans, hummus, quinoa, and more.

KENNY’S BURGER JOINT: Because burgers are not decadent enough – Kenny Bowers has launched a BIGGER option – the Ultimate Cheese Burger.  Kenny’s Ultimate Cheeseburger is a ½ pound bacon cheeseburger sandwiched between two hand-crafted grilled cheese sandwiches.

image001

MORE MALAI
So I’m excited about the first part of this news … West Village favorite, Malai Kitchen, will open another restaurant in Southlake’s Park Village this fall! Southlake residents will be able to enjoy their Southeast Asian cuisine this fall!

Even better, starting May 1, Malai WV will begin serving a chef’s tasting menu that will change each month that will cost $58/person with optional wine pairings for $30.  The first month’s menu includes Smoked Duck Breast, Vietnamese Scampi Soup, Curried Beef Short Rib and Taro Root and Dark Rum Coconut Milk Custard. 

WHEN LIFE GIVES YOU LEMONS …
CMYKCruzan Rum has released a new product, Cruzan Blueberry Lemonade Rum, just in time for summer debauchery beside the pool. This new option “blends fine Cruzan Rum with the essence of ripe blueberries and vibrant citrus to create a well-rounded spirit bursting with the taste of fresh fruit.”

Cruzan® Blueberry Lemonade Cooler (by mixologist Jesse Card)
2 parts Cruzan® Blueberry Lemonade Rum
3/4 part Fresh Grapefruit Juice
1 small pinch Sea Salt
Club Soda

Combine rum, grapefruit juice and salt over ice in a shaker. Shake vigorously for 10 seconds. Double strain into a glass over ice and top with club soda. Garnish with a twist of lemon peel.

GET ARTSY FARTSY WITH PATRÓN
Art of PatronPatrón wants to see what you can do with their bottles!  Through July 17, they’re accepting submissions from its drinkers showing what they’ve done to creatively repurpose their bottles for the chance to win up to $10,000.  (Seriously).  You can find out all of the info you need and enter to win at ArtofPatron.com.

CINCO WITH DEAN
Dean’s really done it now.  He worked with Patrón’s distillers to come up with his own añejo tequila!  It’s smooth, slightly sweet, caramel flavors will be available starting May 5 at Fearing’s first-ever Cinco de Mayo party.

As part of its May 5 first-pour celebration, Fearing’s will introduce three new añejo cocktails created by Patron’s lead mixologist, Andres Ismael Moran Gutierrez – a renowned name in the tequila world and bartender for 400 Conejos mezcaleria in Guadalajara. Fearing’s will also use Patrón’s own Silver Tequila in that evening’s Dean’s Margaritas. 

C’MON, GET HAPPY
Front Room Tavern launched its happy hour (finally) and I’m all about this lineup!  Check out their happy hour menu here featuring local drafts and other beers, wines by the glass, and cocktails like the Elevated Mule (vodka, turbinado, lime, ginger beer, lime bitters) and the SW Strawberry Sour (pisco, strawberries, citrus, jalapeño, soda).
Enjoy the specials M-F, 3-6pm.

Cocktails from Front Room Tavern

WING THINGS
Wingstop has released a new, saucy option, Serrano Pepper Glaze. “This Latin-inspired sauce features a kick of fresh citrus and a roasted serrano pepper heat that lingers. Its saucy tang meets a fiery bang for those wing fans seeking an adventurous flavor experience.”

THE SHED … NEWLY VISITED
Starting June 1, the Dallas Farmers Market will begin Farmers Market Days at The Shed where local artisans will offer their goods Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. More information here.

MORE FROM THE 2ND FLOOR!
The 2nd Floor by Scott Gottlich will release new breakfast, lunch, and dinner menus!  Stay tuned for my take on some of the new items later this month!

New Menu Items from The Second Floor

New Menu Items from The Second Floor

Lunch at Henry’s Majestic

So Henry’s Majestic is delicious, right?  But it’s such a bother that you have to wait until dinner to enjoy their onion dip, Marrow Burger, etc.  UNTIL NOW.  Henry’s Majestic in Uptown is now open for LUNCH Tuesdays through Fridays from 11am to 4pm.) Let the confetti fall from the ceiling and release the doves.)

Let’s face it … sometimes you need to get away from the office and have one interrupted hour of screen-free socializing.  Henry’s gives you a great option to get away for a bit and enjoy a delicious meal and perhaps even a cocktail.  (They do have one called the “Never Let the Boss Know”.  I mean … that’s all the permission you need, no?   And don’t worry … “screen free” doesn’t mean you can’t take a picture of your snapworthy meal.

We tried the following dishes that I recommend:

  • Red and Golden Beet Salad – this dish was delightfully fresh and flavorful; the beets and the citrus balanced incredibly well.  I’d recommend getting this as a warm-up dish to share.
  • Rustic Meatball Grinder – this … sandwich.  I imagine that this would be a sandwich that Joey Tribiani would enjoy.  (I’ve been watching too many late-night “Friends” reruns.)  It was really filling but wasn’t overwhelming.
  • Rotisserie Chicken Wrap – when I hear “wrap”, I immediately think that I need to order something more substantial to make it through until dinner.  Not the case with this wrap thanks to the generous helping of chicken.  Definitely try this one!


HENRY’S MAJESTIC
4900 McKinney Ave at Monticello
henrysmajestic.com | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

Dinner and brunch, lunch (Tu-F 11am-4pm)

Huge dog friendly patio!

 

I Dugg it.

Lakewood is a neighborhood with chain restaurants here and there (and here), so it’s always nice to see a new concept pop up in the area.  Dugg Burger opened recently thanks to four brilliant dudes (one is from Dallas and the rest are from California).

The concept is brilliant … they had a completely custom tool created to give their burgers a unique edge (or hole, as it were).  The tool hulls out the bun top to make room for their 13 amazing toppings and then they’re lovingly placed on the grill on one of the (also custom) stainless steel magnetic domes to get it all nice and toasty.  (Toasted buns … I mean … the best.)  The process is below in a neat sketch they had made …

When you walk in, you order your burger (and fries … because fries) and they’ll bring it to your table.  You choose from their 12 standard toppings and one “Lucky 13” topping which are always suggestions from customers.  (They allow customers to submit their topping ideas online or on the brick wall in the shop, and if one is popular enough, they’ll add it to the lineup!)  They like to keep their ingredients as local as possible–they get their meat from Freedman’s, their buns from Village Baking Company, and they have local beers stocked.  (No local wines just yet.)

Man cannot live on burgers and beer alone (even really good ones), so they’ve sweetened the deal with their homemade Bread Pudding, which is made from a recipe from one of the owner’s moms.  (She even checks in from time to time to make sure it’s the right recipe.  Now that’s what I call quality control!)

Bread Pudding

Bread Pudding

 

DUGG BURGER BAR
www.duggburger.com | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram
9540 Garland Rd, #407, Dallas, TX 75218
(214) 584-6261

 

Product Review: Limoncello di Capri

written by Jim Hargreaves*

Limoncello is a difficult spirit to review … much like the glass it is often served in, it has an inherently narrow profile. Take some fruit, steep in ethanol, add sugar, and limoncello is born. However, it is exactly this singular focus — the lemon — which makes this liqueur such a challenge to create without revealing subtle flaws, and likewise, so brilliantly delicious to imbibe when made right

Limoncello di Capri is crafted using organic lemons strictly harvested from the Italian islands of Capri and Sorrento, using a cold infusion process, without artificial colors or additives. Long story short … it’s the real deal. In fact, the brand was the first to patent the term “limoncello”, using a recipe that was handed down from the drink’s original creator, Vincenza Canale. Canale, an innkeeper on the isle of Capri, first served the elixir to her guests in the early 1900s.

While the packaging appears generic compared to other premium spirits, the vessel belies the quality of the liquid contained within. Limoncello di Capri pours a milky, pale yellow, rich color, though not as brilliant as others. It’s a hue deserving of a hot summer day, though, quite frankly, drinking a good limoncello is just as enjoyable in the depth of winter. (Hey, you can’t sit around waiting for the weather to change to write a review!) The aroma is bright and fragrant, with a clear hint of alcohol.  Keep in mind, limoncello is often upwards of 60+ proof — a wolf in really delicious sheep’s clothing. There is a distinctly sharp citrus character in the nose, though the scent of sweet sugar and lemon oil found in some of the best examples is rather subdued. All in all, breathing in the vapor certainly entices one to take a healthy sip.

The taste, obviously of lemon, is lighter and crisper than many lesser brands, washing away cleanly and quickly prompting the next swig. A boozy burn comes through quickly as the spirit meanders down the throat. The flavor is long and lasting, with a noticeable bite and a slightly dry finish. Above all, there is the fruit, clean and striking and strong in a way as to make your cheeks salivate. Simple yet delicious. If you could squeeze a yellow sun until it dripped with nectar, one might imagine it to taste of good limoncello.

limoncello_01

For those seeking an entry into world of this famed Italian spirit, Limoncello di Capri is a more than a suitable offering. A bit bold, and lacking some of the subtleties of more balanced makes like Villa Massa, it is nevertheless mouthwatering, and like any good limoncello, unapologetically focused. Find a patio, some friends, and try a sip … and presto (as the Italians would say).

Serving Suggestion: Store in the freezer and serve cold, straight, in a cordial glass or small champagne flute

For recipes, visit www.limoncello.com/en/ricette_cocktail.html.

LIMONCELLO DI CAPRI
www.limoncello.com/en/
Ask for Limoncello di Capri at your local liquor store as it has only recently been imported in to the US.
*NOTE FROM SUSIE: Jim is my cousin who also designed my amazing logo.  Check out his other amazing work at www.hhargreaves.com!

Bahn ME

Bonnaroo.  Bon bons.  Bonfires.  The Autobahn.  There are a lot of awesome “bahn” things, but one of Dallas’ newer Vietnamese restaurants, BÁNH SHOP, is really “bon”.  (Good … in French.  Unfortunately, “good” in Vietnamese is tốt.)

Their food was deliciously flavorful and most of the portions were large enough to have a bit left for lunch the next day.  (At least for me … I don’t know your life.)  Get a couple items and share, because there are so many awesome items on the menu that you’ll probably not even be able to decide on one.

Check out their frozen cocktails–Ginger Margaritas and Passion Fruit Coladas–that are pretty dang strong.  (So much so that they’ll sneak up on you … I learned that the hard way halfway through a musical after eating here.)  They offer a practically full bar, draft and bottled beers, and some wines.

Eat there (order at the register and they deliver to your table) or order take-out.  They even have dedicated parking in their lot for their take-out customers, so take advantage of that!

Bánh Shop
banhshop.com | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram
5629 SMU Boulevard, Dallas, TX 75206
(214) 890-9776

In Vivo (53) Veritas

I made the trek to Fort Worth, y’all.  I don’t do it often, so you must know it was because I knew something special (read: delicious) was waiting for me.  In this case, it was worth the drive.  #SDDContributor Amanda (covering Fort Worth) and I stopped into Vivo 53 in Downtown Fort Worth accompanied by a delightful representative from their PR company.  I threw my hands up and let the experts decide what to feed me, and that was a great decision.

We started with Chicken Meatballs (free range, served with tomato sauce, rucola, and red onion) and they were hard to find in all of the greenery, but worth the search.  To go with our appetizers, the bartender brought us a round of their best selling drink, the Vesuvius (serrano pepper, 360 organic vodka, blood orange juice, strawberries, ginger beer, and organic agave).  It really had a kick to it, enough so that I was regretting that I’d forgotten my heartburn medication!  The flavor was strong and delicious, so I’d order this one again … but I’d try to be more prepared next time.  Their version of Bruschetta featured three crostini–corona fagioli (beans) with herbs, chilies, and sea salt, a smoked albacore tuna with peppers and chives, and a chicken liver pate with capers, prosciutto and lemon.  I really loved all three (and especially the pate), but the table seemed to like the tuna one best.  (Babies.)  You can order them by flavor or a trio of the three.

Drinks kept flowing and the table ordered  the North Texas Breeze, Italian Mule, and Aquila Artiglio.  The North Texas Breeze (Deep Eddy Vodka, St. Germain , Thai basil, lime, pineapple juice, honey, and prosecco) is their second best seller behind the Vesuvius, and for a good reason.  It was perfectly light and sweet, but with good body.  The Italian Mule (raspberries, 360 organic vodka, lime, balsamic vinegar, and ginger beer) was an interesting take on the traditional Moscow Mule and the balsamic vinegar gave it a bit of extra complexity.  (Oh, and they’d run out of raspberries, and when my friend ordered this drink, they had someone run out to get more. That’s service.)

I’m not even sure how to start my description of the dinner we had.  Suffice it to say that everything was delicious and the pasta dish haunts my dreams.  We enjoyed the Brussels Sprouts that were roasted just so with a nice bit of oil … and it’s too bad that I ate them all and didn’t leave any for my fellow diners.  Do yourself a favor and order their Vivo Truffle Fettuccine cause OMG.  I mean … I like truffles, but this stuff was beyond.  The flavor was just strong enough to be intriguing, but definitely wasn’t overpowering.

The 53 in their name refers to the number of recipes they attempted to get to the perfect pizza crust.  I’ll just say … it was definitely lucky number 53!  The crust on their “pizze” is perfectly crispy and has a nice mix of delicate herbs that give it a kick of flavor.  We tried the Bianca Pizza (mozzarella, sottocenere*, fontina cheese, parmesan, and sage) and the Burrata Pizza (bur rata, prosciutto, tomato, rucola, and grana padano).  I’d order the Bianca again in a second, but the Burrata pizza, while good, wasn’t what I’d expected.  The burrata is simple plopped on top of a cheeseless pizza with a pile of rucola on top.  (I’m just preparing you because I was surprised.  Friends look out for friends, ya know.)

Dessert, while difficult to find space in my completely full and satisfied stomach, was worth it.  The Torta Fritta (fresh donuts rolled in sugar) were ah-mazing.  The chocolate dipping sauce it’s served with was rich and warm.  I had to stop myself from eating them all … stupid half marathon training.  (Blame my sister.)  We also tried out their Dolce Crema Bruciata (vanilla custard with brûlées sugar crust and fresh berries) was good … but I’d suggest ordering a second Torta Fritta if you have the room!  Oh, and their bartender was nice enough to make me an off-menu espresso martini.  It was just the nightcap I needed and kept me alert enough not to call it a night and head home to put on my comfy pants.

Vivo 53’s feel welcoming, yet clean and modern.  The high ceilings make it feel much larger than it is.  The seating area is actually somewhat limited, which keeps it intimate.  A set of tables toward the back are separated by large walls, making each feel private.  There are TVs in the bar to catch a game or two, and seats around the oven so you can watch the magic happen.

They JUST released that they’ll be offering happy hour … both regular and REVERSE!  Stop in for the items below from 3-6pm and after 9pm EVERY DAY OF THE WEEK … that means Fridays and Saturdays.  Eccellente, miei amici.

  • $3 wells
  • $4 select wines
  • $3 American beers
  • discounted pizzas
  • 1/2 off small plates

VIVO 53
www.vivo53.com
Facebook | Twitter | Instagram
525 Taylor St., Ft. Worth, TX 76102
855.202.1370

Hours of Operation:
Sun-Thurs 11am-9.30pm
Fri-Sat 11am-12am

 

*”Sottocenere al tartufo is a very pale yellow to off-white cheese with truffles that has a grey-brown ash rind” – Wiki